Tagged Supernatural Society

The Kickass Heroines Book Bundle (Featuring Romancing the Inventor) Guest Post Melissa Snark

Posted by Gail Carriger

 

Hello Gentle Reader,

For a limited time Romancing the Inventor is part of The Kickass Heroines Book Bundle featuring a bunch of super strong woman doing their THING.

The Kickass Heroines Bundle

Curated by Melissa Snark

Kickass Heroines Story Bundle

What does it take to qualify as a kickass heroine?

Tough question. Curating this bundle has taken me on a journey of discovery into nuances—everyone has their own definition. Often while talking to a prospective author, they would say,

“I’m not sure my heroine kicks ass, BUT…”

She does in her own way.

Every woman is the heroine of her own journey, and that doesn’t always mean what we might assume. Heroism is about helping others; acts of heroism can be great or small.

I would like to give a shout-out to the real-life heroine-volunteers of Knitted Knockers who make special handmade breast prostheses for women who have undergone mastectomies or other procedures. A portion of the proceeds of this bundle will go to benefit the Knitted Knockers charity.

Knitted Knockers

So back to the question…

What turns a female lead character into a kickass heroine?

TV Tropes characterizes Action Girl as “a female badass who is tough and kicks butt.” (This definition must have been written by a man.) If you’re a feminist (men and women and all others inclusive), right now you’re making a sour pucker mouth.

Fans want more.

Kickass heroines are not just girls. While we can be girls, we are women of all ages and ethnicities and origins who have endured hardships and adversity. We want strong and diverse women protagonists that embody admirable traits.

Kickass heroines are smart.

They achieve their goals through intelligence and education. In Ann Gimpel’s Feral Ice, Dr. Erin Ryan is a doctor and biochemist at a floating research station in Antarctica. Stephanie Burgis’s heroine in Thornbound is the first female magician and the founder of a school for girls. The steampunk heroines of Shelley Adina’s and Gail Carriger’s books solve their problems with smarts and savvy.

Kickass heroines are tough.

I love heroines who are literally capable of kicking ass and taking names. That scene in Aliens when Ripley declares,

“I say we take off and nuke the entire site from orbit. It’s the only way to be sure.”

I get chills. Every. Single. Time.

My gender-swapped Captain Hook is a hardened buccaneer and brilliant naval commander. Thankfully, my pirate captain is in good company. Pauline Baird Jones has heroines who are a professional solider and an interstellar spy in turn. Nicole Zoltack delivers a detective champion with a badge and you can bet that Skye MacKinnon’s panther-shifter has wicked sharp claws.

Kickass heroines are clever.

Wait. What about the heroine who has street smarts and survives by guile? Never fear. We do love lady rogues as well. J.C. McKenzie’s raven-shifter heroine embodies the cunning of a trickster and Michelle Fox’s private investigator is a psychic with punch.

So, what does it take to qualify as a kickass heroine?

She’s smart, tough, and clever—someone readers can care for and cheer for. Most importantly, she’s a champion to those in need. We, the authors of the collection, hope you fall head over heels for our Kickass Heroine StoryBundle.

– Melissa Snark

Story Bundle Kickass Heroines Square

How Does It Work?

For StoryBundle, you decide what price you want to pay.

For $5 (or more, if you’re feeling generous), you’ll get the basic bundle of four books in any ebook format—WORLDWIDE.

  • Meow – Catnip Assassins – Book One by Skye MacKinnon
  • Conspiracy of Ravens by J.C. McKenzie
  • Feral Ice – Ice Dragons Book One by Ann Gimpel
  • Hook – Dead to Rights by Melissa Snark

If you pay at least the bonus price of just $15, you get all four of the regular books, plus NINE more books!

  • Thornbound by Stephanie Burgis
  • Magnificent Devices Series – Books 1-2 by Shelley Adina
  • Project Enterprise Series – Books 1-2 by Pauline Baird Jones
  • When Vamps Bite – Bedlam in Bethlehem Book 1 by Nicole Zoltack
  • Psychic P.I. – The Zombie Heist Case File by Michelle Fox
  • Romancing the Inventor by Gail Carriger
  • Hook – Dead Wrong by Melissa Snark

This bundle is available only for a limited time via http://www.storybundle.com. It allows easy reading on computers, smartphones, and tablets as well as Kindle and other ereaders via file transfer, email, and other methods. You get multiple DRM-free formats (.epub and .mobi) for all books!

Story Bundle Heroines All Covers Large

It’s also super easy to give the gift of reading with StoryBundle, thanks to our gift cards – which allow you to send someone a code that they can redeem for any future StoryBundle bundle – and timed delivery, which allows you to control exactly when your recipient will get the gift of StoryBundle.

Yours (destined to be killed by a tumbling TBR pile),

Miss Gail

  • Did you miss my latest release announcement? That goes to my Chirrup members first, because I love them bestest. Sign up here.
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BOOK DE JOUR?

Defy or Defend, a new Delightfully Deadly book featuring Dimity!

Defy or Defend by Gail Carriger Free Download

PREORDER!

Dimity, London’s cheerfullest spy, must fix a broken vampire hive while a gentle soldier tries to keep her safe. A charming makeover story set in the popular Parasolverse.

It’s a battle for survival… and wallpaper!

