1. What does Steampunk mean to you?
I know that for a lot of people, steampunk has become a way of life. They live it in fashion, invention, and many other aspects of their daily routine. For me, it’s a great genre for reading and writing. I like the freedom of it.
2. What is your favorite thing about steampunk or writing about steampunk?
I love the mood and atmosphere of steampunk. It’s historical, but innovative, and very visual.
3. What is your favorite steampunk accessory?
Of course, the goggles!! 🙂
4. What turned you on to steampunk?
I loved the Sherlock Holmes movies! And after I read The Iron Duke by Meljean Brook I was hooked on steampunk.
5. Who is your favorite character of all from one of your Steampunk stories?
Callie from Far From Broken and Broken Promises is my favourite character. She’s so strong and she’s had to overcome so much, including a brutal attack, the loss of her legs, and the destruction of her dancing career. I also love her husband, Jasper. He’s the DEFINITION of supportive and he loves Callie so much!
6. What’s the hardest thing about creating a Steampunk universe?
Trying not to fall into clichés.
7. What’s the easiest thing about creating a Steampunk universe?
Letting your imagination roam free.
8. How much research does it take and how much imagination.
It depends what your story is about. In my story, I had to do some research on the structure of British military and spy networks from the Victorian period. I also wanted to find out what had already been done in terms of airships and steam engines and bombs, etc. so that I didn’t make some huge mistake.
JK Coi is a multi-published, award winning author of contemporary and paranormal romance and urban fantasy. She makes her home in Ontario, Canada, with her husband and son and a feisty black cat who is the uncontested head of the household. While she spends her days immersed in the litigious world of insurance law, she is very happy to spend her nights writing dark and sexy characters who leap off the page and into readers’ hearts.
Twitter: www.twitter.com/jkcoi
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BROKEN PROMISES, Book 2 in the Seasons of Invention seriesFormer ballerina Callie Carlisle is determined to rebuild her life with her new mechanical limbs. She’s just learned to accept the enhancements that saved her from certain death when she experiences uncontrollable twinges and flashes of light that obscure her vision. Terrified of literally falling apart, she resists telling her husband. Jasper’s already vowed to keep her out of harm, and she doesn’t want to worry him further.
When the War Office’s General Black arrives with an urgent mission—rescue the doctor who created Callie’s enhancements—she has no choice but to accept. A rogue agent and former patient of the scientist believes the biomechanical modifications he received are killing him, and he’s out for revenge.
Callie must reach the doctor before it’s too late. But with an overprotective Jasper at her side, and her alarming symptoms getting more frequent, will she be able to hold herself together long enough to save the doctor…and herself?
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Nice cover and interview.
bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)Com
Thanks!
I agree with you about steampunk giving you the opportunity to let your imagination run free. That is one of the most fun aspects of it.
Tina, thanks for visiting. I LOVE the freedom and inspiration that steampunk provides!
Enjoyed your interview. I love reading steampunk because each author creates new gadgets, customs and costumes to develop their characters and plot. So it’s like finding the surprise in Cracker Jacks. You never know what you’ll get!
That’s true! Every author does steampunk differently. There are no two books alike and that’s what’s so exciting!
I was interested in what research is pertinent to steampunk when you mentioned spy networks and the existing technology in the Victorian era. I would suppose it depends on the choices of how far to leave reality. For instance, clothing could be exactly Victorian, Victorian with reasonable modifications to accomodate technology (more people wearing goggles because of flying in airships) or sliding to completely eccentric.
I like the kind of steampunk that has a thread in reality, but creatively speaking that thread can be very thin or more substantial depending on the story that’s being told!
I adore steampunk and I jump on every new story I can find as soon as I get a chance. I haven’t read any of your stories yet J.K., but I’m going to rectify that immediately. 😀 My favorite thing about steampunk are the imaginative, inventive devices, they’re so much fun.
Cover is creative a truly steampunk creation. Look forward to becoming familiar with your work. Research always helps keep my interest as a reader since it reflects care of writer.
Thanks for your interest, Barbara and Jake! I appreciate it very much. If you are looking at trying out some of my steampunk, I recommend starting with the first book in this series, Far From Broken. Let me know what you think!