Tagged Q&A

Reticence Release Q&A and More!

Posted by Gail Carriger

 1 Comment

My new book, Reticence, hits stores tomorrow, Gentle Reader.

Gail Carriger and Reticence

I hope you are excited to read Percy’s book and to visit more and very different parts of the world. You are in for a great deal of hijinks and silliness and a couple big reveals that I think will shock and delight about the world, the characters, and the Parasolverse past.

USA/Canada here is where you can buy this book:

Amazon print & digital & audiobook | Kobo | B & N | Apple | Audible | Other

In print you can ONLY get this book as a hard cover. The trade paperback version (with THIS cover) will be out Feb 4, 2020.

You can request this book from your local bookstore and library.

UK/overseas here is where you can buy this book:

UK Amazon digital & print | Kobo UK 

Amazon DE | FR | AU 

Kobo DE | FR | AU

Audible & audiobook currently somewhat(?) unavailable. See below.

You should be able to request this book from your local bookstore and library. Ask them to “order it from Ingram.”

Here are some of the most common questions I get when a new book launches!

Is this the last in the Custard Protocol series?

Yes.

Why?

Because it feels like a good ending point and for various other reasons which you’ll need to meet me in persona and buy me a drink to learn about.

Is this the last for these characters?

NEVER! When have I ever let a character just drop? I imagine various of the side characters will turn up again or in other forms around and about. You should recognize one foxy cross over already.

I like to say you can play a rousing game of spot that side character in most of my books.

Why Are There Two Covers?

Different territories are involved. 

Where is the Audiobook?

ARGH! So frustrating. 

How can I best support the author?

Here’s how I earn money and which gives me the most and why. Otherwise the greatest gift you can give me is a review.

What’s next?

The special edition omnibus Fan Service is out in October (sold out). You can expect the original short story about Alexia, Conall, and the hedgehog incident, Meat Cute, to get an audio and digital release eventually.

The next Delightfully Deadly books comes out in Spring 2020, more on the title, main character, and release date in an up-coming Chirrup.

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

After that, I’m not sure, hopefully I will have news for you soon.

Yours rather crazy with book launch stuffs,

Miss Gail 

OUT NOW!

Reticence: The forth and final Custard Protocol Book!

Reticence

USA & Canada: Amazon print & digital & audiobook | Kobo | B & N | Apple | Audible | Other

UK digital & print | Kobo UK | Apple UK coming soon I hope

Amazon Overseas DE | FR | AU 

Kobo Overseas DE | FR | AU

Bookish and proper Percival Tunstell finds himself out of his depth when floating cities, spirited plumbing, and soggy biscuits collide in this delightful conclusion to New York Times bestselling author Gail Carriger’s Custard Protocol series.

UPCOMING SCRIBBLES

GAIL’S DAILY DOSE

Your Moment of Parasol . . .

1880s Joseph Caraud (French artist, 1821-1905) The Red Parasol

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

Lilliput Gail Carriger's Cat and a Pink Cocktail

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

Tea Culture Around the World: What Americans Get Wrong About Tea

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

Authors Don’t Have Much Control Over Covers; Here’s Why

Book News:

Sophril Reads says of Prudence:

“I really enjoyed this first adventure for this crew. I was having a rough time with life in general and this book made me smile and laugh it was just what I needed.  This is definitely something that I will encourage you all to pick up…”

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!

A Very Personal Interview ~ Gail’s Out Front Pride (Q&A)

Bit of something different for you today, Gentle Reader.

I recently did an interview for Denver’s OutFront Magazine, the Comic Issue (print, not online) when I was in town for Denver’s Pop Culture Con.

I figure the super nosy amongst you might want a peek into this part of my life, and since it’s out and proud already (so to speak) here’s the bulk of my interview for your titillation and amusement…

I’ve added a few rabbit hole extra bits where necessary.

At Tattered Cover in Denver

Gail Carriger Interviewed for Out Front Denver

1. Can I get your preferred pronouns?

she/her

2. How did you get into comics, and how does that coincide with your coming out story?

I’ve always read comics. I’m a Marvel Girl through and through. The New Warriors were my team (yeah, I know, that dates me.)

I suppose it became a matter of learning that I didn’t just want to be them (I used to be a big cosplayer), sometimes I wanted to be with them too. I’ll take a Rogue Gambit sandwich, all the trimmings, thank you.

Gail Carriger’s Favorite Comic Book Heroines (Occasional FAQ)

3. What are some major themes you work into your stories, and how do you include queer themes?

I like to think of what I write as queer comfort food. I always have queer characters, although they aren’t always the main characters. Since I write primarily comedy in various genres, my stuff tends to be both silly and gentle – books that are hugs.

Lots of…

  • found family
  • heroine’s journeys
  • happy ever afters
  • honest (if snarky) communication

I know, I know, how wholesome. But also kinky and charming and lots of fun. Sometimes super sexy, too.

4. The new book looks awesome – how does it explore gender, and why did you feel it was important to write at this time?

There are tons of amazing writers doing fantastic work to push boundaries in queer spaces, many with justified anger and suffering. It’s powerful and necessary. But as a humor writer, I’m more inclined to be insidious. The great advantage of writing fluff, is people don’t take you seriously, and then you can wiggle your way into changing their minds *despite* themselves.

