Book Lovers Inc.
Romance Novel Reviews, Author Interviews, Commentary
Interview Author Meljean Brook + Giveaway
Filed in Giveaways , Interview , Meljean Brook , The Geeky Lover Posted on October 8, 2010 @ 10:00 am
71 comments
We are very happy to welcome author Meljean Brook to Book Lovers Inc today. Her latest novel The Iron Duke was released this week and is the first full length novel in her new steampunk series The Iron Seas. She’s here to talk about her new series and she also has a great giveaway in tow, so be sure to stay tuned till the end of the interview. Please give Meljean a warm welcome.
The Geeky Lover: Meljean can you please tell us a bit about yourself?
Meljean: I’m one of those geeky-nerdy types who got lucky enough to make a living doing what I love. And, ha! –that’s about all there is to me.
The Geeky Lover: Describe a typical day of writing? Are you a planner or pantser?
Meljean: I get up early, and work for a little while before getting the kid ready for school. Then I work until I have to pick her up…and then work until I go to sleep. It’s a pretty simple schedule.
I’m a pantser, mostly. I usually know a few plot points that I want to hit, but getting to each of them is something that I figure out along the way.
The Geeky Lover: What do you think is the difference between a reader and a real Book Lover?
Meljean: A reader, I guess, is someone who simply reads – road signs or cereal boxes or the Sunday funnies. Once in a while a reader will pick up a book and enjoy it … but a Book Lover has a book with her all the time, is always looking for more books, and loves nothing more than losing herself in a story.
The Geeky Lover: Why did you decide to jump into the Steampunk genre? what is it’s appeal for you?
Meljean: I’ve wanted to write steampunk for years and years – I didn’t think I ever would be able to, but my editor is amazing and let me give it a shot. The appeal to me is multi-layered – I love being able to play with the historical aspects, but to give them a twist. I love the combination of raw and dirty technology with the beauty and elegance of the Victorian period. And I love the sense of adventure that goes hand-in-hand with the genre.
The Geeky Lover: Could you tell us some more about the world your new series, The Iron Seas, is set in? I read on your website that you included Nanotechnology, too. How does this all fit together?
Meljean: It’s an alternate history where Genghis Khan’s descendents – the Horde – didn’t stop at the edge of Europe (as they did in real history). With the use of their technology, which was more advanced than anyone else’s at the time, they conquered all of Europe and Africa. After several hundred years, the Horde tech advanced enough to create nanotechnology, which they used to infect the people of England and to enslave them, physically and emotionally.
But after two hundred years of the Horde occupation, pirate captain Rhys Trahaearn (the Iron Duke) destroyed the tower that the Horde was using to control England, and freed them. The story begins nine years later.
The Geeky Lover: The first story in your new Series is Here There Be Monsters in the Burning Up anthology. What happens in this novella and can we read The Iron Duke without having read it?
Meljean: The novella stands alone, so you don’t have to read either story to understand the other. Here There Be Monsters is about a blacksmith, Ivy, who is on the run from London – and she’s desperate enough to make a bargain with Mad Machen, the pirate captain, for passage on his ship. What she doesn’t know is that Mad Machen has been in love with her for quite some time, and there’s no way he’s going to let her go….
The Geeky Lover: What can we expect of The Iron Duke?
Meljean: Romance, first and foremost. But there’s also fun technology, a new world, danger and adventure, monsters and zombies, a conspiracy to unravel and centuries of prejudice to fight. It’s a great time.
The Geeky Lover: Your hero, Rhys Trahaearn is the Iron Duke and he created a mighty merchant empire. In the blurb he sounds a bit intimidating. How would you describe the man behind the title?
Meljean: If there is one word to describe Rhys, it’s “driven.” Once he’s set his mind on having something, it WILL be that way. And he won’t stop – when the world prevents him from having Mina, he is determined to *change the world* itself, just so that they can be together.
The Geeky Lover: Detective Inspector Mina Wentworth has much to lose with getting close and personal to the Duke. Her background seems to be rather complicated. What do you think made her the person she is?
Meljean: Although Mina is very happy in her family, she’s also the product of a rape – and she looks like the people who enslaved England for two hundred years. And even though England has been freed, the population’s backlash of resentment and hatred affects her very deeply.
