So there is this thing about using trademarked names when you are writing fiction, Gentle Reader. Names like Facebook, or Coke, or (heaven forfend) Disney. (Frankly I’m slightly scared even to type that name into a blog post.) It’s a complicated legal thing which basically comes down to (so far as I can tell) most […]
Aug32020
Faking Trademark in Fiction for Comedy Gold
May252020
Learning to Love the One Star Review (An Author’s Relationship with Goodreads)
I realized, while I was poking about cleaning up my blog recently, that I’ve never really talked about Goodreads, Gentle Reader. So shall I? It is a truth universally acknowledged that an author in want of good ratings does not look on Goodreads. Did you know that the very first rating that my very first […]
Dec232019
Tour of the New Office + Writing Q&A (Video)
Dearest Gentle Reader, Some of you have been waiting a while for this one! Finally a tour of my new office digs! This is my last Live Q&A of the year. Don’t worry more coming in January! The Video! OFFICE TOUR! The octopus decal wall stencil on my closet. Teapot decal wall stickers in the […]
Jul102019
Tell Someone You’re an Author and… A Coping Guide
So Gentle Reader, nothing is worse (for an author) than being at an event where no one knows you and you are faced with the inevitable question… So, what is it do you do? PANIC! Do I lie? Do I tell the truth? So many possible ways this could go badly badly wrong. But you […]
Jun192019
Why Write Sexy? High Heat in Genre Fiction
I’ve written books that fall all across the spectrum. No, not that spectrum. I’m talking about sex scenes here. The 5th Gender, is sexy, Gentle Reader. It has a high heat level. Not all of my books do. They range with regards to how explicit they are. The Finishing School is at one end with […]
Apr132019
What the Book Publishing Process is Like + Fan Service Behind the Scenes (Video)
I’m hoping you’ll enjoy my latest video, Gentle Reader. This one is less Q&A and more a bit of storytelling from yours truly. For the first half I talk about how a book is birthed into the world from a traditionally established author perspective using Fan Service as a model. The second half is a […]
Mar292019
Gail Discusses The 5th Gender, Tea Hijinks, & Why Write Explicit Sex Scenes? (Video)
I get real honest and rather deep at points during this video. So you have been warned. We range quite widely but here’s some of what I talk about… The 5th Gender! Link to preorder plus blurb etc… When will the audiobook be out? Is it a stand alone? What’s the POV? How explicit is is and […]
Dec102018
Here Is How To Make Sure The Chirrup Doesn’t Go To Spam: Whitelist A Newsletter
Thank you so much for signing up for my newsletter, The Chirrup. Did your email handler send it to spam? Bad emailer! No tea for you! Here’s how to whitelist me. Find your email handler from the list, then follow the instructions. The Chirrup comes from [email protected] AOL Mail 1. Click Contacts in the right […]
Nov202018
Gail Reveals Secrets About Cover Art, Book Titles, & The Omega Objection (Video)
In my most recent video, I talk about my latest book, The Omega Objection, plus cover art secrets, coming up with book titles, and more! IN THIS VIDEO I make tea in my office. All about covers, traditional versus indie, stock art, finding models and photographers. Which one is my favorite? All about titles, how […]
Nov142018
Resources For Writing About Victorian Food & Tea From Gail Carriger
Let’s talk about one of my favorite things, Gentle Reader, Victorian FOOD! Here’s all things… Victorian Food Planning a Traditional Victorian Dinner Party & A Victorian Meal in Modern Times Stocking Your Victorian Kitchen, 1888 How the Victorians Describe Italian Food Weird Victorian Recipe Moment – Sweet Macaroni Pudding In Which Tamora Pierce Has Victorian Breakfast […]
Jul112018
More Than You Ever Wanted to Know About Books Sizes: The Different Types of Print Formats Explained
Miss Gail! You cry, the distress coloring your tone, tears in your eyes, lips trembling… Why can’t I get the print book in the size I desire most? Why is this book slightly bigger/smaller than other books by the same author? I know honey, I’m a little anal too. I get your pain. I do. […]
Feb212018
Have You Considered Making It Funny? The Power of Humor as Subversion for Fiction Authors
Humor is POWER Comedy in writing is an interesting thing, Gentle Reader. I talk about it a lot in person, but I don’t really write about it that much here on the interwebs. Whatcha know, this is special. Writing about comedy is a little like watching one of those cooking shows, a frustrating tease. It destroys […]