Upcoming Scribbles?

Gail’s Daily Tea Party

Tisane of Nifty 

Lilliput Cat Sleeping Toe Beans

Writerly Tincture 

North Carolina Beach

Place where I was on writing retreat for the last week.

Book Nibble 

Hedgehog Typing Writer Writing Keyboard

Quote to Sip 

Quote Poison Marriage Preshea

Romancing the Werewolf Special Extras (Supernatural Society)

Posted by Gail Carriger

 

Romancing the Werewolf is the third novella I wrote and my first gay romance.

Romancing the Werewolf released in November of 2017

Here are some fun blog posts and resources that tie to Biffy & Lyall, reunion romances, not to mention writing the most requested story for the most popular side couple.

Biffy, newly minted Alpha of the London Pack, is not having a good Christmas. His Beta abandoned him. His werewolves object to his curtain choices. And someone keeps leaving human babies on his doorstep.

This was a joy to write, I have always enjoyed reunion romances. And even though it was much anticipated, for some reason I didn’t feel the pressure with this one. I think because I just KNEW Biffy and Lyall so well, and I knew how they fit.

Also it was fun to do something set during the winter holidays. I don’t normally do Christmas type stuff, but I had a good time with this one not to mention the weird cult ritual aspect (and yes I am comparing leaving squash on a doorstep to erecting a tree in a living room because equally weird.)

Did you notice the opening sequence is a Biffy POV scene from Timeless that I rewrote from Lyall’s POV? Aren’t I a tricky bit of baggage?

Things Pertaining to This Book

Biffy Robin Lyall by ace-artemis-fanartist on Tumblr

Characters In Depth

  • Biffy & Lyall fan art by Ace Artemis
  • London Pack design board. I didn’t put too much into coloring Conall’s pack in until they became Biffy’s.
  • Professor Lyall character design board. Lyall was built as a foil to Lord Maccon and increasing I fell in love with him. He shows up in most of my series in some form or another. Professor Randolph Lyall Original Character Study

Via de Biffi street of biffy florence Gail Carriger

  • Biffy character design board (Biffy started out a very minor character, I never intended his art to be so dramatic he has an increasingly large roll in the Parasol Protectorate series before this book. He shows up again in the Custard Protocol series and How to Marry a Werewolf.)
  • Biffy character study in depth.
  • Soulless Manga Art Launch ~ Professor Lyall

I also have a Pinterest board full of Queer History

Men’s Fashion

Romancing the Werewolf reviews!

Book Loving Nut says:

“I would give this book 6 nuts is such a thing existed. That’s not a joke or exaggeration, I loved this book that much. While it’s the second of the Supernatural Society novellas, it is without doubt first in my heart and probably my favorite piece of Parasolverse writing.”

Jessticulates says:

“After Lyall and Biffy’s bittersweet parting in Timeless, I was so ready for a reunion between the two of them set at Christmas and Romancing the Werewolf certainly scratched that itch.”

The Smut Report says:

“All in all, this book is enjoyable. Biffy and Lyall are likeable characters, and I find Carriger’s writing generally delightful…”

Further reading…

Queer Characters? Blame Mercedes Lackey, Behind The Supernatural Society (Special Extras)

Yours with adorable werewolves,

Miss Gail

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

GAIL’S DAILY DOSE

Your Moment of Parasol . . .

Ladies’ Friend November, 1870

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

Tea and Book Pairings For Your Afternoon Cuppa

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

“The best way to send information is to wrap it up in a person.”

~ Robert Oppenheimer

Book News:

Meeting some well dressed readers at Denver’s Pop Culture Con 2019

Quote of the Day:

“What I really thought was that I had ordered a goat when I was drunk and forgot.”

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

Quote Blameless Broken Heart Waistcoats Lyall

9 Favorite Queer Fantasy Books (Miss Carriger Recommends)

Posted by Gail Carriger

 2 Comments

For you today, Gentle Reader, I have some super fun queer fantasy book recommendations. A favorite genre of mine!

You can LISTEN to this blog post if you’d prefer…

 

I like my books cheerful, charming, and happy with a strong romance thread. So that’s what I’ve chosen for you today (mostly). However, there is a whole glorious mess of fabulous queer fantasy out there that deals in darker themes and has more violent tenancies.

If that’s your jam then happy hunting, meanwhile can I interest you in the sunny side?

Fantasy Books with Queer Romance in ‘em

1. The Lightning-Struck Heart by T.J. Klune

This book has so many things I adore in a fantasy. Extremely snarky gay boy main character. Lots of awesome magic. Horny hornless unicorns with a thing for scarves and dragon BDSM. Okay maybe I didn’t know I wanted that last one, but I do now!

Honestly, this book is hilarious. No really, I was reading it and actually crying with laughter, it’s that funny. This is basically my nerdy-heart’s ideal beach read.

Are you looking for Pratchett only gay and a touch crude? Well, here you go.

2. Sword Masters by Selina Rosen

This is the story of a woman with a very particular set of skills and some seriously dangerous secrets. Tarius infiltrates not only a school for swordsmen but a foreign culture, in an effort to build alliances and defeat a common enemy. Disguised as a man she is forced, eventually, to marry a woman, and must face the consequences of her own lies on a personal, as well as a professional, level.

