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Friday, July 22, 2011

Interview with Kady Cross and Giveaway - July 22, 2011

Please welcome Kady Cross to The Qwillery.

TQ:  Who are some of your favorite writers? Who do you feel has influenced your writing?

Kady:  There are so many! I love Jane Austen, Oscar Wilde and the Brontes, but I also enjoy Stephen King, Neil Gaiman and a host of others. My influences would have to be Sidney Sheldon, Judy Blume, Stephen King, Amanda Quick ... I'm probably missing some, and I just realized what a strange list that is!

TQ:  Are you a plotter or a pantster?

Kady:  Definitely a little of both, but mostly a plotter. I love to plot.

TQ:  What appeals to you about steampunk?

Kady:  The freedom of it. It's such an 'open' genre. My steampunk is nothing like someone else's steampunk. It's a genre that can be very dark and gritty or light and funny. To me the essence of steampunk is a fear of change mixed with the hope and wonder of technology. Sometimes good things come out of the lab, and sometimes things that aren't good at all...

TQ:  Describe The Girl in the Steel Corset in 140 characters or less.

Kady:  Jekyll and Hyde meets Teen Titans.

TQ:  What inspired you to write The Girl in the Steel Corset?

Kady:  I wanted to write young adult, but I didn't want to write vampires or wolves. I love both those things, but I was itching to do something different. I love superheroes and had just read League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and wanted to do something like that -- or not quite so brutal!

TQ:  What sort of research did you do to create the world in the novel?

Kady:  l continued with my Victorian research from my adult books, added in some on evolution, organisms that can live below ground, and the steampunk genre. I also read some authors that would be considered Victorian science fiction.

TQ:  Without giving anything away, what is/are your favorite scene(s) in The Girl in the Steel Corset?

Kady:  When Finley finds Griffin in the fountain and carries him back to the house. He's so embarrassed to be carried by a girl! I love how that scene sums them up. She's physically stronger than him, but the devastation of his power is all around them. It shows that Griffin really has no idea how powerful he really is -- and that he's got hang ups. Plus -- to me -- it reveals so much of what they're going to be to one another. They're going to always be there for each other, but it won't be easy.

TQ:  In The Girl in the Steel Corset, who was the most difficult character to write and why? The easiest and why?

Kady:  The hardest was Griffin because he needed to be more Bruce Wayne than Clark Kent. It's hard to write good and honorable without making him seem like a boy scout. He needed to be edgy, but heroic. The easiest was Jack because Jack could just be whoever he wanted to be. Jack is the type who always has a reason for doing the things he does. He threatened to steal the entire book, so I had to tone him down. Still, there are readers who fell completely in love with Mr. Dandy!

TQ:  Who should play Finley Jayne and Griffin King if the novel is made into a movie?

Kady:  Emma Watson would make a great Finley, and Rob Pattison could easily play Griff. Of course, there are a ton of fabulous young actors out there who could do a wonderful job. Maybe some day I'll see my characters brought to life!

TQ:  How many books are planned for the series?

Kady:  I have 5 planned, with the final book being Jack Dandy's story.

TQ:  What's next?

KadyThe Girl in the Clockwork Collar comes out next year. It's Jasper's story. Finley and Griffin are viewpoint characters as well. Finley will always be one of the 'main' characters, just because I see this as her journey. Anyway, the book is set in historical New York City. I like to think there's more insight into the characters, and you definitely get to see some changes in Griffin - and the beginning of a mystery with him that will span a couple of books before getting resolved. After that is book 3, which has no title as of yet, and will have Sam and Emily at the center of it.

TQ:  Thank you for joining us at The Qwillery

Kady:  Thanks so much for having me!


