Emma Května asked Gail Carriger:

Hi Gail! I remember reading that you're actually an anthropologist, specifically archaeologist I think..? (correct if wrong) and i'm wondering, myself being an anthropology student and also someone who loves to read/ write and wants to publish someday, how did you manage it? and now that you are an author, how much of your anthropology job do you actually do anymore? or are you a full time author/writer now? thanks!

Gail Carriger I'm a trained materials archaeologist. I've a BA, MS, MA and was about half way through my PhD when I quit to become a full time writer (in 2011). Materials archaeologist means I spent most of my time in the laboratory sticking artifacts into very expensive instruments that go "beep" (XRD, SEM with EDX attachment, and finally an ISP-MS acid prep). I’ve worked on artifacts from Egypt, Italy, Greece, Britain, Rome, North America, and the Islamic Empire. I was associated with an excavation in Peru. I did go into the field (UK, Peru, Italy), but I was usually in the field lab while there.

How did I manage it? I just wrote, a lot all the time. When flying, when on break from school. I wrote. I couldn't not write, it's like breathing.

I do miss archaeology sometimes, though I can't complain.

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