Tagged Coop de Book

Heartless Special Extras (Parasol Protectorate)

Posted by Gail Carriger

 

The Great Parasolverse read along continues with Heartless, my play on a cozy mystery. What, you didn’t think that’s what was going on?

Heartless released in July of 2011.

Here are some fun blog posts and resources that tie to this book. Research, chattering, and amusement on the subject of Sherlock, burning down Victorian London, getting clumsy comedy out of unsuspecting pregnant friends, and other good times.

Will Alexia manage to determine who is trying to kill Queen Victoria before it is too late? Is it the vampires again or is there a traitor lurking about in wolf’s clothing? And what, exactly, has taken up residence in Lord Akeldama’s second best closet?

Heartless was a New York Times, Locus, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, and Barnes & Noble/B. Dalton; made Locus Recommended Reading list (2011) and Locus Poll for Best Fantasy Novel #14 (2012); and was nominated for the Prix des Imaginales (2011).

Heartless also got the highest of any of my books in the mass market lists (#11).

Things Pertaining to This Book

All About Vampires!

I hope you enjoy the great purple beasty!

Yours (rarely in purple),

Miss Gail

P.S. Only 39 copies of Fan Service left, order now.

This is a hardcover special omnibus of Romancing the Inventor & Romancing the Werewolf plus special Meat Cute AKA The Hedgehog Incident. 

  • Want more sneak peeks, free goodies, gossip, behind the scenes info? This stuff goes to my Chirrup members, because I love them bestest. Sign up here.
  • Not into newsletters? Get only new releases by following Gail on Amazon or BookBub!

OUT MAY 18, 2019! More PURPLE

The 5th Gender (A Tinkered Stars Mystery as G. L. Carriger).

Preorder on Amazon | Elsewhere | Direct from Gail
Print and audio are coming, but will not be available for preorder. 

Sci-fi queer romance meets cozy mystery in which a hot space station cop meets the most adorable purple alien ever (lavender, pulease!) from a race with 5 genders.

UPCOMING SCRIBBLES

  • Reticence, The 4th and final Custard Protocol book. August 6, 2019
  • Fan Service Omnibus, October 2019 to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Soulless.
  • Need to know what Gail is writing right now? That’s in the Chirrup.

GAIL’S DAILY DOSE

Your Moment of Parasol . . .

Guy Orlando Rose – The Green Parasol

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

60 of the Best, Steamiest Romance Novel Covers for Your Viewing and Reading Pleasure

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

A Victorian Ladies’ Guide To Surviving Chivalrous Gentlemen Strangers

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

“Just write every day of your life. Read intensely. Then see what happens. Most of my friends who are put on that diet have very pleasant careers.”

~ Ray Bradbury

Book News:

40+ Paranormal Romance Books with Bite (Soulless on this list)

Quote of the Day:

Your Moment of Gail

 

“I suspect it may be like the difference between a drinker and an alcoholic; the one merely reads books, the other needs books to make it through the day.”

(Interview with The Booklovers blog, September 2010)” ~ Gail Carriger

Questions about Gail’s Parasolverse? Wiki that sheez!

I Don’t Like Sherlock Holmes & Other Reading Reveals (Miss Carriger Recommends)

Posted by Gail Carriger

 2 Comments

Witness the follow convo in my apartment recently, Gentle Reader…

Gail: Saturday is a Readathon

AB: Oh Yeah, wassat mean?

Gail: I’m gonna be reading all day.

AB: Oh Yeah, Pinky, and how is that different from any other Saturday?

Gail: Well Brain, I won’t be doing ANYTHING else.

AB: How is this your life?

So Saturday April 6, 2019 was Dewey’s 24 Hour Readathon.

I’ve participated on and off for a few years now.

They do one in April and another in October. Usually the April one is more towards the end of the month, which is great because it’s around my birthday and I can better justify taking the whole day off. This year it was early, and so I really couldn’t do as much as I have in the past.

Even had I had the full 24 hours, I can’t really do that anymore. I just don’t stay awake that long. If (by some miracle) I do, it wreaks me for days. Oh, to be 20 again. So I tend to do it as a sort of half-Readathon of about 12 hours.

Let The Readathon Commence!

I was up at about 8 and commenced the readathon at 8:30am. I actually started with the book from the night before which was the third in a not very good PNR series that I just wanted to finish so I could move on to something else with impunity. It’s not really good enough to report on. Also it turned out not the be the last one, and the next isn’t out yet. Grrrrr.

Book One

Right so, this first review is intentionally vague to protect author, although I am about to abuse Sherlock Holmes. Which might make you mad at me, so read at your own risk.

REDACTED TITLE

AKA Sherlock Holmes Anger

I love many (but decidedly NOT all) of this particular author’s books, so I was really game to give their new endeavor a try.

It took me several chapters of info dumps and an unsympathetic POV character to realize what was going on with this offering. This was a Sherlock Holmes retelling! Which explained a disconnect I was feeling between narrative style (Victorian) and setting (non-Western fantasy world). The POV character was lackluster, partly because they were not the MAIN character, partly because Watson is a wimp (yeah yeah, read on).

So here’s the thing, and the reason I’m not naming names. I don’t give bad reviews. Period. This author had an excellent turn of phrase, a ready wit, and a good grasp of Doyle’s style. But I’ve never been a fan of Sherlock Holmes the character. Holmes comes off as an emotionally abusive arse to his friends, and I don’t understand why they remain his friends. Never did. Watson putting up with Homes makes me cringe.

Anyway, if Sherlock Holmes in a fantasy world with gender flipping, queer characters, and magic sounds like something you really WANT to read, or you just HAVE to know more about why I didn’t like this book, you can reply to the last Chirrup, or the next one, asking me for the full review and title and I will email it to you privately.

Book Two

After a quick break for lunch while the sainted AB went off to do the grocery shopping without me. I moved on to the next book.

I blush to admit this book has been on my TBR for probably six months. I just haven’t been in the mood for fantasy.

THE GLASS MAGICIAN (?)

Caroline Stevermer

Stevermer opens the story with a dramatic theater magician scene and a confident cultural system one might expect from one of the great mistresses of fantasy. The writing is confident, easy to jump into, and a joy to read.

World-building:

This book is set in alt-history turn of the century so so I’m tempted to call it “post-gaslamp” fantasy. There is an appealing atmospheric nature to this story (it oozes Toulouse-Lautrec) which made it feel pleasantly nostalgic. Stevermer’s twist on shape shifting (trader versus solitaire) is unique to my reading life ~ if subtly reminiscent of Wrede’s early Lyra works.

The Story:

This young adult adventure isn’t funny but it’s not a weepy angsty read either. It’s a classic, in the best way ~ a nested tale of self-discovery, replete with YA archetypes and tropes, of the kind that still resonate with me. It’s basically a shifter coming of age story and while the protag is stated as 21, she could (and should) be more like 16 or 17. Everything else about this book (from story arc, to interactions, to heat level, to behavior, to conversational patterns) reads as YA.

