Steampunk Reads discussion
Any Writers among you steampunk Readers? (steampunk source list)
Hello everyone. I've recently joined both Goodreads and this group. I'm a writer and a reader of speculative fiction. My first book I have published is steampunk, well I believe it to be steampunk. It is not set in Victorian times or New Frontier/Wild West, but it has elements of "Steampunk", that being steam-powered machinations, a cross between swordplay and gun play, sky-ships. But it also has magic and creatures of fantasy, such as dragons and minotaurs.I disagree with the notion that 'true' steampunk must be Victorian. I believe that if you have the elements, steampunk can be a wider vision than just Victorian or Wild West.
@Jaq: Haha ;)@Tami: I just set it up, so I haven't gotten a lot of interest yet, but yes, I think it does help a lot to get into your character's heads, and since my book is in first person, it's even more helpful. It's also fun to write journal entries for characters. That way you get to know them before you start a book. I love to see all the quirky things authors do with their characters =)
@Matthew: I agree with you. I've read several different time periods of steampunk. A freind of mine on here just published a book mixing steampunk with the Romans Brass Legionnaire I personally always thought it would be interesting to do a steampunk with the ancient Greeks because they really did have a ton of steampunk like inventions that were way before their time.
I've read some cool Greek stuff, based on Daedalus and his inventions, and was TOLD it is not steampunk but sandal-punk. And I think- really? It was an awesome story that had some magical clockwork beasties, the flying wings of course, and other inventions, and yet, sandal punk.This is why I get a little weary of strong definitions of 'steampunk' or other kinds of punk. Or confused... either or...
Truth be told, it's not the 'steam' part that I have problem with as much as the 'punk' part. The term "Steampunk" came as an analogue of "Cyberpunk" to mark the same dystopian, rebellious, class-war atmosphere of cyberpunk but in Victorian setting. But now it seems to just be a synonym for "era" or "setting". "Sandal-punk" sounds just ridiculous. I have in my mind an image of mohawked, leather-jacketed men in badly matching footwear...
Haha ;) I have to admit that the "punk" part is a little weird sounding because it doesn't normally fit in with a lot of the stories. And sandal-punk? Really? I do think it might be a little over the top with all these categories of steampunk, but, oh well.
The idea of clockwork machines in Roman or Egyptian culture sounds like a lot of fun but I agree, 'sandal punk' would not be a good genre title to go to market with.
Maybe that's what is getting to me, the whole 'punk' part of it. I like the term steampunk as it feels like you're getting anarchistic with genre and setting, grabbing aspects of one setting, say fantasy or historical fiction, and smashing them into another genre of technology such as post-apocalypse or science fiction. In that way I like it.But when it gets used too much? Dieselpunk, sandalpunk, blah. Yeah. It bugs me...
Ivy wrote: "I'd love to write a Steampunk themed novel, but I just don't know how or where to start..."My novel wasn't originally going to be steampunk either, but I have always wanted to write one and since it was set during the Victorian era I decided to just add some steampunk elements to it. You could do the same thing. Take a time period that interests you--it doesn't even have to be victorian--and just add steampunk elements to it. It's really fun to come up with stuff. =)
Making the statement- I'd love to write X, really opens a can of worms and discussion which could go on for AGES! :) mm..discussion about writing... niiiiiceI wanted to write SP as well. I specifically wanted that genre to set a story. And I think SP is only such because of the elements which go along with it- steam-powered STUFF, a mash-up of technologies which could be regarded as fantastical. A story, or plot, or character can be universal to ANY theme or genre, so it is the accessories which can make a SP novel set in that genre.
So start with a good story idea. Make it real simple. Look for the 36 Dramatic Plot devices, find some you resonate with, and build a story around that.
Create some characters to fit this plot device. If you can put some spin on them, the better. In my case, it is a damsel in distress, but she is not an ordinary damsel.
Then create the world. Consciously make it in a SP aesthetic, and have those elements crucial to the world, not just added afterthoughts. Why have skyships when you can sail? Why do people have swords AND guns, when guns clearly are the superior firepower? Some internal logic is needed.
And then start to write. Don't question if you're good enough or not, just write. If you get to the end of the story and you think it isnt very good, let someone else you trust read it (since we are our own worst critic). And then if you still dont like the story, take all the good bits, some awesome scenes, ideas, inventions and characters, put them in your idea box and think up another story.
mmm... rambling Matt is rambling...
