Interview and Giveaway with Kady Cross

Kady Cross

Maidens, we'd like you to meet Kady Cross.  She writes the wonderful YA/Steampunk series "The Steampunk Chronicles".  The second book THE GIRL IN THE CLOCKWORK COLLAR is out today, and these are not just awesome covers, but awesome books.  Please help us welcome her to UTC.

If you could describe your Steampunk Chronicles series in five words, what would they be?

Historical teen X-Men with gadgets.

What can you tell us about your upcoming release The Girl in the Clockwork Collar?
It picks up two weeks after The Girl in the Steel Corset. Griffin, Finley, Sam and Emily go to New York to rescue Jasper, who now finds himself a prisoner of a former outlaw acquaintance named Reno Dalton. Dalton blackmails Jasper into assembling a machine that could give Dalton access to any place he wants by threatening the life of the one girl Jasper hasever loved.

Have you started on your third book in the Steampunk Chronicles series, and what can you tell us about it...will Jack Dandy make an appearance?

I am writing the 3rd book, tentatively titled The Girl with the Iron Touch now. It's going to be Emily and Sam's book, but there will be plenty of Griffin, Finley and Jasper, as well as Jack Dandy, yes. I can't say too much as it's not finished, but it involves automatons, phantom-foes and some romance. ;-)

I love the love triangle that has developed betwee Griffin, Finley and Jack...do you know who will win her heart in the end? *fingers crossed for Griff*

Yes! lol. I think it will become very clear to readers in the second book who is going to be the guy for Finley. Besides, I have plans to give Jack his own book. I think he and Finley are destined to be more like best friends than romantic partners.

You also write under the name Kathryn Smith and write adult romances, what drew to write a YA steampunk series?
I wrote 2 YA romances for Avon years ago as Kathryn Smith, and have wanted to write more teen books ever since. When a former editor of mine contacted me about writing a new series for Harlequin Teen I jumped at the chance. I immediately knew I wanted to combine my love of scifi and fantasy with my love of the Victorian era.

Is a lot of research into the Victorian era needed to be able to write this series? And how easy is it to know what parts of history to do a steam punk make over on?
A lot of research is necessary, yes. You need to know about the world and the Victorians as a people before you can determine what to play with. Fortunately, the Victorians were really into science and technology -- they were excited about scientific advancement. Plus, they came up with some really crazy inventions, so that makes the steampunk part so much easier. I just go with whatever feels right for the book.

Finley and Emily are hosting a dinner party. If given the chance to invite characters from other series, who would they invite?

Oh dear! That's a difficult question. They would invite Dorian Gray from The Picture of Dorian Gray because Emily would like to study him. Finley would invite Dr. Jekyll so she could learn more about her father. I think they might invite Jane Eyre because she was a strong-willed girl who would be friends with them both. Probably Lizzie Bennett from Pride and Prejudice as well.

If you had only $20 left in your purse, what would you buy?
Knowing me, a lipstick! lol. And probably some ice cream or pretzel bites. Totally unhealthy and delicious.

If you could spend the day with one of your characters, who would you pick and why? 

Hmmm. That's so hard to choose! I think I'd want to hang out with Jack, just to see what sort of trouble we could get into -- and out of! Plus, he adores me. lol

Thank you so much for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to spend time with us and answer our questions!

Author Bio:

Kady Cross is a pseudonum for USA Today bestselling author Kathryn Smith. She lives in Connecticut with her husband and a pride of cats.  She likes singing with Rock Band on the 360, British guys, Vietnamese food, and makeup (she's hopelessly addicted to YouTube makeup tutorials!). When she's not writing Kady likes to catchup on her favorite TV shows, read a good book or make her own cosmetics.

Check out the THE GIRL IN THE CLOCKWORK COLLAR Playlist: here

You know you want this!!!  We have a signed copy of The Girl in the Clockwork Collar up for grabs!

In New York City, 1897, life has never been more thrilling - or dangerous.

Sixteen-year-old Finley Jayne and her "straynge band of mysfits" have journeyed from London to America to rescue their friend Jasper, hauled off by bounty hunters. But Jasper is in the clutches of a devious former friend demanding a trade-the dangerous device Jasper stole from him...for the life of the girl Jasper loves.

One false move from Jasper and the strange clockwork collar around Mei's neck tightens. And tightens.

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