About The Steampunk Chronicles

The Strange Case of Finley Jayne
Steampunk Chronicles Prequel
(Harlequin, May 2011)
Finley Jayne knows she's not 'normal'. Normal girls don't lose time, or have something inside them that makes them capable of remarkably violent things. Her behavior has already cost her one job, so when she's offered the lofty position of companion to Phoebe, a debutante recently engaged to Lord Vincent, she accepts, despite having no experience. Lord Vincent is a man of science with his automatons and inventions, but Finley is suspicious of his motives where Phoebe is concerned. She will do anything to protect her new friend, but what she discovers is even more monstrous than anything she could have imagined…

An ebook exclusive prequel to The Steampunk Chronicles.

Amazon : Barnes & Noble : Kobo


The Girl in the Steel Corset
The Steampunk Chronicles 1
(Harlequin Teen, May 24, 2011)
In 1897 England, sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne has no one…except the "thing" inside her.

When a young lord tries to take advantage of Finley, she fights back. And wins. But no normal Victorian girl has a darker side that makes her capable of knocking out a full-grown man with one punch….

Only Griffin King sees the magical darkness inside her that says she's special, says she's one of them. The orphaned duke takes her in from the gaslit streets against the wishes of his band of misfits: Emily, who has her own special abilities and an unrequited love for Sam, who is part robot; and Jasper, an American cowboy with a shadowy secret.

Griffin's investigating a criminal called The Machinist, the mastermind behind several recent crimes by automatons. Finley thinks she can help—and finally be a part of something, finally fit in.

But The Machinist wants to tear Griff's little company of strays apart, and it isn't long before trust is tested on all sides. At least Finley knows whose side she's on—even if it seems no one believes her.

Amazon : Barnes & Noble : Book Depository : Indie Bound


About Kady

In her other life Kady Cross is a USA Today bestselling author of more than 20 books. She is lucky enough to have a husband who shares her love for the slightly twisted, and all things geek, and a houseful of cats with whom she shares her darkest secrets. When she’s not listening to the characters in her head she’s either trying to formulate the perfect lipgloss or teaching herself to solder. She has a weakness for all things girly, sugar skulls, and boots. Her love of books and makeup borders on addiction – from which she never, ever wants to be cured.

Kady's Links:

Website
Twitter



The Giveaway

THE RULES

What:  One commenter will win from a signed copy of The Girl in the Steel Corset and a steampunk necklace, Radioactive, from The Qwillery.  The necklace was made by Synde of Cemetery Cat Jewelry for this giveaway.

Photo and description courtesy of Cemetery Cat Designs
Watch ephemera hands and gears, all perch on a pocket watch body. A faceted pyrite stone highlights. Brass chain has hearts and clock gears nested within. Perfect for taking on your favorite gaslamp villain...
17"
How:  Leave a comment answering the following question:

Have you ever read any steampunk?

Please remember - if you don't answer the question your entry will not be counted.

You may receive additional entries by:

1) Being a Follower of The Qwillery.

2) Mentioning the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter. Even if you mention the giveaway on both, you will get only one additional entry. You get only one additional entry even if you mention the giveaway on Facebook and/or Twitter multiple times.

3) Mentioning the giveaway on your on blog or website. It must be your own blog or website; not a website that belongs to someone else or a site where giveaways, contests, etc. are posted.

There are a total of 4 entries you may receive: Comment (1 entry), Follower (+1 entry), Facebook and/or Twitter (+ 1 entry), and personal blog/website mention (+1 entry). This is subject to change again in the future for future giveaways.

Please leave links for Facebook, Twitter, or blog/website mentions. In addition please leave a way to contact you.

Who and When: The contest is open to all humans on the planet earth with a mailing address. Contest ends at 11:59pm US Eastern Time on Friday, July 28, 2011. Void where prohibited by law.

*Giveaway rules are subject to change.*

41 comments:

  1. Hello. Love the giveaway!

    I follow via. GFC: tammyb_2810
    I tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/tammyb_28/status/94404024555675650

    And I've only read Strange Casey of Finley Jayne from Steapmunk genre, but hopefully that will change soon :D

    Overall - +3 entries :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. The only steam punk I've read (that I know of) is 'The Strange Case of Finley Jayne' and 'The Girl in the Steel Corset'. I loved them both!

