Today, I’m interviewing Kathryn Rose, author of Camelot Burning
Synopsis:
By day, Vivienne is Guinevere’s lady-in-waiting. By night, she’s Merlin’s secret apprentice, indulging in the new mechanical arts and science of alchemy. It’s a preferred distraction from Camelot’s gossipy nobility, roguish knights, and Lancelot’s athletic new squire, Marcus, who will follow in all knights’ footsteps by taking a rather inconvenient vow of chastity.
More than anything, Vivienne longs to escape Camelot for a future that wouldn’t include needlework or marriage to a boorish lord or dandy. But when King Arthur’s sorceress sister, Morgan le Fay, threatens Camelot, Vivienne must stay to help Merlin build a steam-powered weapon to defeat the dark magic machine Morgan will set upon the castle. Because if Camelot falls, Morgan would be that much closer to finding the elusive Holy Grail. Time is running out and Morgan draws near, and if Vivienne doesn’t have Merlin’s weapon ready soon, lives would pay the price, including that of Marcus, the only one fast enough to activate it on the battlefield
Welcome, Kathryn!
Thanks for having me!
Your debut, Camelot Burning, is about seventeen year old Vivienne who is a lady in waiting to the future queen of Camelot- Guinevere. She is also secretly Merlin’s apprentice. What kind of research did you do to make your Camelot come alive?
I took a lot of literature classes in college that looked at medieval folklore and legends. One of my favorites was Edmund Spenser’s THE FAERIE QUEENE. I also studied medieval history and feudal systems, and found them fascinating. In terms of adding the steampunk flair, Scott Westerfeld’s LEVIATHAN is one of my favorite books and steampunk resources.
What inspired you to write Camelot Burning, adding steampunk elements to a high fantasy tale?
I knew I wanted to write steampunk, but I couldn’t think of an idea that would be unique enough, and when I came across an old King Arthur movie, I thought Merlin would make a badass steampunk character.
I have to ask: King Arthur or Lancelot?
Depends on the retelling! But I’m usually on Team Lancelot; the only time I’m for King Arthur is when I’m watching the BBC TV series, MERLIN.
What was the last book you read?
I just read AdriAnne Strickland’s WORDLESS, which releases from Flux later this year. OMG IT WAS SO GOOD.
Who are you? Hobbit, Elf or Dwarf?
I wish I were an elf, but in all likelihood, I’d suit the hobbit lifestyle much better.
How do you take your potato?
Roasted.
Where is your favorite place to write?
Probably my writing office, which is awesome because I have twinkle lights and books around me. Or my backyard in the summer on a lawn chair.
You are stranded on a desert island. Dr. Moreau, Dr. Jekyll and Dr. Frankenstein each stand in a boat which will get you to safety. Who do you choose to travel with?
Dr. Moreau, purely for curiosity’s sake. At this point, I’m not thinking about my survival. I’m just so curious about what that guy would be like.
Do you have a favorite literary character?
Several. I’m immensely curious about Heathcliff from WUTHERING HEIGHTS, and Snape from HARRY POTTER.
Do you buy a book based on its cover?
No, but I have picked up a book based on its cover. I always read the back to see what a book’s about.
What are you working on now?
Book two revisions, and a few super secret projects.
Thanks for stopping by Kathryn!
You can find Kathyrn on Twitter @_KathrynRose_ or spot by her website here
You can buy a copy of Camelot Burning here!
Kimberly majored in Songwriting and currently works full time in the music industry. When she's not listening to music, knitting or writing, you can find her outside reading her favorite genres: Young Adult, Adult Fiction, Mystery, and Romance.