I had never heard
of steampunk before I wrote the first
Young Inventors Guild book, The Atomic
Weight of Secrets… The cover artist, Steve Parke, said he loved steampunk
novels. I had no idea what he meant! Alternative history, Victorian sci-fi, turn-of-the-century
invention fiction – that’s how steampunk is often described. Since the Young
Inventors Guild books take place around 1903/1904 and are science and invention
driven alternative history-type of stories I quickly learned about steampunk!
There is some fabulous steampunk MG/YA and older steampunk literature out
there. I was invited to be on a steampunk panel of authors at the Baltimore
Book Festival a couple years ago with Matt Kirby, Kelly Link, and Gavin Grant.
It was an honour to share a stage with them and to learn more about this
remarkable genre.
In October I was
invited to participate in the International Steampunk Convention in Morristown,
NJ and present The Ravens of Solemano…
the Young Inventors Guild Book 2. IT WAS AMAZING!!! So many people in fabulous
Victorian dress, with inventions and contraptions. Kids of all ages in tophats
and waistcoats. And lots of physicists and inventors with much to show. I met a
professor from Sarah Lawrence who teaches a course in steampunk physics and invention.
There was even a pair of automatons!
Discovering a
community that embraces the ideas in your writing is quite wonderful. It was
exciting and invigorating to be around so many brilliant minds. I even learned
more about the inventions I configured in the books! It was really lovely and
definitely food for thought as I move ahead with Book 3.
I love that you didn't know of steampunk before your first book published and from there you were invited to the International Steampunk Convention! Do you know Suzanne Lazear? She's a YA steampunk author (a 2k12 friend of mine).
ReplyDeleteI don't know Suzanne Lazear, but she looks amazing. Thanks, Caroline!
DeleteThere was a great panel at WorldCon 2013 about whether Steampunk is a genre or simply an aesthetic.
ReplyDeleteGood question! It is DEFINITELY an aesthetic, but I have discovered some tell-tale markers (automatons, airships, inventions, etc) that are present in almost all steampunk fiction. I'd say both genre and aesthetic.
DeleteThis is wonderful--and like Caroline, I loved that you hadn't even heard of the genre that you wrote. (Now you're a brilliant mind, joined with other brilliant minds!)
ReplyDeleteYour generosity knows no bounds, Michael! Though my ignorance astounds me, every day, about almost everything!
DeleteJust this Halloween I was thinking about how I want to make a Victorian-steampunkish costume and wear it every year. I love the idea of readers all dressing up together - sounds like a cool convention.
ReplyDeleteI'm with you, Marissa. It always looks cool. I was glad to have a derby and goggles on hand when I needed a costume in a hurry.
DeleteYou had me at steampunk! I cannot wait to read your first two Young Inventors Guild books! It really is a fascinating genre that opens the door wide for adventure and innovation. And what fun, immersing yourself in that genre. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteIt is so cool, Joe. Finding a place for your stuff is a thrill. Plus, who doesn't like inventions and adventures, let alone tophats and corsets?
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