Matthew wrote: "I've read some cool Greek stuff, based on Daedalus and his inventions, and was TOLD it is not steampunk but sandal-punk. And I think- really? It was an awesome story that had some magical clockwork..."I have to agree with you. I think some people are so focussed on maintaining their little niche that they guard it too jealously. If there's some kind of anachronism, and there's steam/clockwork involved (mostly steam, of course), then it's Steampunk! Why do we have to narrow our possibilities. As a writer and a reader, I want my Steampunk to be diverse and to surprise me constantly. Otherwise our favourite genre will die a death.
Lets mix it up! :D
I Understand the need for genres, but I sometimes sigh with sadness (ding) when people wont read a certain genre purely because it is that genre. In a writing group I was a part of, our assignment for the week was to write a romantic comedy. I wrote a scene in a bar, with some university students and some guys who worked in retail or, somewhere, and they're drinking and flirting and singing karaoke. And then, right at the end I made them walk out to the landing pad and take a fall down a gravity well.
Up to that point, it was just a romantic comedy. But then it became sci-fi. Which brought groans from some of the group.
Why is it NOW science fiction, when before it was romantic comedy?
Why can't a story be a good story without being put into a box with pre-concieved notions and expectations for being in that box?
I'm feeling a bit ranty. I shall have a nap now ;)
Matthew wrote: "Why can't a story be a good story without being put into a box with pre-concieved notions and expectations for being in that box?"This!
Especially since I find the best stories tend to be the ones that span elements of multiple genres.
Doc
Hey guys, my series is leaning toward steampunk, early start to it, not hardcore yet, but eventually it will be there. People are just now discovering certain technologies, and it is one fun adventure for me discovering more about this genre. If you would like to check it out, I am hosting a giveaway right now for it. http://www.goodreads.com/giveaway/sho...
Doc wrote: "Matthew wrote: "Why can't a story be a good story without being put into a box with pre-concieved notions and expectations for being in that box?"This!
Especially since I find the best stories t..."
I'm the same. I like my books to surprise me. Hell, my own book, Greaveburn (release date August 17th if you will forgive the blatant self-promotion), is a mix of gothic imagery with Steampunk elements, but essentially it's just a dark tale with some odd elements to it. Still, people insist on calling it fantasy. I don't think it falls into any of those categories, to be honest. Why can't it just be Speculative Fiction? To me, that encompasses everything out of the ordinary without tying anyone down.
This is turning into a rant...oh dear. Apologies.
Craig
Hi Tami,I'm a writer and though I would consider myself primarily a sci fi writer, my debut novel was diesel punk!
Liberator's Ruin
I've also just submitted a short story in the same universe to the Fantasy-Faction anthology (fingers crossed they like it)
Egads, how have I missed this thread?
I'll add you to the list PJ, thanks for sharing! You too, Travis- Yay giveaways!I've always felt that steampunk was a crossover genre from the start that has developed enough support that the people involved generally agreed on the name steampunk- but since the genre pulled from so many different sources it's only to be expected that the 'definiton' of steampunk will vary from person to person, group to group.
By the way, did I mention I'm a steampunk-ish writer too? :) My book is on Amazon and Kobo. It has dirigibles, clockwork and 'magic steam power', but also dragons, wizards and samurai - The Shadow of Black Wings - so it's one of those 'not-really-following-the-genre-rules' things that would need its own genre. Katana-punk? :P
@Craig - Yeah, it tends to get ranty, doesn't it? My story (Blatant plug at the end) I call a steampunk adventure story. I was driven by pulp adventure stories, the Uncharted and Tomb Raider games, that want of the ordinary guy rising up and having grand adventures, Stardust, by Neil Gaiman, etc. But, there were elements, which I wanted to put in, which threw it into the steampunk box. And there are dragons. Some people wanted to call it magi-tech, but what is that? Sounds kind of weird, I wont buy it.@Tami - I'm with you. I am very open to different definitions of Steampunk. Hell I know how broad the definition of Science Fiction can be. Off the top of my head- Quantum Leap. Is it science fiction, or historical fiction? He goes back in time into our actual history. But the way he does it? And having a hologram friend? Science fiction?
So I am open for broad definitions, as long as the story is awesome. I am yet to have to argue in my defense over my novel (remember, plug coming shortly ;) ) with a 'die hard' fan. But I am not looking forward to that day.
*PLUG* My debut novel, it has been alive and for sale now for only 2 weeks- 'The Girl From Out of Town', a rollicking steampunk adventure. Check out my author page to find out how and where you can buy yourself a copy. I am open for people to read and review on Goodreads as well, just ask. :)
Oh, Link here --> http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/...