At its heart, The 5th Gender is a light romantic cozy mystery, it just happens to feature the cutest snarkiest alien ever, who also happens to be a member of a species with 5 genders.

I can hope that this book encourages readers into thinking about how they define gender to themselves, and why a black and white perspective is damaging, not to mention the danger in associating gender with biological sexual characteristics and codified social norms. Perhaps they will even chat about such things with others.

I could go into my academic thoughts on the implicit culture-wide risks of any biologically deterministic approach to dictating human behavior, but mostly I want people to read my book, smile, be happy, and think about their role in ensuring the happiness of others.

Researching Gender Fluidity & Representing it in Fiction – The 5th Gender by Gail Carriger (Custard Protocol, San Andreas Shifters & Tinkered Stars Behind the Magic)

5. Is there anything else in particular you’d like to promote?

I’ve mad love for the SFLBGT Center in San Francisco. If you’re in town, pay them a visit, or encourage local friends to support them and their events. They do amazing work in queer advocacy, safety, and job placement.

Further Fiction Reading: Gender Fluidity & Varied Sexual Identities (The 5th Gender – Special Extras)

6. Where would you like to see queer sci-fi in the future? How can we make it more inclusive?

  • I want more joy.
  • More models of what it can be, and could be, and should be.
  • More funny. Always more funny.
  • More queer characters finding love and happiness and forever homes and family.
  • I believe that fiction can lay a foundation of hope, and that that is a form of fighting back, and I want to read more of that.

Similar to The 5th Gender, Gail Suggests More Queer SciFi (Miss Carriger Recommends)

7. How can science fiction make an impact on today’s society and help queer folks?

I’d like to see more mentor programs and queer support in the SFF convention community. WorldCon in San Jose last year had a queer advocacy program: members donated passes, authors donated mentoring, and new or financially strapped queer lovelies who could not afford to attend suddenly could *and* they were matched with an advocate already within the ecosystem.

I’d love to support and see more of that kind of thing.

It’s a form of “we are here, we are queer” that can hopefully take advantage of the old systems and gateways that were closed in the past, and really need to be shaken up and knocked down. It would be healthy and exciting for everyone, if this kind of sponsorship and advocacy took root in established writer’s tracks, from Dragon Con to Comic Cons to anywhere in between.

At WorldCon last year

8. Is there anything else you’d like to add?

My friend Dan always ends by saying, “Be good to yourself.” And I think that’s something the queer community often needs to hear.

So please, be good to yourself.

End of interview.

Further reading?

What If Gail Wrote A Comic Book Tie-In? (Occasional FAQ)

Quotes from my  books relating to this interview…

Primrose in Competence thinking about coming out and loving another woman openly, also emphasizing support of found family and the queer community:

Tank on bi-erasure, in The Omega Objection:

And that’s all for today, Gentle Reader,

Be good to yourself,

Hugs,

Miss Gail

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

Amazon | Elsewhere | Direct from Gail
Audio is coming. 

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.

Boy Meets Boy says:

“This was smart and complex, contemplating human and alien nature as Carriger creates a fascinating species with their own complicated problems and foibles. Such contrasting dynamics always bring an interesting perspective in seeing ourselves from another point of view and to be more accepting and opening minded about others’ choices and beliefs.”

UPCOMING SCRIBBLES

  • Reticence, The 4th and final Custard Protocol book. Aug 6, 2019
  • Fan Service Omnibus (SOLD OUT), Oct 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 . . .

The Queen June 5, 1880

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

Tea tastes good even without sugar: Study Shows (duh)

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

“Writing is 1 percent inspiration, and 99 percent elimination.”

~ Louise Brooks

Book News:

In honor of Tris, self in lavender.

Quote of the Day:

“Stop using exclamation marks, bring back italics,” says Lord Akeldama
Tris nods (and hair fluffs) in agreement, “Enthusiasm should be wiggly.”

~ Self on Twitter

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!

Miss Gail Reads from The 5th Gender + Q&A & Praise (Video Behind the Magic)

Dear gentle Reader, awesome video for you today. Something I rarely do, a reading of The 5th Gender!

I almost never do readings, so this is a special treat!

In this video you’ll learn…

Why I don’t normally do readings and how I was persuaded to this one. (Blame the Group!)

What’s the greatest invention of the modern age.

What my really bad British accent sounds like.

Why writing multi genres in one book is an advantage.

Why I wear gloves to events.

On The 5th Gender Specifically

  • What inspired me to write this book and what scene came into my head first (my epiphany moment)?
  • How my writing process was different with this book.Where the emotive tentacle hair idea comes from.
  • How I came up with the idea of multiple genders. How I keep 5 distinct in my head.
  • What it’s like to vomit out a book and why it’s not always a good thing.
  • How I approached the mystery element. Sci fi? Which did I like writing more?
  • Using delicacy readers.
  • Cover model? Hair? Talk to Starla!
  • More in this universe? (The Tinkered Stars)

On Writing In General

My feelings on the different kinds of mysteries, from a writer perspective. I name some of the cozies I watched as a kid with my Popster. (The two names I forgot were: Johnathan Creek & Hetty Wainthropp Investigates)

How hard cover versions of books are challenging.

