Dear Students,
I am delighted to bring you another fabulous steampunk author today as part of the Steampunk University Lecture Series. Margaret Fox, author of Prince of Hearts will release her second novel in the series, A Dark Heart, on Amazon on November 26th. Please enjoy an interview with her protagonist in A Dark Heart, Inspector Elijah Drexler.
SteamU; The Steampunk University Series
Today’s
Lecture by SteamU Professor: Margaret Foxe
Author
of:
Prince of Hearts (The Elders and Welders Chronicles, Bk. 1)
Further
Discourses Available: Amazon
An Interview With a Vampire
by Margaret Foxe
(AUTHOR’S NOTE: This
is a newspaper interview I “unearthed”, featuring the hero of my upcoming book,
A Dark Heart (The Elders and Welders Chronicles, Bk. 2), which is out on Amazon Nov. 26th. Many of my readers have
already met Inspector Elijah Drexler in Prince of Hearts, where he was one of the supporting
characters. He had his own story to tell, but getting him to tell it has proved
difficult, however, as you will plainly see by the futile efforts of the 19th
century interviewer below, who had no idea he was badgering a very cranky, very
dangerous vampire, by the by. But don’t worry. This vampire eventually learns
to open up and find love in A Dark Heart
– eventually being the key word.)
London, April, 1897:
Last week, this author
was fortunate enough to gain an interview with the infamously elusive
detective, Inspector Elijah Drexler of Scotland Yard. The Inspector had made a
name for himself early in his career for his dedicated crusade against the
Black Market that has held London’s East End in its thrall for the past few
decades. However, after single-handedly apprehending the vicious criminal known
as Jack the Ripper nearly a decade ago, Inspector Drexler retreated from his
rising celebrity under mysterious circumstances. He is rarely seen in public
these days.
His mission to clean up
the London stews has continued unabated, however, as was evidenced by the state
in which I discovered him for this interview in his small basement office:
unshaven, with blood staining a suit that had long since seen better days. He
informed me it was from a murder suspect he’d had to “subdue” before hauling
him into the Yard.
This author must admit
to a bit of trepidation upon discovering him in such dishabille, for despite
his apparent infirmities, one senses that this is not a man to cross in a dark
alley. Owing to a childhood accident, one of Inspector Drexler’s legs was crippled,
and an eye was lost forever. Thus he wields a cane to accommodate a noticeable
limp, and stares out at the world from behind a Welder’s brass-fitted eyepiece.
However, this author cannot decide which is more unnerving: the goggle-like
Weldling automata covering the right side of his face, or his one remaining
human eye, so brilliantly blue and shrewd that it seems just as unnatural.
Or perhaps it is the
scar streaking down his cheek underneath his Weldling eye that creates the
general air of menace surrounding this man. That or the Inspector’s scowling
reticence to all of my inquiries. But one thing has become unerringly clear to
this author: if I ever doubted the rumors he brought the Ripper’s severed head
to the Chief Inspector on a platter nine years ago, just like the biblical
Salome, I do not any longer. This man seems capable of anything.
Anything except
accommodating a newspaperman, it seems. Here is the brief interview I managed
to squeeze out of him, such as it is:
Me: It is well known
you were an orphan mentored by the late Earl of Llewellyn. Would you care to
comment on your relationship with him?
Inspector: There is
nothing much to say that has not been said before on that subject. He took an
interest in me when I was a lad and funded my education. He was a
philanthropist. That was what he did. I was nothing special.
Me: That isn’t exactly
true, now, is it? You were more than a charity case for him. And you have
remained close with his heir, the current Earl of Llewellyn, and his sister,
the socialite Lady Christiana Harker. Care to comment on that?
Inspector: I’m not close with anyone, certainly not nobs
like the Earl or her Ladyship. I’m from Whitechapel, not Mayfair.
Me: But the Earl would
call you a friend. You would not do the same?
Inspector: I don’t have
friends. [sighs] I thought this was about police business. If you’re looking
for gossip for the society page, you’ve come to the wrong bleeding place. [He gets
up from behind his desk as if to leave].
Me: Your reaction makes
me think you have something to hide. Perhaps you carry a tendre for Lady Christiana and don’t wish to betray yourself?
Inspector: [Sits back
down, and glares at me with such venom I admit that I break out in a sweat.
After a painfully long silence in which I begin to fear he’d put my head on a platter, however, Drexler
speaks.] What man in London doesn’t? Your own rag called her The Most Beautiful
Woman in London. She is beautiful to look at, I’ll admit. But other than that,
I can’t say. I don’t know her that well.