The Geeky Lover: Is it a coincidence that your heroine’s last name is Wentworth (like Captain Frederick Wentworth from Persuasion by Jane Austen) and we find sea adventures and pirates in your series?
Meljean: Very much a coincidence, ha! –in truth, I just like the name Wentworth, and the rhythm of it.
The Geeky Lover: Will there be more books in this series?
Meljean: There will be at least one more book in the series, HEART OF STEEL, coming in November of 2011.
The Geeky Lover: Do you already know how this series will end?
Meljean: No. It will all depend on whether the series continues.
The Geeky Lover: What is next on your schedule?
Meljean: I have the next Guardian book coming up in August, and then the final Guardian book – Michael’s story – will be on shelves a few months after that.
The Geeky Lover: Now can you tell us 3 reasons why people should read your books?
Meljean: Because they are always full of romance, adventure, and a lot of heat (and steam).
The Geeky Lover: Can you summarize your different series Twitter style (140 characters or less)?
Meljean: The Guardians: Brave men and women with the abilities of the angels fight demons and fall in love in this dark romantic series.
The Iron Seas: In this gritty world, steampunk adventure and gadgets are the backdrop for steamy, emotional romance.
The Geeky Lover: Thanks so much for taking the time to answer our questions.
Meljean: Thank you!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
~*~*~Giveaway~*~*~
Meljean is offering 2 copies of The Iron Duke to two lucky commenters.
All you have to do is ask Meljean a question or just leave a meaningful comment about the post.
Please leave us a way to contact you
(email in blogger profile or twitter name is okay-
no way to contact you – no entry).
This giveaway is open Internationally!
Giveaway ends on Saturday, October 23rd and we will announce the winners on Sunday.
Good Luck!
Share This Post
Subscribe and stay up-to-date
71 Comments
Join the Discussion
Previous Post
« Around the Bookish World: News Week-in-Review Next Post
Review: Amidst a Crowd of Stars by Megan Hart »
« Around the Bookish World: News Week-in-Review Next Post
Review: Amidst a Crowd of Stars by Megan Hart »
Our Sponsors
Our Giveaways
Unfortunately Google Friend Connect will stop working for non Blogger blogs at the start of March.
To stay up-to-date use one of the other options above to subscribe to the newest Book Lovers Inc. action.Thank you!
| |||||||||
| 5 Stars: Perfect! I Love It! | |||||||||
| 4 Stars: Awesome Book! | |||||||||
| 3 Stars: I Liked It! | |||||||||
| 2 Stars: Not bad, but maybe not for me. | |||||||||
| 1 Star: Didn't like it! Did Not Finish it. | |||||||||
 | | | | | |||||
Blog RSS Feed
Follow Me on Twitter
My Facebook
this looks like a great book!
love your description of a book lover… that's me to a T!
stampitchick at yahoo dot ca
Seems like a great book! I would definitely add this to my TBR.
Thanks!
Misha
mishamary@gmail.com
I am looking forward to reading all of Meljean's books. Would love this to be my first steampunk read.
robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com
The Iron Duke sounds great. I have not read steampunk book before and I am intrigued now by this genre.
Book Lover here! And I am dying to read The Iron Duke and experience "steampunk"! Please enter me. Great interview!
The Iron Duke sounds really good. My question may be rude – I hope not. I was wondering about your name. It's very different. I like it and was wondering if it's a family name?
I love steampunk. I am interested in reading how Meljean combines steampunk with romance.
okibi_insanity[at]yahoo[dot]com
Great interview.
I'm waiting impatiently for my copy of the Iron Duke at the moment. If it's just as awesome as Here there be Monsters I will be rooting for this series being a very long series!
Hi Tina! I think that description very likely fits a lot of us here 😀 Authors and readers, if there's one thing we have in common, it's truly loving books.
Misha — Thank you! And thanks for stopping by!
Robin — I hope that it doesn't disappoint! Steampunk takes a lot of different forms, and so luckily for readers there is a wide variety … not so much in romance yet, but hopefully soon. 🙂
Crystal — Oh, good! It really is an exciting genre. From a more comedic and supernatural take like Gail Carriger's, or pure adventure like Cherie Priest's, or YA goodness from Scott Westerfeld, steampunk offers so many options. I hope you love it!