Will there be more Biffy/Lyall? Claw & Courtship.
Sophronia/Soap? Upcoming releases.

What is it about writing retreats that works so well for me? (Big confession.)

Easiest character voices for me to fall into?

How many novels do I work on at once?
What am I writing right now.
What’s coming up next? Always keep an eye on the Chirrup.

You Shall Not Write

LINKS to Stuff Mentioned

I have a complicated relationship to purple. Necklace & earrings from Etsy vendor Hibernacula

Grey lilac fascinator

Eye makeup!

  • Vamp Stamp
  • Liquid pen liner
  • White liner on bottom lash line.
  • White eye shadow, best with my kind of glasses and eye shape.

Dress from eShakti (no longer available).

Gail’s Podcast 

Yours in lavender love,

Miss Gail

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

Amazon | Elsewhere | Direct from Gail
Audio is coming. 

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.

Den of Geek says:

“While some of these dynamics may play a little more comfortably for readers familiar with category romance novels (the sex scenes here are certainly as graphic and creative as category romances strive to be), the world-building has the depth that science fiction readers crave, and the cozy mystery plot, though frequently interrupted by the other two aspects, hangs together well, hitting all the right emotional points.”

Tiny Navajo Reads says:

“This was such a sweet book! I loved it and I loved how much a culture of a society can affect how they treat those that are of greatest importance.”

Rally the Readers says:

“The 5th Gender delivers in so many ways: it’s sweet, it’s romantic, it’s funny, and most importantly, it tells a very impactful and very timely story.”

Hugh Likes Fiction says:

“…the story is charming and sexy, with delightful characters you’ll want to see more of when you get to the back cover.”

BookRiot says:

“This is a fun, funny, sexy book, and I’m so happy it exists. It hits you in the feels, makes you laugh and cry, and makes you think about matters of family, kin, and the heart.”

Every Book a Doorway says:

“I think Carriger did an excellent job of creating – and conveying – zyga as an identity; the eponymous 5th gender of the title. It’s incredibly important to Tris, the story, and his culture, and I found it deeply moving. It’s a really beautiful concept/identity, one that hearkens to the roles queer people have held in many different cultures, and especially the minor revelation of the last few pages just took my breath away.”

The Lit Bitch says:

“Carriger does such a fantastic job with her world building and this book is no exception. The world is richly described and interesting, but it’s the mystery/plot that really push this one forward.”

UPCOMING SCRIBBLES

  • Reticence, The 4th and final Custard Protocol book. Aug 6, 2019
  • Fan Service Omnibus (SOLD OUT), Oct 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 . . .

La Mode Illustree September 3, 1870

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

Sporting a boater hat, talked about on Retro Rack

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

Teahouse at Koishikawa the morning after a snowfallPrint shows men and women at a teahouse looking at Mount Fuji.Katsushika, Hokusai, 1760-1849, artist

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

Why, Exactly, Do We Have Subtitles on Books?

Book News:

Beyond Romance says:

“Soulless is the rollicking first volume of Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate series. Set in an alternative Victorian period in which vampires and werewolves have been integrated into British society, the book seamlessly melds steam punk, fantasy, humor and romance.”

Quote of the Day:

“Someone had an Emotional Support chicken on the bus today.”

~ Borderlands Books’ hilarious “Overheard in the store” April News

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!

Failed Goals, New Surprises & Gail’s First Fan (Video Q&A with Gail Carriger)

Posted by Gail Carriger

 

Have another fun video for you today, Gentle reader. I actually managed to use the technology right for a change.

In This Video

Gail talks about her local RWA Chapter, the San Francisco RWA. And a category romance panel she just went to including gay romance author Amy Lane.

Gail talks about the goals she set for herself this time last year, and whether she did what she set out to do as an author.

She explains her lack of a British accent.

More hints about who shows up in Reticence, plus The 5th Gender, plus super secret project Ooooom in honor of Soulless’s 10th birthday. It is from the same publisher that brought the Soulless LTD green hardcover with the cameo on the cover, and it will match that book.

Gail tells a sad/happy story of meeting her very first fan, the amazing Carey of Borderlands Books in San Francisco.

Gail ends on a funny story about typhoid.

Important Details & Questions Answered

Gail’s lipstick is: Maybelline Superstay Matte Ink in Pioneer #20

The Jacket is a 1940s style revival velvet from It’s A Wrap in LA. The turban is here, with a vintage broach pinned to it.

Hints about a possible upcoming YA series, balancing YA and steamy adult books, some chatter about Crudrat.

Gail’s policy of Fan Fiction.

Gail’s Heroine’s Journey Course and what it’s about.

Drop Gail a Calling Card?

Play/movie/anime adaptations? Any 2019 book tours? Parasolverse books set further back in time?

Places Gail ate and loved in Seattle: Sushi Kashiba (sushi domination AKA omakase), Place Pigalle (French), Flintcreek Cattle Co (game). Thanks to Piper J Drake for the assist. We will chat about the on 20 Minute Delay. 

Links of Interest

The 3 books Gail released last year:

The 3 books Gail will release this year:

Other People’s Books

Gail’s up-coming events possibly Dublin WorldCon.

Thank you for watching my darling!

