There are a lot of tropes in genre fiction and romance in particular. This is a good thing for us readers because often what we are looking for is a new take on an old trope. There is comfort in that. A while ago, I was thinking about Jane Austen under the context of romance […]
Feb142018
Blame Jane Austen for 6 Popular Tropes in Romance Books
Jan192018
Travel Tips for Authors with Gail Carriger: New Podcast 20 Minute Delay
So for those of you who missed it, I’ve started a podcast with my author friend Piper J Drake! It’s called 20 Minute Delay and in it Piper and I give away all our secrets on travel hacking. We cover everything from how to pack, to how to tip, to how to get yourself into […]
Dec62017
In Which Gail Dives Head First Into Also-Boughts
Hello my darling Gentle Reader. This is blog post is going to be one of those long rambling ones where I am ruthlessly using you to try to understand the strange world of ebooks and publishing. So, yeah, you can skip it if you’re not into that kinda thing. Also-Boughts! Oh you know them, they […]
Oct302017
How to Throw a Book Launch Tea Party
Dearest Gentle Reader, Romancing the Werewolf is now out in the world. Do you know what that means? Time for High Tea! Here’s a sample of how to throw a high tea in honor of this or any other Parasolverse book (or any other book at all, I suppose)… Invitation You are cordially invited to […]
Oct22017
Soulless, Gail Carriger’s Notes That Started Everything
Every year on (or around) October 1, Gentle Reader, I post a bit about the beginning of it all: Soulless. (Soulless, incidentally is on sale at $4.99 (ebook USA) so now is a great time to get others hooked!) This year I thought I would take you back to the very beginning of everything. Some time […]
Aug72017
7 Side Effects of Being a Full Time Author
I’ve been a full time author for a long time now, and I’ve learned a few things. Here, Gentle Reader, are some of the side effects of one dubious life choice I made that took me down this path. 1. My spelling is worse than it ever was. While my typing has gotten faster my […]
Jul32017
5 Most Common Questions Authors Get From Readers About Being An Author
Well hello there, Gentle Reader. I get a great many questions from readers about being a professional author. Many I could probably have guessed at and a few surprise me. Here’s a selection of some of the most common things I’m asked (online and in person) specifically about the author business side of things. Part […]
Jun72017
30+ Best Blogs & Podcasts for Authors Recommended by Gail Carriger
My dear Gentle Reader, This one if for authors/writers who are interested in publishing & marketing their books. Below I list the blogs and podcasts I find most useful as a hybrid author (traditional publishing, yes but also those related to indie & self publishing). No matter your path, it’s a good idea to pay attention to things […]
Mar202017
Cover Art & Its Purpose in Life
Hello, Gentle Reader, I’m always thinking and talking a lot about cover art. I love it and it fascinates me. I’m pretty sure I have a career because of the cover of Soulless. How to make sure the cover is not just good but the right on for you book. Why some covers really do […]
Feb222017
Visual Inspiration for Authors: Pinterest Character Boards & Connecting with Readers from Gail Carriger
I got into Pinterest in a big way last year, Gentle Reader, and yes I am aware of all the annoying things that keep people off Pinterest ~ the closed and proprietary nature of the venue, the lack of organization and ability to cross pollinate, to name only a few. You know why I’m aware? Because those […]
Jan162017
It Means Something Different in Romance
Terminology for Romance Readers & Authors Delving into not just the writing but also the production end of the romance equation has been extremely enlightening, especially given my particular background (both personal and professional). Conversational lingo in the Bay Area on the subject of such things, let us just say, is a whole lot different from […]
Jan92017
On Plot Versus Pace: Or Figuring Out Why That Book Sucks
Pace is an interesting concept for readers to grasp but it’s something authors talk about all the time. It’s not the physical movement of characters through space and time within the story, nor is it the overarching journey those characters are on (be it emotional or physical or both). That’s plot. 1. So what do you […]