ℚ Immersed: The Clockwork Siren [1] - Katie Hayoz

Today we have the pleasure of meeting up with author Katie Hayoz to talk about Immersed 18 August 2015, Katie Hayoz, 145 pages) , a Steampunk Romance, book one of The Clockwork Siren series.

Author Q&A | Synopsis | Teaser | The Series | About the Author | Giveaway & Tour Stops

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Hello Katie, welcome to BooksChatter and thank you for joining us today!

What was the inspiration for Immersed?

"I am lucky to be a part of the Blazing Indie Collective—a group of indie authors who got together to inspire and challenge each other.

We began a project called the Falling in Deep Collection (FID), with the goal being for each of us to write a romantic novella with a mermaid in it.  Immersed is my contribution to the collection.   It’s the story of Melusine, a female monster hunter who is afraid of nothing except falling in love.  It is what I call a dark yet silly fantastical romantic romp set in steampunk Chicago.   Lots of innuendo.   Lots of weapons.   And, I hope, lots of fun."

We actually run a feature back in July for one of the other titles in the FID collection, and also featured all of the other 13 titles, including Immersed - do have a peep!

How much of yourself is reflected in this book, and how?

"I can’t say I am like the characters in the novella, but my values and doubts are the driving force of many threads in their personalities.  I like to see determined, smart women in books.  I don’t like romance that portrays men using force on a woman as something sexy.  But I do think women want and need love, and that we often have a difficult time coming to terms with different aspects of ourselves.  Like just about everything I write, Immersed is centered around self-identity.  Not sure what that says about me…"

The first thing that draws me to a book is its cover.  Can you tell us about your cover for Immersed - why you chose that concept and who the artist is.

"The cover was actually ready before the book so, in a way, it was the cover that inspired many aspects of the story.  Staci at Quirky Bird did the cover for most of the FID novellas early on in the project.   I had a hell of a time trying to figure out what to write, since I had never written a romance and wasn’t too keen on mermaids.  I kept putting off Staci’s questions about the design.   Finally, she said, “How about this?” and sent me this cover.  The ribbons and how the woman in the picture could either be seen as hiding or blindfolded intrigued me.  And suddenly, I could imagine my main character’s faults, strengths and secrets."

I really like that cover, I can't stop staring at the greens in it - the whole ensemble screams Steampunk!

Why should we read Immersed and what sets it apart from the rest?  What makes your book unique?

"It’s a romp, but not without depth.  Immersed is a stand-alone book, but also the first in a The Clockwork Siren Series—a series of adventures with Melusine.  It is a mash-up of myth, romance, steampunk, fairy tale, fantasy and comedy.  You don’t see that very often."

Can you tell us something quirky about Immersed, its story and characters?

"You know that very popular chain of coffee houses with a mermaid on its logo?   Well, it’s not a mermaid; it’s a melusine.  Melusine comes from medieval myth, and though the story changes a bit for each country, she is usually depicted with two mermaid or serpentine tails.

Another cool thing about Immersed is the real history of Chicago.  In the 1850’s, Chicago was literally sinking.   The city was built on marshland, had no proper drainage and was a cesspool of disease.  So the city officials raised the streets up by several feet to put in underground plumbing.  Houses followed…though not everyone could afford to raise their home.   You can still see “sunken” houses in Chicago today!   I had to use that setting.   Just had to.   And so that’s where Melusine lives and works—with steampunk gadgets and monsters to boot."

Wow!  I didn't know that!  I need to find images of it - it sounds incredible.

Who would you recommend Immersed to and what should readers be aware of (any warnings or disclaimers)?

"I’d recommend it to anyone who likes a good time and who isn’t afraid of weird.  There is a lot of weird in here.  The romance is full of innuendo, but clean.  Melusine and Levi hunt monsters, so violence can’t be avoided.  However, the violence is not gratuitous and (for the most part) involves fictional creatures."

If you could / wished to turn Immersed and the The Clockwork Siren series into a movie, who would be your dream team?

"I’d choose: Jennifer Lawrence to play Melusine, Grey Damon to play Levi, Jake Abel to play Sir Edwin, and John C. Reilly to play Zahn. I’d love to have Robert Downey Jr in there somewhere, just because I think he’s awesome. Maybe he can play an automaton. ;) "

What do you like to write and read about? Do you stick to a particular genre or do you like to explore different ones?

"Not everything, but almost everything I write has a paranormal or fantastical edge to it, because that is what I like to read.   I’ll take that over realistic fiction any day.   I’ve written both YA and adult stories and enjoy writing both.  I prefer to write genre mash-ups to pure genre.  Just plain more fun."

What is your writing process?

"Take a nap. Surf the internet.  Research monsters.  Write.  Bang head on desk.  Show work to critiquing group.  Delete.  Swear.  Surf internet some more.  Rewrite.  Eat.  Show to critiquing group.  Rewrite.  Rewrite.  Give to a few friends and critiquing group.   Bang head some more.  Rewrite.  Whine.  Take a nap.  Polish.  Swear.  Publish."

LOL
What is in store next?

"Submerged, the next adventure in the Clockwork Siren Series is already up for pre-order on Amazon.  Melusine and Levi go down to Louisiana, where Melusine not only has to face a monster, but a myriad of secrets and lies about her past.  I am currently working on the third adventure in the series, Surfaced, which should be out in January."

And as a final quirky thing, to get to know you a little bit better... do you have a pet or something that is special to you that you could share with us?

"I ADORE buttered popcorn. My favorite pastime is to read an e-book and eat popcorn. I know, such an adventurous life!"

Uhm... yummy.  I love popcorn... I think we are going to have to try and make a banana and toffee batch to go with the rugby on TV ;-)

Thank you very much again for sharing with us and we look forward to reading The Clockwork Siren series!

Immersed - available NOW!

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