    Thanks so much for a great interview and giveaway!

    Amanda

    ReplyDelete
  3. I've read a few steampunk book: Strange Case of Finley Jane, Cloackwork Prince & The Girl In The Steel Corset.

    GFC Follower:blackplume

    Posted in FB:
    http://www.facebook.com/pages/Blackplume/221391264552497#!/permalink.php?story_fbid=243081385716818&id=221391264552497

    post in blog sidebar: http://blackplume.wordpress.com/

    Total= 4

    blackplum3(at)gmail(dot)com

    Thanks so much

    ReplyDelete
  4. I haven't read a steam punk book yet, actually the gender is new to me.

    +1 comment
    +1 GFC follower
    +1 tweet: https://twitter.com/#!/luarroyave/status/94412941620813824

    Thank you for the giveaway and for making it avaiable to all humans on the planet earth :)

    luarroyave(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  5. No, I have not read a steampunk novel yet. In fact, not too long ago I asked a member of my RWA group what exactly is Steampunk. It sounds like an interesting, fun genre.

    ReplyDelete
  6. I have only read a little steampunk: Airborn by Kenneth Oppel (which I love to death) and I own a copy of Corsets and Clockworks, an anthology by Tricia Telep which I have yet to read. But my clothing style and music taste is steampunk-ish (clothing: Lip Service, music: Abney Park and Rasputina). :) I am really fascinated by steampunk, and I've been for about a year now, so.... :D

    I follow via GFC: Frederikke Reimer
    Also, I re-tweeted: https://twitter.com/qqwill/status/94391596522549248 (I am Petaldew)

    ReplyDelete
  7. I love steampunk! My absolute favorites so far are The Iron Duke and The Greyfriar, but I've read few more good steampunk books exploring the genre. I'm also going to a steampunk convention in September, and can't wait! :) Thank you for an awesome giveaway.
    I'm a follower
    impy80(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  8. Steampunk is a pretty new genre to me, having only read 3 books that can be classified as such.
    My first encounter with it was the stellar Shadows Of The Apt series by Adrian Tchaikovsky, of which I've read the first and second installment, being Empire In Black And Gold, and Dragonfly Falling. The other steampunk novel I've read is Ballantine & Morris' Phoenix Rising, which was great as well.
    Apart from those, I still have some steaming novels on the shelves, like S.M. Peters, Gail Carriger, Stephen Hunt and Felix Gilman.

    I wanted to add The Magicians And Mrs. Quent to that list as well, but whilst being a Victorian Fantasy, I don't really think it can be labelled steampunk. It was, however, a very fascinating novel which ignited my love for the Victorian era and made me love the steams even more.

    Thank you for a nice interview and introducing me to this new author whom I'll make sure to check out sooner rather than late :)

    +1 Follower

    jannickv[at]hotmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  9. Yes I do love a good steampunk.

    qwill follower

    zombievampire (@) gmail [•] com

    ReplyDelete
  10. I have read the Strange Case of Finley Jayne and so far this is the only steampunk that I have read. Finley Jayne is marvelous and I did not want the book to end. I have The Girl in the Steele Corset on my wishlist. It is certainly a different and interesting genre and I look forward to exploring it more. Thank you for sharing today and for the incredibly generous giveaway opportunity.

    GFC - Denise Zaky

    dz59001[at]gmail[dot]com

    ReplyDelete
  11. I know I've read an anthology of steam punk novellas, but I don't remember the title.

    acm05atjuno.com
    GFC Anne38

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love this giveaway! I have only read The Strange Case of Finley Jane and I am probably buying Kady's newest novel. I love the idea of steampunk, so cool. Thank you so much for this giveaway! edysicecreamlover18ATgmailDOTcom GFC Krystal Larson
    facebooked http://www.facebook.com/home.php#!/profile.php?id=100000547840483

    ReplyDelete
  13. I have not read any steampunk and that is why "The Girl in the Steel Corset" really intrigues me. Plus the cover is stunning.

