Gail Carriger Quotes

Powerful Gail Carriger for Daily Growth

About Gail Carriger

Gail Carriger, a witty and captivating voice in the world of speculative fiction, was born on August 15, 1972, in rural England. Her love for storytelling blossomed from an early age, as she spent countless hours devouring works by authors such as Diana Wynne Jones, Neil Gaiman, and J.K. Rowling. Carriger moved to the United States in 1983, settling in rural Wisconsin where she developed a keen interest in Victorian culture. This fascination would later serve as the foundation for her acclaimed Parasol Protectorate series, which combines elements of steampunk, fantasy, and romance within the backdrop of an alternate Victorian era populated by supernatural beings. Her professional writing career began in earnest with the publication of "Soulless" in 2009 – the first installment of the Parasol Protectorate series. The book introduced readers to Alexia Tarabotti, a clever and independent spinster who inadvertently develops a talent for negating supernatural powers when she comes into contact with them. Following the success of "Soulless," Carriger continued to expand her vibrant world through additional novels such as "Changeless" (2010), "Blameless" (2011), and "Timeless" (2012). In 2013, she released "Captivate," the first book in a spin-off series titled The Custard Protocol. In addition to her novel work, Carriger has penned several short stories set within her self-proclaimed "Carrigerverse." She is also an active blogger and public speaker, often sharing insights into her writing process, Victorian culture, and the art of world-building. Gail Carriger's unique blend of humor, romance, and supernatural intrigue continues to captivate readers around the globe. Her enduring popularity has led to numerous award nominations, including a Hugo Award for Best Series in 2013.

Interpretations of Popular Quotes

"It is a truth universally acknowledged that everyone will be in want of a romance."

This quote by Gail Carriger, though written in a humorous style reminiscent of Jane Austen's "Pride and Prejudice", suggests a universal acceptance or expectation of the presence of romantic relationships in society. The phrase "universally acknowledged" implies that this is a generally accepted truth, while the use of the word "everyone" highlights its all-encompassing nature. The quote serves to remind us that the pursuit and experience of romance are deeply ingrained in human experiences across various cultures and time periods.


"One must never assume familiarity with the unknown."

Gail Carriger's quote underscores the importance of acknowledging our limits in understanding the unfamiliar. It advises us to be cautious when dealing with things we don't know, as assumptions based on familiarity can lead to misunderstandings or mistakes. Instead, it encourages an open-minded and curious approach towards exploring the unknown, fostering a culture of learning and growth.


"I dislike arguing with people who insist on being wrong."

This quote expresses a sentiment about engaging in discussions or arguments with individuals who stubbornly cling to incorrect beliefs despite evidence to the contrary. The speaker suggests that such encounters can be frustrating because they often lead nowhere productive, as the other person refuses to consider alternative viewpoints or accept facts. It implies the importance of open-mindedness and willingness to learn and grow in conversations and debates.


"A lady's maid is more than a servant, she is a companion and confidante."

This quote highlights the multi-faceted relationship between a lady and her maid in Victorian society. The maid not only serves as a practical helper but also functions as a close friend and confidant, offering emotional support and companionship to her mistress. In this way, a lady's maid is an integral part of the noblewoman's life, sharing both private moments and public responsibilities.


"The world has not yet come to an end, but it may do so at any moment and I shall be quite disappointed if it does not."

This quote suggests a philosophical perspective on life where one is fully engaged with the present, acknowledging the fragility and uncertainty of existence, yet still hopeful that the world will continue to offer new experiences and opportunities. It implies a readiness for adventure and an appreciation for the beauty and mystery of each moment, despite the ever-present specter of the unknown.


As a field archeologist, one usually has to specialize in a particular part of the world or specific culture, whereas if one is a materials specialist, one can jump around to different areas. So I've had experience on excavations all over the place.

- Gail Carriger

Experience, Part, Had, Materials

I like to spoof the original Gothic classics, so there is also good dose of comedy in the 'Parasol Protectorate' - giggling readers are good.