So yeah, killer lesbians with lots of sword fighting and bonus cross-dressing!

3. Bitterwood by Rowan Speedwell

Bitterwood by Rowan Speedwell is one of my comfort reads. This is a classic old school fantasy romance, with soldiers and wizards, kings and crowns, and magical beasts… only gay. The setting, cold and harsh, becomes a character itself that folds around and supports the honor and standing of those who chose to live bleaker lives.

It gets a bit sexy at times, but if that’s okay with you, this is a deft handling of atmospheric fantasy meets older men falling in love.

4. Knight of Ghosts and Shadows by Mercedes Lackey (OP no digital edition)

This was one of the very first books I ever read that had a poly-amorous triad at its heart. Lackey wrote urban fantasy before it was cool, and did it with her usual charm and aplomb (not to mention a few subtle jabs at various dominant cultural paradigms).

Want your elves in LA and bumming about the Renaissance Faire? Then this book if for you. The romance is very light, but still present, and this book may have the most romantic ending ever scribbled.

A Demon for Midwinter Noone

5. A Demon for Midwinter by K.L. Noone

This is a sweet and charming gay paranormal romance set in a well conceived urban fantasy world. For those of us who like a solid romance with our UF this one features some stand up tropes (May/December, hidden identity, rockstar, AND boss/employee). So yeah, get your trope on!

What can I say except that this is one of those stories where I spent the second half of the book grinning like a lunatic. Gotta recommend it.

6. Hell & High Water by Charlie Cochet

Cochet’s Thirds series features genetically altered shifter humans (mostly cats) and their various romances in an elite military task force in an alternate world urban fantasy. The hero of the first book is Dex, a normal human cop obsessed with gummy candy. I can’t imagine anyone not loving Dex, as he bring ridiculous banter to a whole new level.

The concepts (and consequences) behind the emergence of shifters are thoroughly explored and very well drawn, plus there are mysteries to be solved, identities to explore, and battles to be fought. This series can get pretty rough and violent, and also very erotic, so trigger warnings all round.

7. Black Dog Blues by Rhys Ford

Kai is my favorite type of main character – the tough, scrappy, outcast, snark-monger extraordinaire. He is swimming in snark, splashing about happily and not caring if he drowns everyone (including himself) with his vicious wit. He’s also bisexual, or pansexual, or species sexual.

The world building in this series is based on a clear and simple concept: That the fae realm and ours collided, destroying much of each and leaving behind a weird post apocalyptic California filled with vicious dragons and other magical pests, and lost elf cities merged on top of (or inside) our own. This leaves behind humans who are only just surviving, elves who are slowly fading away, with each becoming a fetish for the other. Of course, this world is a metaphor for Kai himself ~ a merged creation, annihilated and mutilated in the act of birth, but possibly greater than the sum of his parts.

8. Not Your Sidekick by CB Lee

Want your fantasy with a dose of superhero? Or should I say, a not quite maybe superhero? Jess has no superpowers (despite her heritage) and so she takes on an internship to get her college applications in order. Unfortunately, said internship is with the local supervillain. Fortunately, it’s also with her crush, Abby.

Everyone has super secrets and unexpected depth in this charming YA.

9. Lodestar of Ys by Amy Rae Durreson (no print book but the ebook is FREE on Amazon)

This is gay romance meets high fantasy. Literally “high” as half the setting is a series of floating islands way up in the air over the ocean. Which made it feel almost but not quite steampunk.The setting is spine tingling and glorious, and the romance is delightful.

This enemies-to-lovers romance is deceptively simple, because it’s actually full of delicately handled themes like PTSD, the politics of invasion, arranged marriages, and the handling of refugees.

Want more?

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

8 Feel-Good Queer Comics and Graphic Novels

Want Regular Book Recs?

If you want to know whenever I post a review, follow me on BookBub or Goodreads.

Yours (destined to be killed by a tumbling TBR pile),

Miss Gail

  • Special monthly books suggestions from what I am reading right now go to Chirrup members, because I love them bestest. Sign up here.
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Book de Jour!

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.

GAIL’S DAILY DOSE

Your Moment of Parasol . . .

The Queen Date July, 1874

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

The Octopus Who Lived In A Plastic Cup On The Floor Of The Ocean Finds A New Home (VIDEO)

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

What every writer should know before writing a first novel

Book News:

17 Reasons to Read a Romance Novel

Quote of the Day:

Where is the GMAIL suggested reply for “I’m distracted by this trope I’ve just decided is my new favorite thing, so now I have 40 books to read and I’ll get back to you maybe by the end of the year”?

~ Self on Twitter

Questions about Gail’s Parasolverse? Wiki that sheez!

Romancing the Inventor Special Extras (Supernatural Society)

Posted by Gail Carriger

 1 Comment

Romancing the Inventor is the second novella I wrote and my first official queer romance.

Romancing the Inventor released in November of 2016

Here are some fun blog posts and resources that tie to this story. Research I did, chattering and amusement on the subject of May/December, lesbian, and class conflict relationships. This was also my first opportunity to show Channing in a kinder light.

Romancing the Inventor

Parlormaid seeks scientist!

Lesbian Victorian romance featuring a maid bent on seducing an imprisoned cross-dressing inventor.

