Unbroken Star
by Alex Washoe
Released in Audio: November 15, 2022
Genre: Fantasy Romance
Why this book and why now?
This book is the second book in my “In the Queerness of Time” series, which feature queer time-travel romances. I set it in the Old West because I’ve written westerns before, I know the time period fairly well, and I wanted to tie this series in with the previous one. Also, the time fit the main character Britt very well. I like exploring the lesser known aspects of the past, especially the lives of women and queer people.
What is a significant way your book has changed since either the first draft or the way you thought it would turn out when you first had the inspiration?
The plot of the book is pretty much the way I planned it when I mapped out the series, but certain characters occurred to me as I was writing or became more important. The outlaw Tolliver is a good example. He was just supposed to be the villain’s henchman, but he grew into something more. Also the undertaker’s wife Mrs. Hemphill. I had no idea when I started that she was really a notorious Nosferatu gunslinger.
What’s your main character(s)’s favorite book and why?
Britt’s favorite book is actually one of mine. She grew up loving westerns, and her favorite was “A Land of Iron” about transgender gunfighter Lucas Westbrooke. In the world of the books “A Land of Iron” was written by Venetia Suggit, a family friend of the Westbrookes, who is also a character in this book.
What 3 things would your main character want with them if they got stranded away from civilization, and why?
Britt would want her gun, because as an ex-cop she never feels comfortable without it. She’d want her copy of “A Land of Iron”. And she’d want her phone, even if there was no service, because at least she’d have her pictures of home and family for as long as the battery lasted.
One of your main characters is planning a romantic night. Tell us about it.
Agnes (being a hearth witch) is not a bad cook, although she mostly uses her skills for healing. She might try to make one of Britt’s favorite dishes, like orange dark chocolate cookies. It wouldn’t be fancy or formal, it would be more picnic style, with candles, even if they were indoors.
Publishing a book is a huge accomplishment and it’s time to party! Choose a celebratory beverage for one of your main characters to toast the release of your new book.
Agnes has developed a taste for mead (at Torhilde’s tavern). She also like tea at quieter times. Britt prefers beer, although the beer in the Old West is not up to her standards. Neither of them is a fancy drinker.
What song does your character put on to start your book launch party?
Agnes’ new favorite song is “Christmas Ghosts” by The Muskrats
