It’s been a mere six months since The Galaxy Express proposed that Steampunk is the New Black. Based on the hundreds of hits generated by that post, I wasn’t alone in that cogitation.
And the steampunk resurgence is not just for SF (I’m looking at you, GHOSTS OF MANHATTAN). Steampunk romance has been ripe for the picking for some time. Frankly, I’m shocked it hasn’t happened before now, given the perpetual popularity of historical romances. Wouldn’t you just die for a Western steampunk romance?!
Want to know more?
For a great overview of steampunk, I highly recommend the STEAMPUNK anthology, edited by Ann and Jeff Vandermeer. Not only does it include a great collection of stories, but also a thoughtful introduction by Jess Nevins titled “The 19th-Century Roots of Steampunk.”
In the essay, Nevins points out that there is often conflation between an Edisonade type story, with its reputation for action/adventure and stylish trappings such as brass goggles, airships, and automatons, and steampunk, which can also include those elements. However, a core difference is that steampunk is “an argument with the science fiction of previous generations” (p.8).
I mention this as a friendly reminder to authors new to the subgenre to be clear about what you’re writing, and for readers to understand what you’re paying for. A steampunk romance has the potential to explore some very dark, subversive territory, or it can be a yarn of sheer old fashioned Victorian gaiety.
Are both possible in one novel? I’m sure we’ll discover that soon!
The March 2009 issue of Romantic Times BOOKreviews included Trendwatch: Steampunk, an article about, well, you guessed it—steampunk. The article featured information about new releases and forthcoming novels combining steampunk & romance.
Then along came Ciara Stewart’s post It’s Coming: Steampunk Romance.
Naturally, I couldn’t resist the call, so here’s a rundown about what’s in the steaming pipeline:
Gail Dayton’s NEW BLOOD is out now! Read an excerpt here. This week she's hosting a giveaway at To Be Read—So Many Authors, So Little Time. Avail yourself of the Smart Bitches review of NEW BLOOD while you’re waiting.
Ginn Hale graced the scene with her debut novel WICKED GENTLEMEN. She’s currently working on the sequel, LORD FOSTER’S DEVILS.
Nathalie Gray is writing PISTOLS, CORSETS, AND FLYING PRIVATEERS. I thought her novella MECHANICAL ROSE was a blast. Agents and editors, don’t trip over each other while rushing to offer this rising star a contract.
Meljean Brook is contracted for “a new steampunk romance series called the Iron Seas” (THE IRON DUKE, THE INVISIBLE CITY).
Katie MacAlister announced her new steampunk series that will debut in February 2010.
Caitlin Kittredge sold “a YA series that’s a trilogy of steampunk fantasy called The Iron Codex, which is forthcoming in 2010.”
Meredith Holmes revealed in this interview that she has “a Steampunk romance in the works….”
Ciar Cullen posted on her Web site that her current work in progress is a novel that will be “the first in a series called Steamside Chronicles.”
Oh my lord, I’m about to swoon. I know—let’s all Slip Into Something Victorian! Is there anyone I missed? Share your news in the comments!
Joyfully yours,
Heather
25 comments:
Circlet Press put out Like a Wisp of Steam, an anthology of Steampunk erotica. They are currently readng for the sequel, Like Clockwork.
http://www.circlet.com/?p=160
My own steampunk lesbian short story, "Meanwhile, back at the ranch" has been getting good reviews and is a finalist for the 2008 Darrell Short Story Award. The women are defending their Oklahoma homestead from an invasion of zombies.
The September Ellora's Cavemen anthology will have a steampunk romance, "Cherry Tart." It's more "gaslight romance" according to the Vandermeers than true punk. A disgraced young lady exiled to the New Abiline settlement on the Io Colony falls for a ship's officer during the 6 month space voyage.
Angelia, thanks bunches! The stories sound great.
I'll be keeping a watch on this trend. The next novel I plan to polish up for submission, THE MECHANICAL WITCH, is YA Steampunk with a strong romantic element. However, it could also be labeled YA Fantasy, which is selling well right now. I won't begin that process until after I recover from childbirth, so I've got a few months to observe and mull.
Kimber An, kewl!
Sounds like a cool trend. I know Samhain editors are looking for Steampunk. A great list! I'm ready to start reading. :-)
Karin Shah
STARJACKED
Available now!
Samhain Publishing
PS Head on over Beyond her Book at www.publisherweekly.com and comment there are shiny prizes! :-)
Karin
Karin, thanks for visiting, and for reminding folks about Barbara Vey's bash.
I'm giving away six books, and Karin Shah has donated a copy of her ebook STARJACKED! Plus lots of other goodies.
There's a grand prize of a $150.00 gift certificate for Amazon--all you have to do is leave a comment.
Here's the link for today's post which covers SFF/paranormal/horror/UF.
Please avail yourself of the fun, and wish Barbara a happy second anniversary!
And I'd like to add to what you said, Heather, about the attraction to steampunk.
I think a lot of it comes from the aesthetics. The vividness of the settings, the historical-esque costumes and the prevalence of Victorian sensibilities. It’s all very appealing to the senses, I think. It’s the best of both worlds: cool, shiny gear, and gorgeous, historical-inspired costumes. That’s what does it for me.