I wouldn’t be surprised if the book hasn’t hit market yet because they are changing their marketing and targeting. I certainly hope so.

Reservations

There were some repeated conversations and flawed timing (main character knowing something when the information hadn’t been imparted yet), and some overly obvious writer’s ticks in terms of character description but I’m thinking I got my review copy prior to a revision pass.

I also have a few concerns over the main characters agency, particularly in the middle third of the book.

Finally, there is a cool aloofness to this book, it’s not a warm story. It has a kind of aristocratic reserved affection but nothing more.

In the end, what it reminded me of most was high fantasy meets Moulin Rouge. And I did enjoy it very much.

I have no idea when this book releases. Perhaps they are holding it because of marketing issues, or staffing changes. It’s from Tor and they can move slowly, but I really worry that it wasn’t billed to me as YA. Given that this title is shared with a few other very popular books, I would hope they consider changing the title too. But for now you can at least…  Add this book on Goodreads.

Book Three

Crikie I moved slowly this readathon. Maybe I’m just not into it this year? Usually I manage more than three books in a day!

Anyhoo, the last thing I read was Klune’s forthcoming fantasy book.

I adore TJ Klune’s hilarious Lightning Struck Heart but I’m not into his super angsty Wolfsong stuff. Also I find he tends to write books that are much longer than I prefer. So I was taking a chance on this, his first foray into traditional publishing, and it made me nervous. I’d no idea what I was in for… could go either way.

I shouldn’t have doubted.

THE HOUSE IN THE CERULEAN SEA

TJ Klune

This book was touching, tender, and truly delightful. An utterly absorbing story of tolerance, found family, and defeating bureaucracy. Hooray!

The kind of charming tale we all need right now, if you ask me.

The atmosphere and setting had the feel of 1984 meets Umbrella Academy with a pinch of Douglas Adams thrown in. The protagonist, sweet bumbling Linus, is a middle-aged bureaucrat with a devotion to order and duty that successfully hides his earnest loving heart. I liked him so very much. His age, his chubbiness, his fussiness. So unexpected in a main character. I enjoyed his droll sense of humor and descriptions of his surroundings, colored by a decided eau de Arthur Dent. (No bad thing there, if you ask me.)

Allegorically speaking, some of the story is a scotch on the nose, but it did make me tear up more than once.  What can I say, I’m a bit of a sap.

There is a slight romance for our dear Linus and his lovely Arthur, and it has an HEA, but I would definitely NOT call this a romance novel. This is a story more of tenderness and connection and finding home than it is anything else.

It’s a delightfully comforting read and I honestly can’t recommend it highly enough.

I’m so lucky to have gotten to read it first. Honestly this is what I wanted Miss Peregrine’s Home for Peculiar Children to be. I defy you not to fall in love with this book and these kids. I’m tearing up with joy just thinking about it. (And to be frank, I’m not a kid person.)

It’s not up for preorder yet although it seems to be on Goodreads. I’m hoping they consider changing the title, which is very awkward, hard to remember, and hard to spell.

Still, an excellent end to the Readathon, if you ask me. So on that note…

Yours in reading wonder,

Miss Gail

  • Want to know about that book Gail didn’t like, stuff like that goes to my Chirrup members, because I love them bestest. Sign up here.
  • Not into newsletters? Get only new releases by following Gail on Amazon or BookBub!

P.S. Dropped a fun podcast recently: The Functional Nerds Podcast: 400-With Gail Carriger and Tom Merritt. All about podcast and publishing changes over the past decade. Here are my additional show notes and things talked about…

OUT MAY 18, 2019!

The 5th Gender (A Tinkered Stars Mystery as G. L. Carriger).

Preorder on Amazon | Elsewhere | Direct from Gail
Print and audio are coming, but will not be available for preorder. 

Sci-fi queer romance meets cozy mystery in which a hot space station cop meets the most adorable purple alien ever (lavender, pulease!) from a race with 5 genders.

UPCOMING SCRIBBLES

GAIL’S DAILY DOSE

Your Moment of Parasol . . .

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

Fashion & Flight: Pioneering Aviatrixes (from Dressed: The History of Fashion podcast)

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

Do You Use The Correct Order Of Adjectives In Your Writing?

Book News:

Red Hot Books says:

“Soulless should definitely be on the shelves of anyone that loves Steampunk, but is also a great pick for readers who love the Paranormal and Historical subgenres of Romance. (Especially if you enjoy the opposites attract trope.) Gail Carriger builds a dark and whimsical world where all manner of supernaturals coexist with their mundane counterparts all while not missing a single element of British culture in the Victorian era.”

Quote of the Day:

Your Moment of Gail

 

“I suspect it may be like the difference between a drinker and an alcoholic; the one merely reads books, the other needs books to make it through the day.”

(Interview with The Booklovers blog, September 2010)” ~ Gail Carriger

Questions about Gail’s Parasolverse? Wiki that sheez!

Blameless Special Extras (Parasol Protectorate)

Posted by Gail Carriger

 

Blameless released in September of 2010 (same year as Changeless) and was my first major challenge book. I had a big rewrite on this book from my editor, which was warranted but still, Blameless with live in my memory as my first encounter with that side of author-doom.

Here are some fun blog posts and resources that tie to this book: Research and amusement on the subject of the Victorian relationship to Italy and France, not to mention the Knights Templar.

Alexia flees England for Italy in search of the mysterious Templars. Only they know enough about the preternatural to explain her increasingly inconvenient condition, but they may be worse than the vampires – and they’re armed with pesto.

Blameless was a New York Times and Publishers Weekly bestseller, and a #1 Locus bestseller.

Author Thoughts On This Book

  • It’s a parody of a Victorian travel novel.
  • Yes the Etruscan site they visit is based on one I worked on as an archaeologist.

My creative process with the Templars ties to the world building begin the God Breaker plague, which you can read about in the Changeless Extras blog post.

You see, I always suspected King Henry broke with the Catholic Church over use of supernaturals in his army and intelligence, and that the divorce thing was just a front. This meant that Catholic Europe (particularly Italy) would be very anti-supernatural. Also they probably had some issues with vampires trying to take over the Papacy at some point or another. (I’m looking at you, Borgias). A secret Catholic society designed to hunt supernaturals seems quite logical under those circumstances. But I wanted to borrow an existing term, the Hospilaters would be more ironic, but the Templars are more iconic, so I went with them.

Blameless Japanese translation (not the manga)

Things Pertaining To This Book

I hope you enjoyed this special extra!

Yours in red cover art,

Miss Gail

  • Want more sneak peeks, free goodies, gossip, behind the scenes info? This stuff goes to my Chirrup members, because I love them bestest. Sign up here.
  • Not into newsletters? Get only new releases by following Gail on Amazon or BookBub!

OUT MAY 18, 2019!