The Beginning from the Author’s Side

I struggled to even start this book for a long time. I just couldn’t climb into Genevieve’s head. It wasn’t until Imogene leapt into being that I realized that’s because this book was meant to be her story. This book needed to be told entirely from Imogene’s perspective. I needed a lower class character and I needed someone younger than Genevieve.

Why?

Perhaps because I’m too close to Genevieve? I identify with her too strongly, so I couldn’t get the right perspective to write her as a POV character. Anyway, I’ve never been able too, she has always lived from the perspective of other characters with this air of mystery. And clearly my creative brain needed her to stay that way.

Once I knew how I was going to write this story, I had to wait because I hadn’t had a “scene epiphany” yet.

Then, one night it came to me, the semi-confrontation between Imogene and Channing outside a pub in a small village. There it was, it happened, and Imogene was born.

Which brings me to note that yes, the inclusion and softening of Channing in this book is entirely intentional. Why is he nicer to to Imogene than to other women? Because she is gay and lower class. Channing isn’t threatened by her. This is an important insight into has character that will come into play in How to Marry a Werewolf. 

Things Pertaining to this Book

RTI is probably my most critically well regarded book, it is my most popular audiobook but probably the least digitally read, of my novellas. I have no idea why. Or what is going on but I think it has to do with this being a lesbian romance and there being an enduring desire for these stories but not a huge audience looking specifically for them.

Genevieve and Imogene by Ace Artemis Fan Artist

What Reviewers Said of This Book

Book Loving Nut says:

“Ladies and gentlemen, this is a story I didn’t know I wanted. Adult Genevieve Lefoux has never appealed to me the way her childhood self did. For the first time though, I felt myself finally falling in love with her during this novella.”

The Lesbian Review says :

“This is a fantastic and quick read. Fans of Carriger’s will be well-served in picking up this novel, and those who aren’t familiar with her work will find it a great way of introducing themselves to her steampunk universe. I was sold at the name Genevieve Lefoux, and I suspect many others will be also. It’s a wonderful story with two characters who are more than a match for each other. The combination is electric and sure to please.”

Artemis Fan Artist Final ask for @glitterthegaywitch, who was sitting across from me reading Romancing the Inventor on my kindle while I was drawing the previous asks a few nights ago. She wanted Madame Lefoux and Imogene

Jess of Jessticulates says of Romancing the Inventor:

“Honestly I was surprised, at first, at how much darker this novella was compared to other books I’ve read by Carriger…. These darker elements didn’t stop it from being a sweet novella, though. In fact I really appreciated that Carriger didn’t make this story a silly one; Genevieve does wear her heart on her sleeve and it’s been broken before, so it was satisfying to see her work through that instead of watching her fall head over heels in love with Imogene…”

“I realise this is more of a gush than a review, but basically I loved this novella and I was thrilled to have a story devoted to Genevieve getting some kind of happy ending at last. If you’ve read and enjoyed the Parasol Protectorate series then you should definitely give this novella a try…”

Hidden in Pages says :

“Overall I loved this book and thought it was well done. It does an excellent job of filling in Lefoux’s storyline in the time between the Parasole Protectorate and The Custard Protocol. It was a fun and easy read but very romance heavy. Recommended to fans of Genevieve Lefoux especially!”

The Lesbian Review also says:

“The sexual tension is delicious, and the payoff is sweet and wonderful, while not being terribly graphic. Fans of Carriger’s work will love this dive into a secondary character’s life, while first-time readers may very well find themselves picking up Carriger’s novels.”

The Smut Reports says:

“Overall, this novella is a delightful read, mainly because the prose is so fun.”

Yours, finding the X,

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.
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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.

UPCOMING SCRIBBLES

GAIL’S DAILY DOSE

Your Moment of Parasol . . .

Le Moniteur de la Mode December, 1871

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

“Gentleman Jack” 9 Facts About Lesbian Legend Anne Lister to Know

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

Are you and author who “hates marketing”? Read this: 9 Habits: Brag

Book News:

Just mistyped the word “woman” as “womance” which I think is my favorite genre.

~ Self on Twitter

Quote of the Day:

“In general, I try not to microwave sour cream.”

~ Borderlands Books Hillarious “Overhead 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!

Announcing Fan Service Limited Hardcover: Supernatural Society Omnibus Plus Exclusive Hedgehog Incident

Posted by Gail Carriger

 

Fan Service is coming out in October 2019 (to celebrate Soulless turning 10) from Subterranean Press.

It is an omnibus collection featuring 2 previously published Supernatural Society Novellas plus spanking new novellete… Meat Cute AKA The Hedgehog Incident.

Yes, you read the right. THE HEDGEHOG INCIDENT. At last.

Image: Fan Service Limited Hard Cover

Together these three stories are my most requested character wrap-ups from the Parasol Protectorate series, hence the title of this omnibus: Fan Service.

THIS IS A LIMITED PRINT RUN SPECIAL OMNIBUS WITH EXCLUSIVE NOVELETTE.

IT WILL SELL OUT. PREORDER NOW.

This collector’s special Fan Service omnibus contains stories specifically tailored to honor my most devoted fans.

