Kiss of Steel blog tour: Interview with Bec McMaster + giveaway!

We have an exciting visitor today: debut author Bec McMaster! She's the mind behind a new steampunk romance series; the first book, KISS OF STEEL, was released at the start of the month. She's stopped by Tynga's Reviews to chat about KISS OF STEEL and her publishers have graciously offered up a giveaway copy for one lucky reader.

Keep reading to get to know Bec and the world of her London Steampunk series!

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Hi, Bec, and welcome to Tynga's Reviews! To start, can you tell us a little bit about the world you've created for your London Steampunk series?

Hi! And thank you for the welcome!

Kiss of Steel is set in a world where the Echelon rules London; blue bloods who are afflicted with a virus that makes them crave human blood. Faster, almost immortal and terribly dangerous. Humans are considered a lesser class, existing only to serve and below them are the mechs – those forced by circumstance to take a metal limb or organ and considered less than human. Into this world comes Honoria Todd, with a secret that could change the very social structure of London. On the run from a duke who would kill to get his hands on her secret, the only one she can turn to is Blade, the notorious Devil of Whitechapel – and one of the very creatures she despises.

So far, we've met blue bloods (who can eventually turn into vampires) and verwulfen. Are there other supernatural beings in the London Steampunk world? Can we expect to encounter different beings or creatures in future installments?

There will be creatures, but whether they are supernatural, mechanical or human is something I might keep to myself. There is so much to explore in the blue blood and verwulfen worlds that I doubt I will delve too deeply into other supernatural tropes, but that’s not to say never. I know where the main arc is going, but my best writing occurs when I let surprises pop up.

Did you do any research for Blade's accent? Was it challenging to write in dialect?

The funny thing is, Blade came to me almost fully formed and that was simply how he spoke. I could almost hear him in my ear, whispering in that distinctive dialect. Of course, there was a lot of slang I researched, but the majority of it was simply Blade. I didn’t find it challenging at all, though a few of the other characters speak the same dialect and I had to work at them a little bit more.

One of the ideas you introduce in KISS OF STEEL is the possibility of a vaccine that saves people from being infected with the virus that turns them into blue bloods. Will we see more of this science in future novels?

Yes. Though the effects of it won’t be felt for a little while. Blade’s not about to let it become common knowledge – for protective reasons – and it’s the sort of thing that might change the entire structure of the world.

If you only had seven words to describe KISS OF STEEL, what would you say?

Dangerous dukes, devilish rogues and blue-stocking heroine.

What inspired you to write steampunk and paranormal romance?

I love it. Pure and simple. But the main inspiration was this world where there was an entire aristocratic class comprised of blood-drinkers, almost like the ton, but paler. And far more dangerous. For any writer, most ideas are sparked by asking questions about that hint of inspiration. How could this ruling class hold their power? What is the history behind it? And what does the future hold for them? From this, the steampunk elements sprang up.

What are your favourite aspects of steampunk fashion?

Honestly, I spend far too much time trawling the internet for Victorian fashions. I do love corsets though. I’ve always had a fascination with them, and there are some amazing examples out there. Something in leather… with brass buttons. That’s the type of steampunk fashion I adore. Or maybe parasols. Especially lacy ones.

Why do you think steampunk (specifically steampunk romance) has exploded in recent years?

I hesitate to call steampunk a genre on its own, as I think it “corrupts” a lot of other genres and that is the appeal. For example, most readers will find strong paranormal romance elements in Kiss of Steel, and it can appeal to readers of historical romance as well. Also, it’s so much fun. It’s sexy and it’s unique. For those who are fed up with the same-old, it’s a breath of fresh air.

Thanks very much for visiting us as part of your blog tour, Bec!

Thank you so much for having me!

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More about KISS OF STEEL:

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 Whitecapel 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.

Jenn's thoughts

Read an excerpt

Purchase: Amazon | Book Depository

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To enter the giveaway, fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

US/Canada only

Ends Thursday, October 11, 2012

a Rafflecopter giveaway

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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.

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Posted by jenn at 07:04

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Born and raised in the Toronto area, Jenn moved to St. John's, Newfoundland, eight years ago for school. She's still in school (thankfully on another degree!), now trapped in her dissertation. When she's not dissertating, which happens more often than it should, Jenn spends her time reading, watching movies, playing volleyball, travelling, and enjoying the local music scene. Her latest addictions: yoga and Almond Crunch cereal.