The 5th Gender (A Tinkered Stars Mystery as G. L. Carriger).

Preorder on Amazon | Elsewhere | Direct from Gail
Print and audio are coming, but will not be available for preorder. 

Sci-fi queer romance meets cozy mystery in which a hot space station cop meets the most adorable purple alien ever (lavender, pulease!) from a race with 5 genders.

UPCOMING SCRIBBLES

GAIL’S DAILY DOSE

Your Moment of Parasol . . .

Francisco Miralles Y Gallup (Spanish, 1848-1901)

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

My love affair with red.

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

Book News:

“A successful book is not made of what is in it, but what is left out of it.”

~ Mark Twain

Quote of the Day:

“The greatest unwritten law of the supernatural set was that one simply didn’t steal someone else’s human.”

~ Blameless

Changeless Special Extras (Parasol Protectorate Special)

Posted by Gail Carriger

 

Changeless released in April of 2010 and was the very first of my books to make the New York Times Bestseller list, which pretty much changed the course of my career and eventually my life.

Here are some fun blog posts and resources that tie to this book. Research I did, chattering and amusement on the subject of hitting the New York Times for the first time, and having a cliff hanger ending.

Even when her investigations take her to Scotland, the backwater of ugly waistcoats, Alexia is prepared: upending werewolf pack dynamics as only a soulless can.

Changeless was my first book to hit the New York Times. Soulless eventually would during a sale years later, but Changeless was first.

Hitting the Times

I was living with my popster at the time (in between stints of advanced education, as you do) and had recently started dating the AB. My agent and editor surprise called me to let me know (we found out the Weds following the release). I really did not expect it, I didn’t even know there was the possibility that my weird silly books would ever make the NYT. I didn’t even know there was a Mass Market Listing, frankly. So far as I knew it was for hard cover literary types.

But I always pick up a 212 number (New York).

So I picked it up, and they told me what had happened. I don’t recall directly after in detail. Shock, I suppose. I remember hanging up and slightly hyperventilating. I ran around and found the Popster who gave me a big hug. I remember the first person I called was my BFF, Phrannish, because she’s been with me from the get go, she’s in the industry so she gets how hard it is, and she’s my Phran. Then I called my mum (left a message). Then I called the AB. Mum called me back later that night, she cried.

My agent sent me flowers.

My publisher sent me champagne.

I drank the champagne that weekend with the AB sitting on the porch at sunset wondering how my life would change.

I had no idea.

Incidentally, the manga adaptation of Changeless (AKA Soulless Vol. II) was my only book to ever make #1 on an NYT List.  December of 2012, in the manga category.

And I got to meet the standee at San Diego Comic Con in 2012.

Author Thoughts On This Book

Changeless is a parody of a gothic novel. I tend to refer to it as my Red Headed Step Child because while I love it (tight, clean, killer concept) many readers (particularly out of romance) do not like it at all.

The ending really upsets them.

The Plague of Mortality

The God Breaker Plague (and its repercussions), which during this read along you first encounter in The Curious Case, make its first appearance in print in this book. Now I had it in mind, and I always knew what caused it (although not exactly who).

I’ve always been obsessed with the old saying,

“There are no snakes in Ireland.”

Ever since I listened to the collection of short stories, No Comebacks by Frederick Forsyth, when I was a wee lass.

(If you know this classic pulp suspense collection, you’ll know it’s not normally something I’d read. But back in those days there was a paucity of choice for books on tape. I got a rather good education in genre styles because I was basically listening to everything I could get hold of from Isaac Asimov to Rosamunde Pilcher.)

Anywho, this gave me the saying…

There are no supernaturals in Egypt.

I’ve also always been obsessed with Ancient Egypt. And I knew I wanted the Parasolverse history to include various ancient cultures where shifters ruled, and others where vampires ruled. It makes prefect sense to me (given their xenophobic tendencies) that the Greeks would be human ONLY (all their mythological monsters being deformed shifters and capricious immortals – and yes, I model my vampire attitude on Greek gods, what you take me for?). Also it seems logical that the Romans are ruled by vampires. With their worship of Animal headed gods, the Egyptians were obviously all about shifters.

And our Ancient Egypt had one of the most stable cultures we know of, for a very long time, so I guess they were pretty good rulers. But something went wrong after 2000 years, and under those circumstances any rebellion, particularly a religious one, would need to weaponize against shifters. I imagine they figure out the preternatural thing with mummies but that, like in present day Changeless, they just didn’t have many of them. So they used what the could to get rid of their shifter overlords, but it wasn’t until much much later that Alessandro came along and, with Floote’s help, figured out (essentially) how to globalize collection of preternatural bodies, and spread the God Breaker plague within Egypt.

So there you have it, my thought process on the Plague.

Things Pertaining To this Book: Visuals!

Things Pertaining To this Book: Extras!

Spot that Dress in Changeless?

On Felicity:

On Mrs Loontwill:

On Ivy:

Praise for Changeless:

Lost in a Good Book says:

“I am fascinated by Carriger’s creativity, but more so I love how complicated yet simple and well-functioning this society is. This alternate reality, steam punk world sounds marvellous and it is a joy to read about a new interpretation of the werewolves/vampire myth as well as a new history of our own time.”

Yours in forever cliffhangers,

Miss Gail

  • Want more sneak peeks, free goodies, gossip, behind the scenes info? This stuff goes to my Chirrup members, because I love them bestest. Sign up here.
  • Not into newsletters? Get only new releases by following Gail on Amazon or BookBub!

OUT MAY 18, 2019!

The 5th Gender (a Tinkered Stars sci-fi as G. L. Carriger).

PREORDER on Amazon | Other | Direct from Gail

Sci-fi queer romance meets cozy mystery featuring a hot cop, the most adorable purple alien ever (lavender, pulease!), and a race with 5 genders.

Print & Audio are not available for preorder.

UPCOMING SCRIBBLES

  • Reticence, The 4th and final Custard Protocol book. August 6, 2019
  • Secret Project Ommm, October 31, 2019 to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Soulless.
  • Need to know what Gail is writing right now? That’s in the Chirrup.

GAIL’S DAILY DOSE

Your Moment of Parasol . . .

Parasol Rainbow Shoes

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

In a range of eShakti dresses.

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

FoodStuff: Tea: A Real Brouhaha

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

The Different Types of Editing Explained

Book News:

Steampunk, Stuff and Nonsense

Quote of the Day:

Sophril says of Changeless:

“Some of my favorite characters in this series begin to appear in this book. I love watching them grow throughout the series and I can’t wait to begin the next book.”

Your Moment of Gail

 

“I suspect it may be like the difference between a drinker and an alcoholic; the one merely reads books, the other needs books to make it through the day.”

(Interview with The Booklovers blog, September 2010)” ~ Gail Carriger

 

Questions about Gail’s Parasolverse? Wiki that sheez!