It includes previously published Supernatural Society Novellas: Romancing the Inventor, Romancing the Werewolf. And an all new and never before seen novelette:

Meat Cute

AKA

The Hedgehog Incident

The collection answers the three most common questions readers have after reading the Parasol Protectorate series…

  • Will Madame Lefoux ever find love?
  • Do Biffy and Lyall ever get back together?
  • What exactly happened when Alexia and Conall (and a hedgehog) first met?

The cover art and design of Fan Service matches the previous Subterranean edition of Soulless.

Image: Soulless LTD Hard Cover

What’s in Fan Service?

In Romancing the Inventor Imogene Hale is a lowly parlourmaid with a soul-crushing secret. Seeking solace, she takes work at a local vampire hive, only to fall desperately in love with the amazing lady inventor imprisoned in the potting shed.

In Romancing the Werewolf Professor Randolph Lyall returns home to London after twenty years abroad, afraid of what he might find. With his pack in chaos and his beloved Alpha Biffy in crisis, it will take all his Beta efficiency to set everything to rights.

In Meat Cute, Alexia Tarabotti attends what seems to be a very dull party, until London’s new werewolf Alpha turns up, is unconscionably rude to her, and sits on a hedgehog.

From the comedic mind of New York Times bestseller Gail Carriger come three charming love stories set in her popular steampunk Parasolverse. Featuring a long-awaited reunion, a well deserved new romance, and a very surprised hedgehog. Look out for cheeky appearances from other popular characters, not to mention the strategic application of a wicker chicken.

Answering Your Questions!

Wait WHAT? 

The novelette Meat Cute AKA The Hedgehog Incident features Alexia and Conall meeting for the first time.

How do I get it?

Right now you can only preorder directly this from Subterranean Press (it may become available at other bookstores, but only if they don’t sell out themselves first).

Other print editions? 

This omnibus is a special edition, and will be released in hardcover only. It’s a limited run of 550 copies (500 limited numbered, 50 lettered and boxed).

Signed please?

All the books will come already signed by me.

Will you do the Supernatural Society novellas individually in hard cover?

No. This is likely your only chance to get the two Supernatural Society novellas in hard cover. I’ve no intention of doing hard cover books myself for any of my independent projects.

Can I get Meat Cute as an ebook?

I will release Meat Cute in digital… eventually. But you’ll have to wait a while. Join the Chirrup for more info.

Will Meat Cute be a trade paperback like the novellas? 

No, Meat Cute is not long enough to get its own print book, that’s cost prohibitive. If you want it in print, this is your opportunity. I might couple it with something else, but that’s likely to take years.

Will Meat Cute be in audio?

Yes, there will be an audio version of this story. Emma Newman is narrating. Probably next year. Maybe even this Christmas if you’re good.

Do you intend to bundle other novellas as omnibus editions (when you have more written)? 

Yes, I’d love to. Subterranean is a joy to work with and their books are stunning. We have to see how this one sells, of course. It’s a big experiment for everyone involved.

If this goes well, it will take a while before the next one, because I’d like to have at least 3 Delightfully Deadly or 3 Claw & Courtship novellas released first. Also, I’m unlikely to do a collectors omnibus until at last a year after the final of those comes out. Right now there aren’t even second books in any of these series but, you know, long term plans.

I hope you are as excited as I am for this new book baby.

I know it’s a ways away but I am hoping you feel like this is a good ten year anniversary present!

Yours in hedgehogs,

Miss Gail

  • Did you miss my latest release announcement? These go 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

  • 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 . . .

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

Who is the most superior cat in the world? I am! Obey me! Now hoomahn, NECK SCRITCHES

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

Book Signings for Beginners

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

26 Tips for Researching Victorian Set Story, Steampunk & Beyond

Book News:

Nerdy By Nature says of Soulless:

“Soulless is the first book in the Parasol Protectorate series, and I loved it from the very first page. It’s smart, witty, and so funny. It’s described as being if Buffy were set in Jane Austen’s time, and that’s pretty much spot on.”

Quote of the Day:

Questions about Gail’s Parasolverse? Wiki that sheez!

The Great 2019 Parasolverse Read Along Schedule & Guide! (Coop de Book Picks)

Posted by Gail Carriger

 5 Comments

ENDED! But you’re always welcome to do this yourself.

So the Parasol Protectorate Facebook Group voted, and the Coop de Book (along with them) are doing a massive Parasolverse read along for 2019, Gentle Reader.

I’ll keep pace here in the blog, in the Facebook Fan Group, on Twitter, and with the Chirrup. Skye will try to stay on top of the Goodreads Group. I’m going back through and finding fun behind the scenes and research blog posts, so when we start each book’s reread, I’ll post an update with yummy stuff to go alongside.

It’s going to be intense but FUN!

HERE IS THE 2019 READ-ALONG SCHEDULE

January 1/1-1/6 The Curious Case short story

January & February The Finishing School series

March 3/4-3/10 Poison or Protect novella

March & April & May The Parasol Protectorate series

May 5/20-5/26 Romancing the Inventor novella

May & June First 2 Custard Protocol Books, Rue’s POV

June 6/24-6/30 Romancing the Werewolf  novella

July 7/1-7/14 Competence

July 7/15-7/21 How to Marry a Werewolf novella

Reticence!

The plan is to chat about the books as we read them and in general, both on the Goodreads group and the Parasol Protectorate group. I’ll try to stay on top of posting about which book we are on and hopefully those who are keeping pace will help me with this.

