Hello Gentle Reader, I’ve been thinking about high tea a lot lately. Which made me think of scones… What do I put on mine? Salted butter, lemon or passion fruit curd, and clotted cream. In that order. I know, right? But you can’t take Devon out of a girl who spent her childhood there. It’s […]
Feb132023
Etiquette & Espionage turns 10! Scones, Audiobooks, & Favorite Cafes, Oh My!
Jan162019
If Etiquette & Espionage Were Illustrated by Silvana Bevilacqua (Finishing School Special Extras)
Dearest Gentle Reader, I am truly blessed to have some amazing fan art out there. But it’s rare for a professional artist to get inspired by my work. You can check it out in this collection on Pinterest or on the Wikia. When professional artist Silvana contacted me about her drawings […]
Jan72019
Etiquette & Espionage Special Extras (Finishing School)
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 […]
Nov132017
The Etiquette of Proper Introductions in Victorian Times (Finishing School Special Extras)
There are all sorts of rules for introductions in Victorian society, Gentle Reader. Basically, the person whose name you say first is the more important person, to whom the other is being made known. The inferior is introduced to the superior. “Duke Hematol, may I introduce Dr. Caedes?” The duke outranks the doctor. However, this […]
Sep82014
Sophronia’s Moors in the Finishing School Series (Special Extras)
While I was in England I trotted down to Devon to visit my family and childhood stomping grounds but also to rove about Dartmoor. As you know, Gentle Reader, the Finishing School books partly take place in Dartmoor. (Or should I say: floating above it?) I thought you would like to see what the moor […]
Apr22014
Victorians, Werewolves, and Spies, Oh, My! (Finishing School Special Extras)
ConDor was great fun, an established convention in San Diego with reliable attendance and a writing/reading SF/F bent. I arrived Friday and hit the ground running with my first panel. I’m going to let you peek at my notes. I’m afraid I didn’t take them on other people’s comments, just my own thoughts. And, of […]
Jan272014
Flirtation or… Espionage? Gail Carriger Researches Victorian Spies for the Finishing School (Special Extras)
Been working hard on the final Finishing School book. Although Sophronia and her network of spy girlfriends have their own code for speaking back and forth, I thought it might be fun to see some of the original real deal techniques. Flirting with Gloves Mitts 1840s The Metropolitan Museum of Art Flirting Handkerchief Chemisette, […]
Jan142014
In Which Gail Carriger Visits a Shooting Range in the Interest of Finishing School Research (Special Extras)
Occasionally, Gentle Reader, I conduct on the ground research, or in some cases in the air. One of the things I have been meaning to do for a long time is visit a shooting range. I grew up around riffles (farming community) but never used one, and I have an ex who (after living through […]
Dec162013
Finishing School Character Study ~ Agatha (Special Extras)
Agatha is one of Sophronia’s friends. She shares are room with Sidheag and, at first, is a little overcome by Sidheag’s brashness and Sophronia’s boldness. But she is perceptive enough to realize when someone has a good heart. The other three begin look after her as if she were a kind of pet. Secretly, […]
Oct72013
Etiquette & Espionage in Review & More (Finishing School Special Extras)
Etiquette & Espionage will be available in trade paperback form tomorrow! Etiquette & Espionage has received: A starred review from Kirkus A starred review from Publisher’s Weekly A starred review from Booklist Here’s some fun bits and bobs to entertain you in the meantime… Literary Duck Blog says, “This adorable little book […]
May62013
In Which Gail Interviews Steven Harper
As you know, Gentle Reader, occasionally my bog is hijacked by . . . Other Authors! Today please welcome Steven Harper, author of steampunk The Clockwork Empire series. We shall serve him tea, even though he takes it without milk, and ask him silly questions. About Steven Harper, the Author! Tea or coffee and how […]
Mar72013
Finishing School Reviews Versus 1872 Godey’s Reviews (Special Extras)
My dearest Gentle Reader, I have been moving into and setting up my new office recently and it has gobbled up a great deal of my spare time. But, oh it is such fun! For the first time in my life I have a space I can decorate wholly to my own taste without impingement […]