Parasol Protectorate Series Special Extras

Posted by Gail Carriger

 2 Comments

We are currently rereading the five books in my original series, The Parasol Protectorate.

Since I have a mess of behind the scenes and special extras pertaining to this series as a whole, as well as each individual, book, I’m posting a summation blog for you, Gentle Reader.

Here are some (of the MANY) fun blog posts and resources that tie to this series:

Worldbuilding

Research

FanArtCharactersparasol_protectorate_sketches_by_terrizae

The Characters!

Merch pertaining to the Parasol Protectorate!

So there you have it, enough to be goin on with, I hope!

Yours enmeshed in research,

Miss Gail

  • Want more sneak peeks, free goodies, gossip, behind the scenes info? This stuff goes to my Chirrup members, because I love them bestest. Sign up here.
  • Not into newsletters? Get only new releases by following Gail on Amazon or BookBub!

OUT MAY 18, 2019!

The 5th Gender (a Tinkered Stars sci-fi as G. L. Carriger). COVER ART TO BE SEEN SOON BY THE CHIRRUP.

Sci-fi queer romance meets cozy mystery featuring a hot cop, the most adorable purple alien ever (lavender, pulease!), and a race with 5 genders.

UPCOMING SCRIBBLES

  • Reticence, The 4th and final Custard Protocol book. August 6, 2019
  • Secret Project Ommm, October 31, 2019 to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Soulless.
  • Need to know what Gail is writing right now? That’s in the Chirrup.

GAIL’S DAILY DOSE

Your Moment of Parasol . . .

via @AngelaKCouch Twitter Parasol, design c.1895-1900

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

Librarians and Their Memorable Patron Interactions

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

Book-Related Startups That Could Definitely Work

Book News:

5 reasons to read Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate series

Quote of the Day:

“Just because we don’t understand doesn’t mean that the explanation doesn’t exist.”

~ Madeleine L’Engle

Your Moment of Gail

 

“I suspect it may be like the difference between a drinker and an alcoholic; the one merely reads books, the other needs books to make it through the day.”

(Interview with The Booklovers blog, September 2010)” ~ Gail Carriger

 

Questions about Gail’s Parasolverse? Wiki that sheez!

Soulless Special Extras (Parasol Protectorate)

Posted by Gail Carriger

 

Soulless, the creature released on October 1, 2009. (A thankfully easy birthday to remember.) This is the first book I ever got published. It is NOT the first book I wrote.

Here are some (of the MANY) fun blog posts and resources that tie to this book. Research I did, chattering and amusement on the subject of starting my publishing journey and more.

Alexia Tarabotti is laboring under a great many social tribulations.

  • First, she has no soul.
  • Second, she’s a spinster whose father is both Italian and dead.
  • Third, she is being rudely attacked by a vampire to whom she has not been properly introduced!

Soulless was a New York Times and Locus bestseller; Publishers Weekly Best Book (2009); made IndieBound November 2009 Notables, Audible.com Best of 2010, and Locus Recommended Reading First Novel lists; was an Audible.com Top 20 Sleeper Hit; was nominated for the John W. Campbell (2010) and Compton Crook (2010) awards; was a finalist for the Locus Award for Best First Novel (2010) and PEARL Award in the New Author Category (2009), and won an Alex Award from the American Library Association.

Things Pertaining to SOULLESS

The Beginning from the Author’s Side

Soulless, The Beginning Author Notes That Started Everything

I’ve talked in person a lot about how I don’t really start writing a book until I have a “scene epiphany” this isn’t always (or even often) the first scene in a book. And I don’t always remember which one it is. But I DO remember which one it was for Soulless, this one…

Extra Character Fodder

I’m going to briefly add how important I feel Ivy is as a character. To show unwavering loyalty and female friendship. To understand Alexia without making a big deal about it. To add lightness, drama, and joy to any given situation.

We should all be so lucky as to have an Ivy in our lives.

Fan Art Alexia Soulless By Sarah Lynne Christianson

Cover Art & Deleted Scenes & Author Perspective

The Soulless limited edition case wrapped hardcover from Subterranean was voted the fan favorite over all cover as of 2016 (prior to the illustrated edition and all the novellas).

I Am, Indeed says of the Soulless audiobook:

“Narration for this story is provided by Emily Gray, and her performance managed to grab all of the underlying (and oft described) personality traits for each character with ease. From the slight affectations of Alexia to Macon’s hint of a burr, the voices fit the characters in ways unexpected without overplaying any single moment for emotional impact or overstating a point.”

Here are some of my first sketches…

Alexia:

Dressing Alexia from the Foundation Up

I also sketched a few of the other characters, like Ivy in one of her silly silly hats…

Lyall in wolf form.

And finally here is what it looks like when I am working out a fight scene. This is the one at the end in the Hypocras club.

That’s all for now, Gentle Reader!

Yours in soulessness,

Miss Gail

  • Want more sneak peeks, free goodies, gossip, behind the scenes info? This stuff goes to my Chirrup members, because I love them bestest. Sign up here.
  • Not into newsletters? Get only new releases by following Gail on Amazon or BookBub!

OUT MAY 18, 2019!

The 5th Gender (a Tinkered Stars sci-fi as G. L. Carriger). COVER ART TO BE SEEN SOON BY THE CHIRRUP.

Sci-fi queer romance meets cozy mystery featuring a hot cop, the most adorable purple alien ever (lavender, pulease!), and a race with 5 genders.

UPCOMING SCRIBBLES

  • Reticence, The 4th and final Custard Protocol book. August 6, 2019
  • Secret Project Ommm, October 31, 2019 to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Soulless.
  • Need to know what Gail is writing right now? That’s in the Chirrup.

GAIL’S DAILY DOSE

Your Moment of Parasol . . .

Parasol by Schiaparelli, 1937-40, France

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

I imagine this as Dimity & Sophronia after Finishing School
Les Modes Parisiennes Date April, 1869 v. 47, 92

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

Sarah Forbes Bonetta, goddaughter of Queen Victoria

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

Seven Proven Strategies for Editing and Proofreading Your Own Writing
Note: One of my tips is to change the font to opposite serif for the revision.

Book News:

bibliophiliacs says of Soulless,

“Lovers of many different genres will enjoy these, and I encourage even those who don’t normally venture into sci-fi or fantasy to read them.  You can tell that Carriger is having a great time writing them, and it makes for an equally great time reading them.”

Quote of the Day:

“We have really everything in common with America nowadays except, of course, language.”

~ Oscar Wilde

Your Moment of Gail

 

“I suspect it may be like the difference between a drinker and an alcoholic; the one merely reads books, the other needs books to make it through the day.”

(Interview with The Booklovers blog, September 2010)” ~ Gail Carriger

 

Questions about Gail’s Parasolverse? Wiki that sheez!

Poison or Protect Special Extras (Delightfully Deadly)

Posted by Gail Carriger

 1 Comment

Poison or Protect the first (and currently only) Delightfully Deadly novellas (yes there will be MORE) was also my very first self published novella adventure. It released in June of 2016.

