I like to spoof the original Gothic classics, so there is also good dose of comedy in the 'Parasol Protectorate' - giggling readers are good.

Laughter is healing and helpful and fun, and I see my role as an entertainer, and I want readers to leave my books smiling.

To me, steampunk and urban fantasy are naturally hinged together. And I think that's because I love the early gothic Victorian literature, and both things spring from that movement.

I like certain subgenres within science fiction and fantasy, and one of those is urban fantasy, and another is steampunk.

I like powerful women, and I gravitate to any point in history when a female has significant power. I can spend hours researching any such amazing lady, from Ching Shih to Hatshepsut to Boudica to Zenobia.

I do hold very strongly that tea is better in England. There's something in the milk. They must have special cows.