Frostwritten

Today I bring you a little interview I did with fellow author, Jason Prugar!

Jason Prugar is a filmmaker, novelist, short story writer and king of useless knowledge (great for trivia!). He enjoys playing and watching sports, spending time with his family and consuming stories in all their forms. He lives in Pennsylvania with his partner Michelle, two kids and dogs Bear and Cookie.

He is the author of detective thrillers Chasing Betty and Chasing Blue Blood, also known as the Garrison Chase series. Both are very evocative of the detective tales of yore – fun reads for fans of Sam Spade or Phillip Marlowe! His upcoming novel, steampunk-inspired thriller The Petticoat Society, is due to release later this month! Check it out, and pre-order here!

How do you think the protagonist(s) of The Petticoat Society would get along with the lead character of your Garrison Chase series?
Being from completely different times, I’m not sure they would. Nigel Barrington would probably be scared of Garrison. I think Chase would be fascinated and amused by Nigel, but considered him quaint.

What inspired you to write The Petticoat Society?
It’s an interesting story, at least to me, and perfectly encapsulates the crazy ways i get my ideas: While looking up Cary Grant and his style, I came across his film Arsenic and Old Lace. I learned that it was adapted from a play and looked into it. I was intrigued by the story itself. And I thought, what if I made a thriller, mystery version of that? And then I always wanted to do a steampunk story, and felt this was perfect for that genre.

Without giving any spoilers, what are you most excited for readers to see in your new novel?
The characters and steampunk elements.

Did your writing process for The Petticoat Society differ from the writing process for your other novels? If so, how?
A bit. I tried to incorporate as many elements of Victorian England (one of my favorite periods of history) as I could, while allowing for differences – it’s fiction, after all 🙂

Were you influenced or inspired by any particular steampunk works?
The Difference Engine by KW Jeter, The Ministry of Peculiar Occurence series by Pippa Ballentine & Tee Morris, as well as the vast amount of steampunk art that’s out there.

How do you come up with the names for your characters?
The website behindthename.com and it’s sister site for surnames. That site allows you to look up the meanings of names and I use that feature to name a character based on an aspect of their personality. For example, if someone is a villain and has a dark personality, I’ll look for a name that means black.

What was the most challenging aspect of writing The Petticoat Society?Trying to avoid modern vernacular in dialogue.

What was the most enjoyable part of writing The Petticoat Society?Writing the Barrington family.

What inspired you to want to write a story with steampunk elements?
I have always loved the steampunk genre, and was just waiting for the right story.

What three words would you use to describe the plot of The Petticoat Society?Thrilling, Familial and Fun

Are you influenced by any other authors or writers? If so, who?
Oh yes. Sebastian de Castell, Lawrence Block and Jim Butcher.