Authors Are Rockstars: Susan Dennard-Character Interview-Something Strange and Deadly

I am so honored to be part of the Authors Are Rockstars Tour, hosted by Fiktshun and Two Chicks On A Book! They have done an amazing job, and I look forward to visiting as many "Rockstar" Post as I can -Full List HERE.
There will be fantastic giveaways and alot of fun post, so go check out the list and find "Rockstar Authors"

My Rockstar post is a Character Interview w/ the two main characters in Susan Dennard's Debut Something Strange And Deadly.
 If you haven't read it yet, I strongly recommend you do. I adored this book! The world building was spectacular, the characters were enjoyable, and the gadgets used in the book were a fun addition. Want to see my full review? GO HERE. Susan is a rockstar because she made me enjoy the history of the Victorian times. I can't wait for more exciting reads from her!

 

 

Susan Dennard is a reader, writer, lover of animals, and eater of cookies.

She is a writer turned marine biologist turned writer again. Among the traits she shares with her heroine Eleanor are a weakness for Shakespeare quotes, a healthy appetite for baked goods, and an insatiable curiosity. Sadly, Susan does not get to wear a corset or wave a parasol on a daily basis.

She lives in Germany with her French husband and Irish setter, and you can learn more about her crazy thoughts and crippling cookie-addiction on her blog, twitter, facebook, or Goodreads. 

Something Strange and Deadly is her debut novel.

Now, here are the two main characters Eleanor Fitt and Daniel Sherridan, watch out though, they are both two stubborn, hotheaded at times, and all around lovely characters!


Enjoy!!! I know I did!!

Name: Eleanor Abigail Fitt

Age: 16

Position: Young Lady of High Society

Favorite Food: Garlic butter biscuits or spicy chocolate croissants   

Weapon of Choice: Parasol

Favorite Book: The Complete Works of William Shakespeare
Strengths: Brave, Clever
Weaknesses: Curiosity, Impulsiveness

Name: Daniel Patrick Sheridan
Age: 19

Position: Inventor for the Spirit-Hunters

Favorite Activity: Experimenting with new inventions
Favorite Food: Peach pie
Favorite Book: Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea
Strengths: Resourceful, loyal
Weaknesses: Short-tempered, secretive








1) Eleanor your relationship with Daniel seems to be hot/cold at times, what are your thoughts about each other?

Eleanor: He's a scalawag with far too much charm for his own good… Or for my own good. If only he could learn some blasted manners, though. Although...no--forget I mentioned manners. If Daniel were to turn like every other gentleman on the planet, I don't think I'd like him at all. I suppose most of his charm is how open and uncultured he is.

Daniel: I'm not sure if I should be flattered or not.

Eleanor: Flattered, of course.

Daniel: Huh. Well, you, Empress Eleanor, have the curiosity of cat and common sense of a goldfish. But...I gotta say, you've also got grit. I ain't met any other girl as fearless as you.

2) Daniel, you have created some amazing, original, gadgets, explain to my readers where your inspiration comes from, and if we will see more of these gadgets in future books?

'Course I will! I'm an inventor. It's not like I'd just stop inventin'. I reckon those pulse bombs could be made a bit more portable, and there's gotta be some way to latch onto the electricity in quartz...

3) Eleanor, at such a young age, you come across as strong willed and determined, how does it feel growing up in this era, where girls are supposed to act and dress a certain way?

Am I strong-willed? Mama just calls it stubborn--or crass. I cannot say I ever gave much thought to how I behaved, though I did try to please Mama and act as ladylike as I could in social situations. Unfortunately, "as ladylike as I could" was never quite simpering or timid enough for Philadelphia's standards.

I daresay, I like the way the Spirit-Hunters live--especially Jie. They don't care what people think of them, and I think that's a wonderful way to be.

4)  As your adventure continues in the next book, tell me a hint of what we can expect, will we see a lot more of the Walking Dead, more action and will we see some passion between you two?

Eleanor: There are some Dead to come, but mostly the Spirit-Hunters are faced with an entirely different sort of undead creature in A DARKNESS STRANGE AND LOVELY. And I'm faced with...well, with coming to terms with my own necromancy. It is not an easy road ahead of me.

Daniel: Will you see some passion? Ha! Everything Empress Eleanor does is filled with passion. She's about as hot-headed as they come--

Eleanor: Pshaw. You're one to talk. Make up your mind, please. Are you in love with me or not? And once you know--

Daniel: Once I know?! Oh, that's rich, comin' from the gal who's constantly keeping secrets. If anyone can't make up their mind here, it's you.

Eleanor: I will not even deign to respond to that, Daniel Sheridan.

5) Wait, I believe I heard the walking dead alarm, sound, umm. *help*!  Refresh my memory and tell me how I fight these, vile creatures!

Eleanor: Oh, that's easy--it was the first lesson I learned from Jie. As long as they Dead are controlled by a necromancer, you simply break their knees. If you have a large stick--or parasol handy--then don't forget lesson number one: aim for the knees!

Daniel: But that only works when the Dead are slow. When you're faced with the Hungry Dead, you're gonna need to destroy the corpse completely. That's where a bit of dynamite can really come in handy...

6) One last question, before you guys, have to run off.

Let's say this book is turned into a movie, who would be your dream cast?

Eleanor: I think Rachel Hurd-Wood would play me quite spectacularly. And Max Irons would be a lovely Daniel.

Daniel: Huh. I guess he could play me--as long as he has a cap like mine. But I'm better lookin'.

Eleanor: Of course you are, Daniel. As for Jie, I think Jessica Lu would play her quite well.

Daniel: And I reckon that Anthony Mackie fellow would make a good Joseph.

Thank You very much, Eleanor, Daniel and Susan.

 I also would like to thank Rachel @Fiktsun and Jaime and Patricia @ Two Chicks On Books