Here are some fun blog posts and resources that tie to this book. These include behind the scenes research and chattering on the subject of starting my self publishing and indie author journey, why I love novella length, and more.

A sexy assassin, a Scotsman, and two lobsters attend a Victorian house party.

This was my first independently produced novella and my first romance. Of course I had to start with a femme domme spin on one of my reader base’s least favorite characters.

Because why would I make it easy on myself?

Gavin though.

I mean come on!

He is probably my favorite hero I have ever written.

Why do novellas?

Novellas are my favorite length to read.  They’re perfect for a single evening’s entertainment, long enough for the author to develop character and plot, but not so long they have a chance to waffle about with description. Shorts, for me tend to be mostly pacing and concepts, but the novella really lets me explore relationships and people. Why Doesn’t America Love the Novella? I don’t know, because I really do.

History of novella in genre sets them at anything from 30,000 to 60,000 words (for those who don’t know in genre novels are usually 90-120k (YA 70-90k). Because of the underuse of the novelette and dominance of the romance genre in defining electronic fiction I find most novellas these days are more like 20-40k. Amazon considers anything over 50k a book, so a lot of romance ebooks have set precedence for something like 60k in contemporary romance.

My novellas all come in around 40k. That’s that max I am allowed by my contract without having my option clause engage.

My personal reading preferences tend to be 40-90k. I don’t like an author to waffle too much. In the genres I read the most, I find anything over 90 usually means the book hasn’t had a good content edit pass. SO for me, a longer book is actually a red flag. So yeah, I LOVE novellas.

Why write about Preshea first?

It’s my profound opinion that most evil characters are coming from a place of hurt. I wanted readers to learn more about Preshea and why she behaves the way she does. How she doesn’t fit into the world and why this damaged her.

You may not end up loving her by the end of this book, but you will understand her. And I suspect you will love Gavin and understand why he’s perfect for her.

Things Pertaining to This Book

Afternoon dress, 1860, Charlotte, North Carolina. via shewhoworshipscarlin tumblr

Fashion Related to this Book!

Other Rabbit Holes & Research Opportunities

Praise for Poison or Protect:

Felicia Sue Lynn Reviews says:

“I really enjoy Carriger’s world building. Even without reading previous works, the world is really rich. It’s full of steampunk and supernatural elements that made Soulless so endearing in the first place.”

For What It’s Worth says:

“All in all a rollicking fun time!”

Book Sojourner says:

“Overall, this standalone novella is a quick read, but packed with great characters, relationship depth, a bit of adventure, and a sweet and sexy romance.”

Hedgehog Librarian says:

“The sexual tension between the leads was nicely done and the sex scenes had an interesting take to them.”

V’s Reads says:

“As with previous books, the story is rollicking with a pace that sweeps the reader into falling for unlikely heroes.”

AJ Tipton says:

“Delightfully Deadly is correct, this book reminded me of why I loved Gail Carriger’s “Soulless” and the Parasol Protectorate books so much. Funny and caring, with characters that are completely competent and yet emotionally vulnerable, Poison or Protect is a wonderful romp.”

Rally the Readers says:

“Poison or Protect … makes maximal use of every word. I was extremely impressed with how much story this novella packed into its pages. The plot is perfectly paced, and we get to spend plenty of time becoming acquainted with its characters.”

The Lit Bitch says:

“This novella is more of an adult romance with a little intrigue mixed in. I thought both of the main characters had chemistry and Carriger wrote tasteful love scenes that were erotic as well as tender.”

Traveling Through Books says:

“…I loved learning more about a character that was in opposition to the main characters of Finishing School.”

Books and Things says:

“I highly recommend it to those that have enjoyed this steampunk world and those that enjoy a good paranormal romance.”

E A Hennesy says:

“As always, Carriger’s characters are charming and funny, as well as sincere and relatable. The romance is a very positive one, with an emphasis on mutual respect and consent.”

Reading the Paranormal says:

“I’m very excited by this series of books. Steamy romance chock full of both old faces and new.”

image that influenced lesbian characters Lady Flo and Jane in Poison or Protect 1862 Title- Ladies’ Companion Date- Thursday, May 1, 1862

ALPHA reader says:

“I adored this novella. There are lots of old favorites and familiar faces peppered throughout, but Preshea and Gavin’s romance is entirety fresh and fabulous.”

I Smell Sheep gives Poison or Protect 5 sheep (Lyall would approve) and says:

“If you enjoy alternate historical fantasy with steampunk and erotic romance added, you will enjoy this story.”

Hoot Reads Books says:

“This was a novella full of surprises, new romances, juicy secrets, and returning characters including my favorite dandy vampire.”

Quest Book Reviews says:

“Even though I knew I would enjoy the book because of the familiar world it was set in and the appearance of some of my favorite characters, I was pleasantly surprised by how much I actually LIKED Preshea.”

Sophril Reads says:

“I loved this novella. Gail took a character that was in the finishing school series that I didn’t really care about and made me like her. Preshea was a fixture in the finishing school series; however, I always found her annoying and I am sure that I would not have picked up this book had it not been for this read-along.  I am so happy that I did!” 

Feeling Fictional says:

“Poison or Protect was everything I’ve come to expect from one of Gail Carriger’s stories, it had great characters, a brilliant setting, plenty of humour and a wonderful (and surprisingly steamy!) romance and I can’t wait to read more of these Delightfully Deadly novellas.”

1865-1869 The FIDM Museum _ OMG that dress!

Leonard Was Hopeful gives Poison or Protect 5 stars and says:

“It is the mark of a good writer that s/he can make us feel affection for villains, or, more accurately, that s/he gives us rounded, fleshed out characters who are complicated and complex, rather than flat characters who can be described as “hero” or “villain” with no grey area in between.”

Also: “Dammit, Gail Carriger, you got me to read a romance novel(la)!! And I may or may not have enjoyed it. I may never forgive you for that.”

*insert Gail’s evil laugh here* and if you read Soulless, sorry, you’ve already read a romance novel.

I hope you enjoy Preshea, Gavin, and the lobsters.

Yours,

Miss Gail

  • Did you miss my latest release announcement? This stuff goes to my Chirrup members, because I love them bestest. Sign up here.
  • Not into newsletters? Get only new releases by following Gail on Amazon or BookBub!

GAIL’S DAILY DOSE

Your Moment of Parasol . . .

1860 The Philadelphia Museum of Art _ OMG that dress!

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

Apparently eShakti just uploaded their new dresses, so I’m reminding you I wrote a post on how to buy and get the best dress from them:

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

Intimate Photos That Capture People Having Tea Together in the Early 20th Century

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

Book News:

 

Quote of the Day:

“What do you call the second cup of tea reusing the first teabag?
After much discussion we settled on “victory cuppa.”
Like victory garden, because reusing a bag smacks of rationing.”

