I’m so excited to celebrate the release of Beth Cato’s debut novel the Clockwork Dagger. Beth’s a dear friend of mine and I adore her work. We met at the Online Writing Workshop, and she’s been the most invaluable crit buddy, always ready to help and share her honest, thoughtful feedback on various stories and stages of my book. I’m honoured to have her here at my blog today.
Beth, let’s start with five fun facts about yourself. 1. I grew up in California’s heartland farm country. 2. Some people go all heart-melty over babies… well, I do that over cats. 3. At my wedding, I walked down the aisle to the Final Fantasy game music theme. 4. When I was a kid I trained my hands to do the Vulcan ‘live long and prosper’ finger gesture. 5. I’m obsessed with frozen yogurt fresh from the shop. Ha, an adorable geek, love it! Now, tell us about your debut novel the Clockwork Dagger. It’s out today! Woo hoo! How does it feel to see it published? Aw, that’s wonderful. What was your experience writing and editing it? |
delved into the world-building, I condensed minor characters. My agent finally sent the book out on submission and I tried to pretend that wasn’t happening.
As you know, I had a previous novel, an urban fantasy, that I love dearly but it didn’t sell. It crushed me, really.
Yes, the woman with a unique healing power. I ADORE that novel. I remember crying over one chapter… it was just the best, one of a few stories that stay with me forever. It may not sell YET. I’m sure after ‘Clockwork Dagger‘ it’ll get picked up like hot cakes. So how did you land a deal with Harper Collins?
Well, after that one, I was afraid to get my hopes up at all about the fate of ‘Clockwork Dagger.’ After a few months, we had a publisher offer for it. Then another. Then another. It was crazy. I chose Harper Collins Voyager.
It was meant to be, Beth. You’re an amazing writer and a beautiful person. I’ve always had high hopes for you! So where can we get this book? You can even get it straight from Harper Collins, where they also have links to tons of other bookstores online and around the world. That’s just awesome! Now, apart from ‘Clockwork Dagger‘, you’ve also published tons of short fiction, poems and flash everywhere. Which is your favourite and why? Oh that sounds so cool. What is your process in getting your work out there, do you have a system you always follow? Where can we go to read your awesome stuff? You’re such an inspiration, Beth. I wish I was as organised as you. Now where can we find and read your published works? |
You have appeared in many blogs and magazines, including awesome writers’ conventions where you get to dress up in a cool steampunk do. Tell us your experience with these activities!
I’ve visited conferences as a fan for years so attending as a guest is still very new to me! My first panels were at Phoenix Comicon back in June. I think my main goal for the weekend was “don’t make a total fool of myself.”
I babbled some, but it overall went well. My attire wasn’t fancy at all compared to other cosplayers there, but heck, I had a blast! I would have been a lot more nervous if I had been there by myself. I was lucky and had my friend Rachel with me. Cons are much more fun with a buddy. Aw, you two look so beautiful. Now, we all know you’re also a baker… with a mouthwatering blog ‘Bready or Not‘ everybody should follow! How do you come up with these recipes? |
These days, I rarely follow a recipe as it’s originally written. I mix them up and make them mine. Baking is very cathartic to me because it gives me a physical task to complete, makes immediate results, and they taste good!
I wish I lived closer to you then you can bake for me! What do you love most to bake and why?
I really love making cookies/bars and bread the most. For the sweets, I sample them and then send the rest with my husband to his work.
Lucky him and the people who work with him, ha. Now, Beth, tell us what projects are you working on right now? What can we expect from the great Beth Cato in future?
I just turned in my revised sequel novel, ‘The Clockwork Crown.’ That’s due out in about a year. I also have another steampunk series in the works! When I get good news on that, I’ll be sure to shout it to the world.
We all look forward to reading more of your wonderful work. Congratulations again, Beth, you’re such an inspiration to us all and thanks again for stopping by to chat with us today.
You’re very welcome!
Beth Cato’s the author of THE CLOCKWORK DAGGER, a steampunk fantasy novel from Harper Voyager. Read more about Beth at BethCato.com.
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