Atlantic Media. She has been twice named to Folio’s list of “Top 100 Media People in America” and was included in their list of “Top Women in Media.” She is the co-founder of the Thoughtful Dog literary magazine and lives in Kensington, Maryland. Sayers applied the Page 69 Test to her new novel, A Witch in Time, and reported the following:
At first glance, page 69 looks like one of those pages where characters get moved from one scene to another—like blocking on a stage. But, a closer look at this page, there are many clues to the ultimate conclusion of the book. I’ll avoid any spoilers.Visit Constance Sayers's website.
On this page, the LaComptes are leaving their neighbors, the Bussons’ house after a dinner to celebrate the upcoming engagement of Juliet to Michel Busson. When they are alone, Michel Busson cruelly injures Juliet—giving her an ominous look into their future together. Juliet’s father scoops her into his arms and carries her home. As they walk back to their house, her mother is furious with what she perceives is her daughter’s lack of respect for the much more prosperous Bussons. She scolds her, reminding Juliet that they need the marriage. She then utters the cryptic line to her husband, “You know very well why she needs to marry the boy.” Juliet’s father responds, “I do, but it doesn’t mean I have to like it.”
This scene is like the swell before a big wave. It sets many things in motion. Juliet’s family is desperate. It seems to be all economic—they need the marriage between their daughter and the wealthy Busson boy—but that might not be the entire reason for the marriage. This page hints at everything that will burst from the pages immediately after. At the end of the page, Juliet has decided she will not marry Michel Busson and she will go to her lover, painter Auguste Marchant and ask for his help. The events that get set into motion on this page, set the tone for the rest of the book—and Juliet’s many lifetimes.
My Book, The Movie: A Witch in Time.
--Marshal Zeringue
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