What's the story behind the story? What inspired you to write this book?
I first started to explore steampunk for my MA Creative Writing (you can read my research blog here: https://steampunkmuse.wordpress.com.) I wrote a short story, which then morphed into The Arcane Engineer, and I mapped out the potential for a series. I was inspired by a book my father co-wrote, called The Brunels’ Tunnel. I also wanted to write something that was fun and adventurous, as a lot of steampunk seems quite heavy. I haven’t yet found my favourite steampunk author, although Cherie Priest and Gail Carriger come close.
If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of your book, what would they be? (Meant to be fun. Skip if you need to!)
A Bar in Amsterdam by Katzenjammer because it perfectly captures the underlying threat that Ada and Finn are facing in the series and that feeling of racing towards an unknown future. I absolutely love this song and in fact Katzenjammer is my steampunk inspiration band.
What's your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?
I absolutely love reading fantasy and yes, writing it too! It’s been my joy from a very young age, when my mum first read The Hobbit to me. I also like to dabble in Science Fiction, as well as Crime. In fact, I’ll read anything as long as it has a good story.
What books are on your TBR pile right now?
Senlin Ascends by Josiah Bancroft, Skyward by Brandon Sanderson and The Ballad of Falling Dragons by Sarah A. Parker (follow up to the amazing book, When the Moon Hatched.)
What scene in your book was your favorite to write?
I’m not going to give you spoilers, but there is one single beat in the book about midway, when Ada sets the professors straight on her views about gender equality. I loved writing that scene and having Ada express her views like that.
Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)
I like to write on train journeys – there’s something about the adventure of going somewhere and watching the world go by outside the window that inspires me. I commute to work, so it is the perfect opportunity to get my writing done.
Do you have a motto, quote or philosophy you live by?
“You are never too old to set another goal or to dream a new dream.” (C.S. Lewis)
If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?
Whatever you choose to do with your life, stay true to your goals, embrace your differences and look to create harmony in a world that is fast becoming sewn with division and conflict. It is never too late to build a better future.
FG Laval is the author of the new book The Arcane Engineer (The Watchers Series Book 1)
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