![]() For more on Steampunk, here’s trusty Wikipedia. In a steampunk novel, you’ll find corsets and cravats, all kinds of cool gadgets and gizmos (lots of cogs), and sometimes a hint of magic or alternative science (think Alchemy). As a genre, steampunk mixes heavily with mystery, crime, paranormal/supernatural, and romance. Standard steampunk takes place in the Victorian era, typically in London or wider England. At the simplest level, conventional steampunk relies on the idea that steam power evolved to be the dominant power source (as opposed to fossil fuels and the other power sources we have today). It has close ties to alternative history and fantasy as well. Steampunk is a subgenre of science fiction. I call it “steampunk dystopian.” What the heck is that? Well, let me tell you how I see it. ![]() Knowing this, it’s probably no surprise that my first novel, The Cogsmith’s Daughter (Desertera #1), is somewhat of a genre mashup. I read to escape reality, and I like high-concept, complex books to get me out of my day-to-day and into my imagination. Now, throw another genre in there-paranormal romance, historical crime fiction-and I’m all over it. For example, I rarely read “just romance” (except for the occasional guilty dip into Nicholas Sparks), and I’m not a fan of straight crime fiction. I’ve never been a huge fan of “single genre” books. Someone asks you, “So what’s your novel about?” Your eyes light up, you lean over and say, almost conspiratorially, “It’s steampunk without steam.”Īnd all you get in return is a “deer in the headlights” look. You’re thrilled-nay ecstatic! You can’t wait to tell your friends and family about it. Picture this: after nearly fifteen years of dreaming about writing a novel, you finally finish your first one and decide to publish it. ![]() Her book, ‘The Cogsmith’s Daughter’ is a steampunk dystopian, and (being over fifty) I had to ask, what the heck is that? Read on for Kate C’s response… Kate’s first novel is being published by Boxthorn Press this month – grab an early copy and get money off (see below). This week I am very happy to host a post from my fellow writer, Kate M. Colby, who resides in New Haven, USA.
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