Me: I’ll take your word
for it. What I’m really interested in are the reports some of my sources have
been bringing me from the East End about strange creatures haunting the streets
at night.
Inspector: What’s new
about that?
Me: Well, perhaps the
fact that these strange creatures seem to be leaving behind bloodless corpses?
Inspector: I have no
comment.
Me: Do you have nothing
to say about Nick O’Connor’s alleged connection to these nighttime activities?
Your nemesis has been busy in recent years, consolidating the Black Market’s
power in East London, despite your best efforts. Should we be worried about
these latest rumors?
Inspector: [still
glaring] I don’t know anything about bloodless corpses. But I know this.
Anything bad that happens in London can be laid at that b-—‘s feet.
Me: So your quest to
bring down Nick O’Connor continues, even after all of these years?
Inspector: I may be
destined for a place in hell, but I’m taking that son of a b—- with me when I
go.
Me: Brave words,
Inspector.
Inspector: True words. And you can print every one
of them. I want him to know I’m coming for him. [With that, Inspector Drexler
ends the interview abruptly.]
Of course, my editors
have forced me to leave blank some of the Inspector’s more colorful language in
regards to Nick O’Connor’s person, but I heeded the Inspector’s request to
publish his latest declaration of war against the Black Market leader.
Despite his
deflections, this author believes the Inspector knows far more about the
disturbing reports currently circulating throughout the city concerning the new
terrors stalking the streets at night. Not since the early days of the Ripper’s
reign of terror have Scotland Yard and other official sources been so reluctant
to talk to members of the press. Should the general citizenry be worried?
Absolutely. Bloodsucking creatures or no, with men like Newgate Nick O’Connor
out there, one should always worry.
But with men like
Inspector Drexler to stand up to the villains – men nearly as fearsome as the
villains themselves – this author feels perversely reassured. My instincts tell
me that if I had to choose between facing Nick O’Connor or the Inspector in the
boxing ring, I’d choose the former if I had any desire to leave the ring alive.
- From The London Post-Dispatch, 1897.
About the Author
Margaret Foxe is a professional musician from Tennessee. She has lived in several countries and travelled from Costa Rica to Cairo. Her crowning transcontinental glory was ascending Jebel Toubkal in the High Atlas Mountains with her best friend, a mule, a Berber guide named Omar, a bota bag, and lots and lots of orange Fanta. She is currently working on her master's degree in piano performance in between writing steampunk mash-ups. Her debut novel, Prince of Hearts, combines all of her favorite things: historical romance, steampunk gadgets, a touch of fantasy, and a canine sub-plot.Margaret has graciously gifted a giveaway for my December 4th release party for Chasing the Star Garden. Please join us for our Steampunk Fete and Chasing the Star Garden release party on Facebook! With more than 30 prizes and more than a dozen steampunk writers donating to the event, it's sure to be a blast!
Click the graphic to join our Steampunk Fete!
~ Class Dismissed
Are you tired of being human, having talented brain turning to a vampire in a good posture in ten minutes, Do you want to have power and influence over others, To be charming and desirable, To have wealth, health, without delaying in a good human posture and becoming an immortal? If yes, these your chance. It's a world of vampire where life get easier,We have made so many persons vampires and have turned them rich, You will assured long life and prosperity, You shall be made to be very sensitive to mental alertness, Stronger and also very fast, You will not be restricted to walking at night only even at the very middle of broad day light you will be made to walk, This is an opportunity to have the human vampire virus to perform in a good posture. If you are interested contact us on Vampirelord7878@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteHello friends out there my name is Steven Mark am a vampire i was born in California am 40 years old i love being a vampire because i always get what i want i have initiate allot of friends and family member, young and old ,if you have interest and you want to be a vampire you are free i can turn you and you will be one of us. Fame, money, anything you want will defiantly be yours contact vampirekingdome666@gmail.com today and be one of us or Add me on Whats-App +2349060961651
ReplyDeleteMy Name is Kelly Williams from Canada, i turn to a vampire any time i want to, I become a real vampire because of how people treat me, This world is a wicked world and not fair to any body. At the snack of my finger things are made happened. Am now a powerful vampire and no one step on me without an apology goes free. I turn to human being also at any time i want to. And am one of the most dreaded and respected person in my country. i am now also very famous and rich with the help of the VAMPIRES EMPIRE. i get what ever a want. i become a vampire through the help of my friend who introduce me into a vampire Kingdom by given me their email: templeofsuccessandlove1@gmail.com, if you want to become a powerful and a real vampire kindly contact the vampire kingdom on their email: templeofsuccessandlove1@gmail.com for help. it is real. Contact them today. templeofsuccessandlove1@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteCONTACT LORD SHAKA AT ( lordshakavampirekingdom@gmail.com ) TO BE A POWERFUL MEMBER OF THE VAMPIRE KINGDOM.