Amy — Thank you! I hope you enjoy it! 🙂
Victoria — Not rude at all! And it's not my real name, actually. It's a name that I made up in algebra class in 8th grade, when I was dreaming of being a writer. I factored out the syllables of my real name and mixed them all up (Mel)issa (Jean) Hol(brook), then began practicing my author signature all over the front of my notebook.
So it's kind of a silly way to come up with a pen name … but it really stuck with me. And by now, I guess it represents some part of that young girl, hoping one day to be a romance writer.
Sue — Romance and steampunk is such a fantastic combination, I'm just surprised that it hasn't been done to death yet!
Sullivan McPig — Thank you! I hope so, too. And I hope you love The Iron Duke!
I have never read steampunk before but I would love to start read it with this book! I have read some really good reviews about it!
vicky.vak8@gmail.com
Hi, Meljean. Maybe this is a typo but you stated the next Guardian book will be out in August and a few months later will be Michael's book. I could have sworn you previously stated Michael's book would be out in 2012. Not that I wouldn't love it to be sooner.
Eeeeeek, I am in 😀
blodeuedd1 at gmail dot com
Do you have any other plans after this steampunk series?
This book sounds awesome!
Thanks for the giveaway and please enter me.
lucybeugelingramos@gmail.com
Hi Meljean,
I'm in love with steampunk and I've really enjoyed everything I've read so far. I'm dying to read The Iron Duke, and from the description I think it's going to be the best steampunk I've come across so far. I hope you get to continue the series beyond two books, that would be awesome.
Barbed1951(at)aol(dot)com
Hi Meljean!
I Can't wait to read The Iron Duke! I've heard so many great things about, so I'm very excited to start on it 🙂
Littopandaxpress(at)yahoo(dot)com
I loved Here There Be Monsters, and I absolutely can't wait to read The Iron Duke! Rhys sounds fascinating 🙂 I love the way you mixed two faves of mine- a lot of romance with a well rounded steampunk universe!! I certainly hope the series continues after the Iron Duke!
Thank you for the contest!
inthehammockblog at gmail dot com
Hi vickyvak! Thank you! and I'm shocked by the reviews and the reception to the book so far. Even the two-star review I saw was by far the most positive one I've ever gotten! So I'm thrilled that readers are enjoying it, and I hope you do, too!
Anja — sorry, yes! It will be 2012, and I assume early 2012 (although that's not determined yet.) Everything moves so slow in publishing that half-a-year really does feel like "a few months" when I'm talking about the time between book releases. I don't think you'll have to wait a full year after DEMON MARKED, though.
Blodeuedd — Hi! I hope to keep writing the steampunk series, and then after the Guardian series is finished, start on something new. So I'll still be writing two series — (hopefully) the steampunk, and the one I'll be pitching to my editor after I've finished Michael's book.
Lucy — Thank you! I hope you enjoy it 🙂
Barbara — Thank you, and I hope so, too! I also hope that the book doesn't let you down, and ends up being as good as it sounds!
van_pham — Oh, good! I hope that it lives up to your excitement and expectations! 🙂
Carrie — I'm so glad you enjoyed the novella! I think the tone of the novel is similar, but we get to see much more of the world, and a lot more romance!
What I like about steampunk is the world that the author builds (no two alike) so I'm looking forward to yours. I must admit though this would be my first steampunk adult fiction (loved Scott Westerfeld's "Leviathan").
ironss[at]gmail.com
Fabulous interview and the descriptions of Mina and Rhys make me want to read this book even more! I lurv the book cover too, very hot!
lilazncutie1215[at]yahoo[dot]com
Wow, the whole premise sounds so interesting! Want to read it now! 🙂 How did you come up with the idea for this book (or series)? I mean was it something you wanted to do for quiet some time or did it just pop in your mind? Thanks!
claudigc at msn dot com
Whoa, whoa whoa! Your editor "let" you write steampunk? LET YOU?! What kind of horrifying industry would ever get in the way of more steampunk in the world?
I seriously need to stop reading author interviews, you keep crushing my delusions about the creative process.
cass at feministdracona dot net
Meljean, I read Here There Be Monsters in the Burning Up antho, and I adored it. I'd never read steampunk before and you totally converted me! So looking forward to The Iron Duke.