Miss Gail

  • Did you 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 Le Follet Date April, 1867 v. 46, 39

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

10 Things You Need to Know About the Ancient Library of Alexandria

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

Comping White

Book News:

7 Authors to Follow on Goodreads for Diverse Romance Recs

Quote of the Day:

“My toast was ‘To 2019 – may it be a great year for schadenfreude!'”

~ Borderlands Overheard in the Store

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!

Photo of all Competence trade signed at Borderlands. Used SIGNED button on Competence’s page to order one.

“Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic.”

~ Arthur C. Clarke

Gail Reveals Secrets About Cover Art, Book Titles, & The Omega Objection (Video Q&A)

Posted by Gail Carriger

 2 Comments

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 do I come up with book titles, series titles, and more.
  • How are the narrators chosen for my audiobooks? Which one do I recommend to reluctant listeners?
  • Why do books cost so much in certain parts of the world?
  • What is my Meyers Briggs?
  • My biggest markets outside the USA.
  • Any short stories? Is this a trend? How do I feel about them?
  • My favorite of my characters.
  • What kind of British accent do I like best?
  • Hints about Reticence.
  • The 5th Gender by G. L. Carriger with be the next release in the spring.

Percy & Footnote Fanart by Desiree Schwartz

LINKS OF INTEREST

Models in Dark Garden & Even Butterfield Photographer used for cover art.

My cover art designer, Starla.

Want more on how I think about covers?

Why Designers Love The Ampersand

Order signed editions of any of my books using the signed button on that book’s page on my website.

Tips for getting over writer’s block.

Linked information and sneaks peeks in the Chirrup.

Dress in the video

GAIL’S OUTFIT

Eye makeup done using the amazing Vamp Stamp.

Retro Rack: Gail’s Makeup Routine

Turquoise dress from eShakti, necklace from Gail’s grandma.

Want more of me blogging about cover art? Here is this blog post where I get very snippy about it and it’s purpose in life.

Cover Art & Its Purpose in Life (Important for Writers)

Hope you enjoyed the video!

Yours,

Miss Gail

OUT NOW!

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 under the G. L. Carriger pen name). No links as yet, wait for it…
  • Reticence, The 4th and final Custard Protocol book. Summer 2019
  • Secret Project Ommm, coming October 2019 to celebrate the 10th Anniversary of Soulless.
  • Need to know more about what Gail is writing right now? That’s in the Chirrup.

GAIL’S DAILY DOSE

Your Moment of Parasol . . .

Mourning Ensemble 1880s The Mint Museum

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

A Parisian Dog Arrested for Theft

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

Paddington’s Marmalade

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

“At the end of all this being-determined-to-be-a-jack-of-all-trades, I think I’m better off just sitting down and putting a hundred thousand words in a cunning order.”

~ Douglas Adams

Book News:

23 Of The Best Fantasy Book Series for Adults (guess which made the list?)

Quote of the Day:

Questions about Gail’s Parasolverse? Wiki that sheez!

When the Book Surprises the Author, How Gail Decides What To Write Next & Sneaky Hints on Future Projects (Video Q&A)

Posted by Gail Carriger

 1 Comment

My darlings a new chatty video for you. I got silly and excited about the Soulless Illustrated HC, new nonfiction book Girl Squads, and seeing a performance of queer Oklahoma!

Questions Answered

Will there be more illustrated editions of the Parasol Protectorate Series? How does Gail feel about the style of the illustrations? How does she feel about how the artist interprets her characters?

What hashtag should we use when showing off our Soulless illustrations colored in? #colorsolverse

Who has the rights to Gail’s series?

What surprised Gail when writing The Omega Objection (the next San Andreas Shifter book)? Where is the pre-order? (It’s COMING SOON.) Hints about cover art.

Why Gail is so discombobulated?

Will there be a movie/film? Will there be a Finishing School manga?

More Sophronia? More Alexia? More Lord A? (Plus some insight into his sex life.)

Will we get an American story line in the Parasolverse?

Would Gail ever write fantasy with a full-on magical system?

Why does Gail decide to write a book and how does she choose a main character? What’s her favorite weather for writing? Time of day?

Mentioned in this Video

Soulless Illustrated edition, direct link to buy on Amazon. Get it personalized by ordering it from Borderlands, use the “signed” button off Gail’s website. The Soulless Manga series. Casting Soulless the TV series (or movie). (Casting the Custard Protocol series here.) How did Soulless get its cover.

Soulless Illustrated Edition Launch Party at Borderlands! September 23, 3pm.

Girl Squads: 20 Female Friendships That Changed History.

Queer gender bending fabulous production of Oklahoma! in Ashland.

Crazy Rich Asians & To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before Gail watched them and loved the both.

Characters & Up Coming Projects

The next San Andreas Shifter book, The Omega Objection. Cover art reveal to come in the next Chirrup.

Some sneaky insights and quasi spoilers for what side characters are making appearances in Reticence. Also who is appearing in up-coming novellas. Who would give Biffy away?

Where is Biffy from? Take a look at his wikia entry for all hints.

The greater function of Lord Akeldama.

Gail’s favorite scene in the Parasol Protectorate.

Some of Ivy’s silly hats and outfits Ace by Artimis Fan Artist

What’s Gail Wearing & Where’s Gail Going?

Gail will be at TeslaCon and also DemiCon next May.

Gail is drinking a Thai Tea out of an antique teacup.