~ Gail Carriger

Questions about Gail’s Parasolverse? Wiki that sheez!

Manners & Mutiny Special Extras (Finishing School)

Posted by Gail Carriger

 3 Comments

Manners & Mutiny, the final Finishing School book, released in November of 2015. It was the first time I finished a series that had been planned as a series from the very beginning.

Here are some fun blog posts and resources that tie to this book. Research I did, chattering on the subject of finishing a series and its overarching arc.

Blurb:

If one must flirt…flirt with danger.

Only one thing is certain: a large-scale plot is under way, and when it comes to fruition, Sophronia must be ready to save her friends, her school, and all of London from disaster–in decidedly dramatic fashion, of course.

What will become of our proper young heroine when she puts her years of training to the test? Find out in this highly anticipated and thrilling conclusion to the New York Times bestselling Finishing School series!

Manners & Mutiny was a New York Times bestseller and was one of Amazon’s November Best Book of the Month, SciFi & Fantasy (2015).

Writing Manners & Mutiny

So this was the last in a series which meant I had a lot to tie up.

For this book I ended up using 3×5 cards to keep track of the different threads and plots I needed to wrap up yet maintain pace. Also I wanted to make certain I dropped the right plot points in at the right time without getting too hung up on any one thread.

Yellow cards are action, blue are information, and purple is romance or emotional strands. The one green one is the climax/death. They are set out loosely by chapter. (I would later go in and break those chapters down more.)

These days since Scrivener has come into my life I don’t need to do this anymore.

Things Pertaining to This Book

Research and Other Fun Behind the Scenes Tidbits

Things Pertaining to this Series

Pinterest design boards for characters and other stuff specific to this series…

Other characters do have design boards, but I’m not listing them here because they may be getting (or have) their own novellas, will show up again in a future book, or I’m keeping them in reserve for some other reason… in which case their boards have spoiler warning attached.

One of the hosts, Amanda, is here in pickleman costume (with Bumbersnoot) at one of my events:

This books ends of a major bang. And yes I knew what would happen to the school, and why. No I did not know the wicker chicken would be so significant.

Here’s its original appearance in E&E…

Well, is that wise? Having a mess of seedling evil geniuses falling in love with you willy-nilly? What if they feel spurned?”

“Ah, but in the interim, think of the lovely gifts they can make you. Monique bragged that one of her boys made her silver and wood hair sticks as anti-supernatural weapons. With amethyst inlay. And another made her an exploding wicker chicken.”

“Goodness, what’s that for?”

Dimity pursed her lips. “Who doesn’t want an exploding wicker chicken?”

People loves the mere mention of it from the first book and just because of fan enthusiasm it became more and more important over the course of the series.

Of course you should watch out for the wicker chicken to show up in in a few other books, as a mark of affection or connection or friendship or something more…

 

This is decidedly not my feeling on cucumbers, I happen to adore them. But it is one of my best friend’s, who is very texture orientated.

Other’s Opinions

I Am Indeed says of the audiobook:

“Narration is again provided by Moira Quirk and she’s managed to capture each moment, each character with a sense of ‘who’ they are, while not giving away or overworking emotions or a sense that there is more in store for the characters. The words stood solidly as presented, carrying that sense of fun and amusement that is contained within all of Carriger’s novels.”

Keep Calm with Books and Coffee says :

“This final book in the Finishing School Series is delightful for many reasons. Not just because it wraps this series up in a fantastic way. (I can always count on Gail Carriger to give us an ending I will delight in even when she scares me first) Something about the way her books and series wrap up is just perfect.”

Here I am wearing my Team Soap shirt and Bumbersnoot necklace.

Two of my favorite pieces of merch. This exact shirt is no longer available but you can get the sentiment in any other style or cut or color you like, for men and women.

I really hope you enjoyed this series! I like how tight it is with the four books. It was fun to write knowing what I was working with from the get go.

Always enjoy your thoughts on how everything turned out, you favorite parts, your favorite characters and ones you want to see more of!

Feel free to comment with any questions you have about these books.

Before you ask I’ve no intention, at the moment, of writing more Sophronia & Soap as main characters. I like finishing series, I’m a completest.

But they do turn up in my other stuff, occasionally even together on the page, sideways references and in the shadows. Of course. Because that is where they live.

Yours (decidedly) not in the shadows,

Miss Gail

  • Did you miss my latest release announcement? Want more sneak peeks, free goodies, gossip, behind the scenes info? This stuff goes to my Chirrup members, because I love them bestest. Sign up here.
  • Not into newsletters? Get only new releases by following Gail on Amazon or BookBub!

OUT NOW!

The Omega Objection San Andreas Shifters

Amazon | Kobo | B&N | iBooks
Direct from Gail

Can a gentle giant with a trampled heart
show a man who’s been running all his life that
sometimes there are monsters worth running towards?

UPCOMING SCRIBBLES

  • The 5th Gender (a Tinkered Stars sci-fi as G. L. Carriger).
  • Reticence, The 4th and final Custard Protocol book. August 6, 2019
  • Secret Project Ommm, October 2019 to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Soulless.
  • Need to know what Gail is writing right now? That’s in the Chirrup.

GAIL’S DAILY DOSE

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

There’s a Weird, Sexist Problem in Fantasy That We Need to Talk About

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

Book News:

Quote of the Day:

Questions about Gail’s Parasolverse? Wiki that sheez!

Waistcoats & Weaponry Special Extras (Finishing School)

Posted by Gail Carriger

 1 Comment

Waistcoats & Weaponry released in

November of 2014

Here are some fun blog posts and resources that tie to this book. I’m including research I did, plus chattering on the subject of designing the dress and bladed fan on the cover.

Blurb:

Sophronia, her best friend Dimity, sweet sootie Soap, and the charming Lord Felix Mersey hijack a suspiciously empty train to return their chum Sidheag to her werewolf pack in Scotland.

Waistcoats & Weaponry was a New York Times bestseller, long list nominee for the Teen Choice Book award (2014), nominated for a Locus award (2015), was one of Amazon’s “most anticipated” Fall Release in Science Fiction & Fantasy (2015), received a top honor on the YALSA Amazing Audiobooks List (2016), and won the Steampunk Chronicle’s Reader’s Choice Award (2015).

Writing Waistcoats & Weaponry

W&W was originally titled Deportment & Deceit, but my publisher decided they didn’t like that title. I’m not sure why. Possibly too long a first word? Wouldn’t type set nicely? Too hard for American audiences?

So we changed it. I very rarely fuss about such things.

Speaking of Titles

Every title in this series is made up of alliterative two words the first of which should call to mind something Victorian and mannerly (Etiquette, Curtsies, Deportment –> Waistcoats, Manners).

You can see how with that restriction, Waistcoats doesn’t quite fit (it’s an article of clothing but nothing really to do with polite society). However, it is apt to this book, as this is the one mostly centered on the boys. Or caused by boy issues.