    GFC follower
    Cambonified(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  14. This is a great contest, thanks! I think the only steampunk I've read would be Clockwork Angel and then a few stories from Corsets and Clockwork, the anthology. :]

    I commented, and then tweeted (or retweeted) @peachandblue

    Thanks for this!

    peachandblue2@aol.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. I have not read a steampunk book yet that I know of. But I def will be soon because I want to read The Girl in the Steel Corset very soon. I hope I win, and thanks for the giveaway.

    mrs_laura_koehler@yahoo.com

    ReplyDelete
  16. i havent read any. im dying to read The Girl in the Steel Corset though.

    ReplyDelete
  17. I have read Steampunk before, and loved it!! One of my favorites is Boneshaker by Cherie Priest.
    +1 comment
    +1 GFC follower

    Vivien
    deadtossedwaves at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  18. Yes I have! I've already read The Girl in the Steel Corset and fell deeply in love with it! One of my fave steampunk novels now!!

    I've also become addicted to Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series!

    Those are what immediately come to mind! I'm sure I've read a few others here and there since I am still easing myself into the genre, but I will definitely be sticking with Kady's books!!

    Follower

    +2 total

    jessica [dot] agreatread [at] gmail [dot] com

    ReplyDelete
  19. I have only read The Strange Case of Finley Jayne and Clockwork Angel, but I have quite a few books on my Kindle still to be read in that genre! I have been dying to get my hands on this book, too, so thanks for an awesome giveaway:)

    I am a GFC follower.

    jwitt33 at live dot com

    ReplyDelete
  20. I haven't read any steampunk. It's a genre I've kept meaning to try, but just haven't found the book to do it... perhaps this is the one. :)

    GFC follower as Romancing the Book

    Jen
    admin.bookblog AT gmail.com

    I believe that gives me 2 entries.

    ReplyDelete
  21. Yes, I've read quite a few steampunk novels and I loved them. Some of my favorites are Clay Griffith & Susan Griffith's Vampire Empire: The Greyfriar, Katie MacAlister's Steamed, Meljean Brook's The Iron Duke, and Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate series.

    Barbed1951 at aol dot com
    GFC follower

    ReplyDelete
  22. Great giveaway, thank you so much! I so want to read this book!

    GFC follower :)

    http://twitter.com/#!/LiederMadchen/status/94557484647321600

    I have read quite a few steampunk novels and at the moment it is my favorite genre! Among the best , in my opinion, are Airborn (and sequels), Airman, Clockwork Angel and Steam and Sorcery. I haven't read Girl in a Steel Corset yet. :)

    liedermadchen(at)hotmail(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  23. haven't read any steampunk yet, hopefully soon ill be able to read one :)

    i follow this blog via GFC as Jel

    tweet: https://twitter.com/jelaiii_x/status/94621662787547136

    blogged: http://fashionandbeautynoobie.tumblr.com/post/7957560359/one-commenter-will-win-from-a-signed-copy-of-the

    punkme15 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  24. Yes I have read quite a few steampunk novels and enjoyed them.

    I like the genre.

    Thanks for the giveaway.

    Carol T

    buddytho {at} gmail DOT com

    +1 for comment
    +1 I Follow via GFC (buddyt)

    ReplyDelete
  25. I have, they always rock. One I really enjoyed was Leviathan
    by Scott Westerfeld.
    GFC follower thegirlonfire27

    thegirlonfire27 at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  26. i have not read any books from the steampunk genre but i am looking forward to reading them!:)

    thanks for the giveaway and for making it international!!

    GFC-Janhvi Jagtap
    justjanhvi at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  27. Thanks for the giveaway !