Gail’s YouTube tour of office & tour of teacup collection.

Gail’s turban is Raylans Womens Bowknot Turban Headwear Puggaree. Her lipstick is Maybelline Super Stay Lipcolor, Flame #725. These and other fashion tips from Gail in Retro Rack.

Hope you enjoyed it and hope you can join me live next time!

Yours in discombobulations,

Miss Gail

OUT NOW!

Amazon | B&N  

All books in the first print run of 10,000 are SIGNED.
If you want it dedicated or are paranoid about ensuring it’s signed,
you can order it via Borderlands Books using the SIGNED button on my website.

NOT USA?

Borderlands Books will ship to you.
Order from them using the SIGNED button on my website.

This special edition of Soulless includes 10 stunning full page illustrations in Edward Gorey style by the talented Jensine Eckwall.

UPCOMING SCRIBBLES

GAIL’S DAILY DOSE

Your Moment of Parasol . . .

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

Steampunks Abound at Worldcon: The huge sci-fi event featured panels, dealers, readings, parties and, of course, the Hugo Awards

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

Romance Tropes

Book News:

Quote of the Day:

Questions about Gail’s Parasolverse? Wiki that sheez!

Soulless Illustrated Hardback, Peek Beneath the Cover? Your questions answered. (The Parasol Protectorate Q&A & Behind the Magic)

Posted by Gail Carriger

 

My darling Gentle Reader,

Here’s some behind the scenes deliciousness, pertaining to Soulless Illustrated Hardcover!

This special edition of Soulless includes 10 stunning full page illustrations in Edward Gorey style by the talented Jensine Eckwall.

Out Tomorrow! September 18, 2018

Here’s some close up images of what this edition looks like…

Casewrap

What kind of hardcover is it?

This edition is a board printed hard cover, better known as a casewrap. Which means it has no dust jacket, the cover art is printed directly on the book, in the style of children’s picture books.

Here’s the inside of the front cover…

And here is what the inside of the back cover looks like with the bios. I can’t believe how cute it is!

If you’d like a sample of what the internal images look like here is the one from Chapter One. They exist on their own page, so you could color them in if you like and not worry about bleed through. (Or with very little. Be careful, not stupid.)

All of the first print run of 10,000 books are signed by me. I signed their tipped-ins. Which is to say they sent me the leaves to sign before the went to press. But I did sign them all. This means that if you order now, or as soon as possible it should be signed. However, if you wait then there is a chance that there will be a second print run, and those will not be signed.

If you are scared and really want a signed edition, or you need to wait for any reason, or you’d like it personalized or dedicated then you should order from Borderlands Books using the SIGNED button on my website.

If you comment/email/post questions about…

Will Book Depository will have it signed? Will Auntie Petunia’s local teashop will have it signed? How do I get it down the Rhine and smuggled to Uncle Berry at the monastery? Or anything else, you know what I am going to say, right?

  1. Orbit is telling me the ones available online are signed.
  2. I have signed 10,000 copies. I know this. So do my hands.
  3. However, we have been on this joy ride before with Waistcoats and Imprudence.
  4. So I refuse to make promises based on online vendors or my publishing house’s distribution technique ever again.
  5. The only way I personally promise this book will be signed is if you order it from Borderlands via my website. Period. 

If you want to see it live, here is a video showing further details.

Want more?

There’s a fabulous process post on making the visuals for Soulless’s illustrated edition from ⁦‪Orbit’s Art Director‬⁩ and the illustrator, Jensine Eckwall, up on Muddy Colors.

Yours as ever,

Miss Gail

OUT IN SEPTEMBER!

Amazon | B&N  

All books in the first print run of 10,000 are SIGNED.
If you want it dedicated or are paranoid about ensuring it’s signed,
you can order it via Borderlands Books using the SIGNED button on my website.

NOT USA?

Borderlands Books will ship to you.
Order from them using the SIGNED button on my website.

This special edition of Soulless includes 10 stunning full page illustrations in Edward Gorey style by the talented Jensine Eckwall.

GAIL’S DAILY DOSE

Your Moment of Parasol . . .

Victoria & Erin from the photo contest I ran in 2012

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

The Early History of Japanese Tea podcast

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

Book News:

Quote of the Day:

Questions about Gail’s Parasolverse? Wiki that sheez!

Writing Characters, Future Plans & Gossip (Video Q&A)

Posted by Gail Carriger

 

Hello Gentle Reader,

The video is a little off center because frankly, so is my life right now, but here you go lots of fun and insider info…

Things Gail Discusses

Questions Answered

  • How to develop characters from 2D to 3D? What’s the nicest thing you can do for an author?
  • How, exactly does Gail write?
  • What was the easiest book for Gail to write?
  • Characters Gail misses writing.
  • Why choose werewolves over vampires?
  • Who or what inspired Tasherit Sekhmet?
  • The Phinkerlington connection? Explore the Parasolverse Wikia.

Other exciting stuff!