ReplyDeleteI turn to a vampire any time i want to. i become a vampire because of how people treat me, this world is a wicked world and not fair to any body. at the snack of my finger things are made happened. am now a powerful man and no one step on me without an apology goes free. i turn to human also at any time i want to. and am one of the most dreaded man in my country. i become a vampire through the help of my friend who introduce me into a vampire kingdom by given me their email. All thanks to Lord Shaka for your empowerment if you want to become a powerful vampire kindly contact the vampire kingdom on their EmaiL:(lordshakavampirekingdom@gmail.com )
ReplyDeleteHi Guys
i really have to tell this i never thought this is what would happen to me so at the beginning of my life i met somebody in email suddenly somebody wrote me
I got on well with her and she is such a good person
So I'm starting to tell, I've never thought to help me offer me and I never thought to make my dream come true
she asks me to come to a power that I have always wished
and she can help any person start a new life the person
she is really a charitable person
it will help you no matter what you want a vampire yours or something else
This is her e-mail
templeofsuccessandlove1@gmail.com
I hope your dream comes true
ReplyDeleteMy Name is Kelly Williams from Canada, i turn to a vampire any time i want to, I become a real vampire because of how people treat me, This world is a wicked world and not fair to any body. At the snack of my finger things are made happened. Am now a powerful vampire and no one step on me without an apology goes free. I turn to human being also at any time i want to. And am one of the most dreaded and respected person in my country. i am now also very famous and rich with the help of the VAMPIRES EMPIRE. i get what ever a want. i become a vampire through the help of my friend who introduce me into a vampire Kingdom by given me their email: templeofsuccessandlove1@gmail.com, if you want to become a powerful and a real vampire kindly contact the vampire kingdom on their email: templeofsuccessandlove1@gmail.com for help. it is real. Contact them today. templeofsuccessandlove1@gmail.com.
Become a vampire now and enjoy all the supernatural abilities. Join Gumbala of the 76th,practice transformation and shapeshifting. Contact Gumbala via email ( gumbalavampirehome@gmail.com )
ReplyDeleteDo you want to be a vampire, are you tired of being human? A world of vampire where life get easier,we have made so many persons vampires and have turned them rich,you will assured long life and prosperity,you shall be made to be very sensitive to mental alertness, if you are interested contact Gumbala via ( gumbalavampirehome@gmail.com )
Good Day,
ReplyDeleteDo You Want To Be A Vampire?
Been A Vampire Will Make You
• Make Stronger.
• Think Faster.
• World Famous
• Will Never Experience Suffering Anymore In Your Life.
• Can Never Be Oppressed By Anyone
• Above All You Will Live Very Long on Earth And Be Protected All Through Your Life.
For More Info About Been A Vampire & If You Interested On Been A Vampire Kindly Contact This Email
Contact Me: realvampirekingdom1@gmail.com
i am ERIC BRUNT by name. Greetings to every one that is reading this testimony. I have been rejected by my wife after three(3) years of marriage just because another Man had a spell on her and she left me and the kid to suffer. one day when i was reading through the web, i saw a post on how this spell caster on this address AKHERETEMPLE@gmail.com have help a woman to get back her husband and i gave him a reply to his address and he told me that a man had a spell on my wife and he told me that he will help me and after 3 days that i will have my wife back. i believed him and today i am glad to let you all know that this spell caster have the power to bring lovers back. because i am now happy with my wife. Thanks for helping me Dr Akhere contact him on email: AKHERETEMPLE@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteor
call/whatsapp:+2349057261346
i am ERIC BRUNT by name. Greetings to every one that is reading this testimony. I have been rejected by my wife after three(3) years of marriage just because another Man had a spell on her and she left me and the kid to suffer. one day when i was reading through the web, i saw a post on how this spell caster on this address AKHERETEMPLE@gmail.com have help a woman to get back her husband and i gave him a reply to his address and he told me that a man had a spell on my wife and he told me that he will help me and after 3 days that i will have my wife back. i believed him and today i am glad to let you all know that this spell caster have the power to bring lovers back. because i am now happy with my wife. Thanks for helping me Dr Akhere contact him on email: AKHERETEMPLE@gmail.com
or
call/whatsapp:+2349057261346
Contrairement à tout ce que vous pourrez lire sur les prêteurs entre particuliers sur internet, d'après mes propres expériences je ne peux que vous conseiller Madame Séverine Christiana PICARO HOEVEL
ReplyDeleteJe m'appelle Laurine Cremer Si vous vous rappelle de moi l'année passe le 15 Decembre 2018 j'ai faire une témoignage sur madame Séverine Christiana PICARO HOEVEL c'est à cause d'elle j'ai reçu mon prêt pouvoir offrir des cadeau à mes enfants les services de madame Séverine Christiana PICARO HOEVEL qui est une preteuse particulière elle octroie des prêts sérieux et honnêtes entre particuliers. Je l'ai connu en Décembre 2018 où j'avais besoin d'argent pour acheter des jouets à mes enfants et cette dame m'a aidé, je n'avais payé qu'un petit sous qu'elle ma rendu après le versement de mes premières mensualités.