The second word in the titles should be something spy or secretive (Espionage, Conspiracies, Deceit –> Weaponry, Mutiny).

Another fun cover tidbit, did you notice the model changed?

Yeah the second two books in the series have a different cover model.

I helped pick them both, actually. But the second one looks a bit more like I imagined Sophronia, although I genuinely like them both.

Few people seemed to notice or complain. In fact, I got more complaints about Donna changing during the course of the Parasol series, when, in fact that really is EXACTLY the same model on all five books.

Back to Waistcoats & Weaponry

I happen to be a particularly huge fan of this cover. Probably because I had the most influence over it. That’s MY FAN she’s holding, I asked for her hair to be up, for her dress be exactly as described in the book, and they listened!

Also I love love love the color. I’m a huge fan of greens and teals. So good.

You seem to agree with me as this is the most popular cover, by fan vote, in the FS series. Although I haven’t run this poll since the illustrated edition of Soulless, the most recent Custard Protocol books, or the novellas.

Perhaps we will do another cover vote sometime.

Things Pertaining to This Book

Here’s the sketch I did for Sophronia Masquerade dress that ends upon the cover of the book. I was very into Ombre at the time. You can take a Peek at Sophronia’s Dress Design Process over on Retro Rack.

Waistcoats & Weaponry partly came by its name because it is the book that deals with the boys and their histories, quandaries, and mistakes.

Or some boys.

Or the boy thread is key to the plot.

Because I get asked quite a bit, and they all never really appear in any of the books here the the list of Sophronia’s and her siblings:

Just a reminder there is merch for this series! Including this Team Soap shirt (which works on so many levels)… All the t-shirts in my merch shop can be changed in size, color, and shirt shape. So yes, you can get this of a man, or in blue, or as a hoodie, or…

Some more fashion for this book…

In Other News!

Recently I met a Picklewoman with a Bumbersnoot in Seattle…

I got very excited by the Bumbersnoot!

I do hope you enjoy Waistcoats & Weaponry! 

Yours in ombre,

Miss Gail

  • Want more sneak peeks, free goodies, gossip, behind the scenes info? This stuff goes to my Chirrup members, because I love them bestest. Sign up here.
  • Not into newsletters? Get only new releases by following Gail on Amazon or BookBub!

OUT NOW!

The Omega Objection San Andreas Shifters

Amazon | Kobo | B&N | iBooks
Direct from Gail

Can a gentle giant with a trampled heart
show a man who’s been running all his life that
sometimes there are monsters worth running towards?

UPCOMING SCRIBBLES

  • The 5th Gender (a Tinkered Stars sci-fi as G. L. Carriger).
  • Reticence, The 4th and final Custard Protocol book. August 6, 2019
  • Secret Project Ommm, October 2019 to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Soulless.
  • Need to know what Gail is writing right now? That’s in the Chirrup.

GAIL’S DAILY DOSE

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

Preshea & Monique in an 1850s fashion plate

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

Knowing Right and Wrong — Fun with Copyright

Book News:

Right now my store is having a 40% off t-shirts sale with Promo Code: ZFEBLOVEZAZZ You can customize the color, size, and style of any shirt in my shop. (Of course you can, whatcha take me for?)

Quote of the Day:

Questions about Gail’s Parasolverse? Wiki that sheez!

Curtsies & Conspiracies Special Extras (Finishing School)

Posted by Gail Carriger

 

Curtsies & Conspiracies released in

November of 2013

Here are some fun blog posts and resources that tie to this book. Research I did, chattering and amusement on the subject of brain farts and other issues.

A conspiracy is afoot – one with dire implications for both supernaturals and humans.

Curtsies & Conspiracies was a New York Times Bestseller and received a top honor on the YALSA Amazing Audiobooks List (2015). 

This book got the highest I have ever been in one of the main NYT lists (only the manga has gone higher) and that was in hard cover children’s at #5. It released the same year as Etiquette & Espionage.

“Carriger’s second steampunk adventures exceeds the first…the fun, again, is in watching ever-practical Sophronia sneak and scheme her way into sometimes dangerous, sometimes riotously funny, situations…. We repeat: This witty, light-hearted series is not to be missed.”

~ Booklist, starred review

Writing Curtsies & Conspiracies

I ended up having to do a brain map of all the conspiracies in this book.

This is not normally how I work.

Until I had Scrivener in my life I tended to work with 3×5 cards (see Waistcoats & Weaponry entry coming up).

As an aside the original order of the books was also going to be alphabetical by title, which meant this one would have been the first book.

  1. Curtsies & Conspiracies
  2. Deportment & Deceit
  3. Etiquette & Espionage
  4. Manners & Mutiny 

I wanted to do this so I could keep them straight in my head because I was having problems with The Parasol Protectorate. (Now I picture the cover of each PP book and so know the setting, and thus remember which book is which.)

However, when I pitched the series they decided right away they wanted Etiquette & Espionage to be the first book. Not sure why.

They also embossed the cover of E&E and C&C but not the other two in this series. $ concerns, I’m pretty sure.

Things Pertaining to This Book

Research and Other Fun Behind the Scenes Tidbits

It was this book that spawned the music video! I blog all about it including how it came into existence, my suspicions as to its effectiveness, behind the scenes photos of the models and actors, and THE LYRICS.

Chapter by Chapter says,

“Curtsies & Conspiracies was everything I expected it to be: Just like the novel that came before it but better. Way better.” 

I hope you enjoy this second installment in the Finishing School series. It was bear to write, that’s for certain, but it all came out good in the end.

Or did it?

Yours in infamy,

Miss Gail

  • Did you want more behind the scenes info? This stuff goes to my Chirrup members, because I love them bestest. Sign up here.
  • Not into newsletters? Get only new releases by following Gail on Amazon or BookBub!

OUT NOW!

The Omega Objection San Andreas Shifters

Amazon | Kobo | B&N | iBooks
Direct from Gail

Love Bytes says:

“The pages just flew by as I go deeper and deeper into the plot, and stopping was very much out of the question once things started to get going. These werewolves could have been very boring (I mean, what is this, the 800th werewolf book I’ve read?) but I loved Carriger’s various takes on the shifters and their culture. It was not exactly all new, but it was just different enough to make me always want to know just that little bit more about them. I think that readers who enjoyed this series so far and going to end up really liking this one, and if they are anything like me, they are going to be clamoring for the next book.”

UPCOMING SCRIBBLES

  • The 5th Gender (a Tinkered Stars sci-fi as G. L. Carriger). No links as yet…
  • Reticence, The 4th and final Custard Protocol book. August 6, 2019
  • Secret Project Ommm, October 2019 to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Soulless.
  • Need to know what Gail is writing right now? That’s in the Chirrup.

