A long way to go, and a short time to get there… Kind of the theme running through my mind when I wrote this book. At first, Journeyman’s Ride was an experiment. I’d been fascinated by the steampunk releases I’d seen. Worlds where typical conventions don’t apply. Fun. Rule breaking. My kind of story.
I write erotic romance, so naturally there had to be some spice mixed in with gears and steam. And since I rarely can write inside the box, I added Norse gods, mechanical monsters, and magical lightning to round out the world through which my heroes journey.
But for me, the story has to have that happily ever after or I’m not satisfied. So Danner and Miranda must trudge their way through a nightmare to find what really matters–each other.
I have to say, I think my favorite parts of the book are my antagonists. I’m not talking just the villain, but all the obstacles Danner and Miranda face: feral cats, mechanical spyders, cannibals, angry gods, blessed lightning, and a rich, spoiled prince with way too much power.
GIVEAWAY:: If you’d like to enter to win a copy of Journeyman’s Ride, please leave a comment. And do tell…who’s your favorite Norse god?
My Coffee Time Interview
1. What does Steampunk mean to you?
To me, Steampunk is taking the convention out of convention. Putting together anachronistic devices to create a mood that everything’s possible where most things shouldn’t be. And steam. Lots and lots of steam.
2. What is your favorite thing about steampunk or writing about steampunk?
Breaking boundaries. I love creating the devices and world rules. I’m more into the fantasy element of the genre than the actual definition of steampunk—which is actually a subgenre of science fiction.
3. What is your favorite steampunk accessory?
Has to be the locomotive,with those huge turning, churning wheels.
4. What turned you on to steampunk?
I was a huge fan of the old TV show, Wild, Wild West. And then I saw the cover for Cherie Priest’s Boneshaker and fell in love. Embarrassingly enough, I have not yet read the novel, but I do intend to…as soon as I get caught up on work (read–not likely anytime soon.)
5. Do you have any upcoming Steampunk stories you can tell us about?
Journeyman’s Ride was supposed to be the first of a trilogy, but I was sidetracked by other projects. I do hope to someday get back to my books, in which I blend Norse mythology with steampunk and the Old West. All of my favorite things!
6. Who is your favorite character of all from one of your Steampunk stories?
That would have to be Danner. He’s an injured soul, a man who lost what love is all about. Once he finds it, he realizes all things are possible.
7. What’s the hardest thing about creating a Steampunk universe?
Sticking to your own rules. I created a world that fascinated me, and then I started changing up what was possible and what wasn’t, which confused the heck out of me and my characters until I straightened them out. Thank goodness for first drafts.
8. What’s the easiest thing about creating a Steampunk universe?
Blending genre, dress, and speech. Everything’s acceptable because there’s a little bit of everything in the world/book I wrote.
9. What does steampunk allow you to do as a writer that no other genres can?
That curiously acceptable blending. I can have a man use a telephone to call home, but he can’t drive anywhere because there aren’t any cars. Though he can take a steam powered locomotive or a hover-wagon, also powered by steam.
10. What are the challenges and advantages to writing a steampunk story?
Not overdoing the trinkets and gadgets and moving more into the feel and touch of the steampunk universe. There’s more to the genre than goggles and dirigibles, and using some creativity to expand on the genre makes it that much more challenging.
11. How much research does it take and how much imagination?
I googled all sorts of steampunk sites, watched a few reruns of Wild, Wild West, and generally poured through anything that seemed anachronistic. Then I closed my eyes and did the rest. I’m a glutton for writing outside the box. And even with my steampunk romance, I couldn’t just write about a Victorian heroine trapped on a train wearing a corset and high boots. Norse gods, magic, and a journey through hell somehow wound through the story, and a new kind of steampunk was born. My kind.
Thanks to Coffee Time for having me! I love Steampunk. This was a lot of fun. *grin*
Marie Harte
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Marie Harte is the author of over sixty books. She writes paranormal, contemporary and futuristic erotic romances. You can find her everywhere and anywhere online. Her next story, Killer Thoughts, releases from Loose Id February 19th.
Thanks for the interview and giveaway! I am just starting to get into steampunk because of Meljean Brook. My favorite Norse mythological character is not a god but a goddess: Freya
Love Meljean Brook. The Iron Duke a real fave.
favorite Norse god would be Loki
Ah, the trickster. Nice choice. 🙂
Love Steampunk! Thanks for the chance to win!! My favorite Norse God would have to be Thor!
You can never go wrong with the might Thor. Love Chris Hemsworth playing him in the movie too.
Definitely Thor 2nd would be Loki
Interesting choices. Hmm. No one has mentioned Odin yet. Must be that one-thing.
Thanks for the give-away. Hm, I have to admit I am not that versed in Norse myth, but I always like Fenrir, even if he’s not a god;).
No, Tina. Not a god, but a really vicious wolf. And he’s Loki’s son, so that’s close… 🙂 Loki had some pretty scary kids.
Your book sounds very interesting. I also like Loki. He is always stirring up trouble.
That’s what makes him so much fun!
Hmmm… my research reveals, “Lofn – Goddess of illicit unions”, sounds intriguing. *LOL*
Okay, Pamela. That’s a brand new one on me. I’ll have to look Lofn up. *grin*
I admit that I had to look up the list of Norse gods as it has been so long since I read any Norse mythology. I would have to go with Freya; I like the combination of love and battle.
Yes, and a fertility goddess too. Good choice!
Meljean was my first foray in steampunk. I had Boneshakers but hubby, a coworker of his and I both tried to read it but couldn’t get through it. I’m reading my third foray in steampunk. I’m reading Karina Cooper’s Tarnished… I even read Delilah Dawson’s..
Yeah, I’ve read Meljean Brooks’s first two steampunk romances but not the third, or fourth, if that’s out yet. She has great world building.
Nice intereview. I like Thor.
bn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
I like Thor. Simple. Succinct. And yeah, Thor’s a hottie. 🙂
I think I’m going to have to go with Thor! <3
And another vote for Thor…on that note, is everyone familiar with Clay Matthews? He’s a Green Bay Packers football player who did a terrific photoshoot last year–looked like what any woman with a fantasy of Thor might imagine.
Sjöfn – Goddess of love.
Hmm, interesting. I hadn’t heard of Sjöfn before. Good to know!
Well, I’ve tallied the comments and had my children pick a number… Lucky #5, Tina Christopher, is the winner. Tina, please email me your choice of EPUB or PDF at marie_harte@yahoo.com.
And thanks to everyone for commenting!
Marie
Because I’ve always been a bit of a Rebel and known to be a bit more mischievous than some, I tend to go with Loki. He is so very misunderstood. *grins* Sometimes it’s just good to be bad.