The demand for more technology required more workers. In Timekeeper’s timeline, this prompted women, regardless of class or marital status, to leave the home and seek jobs in industries typically dominated by men.
We see this prevalently in the Mechanics Union. The ability to sense time is one both men and women are born with, which means that, as a matter of course, women should be allowed to become mechanics as well. Although faced with frequent criticism—even from other women in common society—and the stress of needing to prove their worth when their male counterparts do not, the female clock mechanics serve as a positive example for younger women who wish to break out in male-centric fields, such as auto repair. These young women are eager to deviate from their parents’ conventions of dress, speech, and appearance.
Homosexuality
Before 1861, homosexuality was considered a crime punishable by death in England. Though the death penalty was eventually abolished in connection with this “crime,” one could still be sentenced to prison if caught or suspected of homosexual behavior. The most notable example is Oscar Wilde’s 1895 trial and subsequent two-year imprisonment for his relationship with Lord Alfred Douglas.
In Timekeeper, I wanted Danny to be part of a society that was more indifferent than punishing. With the number of secrets he keeps close to his chest, I didn’t want this important, fundamental part of him to be a secret as well. Therefore, just as women’s roles have changed in a shifting society ruled by technology, so too have the laws regarding homosexuality.
There are quite a few differences between the real Victorian England and the one we see through Danny’s eyes, all stemming from the creation of the clock towers and their impact on technology and society. I wanted to blend the traditional with the unconventional to create a strange era of contradictions: advanced technology combined with an old-fashioned aesthetic, evolving gender roles battling stubborn classism. Old and new coexisting in the constant stream of time.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
I cannot believe that three years ago, this book was only a small, strange document on my computer. Now it is a physical thing you can pick up and read. How weird is that?
(Very. But also very cool).
Of course, I have to thank the many people who helped me in those three years:
First and foremost, to my amazing editor, Alison Weiss. Alison, you understood this book in a way I thought no one could. Maybe even better than I did. You pushed and challenged me (I might have also done the same to you—sorry), and your unwavering faith in me and this book is what kept me going. Thank you, thank you, a million times thank you. I’m still working on getting you a clock spirit.
To the Sky Pony team: Cheryl Lew, Bethany Buck, Jenn Chan, Georgia Morrisey for the lovely cover, Joshua Barnaby for the kickass interior design, and all the rest: thank you so much for your dedication. And William McAusland for that awesome map!
To my agent, Laura Crockett, who read this and somehow thought, Yup, this is something I want. I will forever be grateful for your support and enthusiasm. Thanks also to the rest of the Triada US crew: Uwe Stender, Brent Taylor, and Mallory Brown.
Liz Briggs, Pitch Wars mentor extraordinaire: I would never have gotten this far without you. You picked this dusty stone from the ground and made it shine. #TeamBriggs 4ever.
Emily Skrutskie, the Cap to my Iron Man, the Burr to my Hamilton, the Hux to my Kylo Ren (yeah, I said it): thank you for putting up with this gestures to self and reading everything I shove under your nose, and overall just being a super cool person. Our crossovers will always be things of beauty. P.S. - Please don’t blackmail me.
To Traci Chee, my favorite eighty-year-old woman, and Jessica Cluess, my favorite grumpy driver: you are my pillars. Your advice and wisdom and humor and friendship have meant so much to me. We’ll always have the Circle of Ten. (Also: shout-out to Cole Benton, who got me that one ARC that one time and who sometimes carries my bags. You are one of the Good Ones).
To my fellow Sweet Sixteeners: I’m so proud to be in this group of amazingly talented authors. Thank you for sharing your stories and supporting mine. Special thanks to Heidi Heilig (you are a goddess), Alwyn Hamilton (road trip buddies!), Roshani Chokshi (the sun in my sky), Audrey Coulthurst (I’m dying to try the Timekeeper cocktail), Kelly Zekas (broody boys for the win!), and Kerri Maniscalco (honestly, how do you even exist?).
Victoria Schwab: thank you so much for the lovely blurb, and for being an incredible badass. You are an inspiration.
Thanks to the Class of 2k16 for all their work and dedication. I’ve loved being part of this group.