HELPFUL LINKS

The Goodreads Group

The Parasol Protectorate Group 

All Carriger Books List

There will be no regular Coop de Book pick until September 2019.

Until then, you can find my reviews of my favorite books ongoing on Goodreads or BookBub, or follow me on Twitter or Facebook for shout outs to my favorites when I spot them on sale.

Books recommendations and favorite things that make me happy will continue to show up each month in the Chirrup.

  • Do you want to stay on top of the read along? Chirrup members will be kept informed, 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

Tiny Navajo Reads says:

“They both help each see each other for what they truly are and what it means to be family. I love it when books are able to do this and especially love it G.L. Carriger does it, because they do it in such a way as to open your eyes to all forms of love and acceptance. The way our world is becoming we need more books and characters that not only look different than us but love and act differently than us.”

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 Moment of Parasol . . .

Paul César Helleu, Young woman in white with parasol, 1900

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

Airship Ambassador Gail Carriger Lord Bobbins Taslacon 2018 by Joseph Hernandez

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

PODCAST: Out of the Closet: The LGBTQ Community in American History

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

Chuck Wendig, Chelsea Cain, and Marvel’s Latest Missteps

Book News:

Quote of the Day:

Questions about Gail’s Parasolverse? Wiki that sheez!

Gail’s quotes

 

“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

The Definitive Gail Carriger Book Reading Order (Special Extras)

Posted by Gail Carriger

 1 Comment

The most common question I get at this juncture in my career?

IN WHAT ORDER SHOULD I READ YOUR BOOKS?

WHAT ORDER SHOULD I READ Gail Carriger's BOOKS?

HERE IS THE DEFINITIVE GAIL CARRIGER BOOK READING ORDER

1. The Curious Case short story

2. The Finishing School series

(start with Etiquette & Espionage)

3. The Delightfully Deadly books

4. The Parasol Protectorate series

(start with Meat Cute)

5. Romancing the Inventor novella

6. Prudence & Imprudence

(First 2 Custard Protocol Books, Rue’s POV)

7. Romancing the Werewolf novella

8. Competence & Reticence

(3rd & 4th Custard Protocol books, the twins’ POVs)

9. The Claw & Courtship books

10. The San Andreas Shifter series

(3 PNR books, start with a prequel short, Marine Biology) * ongoing

The Tinkered Stars series

(sci-fi, starting with Crudrat or The 5th Gender)

All that said, my books are designed so that you should be able to pick up any one of the novellas or the first book in any of the series and use that as a jumping in point, or simply to decide if you like my style of writing.

Hopefully this makes sense.

Here’s a video!

 

In the above I walk you through my books in chronological order (as of early 2019) and suggested reading order.

Books Mentioned

All Books 2019 Spines Gail Carriger Free

Not All Fans Agree With Me!

Reading order is hotly contested by my fans. As a completest, I myself would read them in chronological order as above. However, most of the members of my Facebook Group contend they ought to be read in order written.

So if you started with Soulless then this is for you!

  1. Parasol Protectorate
  2. Finishing School
  3. Delightfully Deadly
  4. Custard Protocol
  5. Supernatural Society
  6. Claw & Courtship
  7. San Andreas Shifters
  8. Tinkered Stars

Would you like all the Parasolverse books…

In world chronological order?

That’s here, with actual dates!

Gail Carriger All Books Reading Order 2019

Written Order (by publication date)

That’s here, by publication date.

Hopefully you’ve found what you needed, if not please leave a comment?

Miss Gail

  • Did you want extras and sneak peeks? That 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 . . .

1915–20, from the Met Museum

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

Self & Lilliput

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

1948 History of Tea

Quote of the Day:

“Now, Faith dear…”
“Yes, cousin?”
“Of course, you look absolutely ravishing, but perhaps no mention of rocks right away?”
“Not a single sedimentary sequence shall pass my lips, I promise.” Faith attempted to look grave.
“I don’t know what that means, dear, but thank you.”

~ Gail Carriger, How To Marry A Werewolf

Questions about Gail’s Parasolverse? Wiki that sheez!

Pride Month: Illustrating Queer Characters Biffy & Lyall by Ace Artemis (Special Extras)

Posted by Gail Carriger

 

Ace Artemis is a stalwart of the fan art community who has been particularly kind to my queer characters. In honor of Pride month, Gentle Reader, I’m featuring Ace’s work here in my blog.

I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Follow Ace Artemis on Twitter & Tumblr

First up?

Biffy & Lyall!

ace-artemis-fanartist Alexia Support

Want a behind the scenes nugget?

Ace drew this next image, and I liked the sentiment so much I wrote it into Romancing the Werewolf.

After Romancing the Werewolf came out, we got these ones as well…

And, here’s a special sneaky future window, I was also inspired by this image…

…for a major scene at the beginning of Reticence, the final book in the Custard Protocol series, out next year.

Find More Parasolverse Fan Art on Gail’s Pinterest & Wikia.

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 . . .

Allen & Ginter (American, Richmond, Virginia)
Aim, from the Parasol Drills series (N18) for Allen & Ginter Cigarettes Brands, 1888

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

What Does A Goodreads Three Star Rating Mean to You?

