Photo Credit: http://susandennard.com/about-me-2/
About the Author: I’m a 28-year-old reader, writer, lover of animals, and eater of cookies. I used to be a marine biologist, but now I write novels. And not novels about fish either, but novels about kick-butt heroines and swoon-worthy rogues (I really like swoon-worthy rogues).
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The year is 1876, and there’s something strange and deadly loose in Philadelphia…
Eleanor Fitt has a lot to worry about. Her brother has gone missing, her family has fallen on hard times, and her mother is determined to marry her off to any rich young man who walks by. But this is nothing compared to what she’s just read in the newspaper—
The Dead are rising in Philadelphia.
And then, in a frightening attack, a zombie delivers a letter to Eleanor…from her brother.
Whoever is controlling the Dead army has taken her brother as well. If Eleanor is going to find him, she’ll have to venture into the lab of the notorious Spirit-Hunters, who protect the city from supernatural forces. But as Eleanor spends more time with the Spirit-Hunters, including their maddeningly stubborn yet handsome inventor, Daniel, the situation becomes dire. And now, not only is her reputation on the line, but her very life may hang in the balance.
1. Convince us to read SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY Twitter style: in 140 characters or less.
Parasols, manners, zombies, and rogues. Oh, and a little steampunk action thrown in.
2. What/who has been your biggest inspiration for writing?
Reading--specifically in the fantasy/sci-fi genre--really turned me into a writer. I was always an avid daydreamer, but it wasn't until I was first introduced to fantasy worlds (in 5th grade by my school librarian, who gave me a copy of Lloyd Alexander's THE BOOK OF THREE to read) that I knew I wanted to create worlds/stories like those. After Lloyd Alexander, I tried Tamora Pierce, then Jane Yolen, then Dianna Wynne Jones, then Anne McCaffrey, and...you get the idea. ;)
3. In a zombie-pocalypse, what role would you take on? How would you fight back?
I would be that person trying to barricade a perimeter around her house, grow food, and create a safe haven for other survivors. I'm more of a protector than an attacker, I think...so I'd fight back by defending those I love.
4. If the only way to save the world was to kill someone you love, could you do it?
No. I...don't know. WOW, what a question, Anna. If I could die instead, then I'd rather do that than take someone's life.
5. If it were still trendy to wear corsets, gloves, and fancy hats, what do you think your favorite to wear would be?
Ooooh, I love hats. I think flat caps are just about the sexiest thing ever--for men or women. I'd love to try corsets, but I'm pretty sure I don't have the ability to wear one all the time.
6. In a world dominated by the paranormal, which was your favorite to write about?
Well, my SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY series covers the walking dead along with ghosts. In books 2 and 3, we see other creatures--demons, mummies, Hell Hounds, and some critters I made up. My favorite character to write was actually one of the demons, but I really liked crafting (or researching) all the various nightmares.
7. What are you currently working on?
I am currently working on an untitled novella set to come out shortly before book 2. It's from Daniel's POV, and takes place before the events of SOMETHING STRANGE AND DEADLY.
8. What are some upcoming titles you can't stop talking about?
I am so, so excited for Gennifer Albin's CREWEL and Kat Zhang's WHAT'S LEFT OF ME. I've heard such good things, and I just can't wait to pick them up.