  • Gail drops some super fun hints about future projects.
  • Gail’s talk about her style inspiration. (See all that on Retro Rack and Pinterest.)
  • How she really feels about award shows.
  • Her current TV addiction. Hint, it’s bad, really bad, but OH SO GOOD.
  • Gail’s various connections with fellow steampunk mavin Shelley Adina

  • Did you miss this Facebook Live? Event announcements go to Chirrup members first, because I love them best. Sign up here. Also members of the Chirrup will have the option of entering to win this parasol on Sunday. You need to join before it goes out. This charming lace sunshade is one of a kind… because I decorated it with the blue ribbon myself. There will also be more gossip about WorldCon, and a super exciting secret about an upcoming project.

OUT NOW!

Amazon (hardcover) (audio) | B&N (hardcover) | Book Depository (hardcover)

 Kobo | iBooks | Audible

SIGNED edition, use the SIGNED button

NOT USA?

 Amazon.uk (paperback)| Book Depository (paperback) | Kobo

Direct from Gail for Kindle .mobi | non-Amazon digital readers .epub

 Competence by Gail Carriger is the third in the Custard Protocol series featuring Primrose, Rue, and all their crazy friends..

Accidentally abandoned!

All alone in Singapore, proper Miss Primrose Tunstell must steal helium to save her airship, the Spotted Custard, in a scheme involving a lovesick werecat and a fake fish tail.

UPCOMING SCRIBBLES

GAIL’S DAILY DOSE

Your Moment of Parasol . . .

1920 via fawnvelveteen tumblr

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

A cup of tea anyone, made the 18th century way?

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

11 of the Most Hilarious Bookstore Signs We Could Find

Book News:

Beautiful cosplay readers at the Tattered Cover event in Denver

Quote of the Day:

Questions about Gail’s Parasolverse? Wiki that sheez!

10 Things I’m Embarrassed to Tell You from Gail Carriger

Posted by Gail Carriger

 

I was listening to a Podcast recently, Gentle Reader, and it inspired me!

So without further ado here’s some rather humiliating stuff for you nosy parkers out there…

1. Coffee Is Not That Bad

Okay, yes, I do drink coffee (as well a tea). And I’m just as snobbish about it as tea. My drink is a latte (I like whole milk) Italian roast ONLY. French need not apply. I devoutly believe if you need to put sugar in your coffee, it means you’ve never had good coffee.

2. My Uncanny Valley Runs Deep

I’m wigged-out by dolls, puppets, clowns, and monkeys. They all hit my uncanny valley and make my skin shiver.

3. Not Hangry But…

Being hungry doesn’t make me angry. Instead it makes me weepy. So if I burst into tears, offer me a Snickers.

4. War Paint

I schedule my Facebook Lives for days when I know I’m already wearing full makeup because I hate putting it on but I won’t appear in public without it. I am just that self conscious.


5. Dehydration Operation

I forget to drink water so I’m almost always dehydrated.

6. Typo Retcon

I’m humiliated by typos. Even with multiple beta readers and 2-3 expensive professionals, typos still sneak through and I hate it. But it’s even more expensive to fix in time and money after publication. So I have a logged record of them (reported to me) and hope to someday afford to reformat my books.

7. Financial Phobias

I have a weird relationship with money and surety. I grew up pretty poor, (in the uninsured category, as opposed to no roof and going hungry). I was happy and never wanting, but without any kind of fiscal safety net. I feel compelled, as a result, to be the safety net for myself and others.

8. Sweating the Small Stuff

I genuinely hate exercising. I don’t like to sweat, and I don’t get the endorphin rush, and it feels like a waste of time. I prefer social exercising, like hikes with friends, because I can chat at the same time, but still don’t like it.

9. The Winnah

I want to be good at things right away, and I’m competitive, so if I can’t dominate a new skill immediately I’m more likely to just give up. I do have a stubborn streak, so I will stick with it if I think I can get good at it, but I certainly have stopped trying when I don’t think I can do it (usually well before I should have stopped).

10. Orders

I’m bossy. Only child control freak syndrome. I’m also impatient, so I will step forward and make a decision for a group, even if it turns out to be the wrong one. I’d rather make a mistake than dawdle.

So there it is, some embarrassing things about me. I can’t believe I did it.

Ugh.

Yours as always,

Miss G

P.S. I Have a LIVE tomorrow. Come say hi.

  • Want more embarrassing admissions and crazy talk? This kind of stuff goes to my Chirrup members, because I trust them. Sign up here.
  • Not into newsletters? Get only new releases by following Gail on Amazon or BookBub!
  • Coop de Book for August is A Duke by Default by Alyssa Cole. This couple reminds me of a contemporary Conall & Alexia. (Discussion here.) 

OUT NOW! Competence!

Amazon (hardcover) (audio) | B&N (hardcover) | Book Depository (hardcover)

 Kobo | iBooks | Audible

SIGNED edition, use the SIGNED button

NOT USA?

 Amazon.uk (paperback)| Book Depository (paperback) | Kobo

Direct from Gail for Kindle .mobi | non-Amazon digital readers .epub

 Competence by Gail Carriger is the third in the Custard Protocol series featuring Primrose, Rue, and all their crazy friends..

Accidentally abandoned!

All alone in Singapore, proper Miss Primrose Tunstell must steal helium to save her airship, the Spotted Custard, in a scheme involving a lovesick werecat and a fake fish tail.

Rally the Readers says:

“I can’t rave enough about how brilliantly the characters in this series have grown. They’re the backbone of the books, and Competence was another delightful escapade with this lovable bunch.”