Sounds like an amazing book! I also LOVE steampunk! 😀
hehe
natashajennex(at)gmail(dot)com
I follow!
I have heard great things about this book!
I would love to win a copy.
apk1princess@live.com
I'm a bit of a fussy reader and my best friend usually tries to recommend authors I might like. She suggested I try your books a couple of days ago (and I usually always like authors she suggest) so where would you suggest I start?
olga@justromance.com.au
Sheree — I've heard so many wonderful things about Leviathan, that it's killing me I haven't had a chance to read it yet. I think it set a high standard, and so I hope The Iron Duke lives up to it 🙂
Jeanette — I do love all of my characters, but Mina and Rhys have something special. Perhaps because they are so different from any other I've done? I'm not sure … but I do love writing them, and I wish I could write many more stories featuring them (although I love my next hero/heroine, too, so I'll probably recover from my disappointment, lol)
ClaudiGC — I've wanted to do a series like this for about 8 or 9 years now, and luckily I had a chance to pitch the books to my editor two years ago, and she went for the idea.
draconismoi — Oh, I don't want to give the wrong impression! I could write whatever I want … but SELLING it is another matter. At the time I pitched the series to my editor, there was no steampunk romance at all, and so the publishing house was taking quite a risk — because if there is no one to buy the books, no matter how well-written they are, then they lose money (and I might lose my contract.)
So my editor wouldn't have stopped me from writing steampunk if I really wanted to, but I couldn't have blamed her for not taking that risk and maybe saying, "Can you come up with another idea for a series?" Her job is to find great books that make money for the publisher. She had no way of knowing through sales trends or any other data whether steampunk would be something that would succeed or fail, or if readers were interested in it at all. But she gambled that they would — and so I find that a very positive and uplifting story in the publishing world. There are some editors and publishing houses who wouldn't have taken that chance, and said "yes" to my pitch — but she did.
So "let" is definitely the wrong word to use. "Took a chance" is probably more accurate.
Vanessa — Oh, yay! I'm so glad! And can I say just how much I love your cover? The boots are part of it, but he looks so impudent and cocky, lol! I just want to see the heroine take him down a peg.
Natasha — Another steampunk lover! I hope you enjoy this one 🙂
Alexa — Thank you! I hope those good things continue to come!
Olga — This is a little tricky. If you want to try my steampunk and don't mind novellas, then I definitely recommend the BURNING UP anthology. That can give you a taste of the world and my writing style, but for less expense and time. And if you want to try the Guardian series in the same way, I recommend either the novella in FIRST BLOOD or MUST LOVE HELLHOUDS, because they stand alone best.
But if you want to read the Guardian series in order, then you can either start with the prequel novella in HOT SPELL or DEMON ANGEL (the first full-length book in the series).
Now, some readers absolutely love DEMON ANGEL, and some couldn't get into it at all — so I wouldn't necessarily recommend that you skip it, because it might be the kind of book that you love. But if you are reading along and find yourself confused or hating the writing style (but you like the world in general), then I recommend skipping to DEMON NIGHT, the third book in the series. I talk about that a little more here: http://meljeanbrook.com/blog/archives/2752
Please feel free to contact me if you ever have any questions about the series — I'd be happy to answer them!
I'm really interested in this book and think it sounds amazing. Steampunk, you know I first heard this term a few weeks ago on Amazing wedding cakes. I had no idea what it was or even that it was widely celebrated. The cake turned out amazing and I can't wait to read this book
june111@att.net
This book looks awesome! It has all my favourite things in it! And Wentworth is a cool name;)
Count me in please.
k_anon[at]hotmail[dot]co[dot]uk
I have heard nothing but great things about this series! I can't wait to read it.
What I'd like to ask Meljean is how much research into nanotechnology did she do for the series. Was the subject something she was already interested in, or did she just need the info for the books. Thanks. 😀
hangingwithbells@gmail.com
Hello!
How long did it take to decide on your book cover? Did others work with you in creating it?
Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 at gmail dot com
This series looks fantastic! I am really looking forward to getting my hands on a copy.
And great news about Michael's book. I CANNOT wait for it. You need to give us spoilers about the final two books!
I've heard so many great things about this book. I can't wait to read it.
Meljean- Which part of a book is your favorite part to write? Beginning, middle, or end?