Thank you for mentioning Pistols, Corsets and Flying Privateers. I don’t hold much hope the title would stay if it sells (I should be ready to submit in a couple months, yay!). I think it’s a tad too peculiar and maybe a bit long. It’s the French blood. You know the French can’t shut up!
As for Mechanical Rose, if I judge its success from the e-mails I receive, then this novella is doing pretty good indeed. And a lot of readers enjoy the story’s geeky, inventor hero.
I don’t know if anyone here knows of his work, but China Miéville writes some pretty intense, dark steampunk. He’s a bit on the political side for my taste, but no one describes a noire city like he does. Damn!
I loved WICKED GENTLEMEN and am tickled Gen is writing a follow up. (Longer, I hope!)
I have to be honest though--the first thing that drew me to the alternate Victorian steampunk universe idea was the fact that I didn't have to make a universe up from whole cloth to write NEW BLOOD... I love history. I have a grad degree in history and can't really pick a favorite era. There are things to love about all of them, from the Greeks and Egyptians to the flyboys of WWII...I can't say I love one era more than another. But the Victorian is right up there. And yes, it cut back on the amount of work I had to do. What can I say? My fatal flaw is laziness...
And dang, I misspelled Ginn's name. (I knew it Sounded like that...) Hmm. No wonder I had to hunt so hard to find the book... I keep spelling the author's name wrong.
Hi, Nathalie! China Miéville is on my TBR list. But now I can't decide between PERDIDO STATION, WICKED GENTLEMEN, or NEW BLOOD! Not that I'm complaining or anything, lol!
I recently finished Alexander C. Irvine's THE NARROWS and it was just awesome. No real romance to speak of, but there's a lot of focus on the protag's family life. More importantly, it's got golems. Lots of golems, hehehe.
Gail, welcome aboard! I love history whether it's a part of SFR or historical romances or a nonfiction book that catches my eye.
Looking forward to your book. Many happy sales!
When I was at this year's Rustycon SF convention in Seattle, I noticed all the wonderful artifacts created by those currently fascinated by the genre and it inspired me in some part to include a steampunk segment in my newest novel--recently completed and in early edits right now. Since the action involves at least four separate Earth aspects (parallel worlds, for those not familiar with my terminology), the steampunk elements are of necessity only a portion of the tale, but... I'm sure people will find it entertaining nonetheless.
I've got a steampunk meets paranormal romance coming out October 1 of this year called Soulless: The Parasol Protectorate Book the First.
Saje, I've noticed steampunk wonderfulness at cons as well. Simply amazing what people can create. I'm not worthy.
Thanks for the peak into your next book!
Hi, Gail! I appreciate the heads up about your project. I had a sneaky suspicion I had overlooked a very obvious writer and I believe that was you. Best of luck with your book, it sounds intriguing. Love the title.
Fwiw, I'll be adding everyone's names to my author list once this post has run for a while.
I don't think I've ever read a Stempunk novel. I know, shame on me. I'm highly curious though. So to start I think I'll go check out the Steampunk anthology you recommended that's edited by Ann & Jeff Vandermeer. So thanks for the wonderful post Heather (=
Wow, this is some exciting stuff. I'm really looking forward to Meljean's book. Just bought Natalie Gray's. I want to note that Katrina Strauss' m/m Sleight of Hand has steampunk undertones/overtones? I wish I would have started my series a bit sooner. Alas, I'm afraid by the time I sub, the genre will be flooded.
Sorry I missed this post, Heather! Thanks for the link to my group Victorian site!
My steampunk urban fantasy MYSTIC TAXI won first place in the Hearts Through History Romance Through the Ages contest in the paranormal/time travel category. Technically, it's not a romance, but has a strong romantic thread running through the story that will develop in future books in the series. Dorchester passed because it's not a romance, but my agent is confident we'll get an offer by another publisher. Fingers crossed!
Way to go, Karen! Keep me posted.
Great post. I can't wait to dig into Gail's new story.
My steamy steampunk/speculative history offering, WICKED REDEMPTION, will close out Red Sage Publishing's THREE KINDS OF WICKED paranormal time travel series next summer. I'm so excited to have married air schooners and cyborg deities to a world rich with Greco-Roman influences.
Thanks for the heads up, Liane!
Under the pen name, Maeve Alpin, I have a steampunk novella coming with Lyrical Press in Spring 2010, As Timeless As Stone.
Blurb:An Ancient Egyptian Priestess, Seshat, magically transforms into stone. After thousands of years, a dashing 19th century Frenchman comes to her rescue. As Ricard recites a spell inscribed on an Egyptian statue, the stone figure shifts into a gorgeous flesh and blood woman. The mystical priestess is awed by the posh and glamour of 19th century Paris as well as the bumbling brass robots Ricard invents. Ricard is so amazed by a wild night of making sweet love to Seshat, he vows he cannot live without her. Victorian era society shuns all thoughts of marriage between them. How far will Ricard go to secure his soul mate’s happiness? Is their love strong enough to transcend time?
Thanks for the news, Cornelia! Many happy sales.
Heather, thanks for the mention and link to our group, Slip Into Something Victorian.
Jeanmarie
My pleasure, Jeanmarie!
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