ClitLit Book Reviews asked Gail Carriger:

I appreciate how you've flipped the traditional "cat and mouse" narrative, turning the natural predator from pursuer to prey. What inspired you to write about "unladylike" ladies in a restrictive society owning their autonomy and individuality? Your heroines are charming because of those qualities, and much of your character development seems focused on that aspect.

Gail Carriger Ooo, what a complicated question. Well I'm very interested in activating the beats of a Heroine's Journey (as opposed to a Hero's) and that, by it's very nature, flips some of these narrative expectations in terms of the perception of autonomy/individuality.

I also very much like to play with social, cultural, and reader expectations (but in a nice way). I guess you might call it my version of parody. (It helps that I write comedy.) It's a way to get a twist in without having to sacrifice plot. In other words, if I do "unexpected" with character, I can still have my happy endings and my loving friendships and my representation. In fact everything (and everyone) becomes more accepting because of their own abnormal quirks. I want to give the disenfranchised (and the geeky and the timid and the bullied and the silly and the queer) self-actualization, and possibility, and hope.

I might make a case that all authors are manipulative and Machiavellian. I like to believe I am particularly wicked about it, but doing it for good not evil.

I hope that makes sense and thank you for the question!

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