Oops, forgot my email
Res498(AT)aol.com
I am so looking forward to a steampunk romance. I've not read or seen anything steampunkish i can think of but Wild Wild West so this will be something new to me.
Please enter me in this contest.
scrtsbpal at yahoo dot com
Jolene — Oh, I think I've seen that cake (or a similar one). I was AMAZED by how gorgeous it was. The steampunk aesthetic is so beautiful and fascinating — it doesn't seem like brass and gears would be so wonderful to look at, yet they really can be.
Kulsuma — I totally agree about Wentworth 😀
Bells — Nanotech has always been one of those subjects that I've been interested in (mostly from a science fiction standpoint) and so if I came across a news article about it, I'd take time to read it. I did do a lot more research for the book itself, but the interest was already there — and as crazy and as amazing as some of the nano-technology is in the book, it's not so far-fetched. The possible applications are simply astounding.
Hi, Tracey D — Although I send my editor suggestions and information that will help them design a cover, I don't have a hand in creating it — my publisher's art department does that. Thankfully, I've always been happy with what they've produced; this cover says steampunk and romance, and that's exactly what I wanted.
maered — lol, no spoilers yet! But I promise to write the hell out them so that you won't be disappointed!
Rachel — I usually like the end the best, because it's the part where I can see everything come together. The beginning is always hard for me, and the middle is the worst — I haven't written a book yet where I've hit the middle and thought: This is the worst book ever. It's tough going in the middle.
Pam — Wild Wild West was a lot of fun, wasn't it? I hope that my steampunk is just as fun 🙂
I've heard to much about this book and have added it to my 'Introduction to Steampunk' TBR list.
eva.s.black[@]gmail[.]com
I really want to read this one. I've been excited about it, since I read your novella. I love the world you have created. Only two more Guardian novels! Say it ain't so! Oh, well, I guess all good things must come to an end. The Guardian series is one of my favorites.
marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com
Hello Meljean!
Weeell, if this Duke always gets what he wants, I must get to know him for I'm afraid I'm just as the next female who loves a man who knows what he wants and does whatever he has to do to get it. I wanted to ask a silly question, imagine your book was going to be made into a movie, could you name an actor you'll love to see play this Duke? 😀
Toss my name on that hat please!
jen7waters(at)gmail(dot)com
love the cover. I've never read steampunk, but plan on reading yours. I can't ask a question about your writing cause I haven't read you, yet! so I will ask something else….
what would be your weapons of choice when the Zombie Apocalypse comes ?
Thanks for hosting this interview and giveaway! 🙂
I have to admit that I haven't read this series but it seems so wickedly cool!!
I am also ashamed to admit that I didn't know what steampunk meant till recently. I thought it was sexy punk music: Steam+punk..get it? lol
But I so love the idea of crazy futuristic machines and the idea of mixing this up with romance and even zombies….. Yes pretty genius! lol
It's like Jules Verne,Jane Austen,paranormal creatures and Barbara Cartwright all mixed up together! XDD
Ok, I don't think that made any sense like at all! lol
But yeah I am excited!
I'd love to be entered in the contest! 🙂
yvantis@hotmail.com
Great interview. Both series sound great. And I love the twitter summaries, not everyone can pull that off.
What is the best character name you have ever used?
bacchus76 at myself dot com
Hi Meljean! I can't wait to read The Iron Duke! It sounds awesome!
Will The Iron Seas characters be making appearances in each book like your Guardian series?
linaramz at yahoo dot com
I've never read a steampunk book before but the more I read about them the more intrigued I get! Would love to win this book so I can try it out 🙂
smaccall@comcast.net
I've been hearing a lot of good things about The Iron Duke. Really want to read it.
Thanks for the interview. This book is getting THE BEST reviews! I'm happy to add it to my TBR list and look forward to reading more. (Email in profile.)
I'm very exited to read this book. I especially like the fact that its a Steampunk romance, there doesn't seem to be many of those around (exception being Gail Carriger of couse!). Hopefully this open more up for both genres.
Thanks for the interview!
spettolij AT gmail DOT com
I am most definitely a Book Lover, and I am super excited about The Iron Duke. I loved the story in Burning Up, and I'm very interested in the world and the characters. I can't wait to read it!
ntelhiard AT gmail DOT com
I've been wanting to get into Steampunk and I really like the story behind your Iron Seas series.
