Interview & Giveaway with Bec McMaster

Hi Bec, Welcome to Anna's Book Blog! I'm glad to have you here. To start off can you tell the readers a little about yourself? BM: Hi Anna! Thanks for having me! I’m a thirty-year-old book-lover who loves anything sci-fi, fantasy or paranormal-based. I live in a small town in Victoria, Australia, with my boyfriend, two budgies and a staffy terrier.

Kiss of Steel is your newest release, can you tells us a little about it? BM: Sure. In the steam-fuelled world of London, Honoria Todd is on the run from a blood-thirsty duke with a secret he’d kill for. The only safe place are the rookeries, home to Blade, the notorious Devil of Whitechapel, but what price will he demand for his protection? And will Honoria be his perfect revenge against the duke, or the salvation he never dared dream of?

What is your writing day like? BM: I work part-time, so Monday and Tuesday are my full writing days and every second Wednesday. On those days I get up early and check emails, then I run through any particular jobs for the day. By lunchtime I’ve usually started to hit my stride, though my best words come at night. On the other days, when I work, I usually get up an extra hour or two earlier and get my word count in before I go to work. I’m fairly fluid. If my boyfriend’s not home, or I don’t have anything else on, I get on the computer.

How did you come up with your idea for Kiss of Steel? Anything particular inspire you while writing? BM: I think it’s a culmination of years of my sub-conscious storing little bits and pieces of ideas. The main idea that had lingered for several years was about an aristocratic world – a corruption of the ton – where the aristocrats were blood-drinkers. I started to wonder about what society would be like in such a world – and precisely how they had kept their power. That led to the technological aspects, like the automaton army that patrols the streets and keeps the humans in their place. Movie’s influence me a little, mainly in terms of tone and atmosphere. The grim, steamy streets of Sherlock Holmes is reminiscent of what I see when I picture Blade’s Whitechapel. And if you pay very close attention you might find a nod or two to Spartacus.

When you’re not writing what kind of books do you like to read? BM: When you’re not writing… I like that. :) Honestly, I buy more books these days than I get a chance to read. I love Paranormal Romance of all flavors, steampunk of course and urban fantasy. I also read a bit of young adult, mainly paranormal based. This year I think I’ve read more UF than anything else, though I’m not sure why.

What are 3 things that are "must haves" for you when you sit down to write a book?
BM: Ugg boots, dressing gown and a cup of tea. As you can see, it’s a glamorous life.

What do you love most about writing Steampunk? BM: I love the opportunities to explore and to craft pure adventures. Steampunk can permeate several different genres (PNR, UF, Historical Romance etc.), so there are very few limits except for the basics – steam-based technology and a certain punkish, bucking-the-system style. Kiss of Steel is a meld of paranormal romance with steampunk, so it was really interesting to explore that world. Most of all it’s fun.

If you could give your lead characters one piece of advice, what would it be? BM: To Honoria? My advice would be to stop trying to control everything. Feelings and emotions can’t be quantified; sometimes you just have to trust that everything will turn out okay. And to Blade it would be to stop being so jealous. You have nothing to worry about. Also: keep wearing velvet waistcoats. Honoria quite likes them.

If you can, please tell us what is next for you? BM: Heart of Iron is out next May and features Lena, who is Honoria’s younger sister and Will, Blade’s verwulfen lieutenant. Their story was so much fun to write. There’s nothing better than taking a taciturn, wounded hero and setting him up with a flirtatious young woman who refuses to let him push her away. Add in a plot to destroy the Prince Consort, and well… There’s a lot of derring-do in this book.

Thanks so much for having me! I hope you enjoyed this little glimpse into my steam-fuelled world!

KISS OF STEEL
By Bec McMaster

Out Now!

A brilliantly creative debut where vampires, werewolves, and clockwork creatures roam the mist–shrouded streets of London... 

When Nowhere is Safe Most people avoid the dreaded Whitechapel district. For Honoria Todd, it's the last safe haven. But at what price?

Blade is known as the master of the rookeries—no one dares cross him. It's been said he faced down the Echelon's army single–handedly, that ever since being infected by the blood–craving he's been quicker, stronger, and almost immortal.

When Honoria shows up at his door, his tenuous control comes close to snapping. She's so...innocent. He doesn't see her backbone of steel—or that she could be the very salvation he's been seeking.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Award-winning author Bec McMaster lives in a small town in Australia and grew up with her nose in a book. A member of RWA, she writes sexy, dark paranormals and steampunk romance. When not writing, reading, or poring over travel brochures, she loves spending time with her very own hero or daydreaming about new worlds. For more information, please visit http://www.becmcmaster.com/ or follow her on Twitter, @BecMcMaster.

GIVEAWAY
Thanks to Sourcebooks I have (1) copy of Kiss of Steel to giveaway. To enter leave a comment along with your email address. Open to U.S. & Canada. The winner will be announced on September 18th. Good Luck!