UPCOMING SCRIBBLES

GAIL’S DAILY DOSE

Your Moment of Parasol . . .

1920 Henri Matisse (French artist, 1869-1954) Conversation under the Olive Trees.

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

Hamming it up at the Harlequin Party with agents Kristin Nelson and Kelli Martin

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

The History of Manners (History Extra Podcast)

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

How a Microsoft font brought down Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif

Book News:

10 sci-fi and fantasy romance recommendations to make your July sizzle – Competence is on this list

Quote of the Day:

Questions about Gail’s Parasolverse? Wiki that sheez!

Tea Dueling, Books That Make Me Cry & The Next Novella (Gail Carriger Video)

Posted by Gail Carriger

 4 Comments

Hello my darling Gentle Reader, here’s my latest video Q&A for your amusement!

Links to Fun Stuff Mentioned in the Video

Competence UK & Competence USA

Why are there 2 different covers?

(Gail also addresses whether Reticence will also have 2 covers.)

How to Marry a Werewolf Audiobook is now available! Audible & Amazon Audio & iTunes!

Chirrup!

Full list of all Gail’s books.

Want my stuff signed: Borderlands Books is waiting!

Next San Andreas Shifter Book, hints are given!

Main Gail Carriger Fan Group on Facebook

Parasolverse Spoiler Squees! group on Facebook 

Devon Cream Tea: Scone and then cream or jam?

FAQs Answered in the Video

Will Gail be near me? See the rest of Gail’s 2018 Events!

(Also the Dublin WorldCon 2019)

Where are the rest of the manga?

What kind of things Gail looks for in a book she’s reading.

Book club discussion on Goodreads. 

Books reviewed by Gail on Goodreads

Books reviewed by Gail on BookBub 

 

More FAQ 

More Resources

Craft & Writing & Specific Questions in this Video

How long does it take Gail to write a book and how many revisions for each book? More on the craft or writing under this tag.

Writing Quickly & Keeping the Passion for Writing. Has Gail’s pace changed over time?

Balance and that time Gail nearly burned out: Analytical Versus Creative or Why Gail’s Life Went Bang 

Amazon recommends books like Gail’s. How do they decide? Does Gail have control? More on this subject in this blog post on Also-Boughts:

Character Questions Answered

Who will the next novella feature?

Will there be more North Americans?

Why she steers clear of Alessandro.

Will we see more of the Wicker Chicken?

Other Stuff

Why Gail loves her fans so very much and how important the fan group is to her psyche as a writer.

WisCon in Madison

Teapot Racing

Tea Dueling!

The Tea Master and the Detective by Aliette de Bodard 

End of the pink lipstick quest.

Retro Rack Group

Gail on Pinterst!

Book Gail just finished and really loved? Truth in the Dark by Amy Lane (Goodreads review here) Minor Trigger warning for off screen rape.

Books that made Gail sob cry, in a good way. And what she’s writing that made readers cry.

And that’s it for this one! I do hope you enjoy it!

Yours etc!

Miss Gail

OUT NOW!

Amazon (print) | Kobo | B&N (print) | iBooks 

Direct from Gail (Optional Signed Edition) 

How to Marry a Werewolf (In 10 Easy Steps) ~ A Claw & Courtship Novella by Gail Carriger features a certain white wolf we all love to hate (except those of us weirdos who love to love him).

Guilty of an indiscretion? Time to marry a werewolf.

Rejected by her family, Faith crosses the Atlantic, looking for a marriage of convenience and revenge. But things are done differently in London. Werewolves are civilized. At least they pretend to be.

GAIL’S DAILY DOSE

Your Moment of Parasol . . .

1911-1914 Longchamp, France via antique-royals tumblr

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

Phoenix Comic Fest: The View From the Center Hallway

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

20 Minute Delay Hotel Hack, using an ironing board as additional counter space

I’m talking convention tips and travel hacks over on Beyond the Trope.

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

How to Cheat the Kindle Store (and Get Away With it!)

Book News:

LeFoux on this list! Bookish BAE: Literary Loves, Dream Dates, and Space Partners

Quote of the Day:

 

Questions about Gail’s Parasolverse? Wiki that sheez!

Gail Carriger Talks How to Marry a Werewolf: Secrets Revealed (Video Q&A)

Posted by Gail Carriger

 

Have a love Q&A video for you today, Gentle Reader, and some companion fun links.

Here’s my latest live video Q&A in which we mostly attempt to stick to How to Marry a Werewolf but deviate, because that’s what we do.

Deviants.

The lot of us.

SECRETS REVEALED

  • Why Faith is a geologist.
  • Writing an American character at last!
  • Confessions about Reticence.
  • Struggles with vampires. (Edict Keepers & Howlers too.)
  • Covert links between Lyall, Lord Akeldama, and cloning.

QUESTIONS ANSWERED

  • Will there be more Americans?
  • Fleshing out the London pack?
  • How to track the Parasolverse timeline?
  • What’s it like to write Channing?
  • Why the fashion obsession?
  • More hardcovers?

SHOW NOTES

Places where Gail talks fashion:

Shout out to the A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences

Gail talks about cannibalizing her Timelines of History book. It’s actually called the Timetables of History.

Timeline on the wikia

Illustrated edition of Soulless is coming!