You're book sounds good, Matthew, I added it 'to read'. I hope to get around to it eventually ;)
Hazel wrote: "You're book sounds good, Matthew, I added it 'to read'. I hope to get around to it eventually ;)"Awesome! Thanks
Matthew wrote: "@Craig - Yeah, it tends to get ranty, doesn't it? My story (Blatant plug at the end) I call a steampunk adventure story. I was driven by pulp adventure stories, the Uncharted and Tomb Raider games,..."Magi-tech? That's a new one on me! :D
@Craig - yeah, new to you, new to a lot of people, which is why I didn't try and class my book as magi-tech since people might go- eh? What is this? Oh look over there, steampunk! ;)
I don't even use the word 'steam' in my books - my contraptions are powered by 'mistfire' produced by interactions of water and fire elementals. What does that count as? :)
James wrote: "I don't even use the word 'steam' in my books - my contraptions are powered by 'mistfire' produced by interactions of water and fire elementals. What does that count as? :)"Matthew wrote: "Counts as awesome."
Seconded!
Ooh, Steampunk Persia does sound neat. I love how everyone is coming up with different things now. I've been seeing a lot more steampunk lately, which is really neat.For anyone who is interested (shameless plugging) I started a facebook page for my hero Anthony Maxwell and if you want to 'like' him that would be awesome ;) I'll be posting stuff about the book more when I really get into writing it, which should be by next month since my WIP is being published on the 31st. Here's the link if anyone's interested: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Anthony...
I truthfully am not that good at facebook, but I'm still learning. There's not a lot up yet, but hopefully, I will be putting up an excerpt of the first chapter soon.
A lot of the things I write are steampunk/Victorian. My first couple of novels, Sporeville
and Knights of the Sea
are volumes in a YA steampunk series. My latest is Ether Frolics
, a short story collection. It came out this month.
I love all these ancient cultures + steampunk ideas. Someone needs to write something and link back :D
Thanks Tami!It really is a pain when you're not quite sure why genre to use to identify your book. Makes agents less interested ...
So all I can say is: vive la self-publishing!
Hi everyone, I just posted a teaser of the first chapter of my steampunk mystery. Check it out if you'reinterested and let me know what you think =)http://www.goodreads.com/story/show/3...
Hi , I am Raven Dane, best known for Dark Fantasy, I am totally obsessed by steampunk. My first novel in the genre Cyrus Darian and the Technomicron was launched last year at Asylum Steampunk Convivial. The sequel will also by launched there this September. It is called Cyrus Darian and the Ghastly Horde.What I love about steampunk is the fabulous community of splendid people and the way it unlocks creativity. My family has to put up with the house taken over by yards of lace, tons of feathers and boxes of cogs and gears! All from jewellery, clothing and gadget making projects! None finished, unlike my books...
That sound awesome, Raven! What kind of projects are you working on?
I'm trying to make a time-travel gizmo with an old an old brass hour glass timer and loads of bits of old clocks, plus gemstones( glass ones !) and weird occult looking amulets. Also my son wants a steampunk ray gun... I love going to charity shops and car boot sales looking for things I can adapt.
That's awesome Raven! I was toying with the idea of making some of the smaller gadgets from my book, but I might just stick to making jewelry for now ;) I'm not that great technically, but I might get my younger brother to help, haha ;)
That's what is so much fun, Hazel...play around with stuff and you end up making something special and unique to you. Steampunk makes everyone a creator, whether it is writing or putting together an outfit from charity shop treasure hunts! Enjoy!
Hi,I'm a science fiction writer who just crossed over into steampunk. My first S-P novel Automatic Woman was released today through Curiosity Quills Press. Hope you like it!
Thanks for listing it Nathan! I'll add it to the list.
Yes! I am a writer! (raises hand! :) ) I just released my first Steampunk novella a week ago:
(I have another YA series called Max Quick I do through Harper Collins, but that is not steampunk -- very excited to try my hand this genre!)"Age of Aether -- A Steampunk Adventure-Romance Novella.
When Captain Benjamin Bantam is tapped to go back in time in order to retrieve a cure for the vicious Shadow plague, he is shocked to arrive in an alternate 1944 where electricity doesn't exist. Instead, a parallel past has mysteriously arisen -- complete with parasols, stunningly luxurious Aerotels, hydrologic computing, Helux-powered 'cloud growlers' and a space elevator-based moon race with Germany. And of course, there is the lovely Dr. Rachelle Archenstone ...
But when Hitler is made Chancellor in this world and the American space program sabotaged, Bantam is the only one who realizes the true depth of the danger posed by the newly-formed Nazi party. Together with Rachelle, he races to save this America while seeking an explanation to the mystery of this alternate past -- and with it, a way to return to his own world with the Shadow's cure. But when it comes down to a choice between his lovely Rachelle and a thousand years of Nazi rule, what will he do?
Thrill to a tale of a Yesterday that never was ... And yet was!"