    I don't thnik i've read any steampunk book yet, but i have some to read, so i think it will be soon !

    i'm a gfc follower

    ellana_@hotmail.fr

    ReplyDelete
  28. Hello, i left a
    *tweet- http://twitter.com/#!/Vamp_gyrl_/status/94810836761186304

    *TUMBLR- my blog spot-
    http://www.tumblr.com/dashboard

    I love clockwork angel, I'm not sure if i've ever read any others, but i hope too soon :{)

    ReplyDelete
  29. love the give away !!
    i've read only clockwork angel

    ReplyDelete
  30. I've read some steampunk. The one that comes to mind is Iron Duke by Brook.
    GFC follower
    Tweeted http://twitter.com/#!/mbreakfield/status/94973941076082688
    marlenebreakfield(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  31. I've only read one or two steampunk books but I really loved them.

    Ladytink_534(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  32. I'm a GFC follower: Ladytink_534
    Ladytink_534(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  33. Tweeted
    https://twitter.com/#!/Ladytink_534/status/95139921764941824

    Ladytink_534(at)yahoo(dot)com

    ReplyDelete
  34. The most recent steampunkish thing I have read is Paolo Bacigalupi's The Windup Girl. I think my favorite though is China Miéville's Perdido Street Station. I loved it!

    Thank you for the awesome giveaway and interview!

    ssosborn at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  35. Fantastic interview!
    I have not-- I need to get on that! :-)

    justforswag(AT)yahoo(DOT)com

    ReplyDelete
  36. Hi there! Thank you for sharing and for the giveaway! The Girl In The Steel Corset sounds like a great read. Ive never read any steampunk. I just found out about it a couple of weeks ago and ive wanted to try some books. There are quite a few that have captured my attention. Thanks!
    gfc follower- shadow_kohler
    shadow_kohler(at)att(dot)net

    ReplyDelete
  37. I haven't read any steampunk book yet!
    GFC follower as Diana
    I shared it on FB: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1522821560
    Thanks for the giveaway!

    artgiote at gmail dot com

    ReplyDelete
  38. Great giveaway! I have not read any steampunk yet but I will probably will start them! it sounds really good!
    gfc follower: kristina shields
    tweeted: http://twitter.com/#!/kristinashields/status/95861012443574272

    spicedice45@gmail.com

    ReplyDelete
  39. Huh. I thought I'd commented earlier, but I don't see it, so here I go... :)

    I've enjoyed the majority of the Steampunk I've read, my favorites being the Parasol Protectorate series by Gail Carriger, and The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook (is it Nov 1 yet?).

    I did download The Strange Case of Finley Jayne to my Kindle, but have not read it, nor The Girl in the Steel Corset yet. Soon my precious, soon... :)

    Great interview. Fabulous giveaway!

    rissatoo
    comment, follower, retweeter...

    P.S. Hey everybody, even if you don't win the giveaway, you should definitely check out Psynde's etsy shop. I am now the proud owner of a bracelet, earrings, and a necklace by Cemetary Cat, and I love 'em! :)

    ReplyDelete
  40. I have read Clockwork Angel and The Iron Duke and I'm finding that I love the steampunk genre.

    GFC - Gabbie

    Gabbie-ethela AT hotmail DOT com

    ReplyDelete
  41. Until I read the prequel to TGITSC, I hadn't read a steampunk book I truly loved. But Finley Jane was awesome and when I mentioned this character's name both my daughter and daughter in law feel in love with her name so I may end up with a granddaughter names Finley Jane.

    I'm a follower on GFC-Lisa Richards
    http://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=171325806268902&id=1184379567

    http://twitter.com/#!/alterlisa/status/96455467030675456
    total=3
    (\___/)
    (='.'=)
    (")_(")

    alterlisa AT yahoo DOT com
    http://lisaslovesbooksofcourse.blogspot.com/

    ReplyDelete