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Ask the Author: Beth Cato

“Ask me a question.” Beth Cato

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Not a ? but a comment: Good news from Sacramento! I took your suggestion of requesting "Cheddar" from the library, since I didn't find it after several visits online. It just showed up, and I reserved one of three copies they've ordered. :)
Beth Cato Thank you! That is fantastic! I hope you enjoy the read--it'll be a nice mental escape to the cooler central coast!
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I just read this article/recipe in the SF Chronicle and immediately thought of you (especially since I just started reading "Thousand Recipes..."). If I "know" anyone who has the patience and skill to make this, it's you. If you do, let us know how it is! It sounds delicious and fun. https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/recipes/article/strawberry-hand-pie-hibiscus-18088517.php?sid=5b39cd7ba41e4f2b9b03b1c9&ss=A
Beth Cato Oh wow, that recipe looks amazing! Every spring I've lived in Arizona, I've mourned the dearth of good strawberries--I've only been able to get sweet farmstand ones when I've had good timing to be back in central California or other places. However, I'm about to move to Minnesota, and from what I've read, I'll be arriving as strawberries come into season! I AM EXCITED. I might actually be able to make recipes like this!
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Where does the short story The Deepest Poison fit into the Clockwork Dagger time line? I'm not sure whether I need to read Clockwork Dagger first or if this is a prequel
Beth Cato Thanks for the question, Sarah! "The Deepest Poison" is indeed a prequel story and the events that happen are referred to throughout The Clockwork Dagger, though the story shows everything from a very different perspective. Read them in chronological order if you want, but there's no hard rule on that.
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What are you currently working on?
Beth Cato I just sent my revised sequel (THE CLOCKWORK CROWN) to my editor. That deadline was the guillotine over my head for August, but now it's done and there is much rejoicing. With one month until DAGGER'S release (!!!), I'll be working on release-related stuff like blog posts and interviews, but also a new story and maybe some poetry. I'll also continue to send out stories and poems as rejections come in. That's the writer's life!
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What’s your advice for aspiring writers?
Beth Cato Write. Keep writing. Every story or novel is different and will challenge you in different ways. The publishing industry is slow--that's very true--but the process of becoming a writer is slow (and painful), too. Be stubborn and willing to improve yourself. Rely on critique partners. Reward yourself when you meet your goals.
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Clockwork Dagger sounds like nothing I've ever read before, so I'm really excited for the release. Combining steam punk with magic and a bit of medical fiction = pure genius. What was your inspiration for writing this novel? Besides Anthony Burgess, I mean! :)
Beth Cato Thank you so much! The book was inspired by several things. I've loved healer characters since I was a kid, but I was always disappointed that they are relegated to a sidekick role in most books and video games. I love steampunk and wanted to write something in that setting. My mom also raised me on Agatha Christie mysteries. My original idea for the book was 'Murder on the Orient Express, on an airship, with a healer as the lead character.' I expanded the story from there!
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Beth Cato
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