On Writing Steampunk and Being Part of the Steampunk Community

 

Corset by Brute Force Studios

Of late, there is much to do about the definition of steampunk and debate within the steampunk community.

As an author of steampunk and, in particular, steampunk romance, the fascinating characteristic of this genre is of course the steampunk aesthetic. When I write steampunk, I endeavor to capture the aesthetic of steampunk, the feel and the culture. It’s not just about nifty steam driven gadgets or clockworks, airships and submersibles. It’s a distinctly Victorian influence in combination with the creative technology of this alternate history in my worlds.

But the fun of steampunk goes beyond a literary genre. There are craftsmen and artisans creating fine works of steampunk design and inspiration. There’s an entire fashion movement. All of these developed in parallel to the literature, perhaps inspired by but mostly growing and taking on a life of their own.

Recently, I was asked to play a part in upcoming book trailer for The Janus Affair, a Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences novel. It was two days of intense filming for me. For my first acting experience, I was told my performance in conjunction with the talented Lady Clankington would make or break the trailer. Without us there would be no trailer. No pressure.

And so I arrived at Brute Force Studios’ Grimlore Manor a prompt 15 minutes early, wide eyed and with much trepidation. I walked into a beautiful Victorian home with workshops on every floor down to the very basement, all full of wondrous items made with excellent craftsmanship. My wallet would have trembled in fear if I hadn’t forgotten it at home. I got into makeup and costume alongside the exceedingly beautiful Lady Clankington and she proved to be both helpful and very cool. Trust me, when two ladies share a makeup mirror you either find you can work well together or blood will be shed.

And then I stepped into the incredible lighting and filming talent of Link Williams. Tee Morris took us through the read-throughs and provided direction throughout the weekend. And I watched a book trailer come together.  Hell, I was a part of making the book trailer come together. Just wow.

The trailer is targeted to release at the Steampunk World’s Fair with extras, interviews and behind the scenes tidbits to follow.

I value every chance I get to spend time with my friends in the steampunk community, take pride in the projects I’ve helped to see completed and have incredible experiences from working side by side with so many different people of such wide range in talent and skills. My writing is the better for it. My steampunk stories are better for being a born within the steampunk community.

This weekend, I’ll be at Steampunk World’s Fair, having fun scampering around a portion of the steampunk community. Come play find the PJ. I’ll make it easy for you:

PJ’s Schedule at Steampunk World’s Fair***All activities located in Boardroom B in The Raddison ”The Literary Salon”


Friday:

830pm: Author Reading: PJ Schnyder

9pm: Friday Night Book signing

10pm: Sex and Steampunk


Saturday:

1pm: Steam tea and Booksigning Event

5pm: Steampunk and Social media

630pm: Steampunk goes Global


Sunday:

1pm: Light or Dark: How do you take your steampunk