Cette Année pour quitter le Belgique pour partir en Noël en Strasbourg
Mon fils aîné nous a prévenu à la dernière minute qu’il voulait partir avec nous en Strasbourg, en France pour le fete Noël j’ai fait appel à madame Séverine Christiana PICARO HOEVEL pour financer la fête Noël et aussi acheter des jouets à mes enfants et la Fêtes de fin d'année. elle m'a encore aidez pour un pret de 30.000 euro
Pour ceux qui ont des difficultés financières allez vers Séverine Christiana PICARO HOEVEL elle vous aidera comme elle l'a fait pour moi il y 1an et encore cette année Son adresse: christianapicaro@gmail.com
La joie de vivre est la chose la plus facile à transmettre et à communiquer.
My Name is Steve Jones from Canada, i turn to a vampire any time i want to, I become a real vampire because of how people treat me, This world is a wicked world and not fair to any body. At the snack of my finger things are made happened. Am now a powerful vampire and no one step on me without an apology goes free. I turn to human being also at any time i want to. And am one of the most dreaded and respected person in my country. i am now also very famous and rich with the help of the VAMPIRES EMPIRE. i get what ever a want. i become a vampire through the help of my friend who introduce me into a vampire Kingdom by given me their email: jamessuccessfultemple45@gmail.com, if you want to become a powerful and a real vampire kindly contact the vampire kingdom on their email: jamessuccessfultemple45@gmail.com for help. it is real. Contact them today. jamessuccessfultemple45@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteWelcome to ( New-World Vampire Kingdom). Do you want to be a vampire,still in human,having talented brain turning to a vampire in a good posture in ten mines time to a human again, with out delaying in a good human posture. A world of vampire where life get easier,we have made so many persons vampires and have turned them rich,you will assured long life and prosperity,you shall be made to be very sensitive to mental alertness,stronger and also very fast,you will not be restricted to walking at night only even at the very middle of broad day light you will be made to walk, this is an opportunity to have the human vampire virus to perform in a good posture.if you are interested contact us on vampireworld777@gmail.com
ReplyDeleteAm Spencer Sunshine,from Miami Florida United States.Am here to to testify on how i was initiated into Vampire's cult. At first i had the interest of becoming one because i wanted to live longer and achieve greatness and fame of my own and i was scared of how i can achieve this goal.Along the course,i found this email address (jamessuccessfultemple45@gmail.com) online seeking for those who are interested and i contacted the email address thinking just giving a try to my greatest surprise they made me become one and give me all that i have actually wanted,though some sacrifice and some other things were done for very easily and they gave me vampire dayring that can make me walk any time of the day.Truly this is the revolutionized vampire's cult and am very happy about it.It is happening,for real.In case you too need to be one,i would advice you contact this email address (jamessuccessfultemple45@gmail.com) and get what you want.
ReplyDeleteGood Day, Do You Want To Be A Vampire? Been A Vampire Will Make You Stronger. Think Faster. World Famous Will Never Experience Suffering Anymore In Your Life. Can Never Be Oppressed By Anyone Above All You Will Live Very Long on Earth And Be Protected All Through Your Life. For More Info About Been A Vampire & If You Interested On Been A Vampire Kindly Contact This Email Contact Me: realvampirekingdom1@gmail.com or on whatsapp +13656594152
ReplyDelete
ReplyDeleteI got my already programmed and blanked ATM card to withdraw the maximum of $1,000 daily for a maximum of 20 days. I am so happy about this because i got mine last week and I have used it to get $20,000. Mike Fisher Hackers is giving out the card just to help the poor and needy though it is illegal but it is something nice and he is not like other scam pretending to have the blank ATM cards. And no one gets caught when using the card. get yours from Mike *email: int.hackers002@gmail.com you can also call or whatsapp us Contact us today for more enlightenment +1(765) 705-0044
great
ReplyDelete