- Gail Carriger

Original, Classics, Gothic, Spoof

I get really flowery and verbose in my adult books, but I don't think I dumb down my Y.A. It's just cleaner and more snappy. And the adult books have multiple points-of-view. In my Y.A., it's always third person from the main character's perspective.

- Gail Carriger

Dumb, Down, Main, Flowery

I like certain subgenres within science fiction and fantasy, and one of those is urban fantasy, and another is steampunk.

- Gail Carriger

Fantasy, Like, Within, Science Fiction

I consider science fiction and fantasy my genre. And I've noticed over the years that there doesn't tend to be a lot of lighthearted, comedic stuff.

- Gail Carriger

Fantasy, Over, Lighthearted, Science Fiction

As for genre, my adult books are usually filed under science fiction / fantasy, although some stores put them into romance, and few have stuck them into horror. I consider all my books a mix of steampunk and urban fantasy.

- Gail Carriger

Some, Fiction, Romance, Science Fiction

Smoke machines are the best!

- Gail Carriger

Best, Smoke, Machines

Most of the names in my books have secondary meaning. Sometimes they foreshadow; sometimes they tell you about the character's origin or back story.

- Gail Carriger

Sometimes, Tell, Origin, Secondary

I pretty much will do anything for a laugh.

- Gail Carriger

Will, Pretty, Much, Laugh

Laughter is healing and helpful and fun, and I see my role as an entertainer, and I want readers to leave my books smiling.

- Gail Carriger

Smiling, Want, Role, Helpful

When all else fails, dress beautifully and throw your food.

- Gail Carriger

Dress, When All Else Fails, Beautifully

Occasionally, if I am very confident in the establishment, I'll risk an egg salad on Dutch crunch, but I must be very confident indeed.

- Gail Carriger

Salad, Crunch, Very, Occasionally

Most people in archeology find their specialties in strange and unique ways. I always wanted to do archaeology, and then the time came for me to actually be in the field, and it was excruciatingly boring. Excavation is really, really boring.

- Gail Carriger

People, Always, Then, Archeology

At least half my writing time is spent researching. So for every hour I'm actually clicking on the keyboard, I'm spending another hour trying to figure out some tiny detail I need answered.

- Gail Carriger

Some, Another, Half, Detail

To the best of my knowledge, my youngest reader is 10 and the oldest is 95.

- Gail Carriger

Best, Reader, Youngest, Oldest

I don't want my writing to be work to read. My main goal is completely shameless entertainment. I want people to smile and giggle and enjoy the book. I'm not trying to save the world through literature.

- Gail Carriger

Through, Giggle, Read, Shameless

I like powerful women, and I gravitate to any point in history when a female has significant power. I can spend hours researching any such amazing lady, from Ching Shih to Hatshepsut to Boudica to Zenobia.

- Gail Carriger

I Can, Point, Gravitate, Researching

I love the Victorian era, and I always have, but I had a leg up on the writing because I was familiar with a lot of the science from the Victorian era. And that led to a massive interest in the science of this time of history.

- Gail Carriger

Love, Always, Had, Era

To me, steampunk and urban fantasy are naturally hinged together. And I think that's because I love the early gothic Victorian literature, and both things spring from that movement.

- Gail Carriger

Love, Think, I Think, Gothic

It seems to me that Halloween is the perfect time to get all over steampunk.

- Gail Carriger

Perfect, Over, Get, Halloween

I'm a Reuben kinda girl, but I'll take a BLT with avocado in a red hot minute if it comes on ciabatta.

- Gail Carriger

Girl, Red, Hot, Minute

I love stand-up comics, particularly those who have embraced podcasting.

- Gail Carriger

Love, I Love, Particularly, Embraced

My absolute favorite food of all time is alpaca.

- Gail Carriger

Time, Food, Favorite, Absolute

I do hold very strongly that tea is better in England. There's something in the milk. They must have special cows.

- Gail Carriger

England, Cows, Very, Strongly

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