BIR2012: Timeless by Gail Carriger

Today I'm featuring another of my favorite books of the year: Timeless by Gail Carriger!  I love the Parasol Protectorate series and this last book in the series was my favorite thus far.  You can find my review of the book here.  I was terribly lucky to be able to ask Ms. Carriger some questions and I can't wait to share that interview with you!  But first, here's some information on Gail and her books.

Gail Carriger is the author of The Parasol Protectorate Series which is the gold standard for paranormal steampunk in my opinion.  No one mixes werewolves, vampires, ghosts, glassicles, brass cephalopods and Victorian London better than she does.  She has a new spin-off series, The Parasol Protectorate Abroad, coming in the next year.  She also has a new Young Adult Series coming in 2013.  The first book is called Etiquette & Espionage.  Sounds amazing, right?!  Just the title and cover are intriguing.  The Parasol Protectorate books are also being released in Manga form, which I love because the art is always lovely!  So far Soulless has been released in two volumes of Manga.  The cover for the second Soulless volume is pictured here.

You can find Gail on her website, on Twitter, Facebook and Live Journal.  Clicking here will take you to her Parasol Protectorate books on Goodreads.  Clicking here will take you to the Parasol Protectorate Manga on Goodreads.  Clicking here will take you to the Parasol Protectorate Abroad series on Goodreads.  And finally, clicking here will take you to the Finishing School series on Goodreads (includes Etiquette & Espionage).

And now without further ado, here is my fast five questions with Gail Carriger!


With the holidays fast approaching, what one item would you most like to receive as a gift?

I like experiences over objects: so I want a hot tub, a massage, and a scoop of really high quality rocky-road ice cream. In that order.

 You have said that you collect cephalopod jewelry, what is it about octopi that is so enticing?

Octopodes are smart, cute, crafty, squishy and, when all is said and done, tasty. Can you think of a superior creature?

 I love that you wear vintage Rockabilly, Victorian and Steampunk clothes to your appearances. The world needs more fashion like that in the day to day of life. I'm sure you love all of your clothes and shoes but can you share a photo of your current favorite item? 

 Oh goodness! What a challenge. Right now, I'm really in love with these crazy BCBG studded pumps. I've attached a recent picture of me wearing them at a local book event. I have a tradition where I buy a new pair of totally impractical shoes every time a book releases (http://retrorack.blogspot.com/2012/02/celebrating-books-with-shoes.html), and these were the ones I bought for Timeless. I love beautiful shoes, they make me happy just to look at. Some people meditate, I stare at my shoe collection and suddenly all is right with my world.

 I've also fallen in love with your tea related posts on your website (my grandmother made sure that I had a love for good tea at a young age). What are your feelings about loose leaf teas versus tea bags? 

 I use loose leaf for company and on weekends, but I use a bag for myself on a daily basis. I often think the tea bag is much maligned, but I do think loose tastes slightly better. If it's a tough day and I feel the need for support I bring out the loose leaf and a pot for a proper ritual emotional centering.

 And lastly, if Lord Akeldama could give us all one piece of fashion advice to live by, what would it be? 

Always dress to impress.

Thanks so much, Gail for taking the time out of your busy schedule for this interview!  I can't wait to read all of your books due out in 2013.  Now I have a giveaway for a copy of Timeless (or you can pick another pick of the series if you want).  This is open to anyone who can get books from the Book Depository.  Just leave a comment with your email address.