Ask questions Gail can’t (or won’t) answer, over on the Parasol Protectorate Group

Behind HTMAW? To Marry and English Lord

Gail refers to sensitivity reading as delicacy reading – because she’s ridiculous.

OUT NOW!

Amazon (print) | Kobo | B&N (print) | iBooks 

Direct from Gail (Optional Signed Edition) 

How to Marry a Werewolf (In 10 Easy Steps) ~ A Claw & Courtship Novella by Gail Carriger features a certain white wolf we all love to hate (except those of us weirdos who love to love him).

Guilty of an indiscretion? Time to marry a werewolf.

Rejected by her family, Faith crosses the Atlantic, looking for a marriage of convenience and revenge. But things are done differently in London. Werewolves are civilized. At least they pretend to be.

GAIL’S DAILY DOSE

Your Moment of Parasol . . .

Frederick Frieseke (American artist, 1874-1939) Foxgloves

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

A Meeting of the Bro Council on the Topic of Novellas

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

Here’s Why Amazon Can’t Fix Review Spam

Book News:

Quote of the Day:

“Canadian flirting is like Canadian hockey, you can watch for half an hour and nobody sores.”

~ Taum on retreat

Questions about Gail’s Parasolverse? Wiki that sheez!

Teacups, Side Characters & Scammers Plus Glorious Links & Behind the Scenes of Competence (Video Q&A with Gail Carriger)

Posted by Gail Carriger

 2 Comments

Hello Gentle Watcher,

here is my latest Facebook Live!

In this Live:

Gail tells a story about teacups and shows off her new acquisitions. Gail is drinking Twinings 1706 strong tea with milk out of her new teacup.

The Questions!

New book?

Gail answers the following questions about How to Marry a Werewolf:

Why write about Channing? The answer to that in this blog post!

Gail didn’t get to answer a question about whether there was explicit sex or not in this book. Answer:

Sex style is about on the level with Soulless.

Gail also never got to a question about writing an American for a change.

It was challenging! She had to have a couple editors help her to make certain Faith sounded American. (Although at the time Boston high society tried to be as British as possible, so Faith probably wouldn’t have sounded all that different.)

Specific Characters?

Why LBGTQ Characters: Gail answers in the video but here’s further reading:

Floote: How did his character develop? Did Gail know what would happen with him from the start?

Aggie: Timeline, how does she fit in with Lefoux, more about her as a person?

Dimity: Where did she come from?

 

Pillover & Felix: Will they reappear?

Lord Maccon: Where did he come from?

Sophronia & Soap: More?

Business of Writing?

Focusing on Indie: What does the future of publishing look like to Gail?

Difference between writing adult and YA for traditional publishers and why Gail chooses one over another.

Print editions and scammers and why it’s such a hassle.

Some advice for aspiring authors. More resources with tips here.

THREE NOVELLA LINES

Blog post explaining why Gail chose 3 separate novella lines to come, meanwhile here they are:

  • Delightfully Deadly: Stand alone romances set in Gail’s Parasolverse full of manners, spies, and supernatural creatures taking tea. This series follows the exploits of the highly trained and dangerous graduates of Mademoiselle Geraldine’s.
  • Supernatural Society: Queer romances and super niche fan service stories. Contains a great deal of shockingly forward flirtation between members of the same sex, between supernaturals of different species, and even between high society and the lower orders (gasp).
  • Claw & Courtship: Stand alone romances set in Gail’s Parasolverse full of werewolves in cravats and the women who love them (both the werewolves and their cravats). The London Pack finds love at last.

Other Stuff in the Video

Has Gail any plans for other non Parasolverse universes and stories?

The great Resources (sorry, not references) Page, and specifically Gail’s recommended books for readers. Gail calls out the following romance authors in this vide:

The fateful movie question.

Trouble getting the Chirrup? Drop Gail a Calling Card and Kelly will try to help figure out what is going on.

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

 

Does Gail like Outlander?

Final Notes

Gail’s YouTube channel.

WorldCon’s LBGTQ Initiative.

What is Gail reading RIGHT NOW?

Loving Jay

I just find this story very comforting. I keep rereading it because it makes me so happy. It’s set in Perth and it’s basically a coming out story. It’s a train-set meet cute. Jay is delicious, flamboyant, and dramatic (if you like Lord Akeldama you’ll love Jay) and Liam is such a sweetheart. A big warm hug of a book.

OUT MAY 13, 2018!

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

How to Marry a Werewolf (In 10 Easy Steps) ~ A Claw & Courtship Novella by Gail Carriger is now awabile (print, audio & other editions will follow). Featuring a certain white wolf we all love to hate (except those of us weirdos who love to love him). Add this book on Goodreads.

Guilty of an indiscretion? Time to marry a werewolf.

Rejected by her family, Faith crosses the Atlantic, looking for a marriage of convenience and revenge. But things are done differently in London. Werewolves are civilized. At least they pretend to be.

GAIL’S DAILY DOSE

Your Moment of Parasol . . .

1908 Old Pics Archive @oldpicsarchive Inspiration for Rue, Prim & new character in Reticence

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

Nothing is funnier than a cat yawn

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

 

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

Book News:

Quote of the Day:

Questions about Gail’s Parasolverse? There’s a wiki for that!

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