Stephanie G
sgradel(at)gmail(dot)com
Paranormal Haven
My roommate just finished The Iron Duke (how dare she buy Steampunk without telling me?!) and sang your praises for incorporating Safe Sex. This is a hot button issue for her, and she is now recommending you to her fellow midwife apprentices as a shining gem in the romance genre.
(I told her you can't be a romance writer, because then I wouldn't be so excited for this book. Now I'm not allowed to borrow her copy).
Meljean, how did you come up with the idea to meld nanotech into a Victorian era story?
katiealtman(at)hotmail(dot)com
Hi Meljean! (your name is very different, unique – I like it)
Your book series sounds interesting, different from what I've read. Steampunk, I have no clue what that is, lol, I'm going to google it after this – oh wait, I'm going to dictionary.com this after I post this. Hah! Can't wait to read this series!
Thanks for the awesome giveaway 🙂
beautiful_molly at hotmail dot com
Hi, Meljean!
Your Guardians series has been on my "to be read" list for a bit now.
The Iron Duke sounds like an interesting read. The man on the cover certainly looks gorgeous! Can't wait to try some "steampunk romance", as I still don't know what this genre is.
angeldream3(at)gmail(dot)com
Hi Meljean!
The more I hear about this book the more I want to read it! I have only read one steampunk series (The Parasol Protectorate by Carriger) but I am loving it. I love the tech mixed with the Victorian!
Who are your favorite authors to curl up with (when you get the chance)?
Count me in. I've not read any steampunk yet, but it certainly sounds interesting.
I realized I forgot to leave my e-mail, but I just wanted to also add that I recently read All About Romance's DIK review for this book, which just makes me want to read more!
abbydillon16@yahoo.com
I've heard a lot of people dying to get their hands on this book – and now I'm in! Rhys does sound intimidating, but he should be a very interesting character too. I wonder how he was named, and if applicable, for whom?
girlswithoutabookshelf@gmail.com
I don't think I have ever heard someone describe their book as having "fun technology." I am intrigued now!
patronus89013 at yahoo dot com
Books and Circuses
There is so much hype around Steampunk right now. This is now on my wishlist.
lizzi0915 at aol dot com
This looks like a great book and love the cover. I was just curious as to why she said "if this series continues". Does that mean she doesn't think it will?
giveawaymommy at yahoo.com
Thanks for the interview! It's very interesting how Meljean can intertwine romance and zombies together with a great storyline. What are some tips you have for aspiring writers?
at what age did you write your first book / story?
raluk.93 at gmail (dot) com
And what book made you start reading..or wanting to write a book yourself ?
Oh my gosh — I am so sorry to everyone! I usually remember to check back a few days after an interview, but hadn't realized how many questions had come afterward — my apologies!
I won't be able to get to everyone today, but I promise I'll do as many as possible every day — and I'll try to get to the questions first.
Jen7Waters asked: I wanted to ask a silly question, imagine your book was going to be made into a movie, could you name an actor you'll love to see play this Duke? 😀
Not a silly question, but this is one of the first times I wouldn't be able to answer it. I can't find a model/actor who really fits my idea of Rhys — they either aren't big enough, or aren't hard-and-rough enough. For example, (model) David Gandy sometimes has the right coloring and intensity, but he's too pretty.
Sharon S. asks: what would be your weapons of choice when the Zombie Apocalypse comes?
Machete. It never needs reloading.
Donna S asked: What is the best character name you have ever used?
Dame Sawtooth. It was just too fun to write.
linaramz asked: Will The Iron Seas characters be making appearances in each book like your Guardian series?
No. Although they *might* make an appearance or be mentioned, I'm trying to make each book standalone as well as possible. So even though the next Iron Seas novel features a secondary character from THE IRON DUKE, the next book will likely feature entirely new characters.
Katie A asked: Meljean, how did you come up with the idea to meld nanotech into a Victorian era story?
I think I first realized the possibility of it when I read Neal Stephenson's THE DIAMOND AGE. That's a futuristic, Neo-Victorian society, and the tech didn't originate in the past at all, so I did have to alter history and make it plausible for the Horde to have advanced so far.
