Steampunk Aesthetics

The late 19th century was characterized by a wonderful dichotomy of culture. In western America pioneers lived a rough spartan life with little technology, much as man had lived for centuries before. In eastern America people lived in cities, worked in factories, and marched steadily into the industrial revolution, while in Europe people enjoyed the height of Victorian culture. The wild west was still wild, with gunfights and Indian attacks, while people back east and in Europe enjoyed reading the exploits of Wild Bill Hickok, Jesse James, and a host of others. Their exploits were mass produced on offset printing presses, making literature available to the common man.

In writing Steampunk we take the wondrous world of the Victorian era and add technology fitting with the style of contemporary authors of speculative fiction such as Jules Verne and H.G. Wells. We imagine steam powered marvels and clockwork mechanization that my not have existed historically, but were certainly hinted at in the speculative literature of the period. But it is easy to lose the wide-eyed wonder that technology held to the people of that time.

The technological marvels of the Victorian period were rare and often unique, both historically and in 19th century literature. Individuals invented new technologies based on the latest scientific and engineering discoveries. Steampunk should embrace that diversity and rarity. Mass production was just taking hold and only the most common items were made in factories. Everything from steam engines to the very conveyor belt in the factory were still custom built by master craftsmen.

It is easy, from our modern mindset, to think of fleets of airships or steam carriages rolling off the assembly line, but then we have moved into the 20th century. In Victorian times each airship, each steam carriage, would have been custom built. They might follow a basic pattern of previous builds, but each builder would make his own variations and improvements. As each grand ship in the British fleet had a name and personality of her own, so should all Steampunk marvels be unique.

Perhaps your villain has developed a Tesla plasma gun; your hero can still save the day with a Colt Peacemaker. A marvel loses its quality of amazement if everyone has one. Less is more, and that is doubly true in Steampunk. The villain's plasma gun looses its aspect of terror if it is mass produced. He might as well be sporting a flintlock.

Upstate Steampunk Con

The Upstate Steampunk Extravaganza was a huge success. Congratulations to Gypsy Teague and Marla Roberson for organizing a great event as well as to all the vendors, who were awesome, and all the presenters at a full day of classes and presentations. My favorite was Phineas F. McGillicuddy (Jim Looper) and his friends from the Society for Creative Anachronism who gave a presentation on Victorian Dueling complete with a fencing exhibition, and pistol duel with RBG's (rubber band guns).

The panel I was on, organized by Gail Gray, the publisher of Fissure Magazine, went very well. All of the panelists were knowledgeable and concise and the audience was attentive and offered some great questions. I enjoyed myself immensely. It was my first time sitting on a panel with fellow writers speaking on the craft of writing and the ins-and-outs of publishing. Gail brought together a diverse panel with Brian K. Ladd, Matthew Delman, Shane McElven, and myself.

The vendor area was a dream come true for the Steampunk Aficionado, with everything from weapons, jewelry, and the latest in Steampunk Fashion. My son bought a sword, several knives, and Jeweler's lenses for his glasses. All of the vendors were warm and more than willing to ramble on about their particular craft or Steampunk in general. I look forward to attending again next year.

Fissure Magazine, which has my short story "Rodger's Curious Holiday," sold out early in the day, but the publisher will have additional copies available on the website. The cover art, by Jim Cross, is beautiful and Gail brought together some great stories and articles for the special Steampunk Edition. If you don't have a copy, get one -- or get ten, they make good Christmas presents.

Upstate Steampunk Extravaganza

I'll be in Greenville, South Carolina this weekend (11/20/10) for the Upstate Steampunk Extravaganza and Meet-Up. I'll be sitting on a writers panel with the publisher of Fissure Magazine. They have a special Steampunk issue which will be released at the Con, and I have a shortstory in it. It should be a lot of fun. There will be panels, clases, lectures, vendors, and steampunk music throughout the day and the great Steampunk Ball at night. I'm looking forward to it.

If you are within driving distance of Greenville, SC you should come join in. I'll be happy to sign your copy of Fissure Magazine and you can see me in my first personal appearance as an author. I look forward to seeing some of you there. If you don't come you will be missing out ;-)

November Issue of Fissure Magazine

Fissure Magazine, published by Shadow Archer Press, has a special Steampunk edition this month which will be released at the Upstate Steampunk Extravaganza in Greenville, SC. (November 20th, 2010). My short story, "Rodger's Curious Holiday," will be included, along with fiction by Tom Brennan, Kimberley Collier, Matthew Delman, Gillian Daniels, K.G. McAbee, Shane McElveen, Brian K. Ladd, Gypsey Teague, William Wood and poetry by George Anderson, Jack Frey, Paul Handley, Kim Keith, David S. Pointer, and Charles F. Thielman. I will also be taking part in a writer's panel at the convention. The Extravaganza begins on Friday night (11/19/10) and ends with the Steampunk Ball Saturday night (11/20/10). A host of musical guests will play at the ball.