Monday, 25 July 2011

Welcome to the Steampunk Party!

I'm thrilled to welcome everyone to the steampunk party this week! As you know, we have fabulous guests of honour who'll be joining us throughout the week: later today, Meljean Brook will be here; on Tuesday, we welcome Beth Ciotta, on Wednesday, Gail Carriger, on Thursday Kady Cross and on Friday Theresa Meyers. They'll be talking about all things steampunk and giving us glimpses into their latest stories.

So what is steampunk? Basically, it's a sub genre of science fiction involving alternative or anachronistic steam technology, an alternative history or time travel. But it's so much more than that! It's an atmosphere, an attitude, and each author/creator brings their own unique perspective to this. Steampunk worlds are often chaotic or bleak, the characters rebellious, underworld or misfits; but one of the things I love about it is the sheer "differentness", the freedom of imagination involved. To some people, it's more than a book genre, it's a way of life, involving fashion, furniture, art etc.

So, to start the party, let's hear what first drew you to this fascinating genre? Was it a particular book or film, a fashion accessory or news item? Or is the genre completely new to you? What would you most like to know about it? Surely someone here will be able to answer :).

For me, the first steampunk story I read was Dru Pagliosotti's amazing "Clockwork Heart", now, sadly out of print. I loved it and was hooked. What about you? Let's talk steampunk!

Marie
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14 comments:

  1. Anonymous25 July 2011 at 00:15

    Hi and good morning!!

    I love Steampunk!! I can't remember which book it was that got me hooked....but I've read a few since and have a few on my shelf that are waiting to be read. I've read yours, Marie...Ciar Cullen's, Meljean's and many, many more!!!

    It's a great, new, exciting genre and I am looking forward to meeting your guests this week!!

    Valerie
    in Germany

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  2. Marie Treanor25 July 2011 at 00:35

    Morning, Valerie! I share your excitement :). Should be a fun week!

    Marie

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  3. Stevie Carroll25 July 2011 at 01:32

    Technology fascinates me so I like steampunk for the gadgets above everything else. I loved seeing the detailed models that were on display at last year's Eastercon.

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  4. gigis25 July 2011 at 06:52

    This is a great theme week, I have only read a few steampunk romances, but they are so fun because you can really let your imagination run wild.


    Gigi

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  5. Anonymous25 July 2011 at 06:53

    Technically, the first steampunk novel that I read would be HG Well's "The Time Machine". (With e-books, it is so easy to get free copies of the classics.) Of more recent authors it would be Bonnie Dee's "Like Clockwork".
    What draws me to the genre is the worldbuilding although I also like the gadgets.
    Carol

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  6. Fedora25 July 2011 at 07:21

    Hi, Marie! I've enjoyed the few steampunk stories and romances I've read--it's such a fun mix of setting and characters and story! Thanks for arranging such a great line-up this week! Looking forward to learning about more books to add to my TBR ;)

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  7. PatriciaW25 July 2011 at 09:11

    I have yet to read any Steampunk but I'm looking forward to reading Shelley Adina's Lady of Devices.

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  8. SiNn25 July 2011 at 10:18

    honestly it was the gears and the boots i have been obsessed with gears and such long before i ever read the genera i wear the fashion as well for me its more of a way of life

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  9. Tori Lennox25 July 2011 at 11:18

    I first got interested in steampunk when I saw how someone had designed this amazing steampunk computer. And then a laptop. And I wanted one in the worst way!

    Then I started studying it and got hooked on the whole kit & caboodle. Just wish I had the nerve to go totally steampunk. :)

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  10. Marie Treanor25 July 2011 at 11:20

    Gadgets, technology, imagination, boots and gears - got to love them all!

    Carol, I suppose The Time Machine is steampunk, from before we called it that :). Have to read Like Clockwark still, but I know it'll be good if Bonnie Dee wrote it!

    Patricial, Lady of Devices sounds very intriguing too...

    Marie

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  11. Anonymous25 July 2011 at 12:07

    I've seen some lovely art in the steampunk genre too. I'm sure you've got some lovely pics for us, Marie.

    Valerie
    in Germany

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  12. Marie Treanor25 July 2011 at 14:00

    Hi Tori - totslly steampunk would be awesome, but difficult :). Love the steampunk computer idea! But might make do with a steampunk memory stick!

    Valerie, might have the odd picture - keep watching! :)

    Marie

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  13. Teresa K.25 July 2011 at 14:56

    Hi Marie,

    It's me Teresa from the Anne Rice fanclub. I wanted to say thank you for such a lovely theme. I love Steampunk. I remember the first time I seen it was a kid when the show Wild West was on. With actor Robert Conrad, and Ross Gordon who played Jim West and Artemus. I loved the costumes, and how some of the villains had weapons or props from the future.

    I guess that's when I became such a dream with a wild imagination. This show came on in the sixties and I was just a little girl around 5 or 6 watching this show with my parents.

    I remember believing have the stuff I saw. I love the dress and have started steampunk wear a little at a time. Since it's quite expensive to have the whole costume all at once.

    Thanks for the great insight on Steampunk Marie.

    Teresa K.
    tcwgrlup41@yahoo.com

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  14. Marie Treanor25 July 2011 at 22:21

    Hi Teresa! I finally made the connection :).

    I never saw The Wild West, but I've heard quite a lot about it in connection with steampunk. Fabulous on wearing steampunk costume - maybe we should have a day of readers' photos in costume? Hmm....

    Marie

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