Interview with Marcus Dewar from Kenneth A. Baldwin's THE SHARDS OF LAFAYETTE
Thank you for your interview, Marcus. How old are you and what do you do for a living?
Sure thing. This is my first time being interviewed like this, so sorry if there’s some things I can’t answer. I’m Marcus Dewar. I’m twenty years old, and I’m a pursuit pilot for the Air Service of the American Expeditionary Forces.
Can you tell us about one of your most distinguishable features?
I was lucky enough to serve as a mechanic for the Lafayette Escadrille, you know those Americans who volunteered to fly for the French Foreign Legion in the early years of the war. Whenever I tell people that, their eyebrows usually shoot up, and they have a million questions for me. But if I’m not know for that, I’m probably known as the guy with the witch mechanic. My best friend, Jane, has kind of made a reputation for us because she has the funny ways of fixing my airplane after a scuffle.
What would I love the most about you?
That depends on who you talk to. If you were talking with Jane, she’d probably say my tender heart. I’ve been at war for over two years, a pilot for a while, and I don’t have a kill to my name. I kind of consider that a weakness, though, given my profession. My commanding officer, Lufbery, seems to like that I keep going out there even though I keep getting beat up.
What makes you laugh out loud?
Sometimes as the aerodrome, we’ll get a pilot or one of the auxiliary staff on a piano. Some of the songs that come out those English guys are so funny to me. And when the whole squad goes around and sings along, half of them drunk, it’s hard not to laugh.
What is your most treasured possession?
It sounds silly, but Jane had this pair of glass marbles made for us. She says they’re protective charms, and as long as one remains intact, so will the other. I don’t know if I believe it, but she feels so much better when I wear it up into the air on a patrol. Even if I don’t believe it’s a magic charm, I have become pretty superstitious about wearing it.
Are you a loner or do you prefer to be surrounded by friends?
I don’t thrive in a group. My favorite times are just me, Jane, and Lufbery playing cards or working on planes at base.
What is in your refrigerator right now?
My what? Oh, it’s a food thing? Like an ice box? It’s crazy, everyday sounds like there’s an invention coming out. Mostly, I just go with whatever they serve in the mess. Unfortunately, the war’s been going on for a few years so I miss fresh vegetables like I never thought I would. If my mom heard me say that…
What is your greatest fear?
You know, my relationship with fear is different than it used to be. It’s just part of the job. But if I had to narrow it down, I’d say my plane catching fire mid-flight. There’s nothing a pilot can do when that happens. I’ve heard some German planes are experimenting with parachutes, but I think the Allies are a long way out from using that. Most pilots get weird about the idea. But that means engine fires keep me up at night.
If you could change one physical thing about yourself, what would that be?
Better eyesight. My eyes are fine, and I’ve trained them to see what I need to. But eyesight is worth a lot up there.
Who is your best friend?
Jane Turner. The guys always give me grief about it, too.
Do you have children?
No.
What is your favorite weather?
The little kid inside of me loves those big white fluffy clouds. There’s nothing in the world like flying through a tall tower of those at ten thousand feet.
Do you like to cook? If so, what is your favorite thing to cook?
I’m an awful cook, so I don’t do it unless absolutely necessary.
If you knew you were going to die tomorrow, what would you do today?
That’s the thing. I might die tomorrow. But if knowing that changes what you’re doing today, maybe you’re not in the right place. I’ve come to terms with it. When it’s a pilots time, it’s his time.
When Marcus Dewar is tasked with investigating the aerial bombardments, it’s not because of his aviation record. To make a name for himself, he will have to escort his best friend, a woman named Jane Turner known for her witchlike repairs on damaged aircraft, through some of the war’s most dangerous battle zones.
But when they learn the rogue pilots seek out arcane devices filled with magic powerful enough to alter the war, it will take more than some hedgewitch tactics and smart flying to return with their lives.
And in a conflict that values human life so little, that’s the least they have to lose.
The Shards of Lafayette: Drops of Glass Book 1 is available at Amazon at https://www.amazon.com/Drops-Glass-Magic-Shards-Lafayette-ebook/dp/B0C42B144X .
Before he started writing novels, Kenny paid his way through law school by writing, performing, and teaching humor. You can still catch him on stage or in corners of the Internet that feature sketch and improv comedy. Now, he lives nestled under the Wasatch Mountains with his wonderful wife, sons, and Golden Retriever.
Website & Social Media:
Website ➜ www.kennethabaldwin.com
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Facebook ➜ www.facebook.com/kennethabaldwin
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