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

Do You Choose a Protagonist for Yourself While Reading Romance?

Book News:

Quote of the Day:

“I just hate my sneeze. It undermines my authority.”

~ Borderlands Books

Questions about Gail’s Parasolverse? Wiki that sheez!

Three Novella Lines, Gail Carriger Why Are You Confusing Us? (Behind the Magic)

Posted by Gail Carriger

 9 Comments

Dearest Gentle Reader, it was brought to my attention recently that having three different novella lines is rather confusing.

Here they are:

Delightfully Deadly

Bladed Fan icon for the Delightfully Deadly novellas

Supernatural Society

Loving Teacups icon for the Supernatural Society novellas

Claw & Courtship

Wolf Top Hat icon for the Claw & Courtship novellas

Shall I try to explain my reasons?

First I should say that I’m hoping that you, my devoted Parasolverse reader, will not care too much about categories and will merely read if the character and plot interest you.

Frankly, the reason I divided into three is for the sake of different covers and different marketing approaches so new readers would know what they are in for.

And because well, I like to organize things.

I assure you, as the novella lines fill out with more and more books, you will notice how the novellas in each line are similar to each other, and how those in different lines are categorically and visually different.

However, confusion amongst some of my fans means I decided to do something I rarely do… explain my reasoning.

(In defiance of this article ~ Don’t Over Explain: Readers Get It the First Time)

Peek into Gail’s warped brain?

Here’s the novella line breakdown:

Delightfully Deadly

This line features the grown up female spies from the Finishing School series. We follow them as they practice their deadly arts and fall in love despite themselves.

 Note the similarities between the two covers, if you would?

However, I chose a much sexier central images for Delightfully Deadly, so that readers would be aware that these are grown up stories, and that sex scenes are likely. (Tastefully done, of course, but sexy.) While the Delightfully Deadly novellas may spin-off of the Finishing School books, but they are NOT intended for a YA audience.

Currently there is only one book in this line, Poison or Protect, but I hope to write several more.

Next up I plan to give either Agatha or Dimity her happy ever after, I just have to get a few other things written first.

Supernatural Society

This line features fan favorite queer characters from throughout the Parasolverse. We follow them as they take center stage and fine love at last.

As you can see, these books draw on my original cover art, only there is an indoor setting instead of outside for the background. This is intended to indicated that these will be cozy romances, which is to say mostly take place in only one location, like a cozy mystery or a regency house party romance.

I chose two central figures for these covers because I really wanted to show a loving moment between same sex couples. Also I wanted a clear break from my other covers that is instantly obvious.

Unfortunately, this makes a good photo twice as hard hard to track down!

These books will be written as inspired as as needed, currently there are only two. Also these do no necessarily have to involve werewolves.

 

Claw & Courtship

This is my newest line of novellas which will always feature a werewolf and a human romance.

Right now I intend to focus on the London Pack in the 1890s.

As you can see on this cover I’m playing on a few of the tropes in my original books. The font is the same, although without the background paint-slash treatment. I’m reusing the wallpaper motif from Finishing School. See that the wall paper is a werewolf? Cute right?

I still have a central figure, but I chose a farther away image, and I have a London background as in Soulless, but instead I went with the circle portal. Frankly I really like circles. (More silliness around this cover here.)

Also, I wanted a bit of a break from my standard cover fair and went with something that harkens to more classic regency romances, since the pitch for these is:

What if Georgette Heyer wrote about werewolves?

While this books will initially feature the London Pack, I’m not ruling out the Kingair Pack, which would, of course, beg the question…

If I were to write a book featuring Sidheag, which novella line would it belong in?

I’ll leave the superfans to noodle over that one,

Yours,

Forever teasing,

Miss Gail

Related Yummy Links!

The Best “Thank You” to an Author

Genre Loyalty vs. Plot Bunny Saboteurs

More on the novellas?

What’s Inside the New Gail Carriger Novellas? (Behind the magic)

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 . . .

1910s John Lavery (Irish artist, 1856-1941) Summer

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

How Science-Fiction Continues to Influence the Runway

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

Authors Are Taking Friendly Fire in Amazon’s War on Fake Reviews

Book News:

Giving an Office Tour, check it out!

Quote of the Day:

Questions about Gail’s Parasolverse? Wiki that sheez!

Romancing the Werewolf is Available in Audio, Biffy & Lyall Will Melt Your Heart

Posted by Gail Carriger

 

Happy new year, my darling Gentle Reader! I am delighted to let you know that the audiobook of Romancing the Werewolf is finally available!

Audible/Amazon | iTunes

Now to forestall the inevitable questions…

Why can’t I find it?

If you were able to get the audiobook of Poison or Protect or Romancing the Inventor, you should be able to get this one at the same venue.

If you don’t see it now, it should be there soon. This is very distributor and country dependent.

Who is the narrator?

I chose the remarkable Peter Newman for this book. He has a particularly erudite way of speaking that felt right for Biffy & Lyall.

If his voice is familiar, it’s because he plays the (possibly) evil butler Lattimer on Hugo winning podcast, Tea & Jeopardy.

Speaking of audiobooks, Poison or Protect audiobook has a new cover. Just because… Gavin!