Mark wrote: "Yes! I am a writer! (raises hand! :) ) I just released my first Steampunk novella a week ago: (I have another YA series called Max Quick I do through Harper Collins, bu..."woot! more writers! Awesome. How did you get into steampunk, Mark?
Sort of accidentally I guess ... when I was in college, I outlined a thriller movie treatment called THE TESLA PAPERS all about govt types taking Tesla's free energy stuff after he died and some dude getting his hands on it randomly ... then later, steampunk style really grabbed my eye -- steampunk computers in particular, then some gadgets and then the clothes -- I would love to wear those clothes, I decided! And I'm not even a dress up kind of guy! But yes -- steampunk has been on my mind for awhile, so I decided to try my hand at a novel -- my other series is owned by Harper Collins, so I am less free to be experimental ... and here I felt very free and that 'having fun' feeling once again! :) So there it is
Also: I *really* loved the movie Somewhere In Time -- one of my top 5 of ALL TIME -- and that takes place in 1912 which is sort of steampunk ... so there THAT is :)
Hi everyone.Just thought I'd pop back in to let you all know that Greaveburn has hit the Kindle store. The print version will be available from the 20th of this month, but if you want to get ahead of the game and check it out electronically, you can find it here: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Greaveburn-eb...
Thanks guys. Sorry for the blatant self-promo. Hope you get a chance to read it! :D
Craig
Hey Mark. Your novella sounds fantastic. I'll be sure to take a look.All the best, Alan
Mark wrote: "Sort of accidentally I guess ... when I was in college, I outlined a thriller movie treatment called THE TESLA PAPERS all about govt types taking Tesla's free energy stuff after he died and some du..."It's officially on the to-read list! :D
Hazel wrote: "Hi everyone, I just posted a teaser of the first chapter of my steampunk mystery. Check it out if you'reinterested and let me know what you think =)http://www.goodreads.com/story/show/3......"
May I recommend Wattpad (http://www.wattpad.com) as a very nice community for works in progress? You'll get a lot of feedback and it helps build your fan base.
Thanks! I've actually been wanting to take a look at that as I saw something about it in a magazine.
Thanks for the difference James. I'll keep it in mind as I read.I wouldn't sweat the distinction between steampunk and dieselpunk too much. In fiction, it doesn't really matter much. For instance, my stories are definitely steampunk, set mostly in the 1870s and 1880s, but the main characters' airship is powered by diesel ("Magna-Cycle") engines. In the third volume, one of the characters builds a primitive laser ("The Coherent Light Generator"). I think the primary consideration is that it all hangs together with a well-thought-out rationale. For instance, a story could be set far off in a post-apocalyptic future where steam power is a substitute for other forms of locomotion. Or an alternate history might have retarded technological advance in some way. Shape-shifting aliens from the planet Meepzorp could enslave Earth and hypnotize us into believing that steam power is the one true path to religious enlightenment. It doesn't matter, except of course that you have to explain it all in a way that makes sense.
Hazel wrote: "Thanks! I've actually been wanting to take a look at that as I saw something about it in a magazine."Wattpad is great, kind of like the Youtube of writing. There's plenty of twelve-year-old girls writing about sparkling vampires, but some of the writing is incredibly good. The best thing is that you can post a chapter and let everyone comment and offer advice. Then you can tweak your story and perfect it as you go. It's completely free, by the way. If you join, hit me up at http://www.wattpad.com/user/dlmackenzie
Haha ;) Thanks I'll do that. I'll make that a project for next week I think.
Steampunk Reads
Books mentioned in this topic
Abigail Abernathy: All-Night Analytical Engine Analyst (other topics)Abigail Abernathy: All-Night Analytical Engine Analyst (other topics)
My Name Is Michael Bishop (other topics)
Einstein Must Die! (other topics)
Ether Frolics: Nine Steampunk Tales (other topics)
More...
Authors mentioned in this topic
Heather Hiestand (other topics)Michael Coorlim (other topics)
Thank you for sharing your stories! I'll put them up on my list.
I'm always a stickler for consistency. I've never been a big history buff so I won't know if the great war was 1612 or 1814 but I will remember if you called the dog George in the first chapter then Frank in the second.
I'm also banking on the idea that STORY is what people who will read my book are interested in, since the historical aspect of things is quite twisted around.
Hazel wrote: "I'm writing it into a story ;) My protagonist is a coffee hound, haha. If you go to my blog ( http://hazelwest.blogspot.com ) I've created a facebook page for my character. I'll be posting a lot mo..."
I've seen this technique before. Does it help you get into your character's heads? Have you found interest from your audience by introducing the story that way? I've never tried it myself. Twitter accounts I've seen, too. A friend of mine will hold conversations via twitter between her characters.