It’s coming: Steampunk Romance
Two romance authors have announced new series in an emerging subgenre called Steampunk Romance.
What is Steampunk?
At the intersection of science and romance is a speculative world where victorian romanticism meets steam-powered technology. The term can refer to literature, fashion, culture, art, music. Prominent authors range from Jules Verne and H.G. Wells to Cory Doctorow and . Even Joss Wheden’s show Firefly and movie Serenity carried elements of the genre: old-fashioned clothing and sensibilities with futuristic technology. Also Will Smith’s Wild Wild West movie and The Golden Compass by Phill Pullman. Steampunk crafters have a bevy of typewriter and gear jewelry for sale on etsy. Steampunk bands like The James Gang and Abbey Park (right) combine costumes and spectacle for a new brand of music.
Steampunk Romance is therefore a story set in this subgenre featuring a hero and heroine who find a mutually satisfying happily-ever-after. Currently Emma Holly’s demon series set in Victorian England is only thing close to Steampunk Romance (that I can find), but both Katie MacAlister and Meljean Brook have series in the works. Could this be the Next Big Thing?
All the elements I love: history, fantasy, and goggles…. My steampunk series…will be set in the present, but it’s a present that has yet to be seen. The first book in this yet-untitled series will be out February 2010. – Katie MacAlister
Steampunk appeals to me because it combines a look and feel I’ve always fancied: lace and corsets, tea and crumpets, an accordion playing a minor key dirge. A romantic fantasyland with Victorian costumes and fantastic gadgets. Music that channels an older era, somber songs sung by quirky, happy instruments. Bluegrass punk. The most recent Cirque Du Soleil. The dance macabre. Did I mention lace and corsets? The imaginative aspects of the genre are enticing: the endless possibility of the technology that might have been.
Steamcon 2009Seattle will be holding the first Steampunk conference in October with a notable steampunk author as the keynote speaker. Activities include etiquette lessons, steam technology seminars, a high tea and a cabaret. Start designing your costume now!
What’s in a Name?
Brass Goggles has a Steampunk name generator. Mine is: Countess Mary Frances Chester. What’s yours?
For more information:
February 11, 2009 at 1:05 am
Four books in the genre I really enjoyed were:
Dru Pagliasotti’s Clockwork Heart. The author is currently working on a sequel. Her site is also a great resource for information on the genre.
I also really liked Elizabeth Bear’s New Amsterdam, which wasn’t really a romance per sé (tho’ it did feature a romantic relationship between the protagonists), but was steampunk with vampires.
Havemercy by Jaida Jones and Danielle Bennett which had magic fueled metal dragons.
And, Ginn Hale’s Wicked Gentlemen, an m/m steampunk romance. Marjorie Liu did the cover blurb, and the book was excellent!
I also love this genre, and am really excited that more writers are adding to it! :-)
February 11, 2009 at 5:12 am
As long as the ‘punk’ part isn’t obscured by all that steam — I have to admit, that’s my biggest concern. The fantasy, the history, the technology — I love it. I could do the pretty, fun stories all day. Questioning the status quo in a genre dependent on its conventions (conventions I enjoy) is a more interesting challenge.
February 11, 2009 at 5:17 am
I don’t think I have ever read a Steampunk novel. Perhaps I better go read some Jules Verne?
August 28, 2009 at 8:56 pm
Perhaps you should make time for “The Diamond Age” by Neal Stephenson
February 11, 2009 at 1:08 pm
Damn, Renee beat me to it. Clockwork Heart was awesome.
I think that Jacqueline Carey’s upcoming Santa Olivia might qualify.
February 13, 2009 at 10:19 am
I have Clockwork Heart in my TBR but I have to say that I’m a little intimidated by it and haven’t picked it up. Isn’t that crazy? I’ll have to remedy that sitch very soon.
February 13, 2009 at 10:47 pm
Ijust love looking at the steampunk jewelry on etsy. They had this lovely scent locket a while back that I dragged my feet on and then… poof! Someone else snatched it up. Sadness.
I am interested to see what a steampunk romance will be like. I can’t wait for Meljean’s books.
February 24, 2009 at 1:34 pm
This should be really interesting. I’ll have to keep an eye out for both of those.
March 6, 2009 at 10:48 am
Gail Dayton has a steampunk fantasy/romance out this month called NEW BLOOD. http://www.gaildayton.com/
Great post!
March 7, 2009 at 12:24 pm
Great post!
I’m looking forward to Gail Dayton’s NEW BLOOD, out this month from Tor.
Steampunk romance is a great subgenre to explore, and will be of interest to readers who enjoy science fiction romance, fantasy, and historical romances. Definitely one to watch.
July 24, 2009 at 12:13 pm
[...] it’s not always easy to separate UF romance from the vampire stuff. Another group would like Steampunk—the intersection of romance and the Victorian fascination with weird steam-driven contraptions [...]
August 17, 2009 at 4:39 pm
i just started steam punk and this was extremely helpful. thx!
September 10, 2009 at 6:41 pm
Watch for Gail Carriger’s novel “Soulless”, coming out in just a few weeks (October). It’s witty, original, and a lot of fun. The cover bills it as “a novel of vampires, werewolves, and parasols.” Her alternative Victorian London is the setting for some highly creative cultural surprises. Loved it!
PS: She’s currently working on a sequel. I can’t wait.
November 20, 2009 at 2:52 am
your paragraph on why you love it so much could have been written by me. thanks for explaining it so succinctly. corsets, crumpets, circ du sole, oh yes!!