But I really like the idea of the bugs (nanotech) being treated like an infection. It fits the historical feel so well, especially when playing off of real concerns as adventurers set out from Europe into the world: there was the deliberate use of infection (such as smallpox) to decimate an enemy population, but also simply the fear of infection from cholera, malaria, and various other diseases that explorers encountered.
In a steampunk world, of course that infection had to come from machines, instead 😀
Oh my gosh — I am so sorry to everyone! I usually remember to check back a few days after an interview, but hadn't realized how many questions had come afterward — my apologies!
I won't be able to get to everyone today, but I promise I'll do as many as possible every day — and I'll try to get to the questions first.
Jen7Waters asked: I wanted to ask a silly question, imagine your book was going to be made into a movie, could you name an actor you'll love to see play this Duke? 😀
Not a silly question, but this is one of the first times I wouldn't be able to answer it. I can't find a model/actor who really fits my idea of Rhys — they either aren't big enough, or aren't hard-and-rough enough. For example, (model) David Gandy sometimes has the right coloring and intensity, but he's too pretty.
Sharon S. asks: what would be your weapons of choice when the Zombie Apocalypse comes?
Machete. It never needs reloading.
Donna S asked: What is the best character name you have ever used?
Dame Sawtooth. It was just too fun to write.
linaramz asked: Will The Iron Seas characters be making appearances in each book like your Guardian series?
No. Although they *might* make an appearance or be mentioned, I'm trying to make each book standalone as well as possible. So even though the next Iron Seas novel features a secondary character from THE IRON DUKE, the next book will likely feature entirely new characters.
Katie A asked: Meljean, how did you come up with the idea to meld nanotech into a Victorian era story?
I think I first realized the possibility of it when I read Neal Stephenson's THE DIAMOND AGE. That's a futuristic, Neo-Victorian society, and the tech didn't originate in the past at all, so I did have to alter history and make it plausible for the Horde to have advanced so far.
But I really like the idea of the bugs (nanotech) being treated like an infection. It fits the historical feel so well, especially when playing off of real concerns as adventurers set out from Europe into the world: there was the deliberate use of infection (such as smallpox) to decimate an enemy population, but also simply the fear of infection from cholera, malaria, and various other diseases that explorers encountered.
In a steampunk world, of course that infection had to come from machines, instead 😀
Leslee asked: Who are your favorite authors to curl up with (when you get the chance)?
I have a really, really bad addiction to Harlequin Presents romances. My reading time has been very limited lately, and so I've been fitting in shorter books and novellas. I do have some auto-buys, though, and I'll fit them in even if I don't have time: authors like Ilona Andrews, Anne Bishop, and J.D. Robb, Meredith Duran and Kresley Cole. I'm drawn to darker books, or books with a great mix of angst and violence and humor (and romance!)
Dwayne asked: Rhys does sound intimidating, but he should be a very interesting character too. I wonder how he was named, and if applicable, for whom?
Rhys named himself. He was raised in a Horde nursery, and all of the children were given first names, but most gave themselves surnames.
His last name means "very much like iron". It fits him very well. 😀
MommyWantsToRead asked: I was just curious as to why she said "if this series continues". Does that mean she doesn't think it will?
It means that nothing in publishing is ever certain until authors have the next contract in hand 🙂 I would like to continue the series, but it really all depends on sales and whether my editor thinks that it will do well on the market. I *do* think that it will — I just like to be cautious about these things.
Teresa asked: What are some tips you have for aspiring writers?
Write the story that you want to read. That's the most important advice that I can offer. Writing is hard work, it's often solitary, and plagued by doubt … so if you aren't writing what you love and would love to read, it becomes a chore, to boot.
Also, listen to your gut. If you're having a problem with a story or a scene, that's usually a sign that something isn't working. Either a character is wrong, the plot has gone off the rails, or the emotion is flat. Back up, see where the story began unraveling, and try to go forward again.
Last bit of advice? Get your butt in the chair, and your hands on the keyboard (and your internet off.) There are a LOT of distractions out there, and they can easily throw you off. Don't let them.
Okay, and very last bit of advice: set goals, and then reward yourself when you meet them. It's a job, but it doesn't have to be a thankless one. Sometimes, however, you have to be the one doing the thanking.