Frequently Asked Questions

Before you email the author with a question, please check the FAQ to make sure your question hasn’t already been answered!

Will there be a sequel to Something Strange and Deadly?

Yes! Something Strange and Deadly is the first in a planned trilogy. Book 2 is titled A Darkness Strange and Lovely and follows Eleanor and the Spirit-Hunters as they face off with the Dead in Paris. There is also a novella that shows events prior to Something Strange and Deadly. You can learn more about the sequels here.

When will A Darkness Strange and Lovely be available?

Book 2, A Darkness Strange and Lovely, will be available on July 23rd, 2013. You can pre-order the book here.

Where can I get an ARC for A Darkness Strange and Lovely?

Advanced copies (a.k.a. ARCs or galleys) will not be available until late spring of 2013. However, if you would like HarperCollins to know you’re interested in receiving an ARC, please fill out the contact form with your name, blog/reviewer information, and contact info.

When will Daniel’s story, A Dawn Most Wicked, be available?

Daniel’s story, an e-novella titled A Dawn Most Wicked, will be available on June 4th. You can pre-order the novella here.

Where can I get signed swag?

Just head here and fill out the form! As long as you can pay for the mailing charges, then signed bookmarks, stickers, and character cards await!

Can I get a signed copy of the book?

Yes! It can even be personalized! Susan Dennard is working with an independent bookstore to make sure fans and readers can get as many signed books as they want–and it costs nothing extra! You can learn more here.

Where did the idea for Something Strange and Deadly come from?

(Question asked by Seleena)

The idea for Something Strange and Deadly actually came from a dream! You know how you have those dreams that, when you wake up, leave you feeling changed? They sit with you the rest of the day(or week), and something about those emotions just needs to be tapped into ?

Well, in this dream, I had an older brother who was missing, and I knew I would do anything to find him–even join that weird team of outcasts. So then I took that initial idea and “fleshed it out”.

Is there any extra content for the book?

Yes! There is loads of extra content on the Extra Content page–from quizzes to recipes to historical details.

Why did you choose 1876 Philadelphia?

(Question asked by Asia)

I picked 1876 Philadelphia for several reasons. For one, I’ve always been intrigued by steampunk/gaslamp stories from a purely aesthetic standpoint (all those gears and dresses are soooo prettyyyy….). Plus, some of my favorite classics were set in the late 19th century. I figured if I enjoyed reading about that time period, I’d enjoy researching it and writing about it.

My second reason for picking Victorian times was because I thought all the restrictions against women–both socially and with fashion!–would add a nice chunk of conflict to the story. So, after some preliminary searching, I settled on the Centennial Exhibition in Philadelphia as my setting. I loved the idea of the first American World’s Fair in a city chockfull of history suddenly overrun with corpses!

How did the Spirit-Hunters meet?

The Spirit-Hunters actually met on a steamboat in the Mississippi River. Daniel was working as an engineer’s apprentice, and Jie was a rich man’s footman. Joseph came to the boat to deal with a haunting. One night, Jie cheated Daniel at cards, leading to a fight, and Joseph foolishly tried to intervene. If you want more details, you’ll just have to wait for A Dawn Most Wicked (which releases June 4th, 2013)! It tells the full story.

Does Daniel really love Eleanor?

You will just have to wait and see! The e-novella, A Dawn Most Wicked will shed light on that question–and so will book 2, A Darkness Strange and Lovely.

What is your favorite scene from Something Strange and Deadly?

My favorite scene is without a doubt the dynamite factory scenes! Without giving away too much of the book, I’ll just say there’s one chapter when Eleanor and Daniel have to break into a dynamite factory. Of course, nothing goes according to plan, and the two find themselves fleeing full-speed. I always imagine the track “Septimus” (from the Stardust score) playing as they try to outrace an explosion.

Can you tell me how to get published?

Getting a traditional publishing deal is no easy feat, but I truly believe that anyone with enough passion for storytelling and enough determination can one day see their book in stores too! For specifics on writing techniques and the steps to getting published, please check out my personal blog and this enormous compilation of all my writing-related blog posts!

Do you have any advice for writers?

NEVER GIVE UP. No one’s journey is the same, and I promise: you can do this. Follow your personal journey, keep your eyes on the prize, and one day, you’ll reach your dreams.

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Ask the Author

Have a question for Susan Dennard? Just fill out the form at the bottom, and Susan will answer as soon as she can. And maybe your question will be featured!

Sequels, ARCs, and Swag

Story and Characters

Writing Advice