GAIL’S DAILY DOSE

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

Getting Dressed for a Dickensian Christmas (1853)

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

People Who Constantly Point Out Grammar Mistakes Are Pretty Much Jerks, Scientists Find

Book News:

Quote of the Day:

“Talent without discipline is like an octopus on roller skates. There’s plenty of movement, but you never know if it’s going to be forward, backwards, or sideways.”

~ H. Jackson Brown, Jr.

Questions about Gail’s Parasolverse? Wiki that sheez!

Etiquette & Espionage Special Extras (Finishing School)

Posted by Gail Carriger

 1 Comment

Etiquette & Espionage released in

February of 2013

Here are some fun blog posts and resources that tie to this book, Gentle Reader. Research I conducted plus chattering and amusement on the subject of this series and moving into the world of YA.

This story features Sophronia who is recruited to a finishing school for spies located in a dirigible. There, young ladies of quality are taught to finish everything – and everyone – as needed.

The Japanese Translation (NOT a manga).

Etiquette & Espionage came out in 2013 and was a New York Times and Locus bestseller, was nominated for the Sakura Medal (Japan – 2015) and a Goodreads Choice Award (2013), made YALSA’s Best Fiction for Young Adults list (2014), the ALA’s Notable Books for Children List (2014), top 10 YALSA’s Amazing Audiobooks for Young Adults List (2014), and won the Prix Elbakin Award (France- 2014).

Original advert

Writing Etiquette & Espionage

This is the first book I wrote intentionally for a Young Adult market. It is not, however, my first YA book. I have a number of others in my proverbial trunk, unpublished.

Here I talk about why I made the switch to YA, how I changed my writing style and approach, and other thoughts from the writer perspective.

Things Pertaining to This Book

Research & Other Fun Behind the Scenes Tidbits

Other Extras

Here’s a guide on what to do when you’re highjacked by flywaymen.

Read Along Questions!

  1. Who is your favorite character from these books?

  2. Who’s story arc do you enjoy the most?

  3. Who surprised you?

  4. What was the most shocking reveal from this first book?

  5. Any cross over characters surprises? Who were you shocked to see show up and who did you want to see but didn’t?

You can find a full series summation and discussion, plus Gail plays Would You Rather Finishing School style on the Fiction Hangover podcast. Prefer iTunes?

I hope you enjoyed this starter pack and if you are new to the Finishing School Series… WELCOME!

Yours in not-so-secret,

Miss Gail

Did you want more behind the scenes info? This stuff goes to my Chirrup members, because I love them bestest. Sign up here.

Here’s the read along schedule made pretty for the UK folks (reverse dates).

Not into newsletters? Get only new releases by following Gail on Amazon or BookBub!

OUT NOW!

The Omega Objection San Andreas Shifters

Amazon | Kobo | B&N | iBooks
Direct from Gail

Twirling Book Princess says:

“Eeeeeeeee! This was just too perfect, too sweet, to wonderful. Featuring Tank, a werewolf we have seen before in the earlier books, and a new guy, Isaac, also a werewolf (but not out of the werewolf closet as I would call it). These two will get together and melt your heart away with cute moments, sweet scenes. But that isn’t the only thing that you will see in this book.”

UPCOMING SCRIBBLES

  • The 5th Gender (a Tinkered Stars sci-fi as G. L. Carriger). No links as yet…
  • Reticence, The 4th and final Custard Protocol book. August 6, 2019
  • Secret Project Ommm, October 2019 to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Soulless.
  • Need to know what Gail is writing right now? That’s in the Chirrup.

GAIL’S DAILY DOSE

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

Tea Dueling at SWFL SteamCon

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

The Best Queer Books of 2018

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

The Susan: The Story of an Archetype, and Why We Need Her

Book News:

Gaslight Expo Gail Carriger GOH Announcement

Also…

Merch from this book!

My editor, Kate, got her nails done to match my book during release

Quote of the Day:

“It’s reminiscent of seaweed, old ashtrays, used bandaids, and a head-butt. . . . Y’know, subtle.”

~ Overheard in Borderlands Books, from their awesome occasional blog

Questions about Gail’s Parasolverse? Wiki that sheez!

The Curious Case Extras & Alessandro Tarabotti (Parasol Protectorate Special)

Posted by Gail Carriger

 

The Curious Case short story released in…

March of 2012, online

I don’t have many blog posts on this one. It’s just a short story featuring Alexia’s crafty father, Alessandro Tarabotti, in his assassin for the Templars days. It also showcases mummies, werewolves, and well-preserved felines and is the first hint I gave my readers that there were OTHER kinds of shape shifters.

(TO SAY NOTHING OF THE  MUMMY THAT WAS AND THE CAT IN THE JAR)

Alessandro Tarabotti and his valet, Floote, are on a mission in Egypt when they encounter visiting tourists and the situation turns to mummies. What is Alessandro’s real mission and will his Aunt Archangelica approve of his treatment of her cat?

If you have ever wondered about Alexia’s father, this will give you a glimpse into his adventures, character, and romantic interests.

This is the only installment of its kind, I had always planned to write more snippets of Alessandro’s life. Perhaps I still will.

Tumblr eatingfireflies fan art for Alessandro Tarabotti

Things Pertaining to This Story

This was not the story’s original cover. You can read all about my cover art experience the first time around in this blog post.

I switched away from drawn art because none of my other covers are like that and I wanted to stay on brand. Also I discovered Evan Butterfield‘s shoot of his model Vincent and fell in love. I actually own the rights to Vincent’s whole gallery, just in case I want to write more Alessandro I have the same cover model ready to go.

Spotted this shot in Paris

Sneaky Gail Is Sneaky

  • Is there a hint about Alessandro meeting Lyall in this story?
  • Who did Floote fight it Scotland, and might it account for his latter tendencies towards shooting a certain someone?
  • Remember the name Phinkerlington… it’s going to show up again, a long ways down the line.

Super special giveaway in this weekend’s Chirrup… (now CLOSED)

Only 10 of these miss-printed UK editions of Waistcoats & Weaponry exist in the world, and you will have the opportunity to win one of them.

Yours in spinal misspellings,

Miss Gail

  • Did you want more behind the scenes info? This stuff goes to my Chirrup members, because I love them bestest. Sign up here.
  • Not into newsletters? Get only new releases by following Gail on Amazon or BookBub!

Book De Jour!

The Omega Objection San Andreas Shifters

Your Vendor of Choice
Direct from Gail

Joyfully Jay says:

“Carriger manages to give these guys a lot of layers and depth, while still giving the story some lightness and fun.”

GAIL’S DAILY DOSE

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

My current favorite teacup.

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

Rare Footage of Octopus vs. Pufferfish Battle

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

Barnes & Noble On Its Way Out

Book News:

Wicked Wallflowers Club interviews Gail Carriger

Quote of the Day:

“Everything in the world is about sex except sex. Sex is about power.”

~ Oscar Wilde

Questions about Gail’s Parasolverse? Wiki that sheez!

© 2020 Gail Carriger | Disclaimer & Privacy Policy | Site built by Todd Jackson