Word on the street is that last month’s Coop de Book pick, The Lightening-Struck Heart is KILLER in audio. Apparently the narrator is amaze-balls.

Did you want this information the moment it was available? The Chirrup heard about the audiobook last weekend. New stuff goes to my Chirrup members first, because I love them bestest. Sign up here.

Coop de Book: Gail’s monthly read along for January 2018 is Angels Blood (Guild Hunter Book 1) by Nalini Singh.

OUT IN PRINT & DIGITAL & AUDIO!

Amazon | Kobo | B&N | iBooks | Direct

Romancing the Werewolf ~ A Supernatural Society Novella by Gail Carriger is now available (audio will follow).

Gay reunion romance featuring your favorite reluctant werewolf dandy, the return of a certain quietly efficient Beta, and some unexpected holiday gifts.

GAIL’S DAILY DOSE

Your Moment of Parasol . . .

Frederick Frieseke (American artist, 1874-1939) Lady with a Parasol

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

7 Writer Types You Should Avoid Becoming

Book News:

Quote of the Day:

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

About Romancing the Werewolf ~ Lots of FAQs & Ketchup & Useful Links (Video Q&A with Gail Carriger)

Posted by Gail Carriger

 2 Comments

Here, Gentle Reader, is the video version of the recent Facebook Live Q&A that I did to celebrate Romancing the Werewolf.

Romancing the Werewolf Launch Video!

In which I am bad at trivia, but good at giving hints about future projects!

I start off discussing how Romancing the Werewolf came to be, planned and unplanned elements and a bit about finding the cover art photo.

Then I address my philosophy on making characters happy, and why I love curmudgeons so much.

Video Notes, Extras & Links

Questions stemming from Romancing the Werewolf:

All Things Parasolverse:

Writing & Authorbeast Notions:

  • Why I leave things intentional ambiguous on occasion.
  • Why I think mortality is more romantic that immortality.
  • How and why I choose settings and locations.
  • Moving from archaeology to writing. Check out recent excellent podcast interview with the Anthropologist on the Street for in depth on my two careers.

Upcoming Projects:

Miscellaneous Important Stuff:

Coop de Book: Gail’s monthly read along for November is Romancing the Werewolf.

OUT NOW!

Amazon | Kobo | B&N | iBooks | Direct

Romancing the Werewolf ~ A Supernatural Society Novella by Gail Carriger is now available (audio will follow).

Gay reunion romance featuring your favorite reluctant werewolf dandy, the return of a certain quietly efficient Beta, and some unexpected holiday gifts.

The Hedgehog Librarian says of Romancing the Werewolf:

“Carriger brings these characters together again in a love story both between them and between her readers and her. This is not a story to jump into without the background; characters are referenced in a natural way but it assumes that you understand her already built world. For those already familiar, as Lyall does, we are coming home.”

GAIL’S DAILY DOSE

Your Moment of Parasol . . .

Traveling Gown 1905 The Victoria & Albert Museum

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

Hints On Matters Of Victorian Dress (Ladies’ Edition)

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

Portugal passes the world’s first reasonable DRM law

Book News:

Biffy Fan Art from 2013 World Steam Expo

Quote of the Day:

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

The Etiquette of Proper Introductions in Victorian Times (Finishing School Special Extras)

Posted by Gail Carriger

 

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 can get very confusing because aside from rank and social standing (see the Table of Precedence or precedence of attendance) there are also other rules to abide by (see laws/rules of precedence).

For example:

A younger person is introduced to an older person.

“Mr. Rabiffano, Mr. Shabumpkin would like to make your acquaintance.”

A man is introduced to a woman.

“Mrs. Tunstell, please allow me to present Mr. Bootbottle-Fipps.”

And so forth.

So what happens if you have an older woman of little or no rank and a young nobleman? Or two women, the younger of which is married to an earl and the older to a squire? Or what happens if you throw long lived immortals into the mix?

Alexia struggles with just such a situation in the fifth book, Timeless. She must introduce a young lady werewolf whose rank she knows, to an older noble vampire who holds rank (but she is not privy to the particulars). Because he is a vampire and it is his house, she gives him precedence. But she could have reversed the order, especially if she wanted to give insult to the vampire or establish her own allegiance with the werewolves.

A world of damage can be done or avoided simply by reordering an introduction.

I never go into any of this in my books, because it is mere minutia to those who are reading for plot and story. But it is one of those things that, if you know how the era works, sometimes you can read that I am having fun with the undercurrents that may result. It certainly can effect character.

Meanwhile:

The Paper Magician by Charlie N. Holmberg is possibly the book associated with my Alexia series more than any other. It is on sale today for only $1.99 (USA ebook) so worth a try if you’re pining after already finishing RTW.

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

Coop de Book: Gail’s monthly read along for November is Romancing the Werewolf.

Want more behind the scenes sneak peeks? Join the Chirrup

GAIL’S DAILY DOSE

Your Moment of Parasol . . .

1905 Fringed Parasol, ca. 1805 via LACMA

Your Infusion of Cute . . .

Your Tisane of Smart . . .

Your Writerly Tinctures . . .  

The Oxford Comma, Robert Frost, and Comma Suicide

Quote of the Day:

“It was one of those jolly, peaceful mornings that make a fellow wish he’d got a soul or something.”

~ P.G. Wodehouse

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

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