Sariah

Sariah asked Mary Robinette Kowal:

I think the random references in your Glamourist History books are great. I've so far caught Melody claiming one does not simply walk into Murano, the word inconceivable not meaning what you think it means, and the phrase "constant vigilance." I see from your other answers that I've managed to miss all of the Doctor's appearances, however. What other gems did I miss?

Mary Robinette Kowal So... I'm a geek. And I throw these in to amuse myself when I'm writing, fully expecting them to get cut. My editor usually lets me keep them. Usually.

For instance... In Without a Summer, one of the coldmongers carries a banner that reads, "Summer is Coming."

In Of Noble Family, Vincent says "As you wish."

One that I had to cut, because the joke was going to break tension at the wrong point, has to do with Signor Zancani's name in Valour and Vanity. I had him say, "My name means, "left-handed" but I am not..."

More Answered Questions

Jeremy

Jeremy asked Mary Robinette Kowal:

I just finished "The Calculating Stars" and was blown away by how much I enjoyed this book. All the subtle details really made it feel like I was a part of that era. How much thought went into your word choice? For example; which news service called it a meteor or meteorite. Was that intentional American stubbornness? (They called it a meteor early on and decided to stick with it knowing it was wrong)

Heini Kärkkäinen

Heini Kärkkäinen asked Mary Robinette Kowal:

Hi Mary! First of all I wan't to thank you of your work in writing excuses, which, (especially your advices) has led me to understand and love writing in a whole new level. So thanks, you're awesome! Could you recommend a book with believable romance between characters, that they start as strangers? I've never read "romace" books, but know I' need to learn for my own story, and also I think I'm ready for new genre.

Allie

Allie asked Mary Robinette Kowal:

At the end of "Without a Summer" you say that you borrowed three sentences from Jane Austen. I missed them, which ones were they? Were they all from Emma?

All answers from Mary Robinette Kowal…

Mary Robinette Kowal

5,345 followers

To ask Mary Robinette Kowal a question, please sign up.

About Goodreads Q&A

Ask and answer questions about books!

You can pose questions to the Goodreads community with Reader Q&A, or ask your favorite author a question with Ask the Author.

See Featured Authors Answering Questions