Interview with Gail Z. Martin, author of the new urban fantasy, Deadly Curiosities from Solaris Books (Previously appeared on Nittle Grasper FanGirl)

Q: I appreciate you taking the time for this interview!  How did you come up with the title for the book? Did you have any inspiration for it?

A: “Deadly Curiosities” seemed to cover the whole concept of the book—“Curiosities” as in a “curiosity shop” (antique/collectibles store) and the fact that these curios are indeed dangerous and deadly. (I credit my husband with coming up with the name, since he suggested it!)

Q: The idea of a supernatural book is quite common. What were your inspirations for thinking of these ghouls that were attached to objects?

A: I wrote several of the Deadly Curiosities Adventures short stories while I was handling my dad’s estate after he passed away. He was a collector and hoarder, and having to go through all his stuff made me think long and hard about why we keep so many things we never use. We keep stuff because it’s got an emotional connection for us—and to me, that’s one step away from being haunted.

Q: Did you base any of the places in the book on actual towns/cities?

A: Deadly Curiosities is set in historic, haunted Charleston, South Carolina. Charleston is one of the most popular tourist cities in the US and also one of the most haunted. Lots of ante-bellum architecture, plus a history of pirates, duels, shady dealings and ladies of the night, all covered up with propriety that hangs as heavy as the humidity. I take a few liberties with the places and historic events, but I try to keep the short stories and the books grounded in the city itself.

Q: I love the fact that Teag and Anthony are partners! Did you go through any adversity or objections from the publishers or readers about it?

A: Teag Logan, one of the major characters is romantically involved with Anthony, who is a lawyer in Charleston. At the moment, he’s the only one of the main characters in a relationship, since Sorren, who is a nearly 600 year-old vampire, is not involved with anyone and neither is Cassidy Kincaide, the main character. My publishers never said a word about it, but I didn’t really expect them to.

Q: Were the characters inspired from someone, like somebody you knew personally?

A: No. I people-watch a lot when I’m in busy places, which is where I get ideas for what characters may look or act like, but what’s the point of fiction if you are just changing names and describing people you know? I did draw from the kinds of professions, stores and activities that are very common in Charleston when I populated the book with Cassidy’s friends and colleagues. It was important for them to belong in the city and feel like they were part of the neighborhood.

Q: I usually like third person narrative, but the way you write in first person is great! Do you have a preference about the perspective you like to write in?

A: Thank you! I write my epic fantasy books (most recently, Reign of Ash from Orbit Books) in third-person. It just fits epic fantasy better because the scope is so large you need more than one point of view character. Urban fantasy has a tradition of being written in first-person, and it helps to keep the scope narrowed to what the main character knows, which adds to the suspense.

Q: Where can people find your books?

A: Deadly Curiosities is available everywhere books are sold, in both ebook and paperback.

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