Old Worlds, New Wonders
Hello. My name is Beth Ciotta and I’m a creative spaz.
My publishing history, although under the ‘Romance’ umbrella, is all over the map. Paranormal, Historical, Contemporary, and in the near future, Steampunk. There are those who would question the wisdom of subgenre hopping when trying to build (and maintain) a career in publishing. Indeed it does make it more challenging to grow a devoted readership and perhaps slows the rate of one’s success. (Depending, of course, on how one defines success.) But even though I know this logically, I can’t ignore the voices in my head or the concepts that come out of nowhere and refuse to fade away. One such concept started with a title.
The Glorious Victorious Darcys.
I knew two things. It was a trilogy based on three siblings—The Darcys. It would take place in Victorian, England, but with a high-tech, adventure element. I filed that bit away and a couple of
years later when it came time to pitch new ideas to my publisher, I expanded on the Darcy concept and pitched it along with ideas for a paranormal and two contemporaries.
I was told The Darcys sounded like Steampunk, something they weren’t looking for. It wasn’t the first time I’d heard the word Steampunk associated with one of my story ideas, still it surprised me. Did I even know what Steampunk was? After a bit of research, I realized I’d been a great fan of Steampunk for years, although my obsession was rooted in movies. Here are just a few of the films that charmed, mesmerized, and inspired me.
· Sleepy Hollow
· 20,000 Leagues Under the Sea
· Stardust
I was also a longtime fan of the original Wild, Wild West TV series as well as the cult classics, The Adventures of Brisco County Jr, and, the oh-so-brilliant brainchild of Joss Whedon’s—Firefly.
Oh, the fantastical gadgets and gizmos, the edgy fashion, the cool lingo, colorful characters, and, yes, airships!
My passion for The Glorious Victorious Darcys burned strong, even though I knew it was a quirky premise that might never find a home. Several months ago, while pitching various projects, on a whim I proposed The Darcys to NAL (Penguin). Between you and me (and okay, the world!), here’s the pitch for the overall trilogy.
1887 (An alternate version of Europe, peppered with anachronistic gadgets and gizmos and futuristic dirigibles.)
In celebration of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, an anonymous benefactor promises fame and fortune to the first man or woman who discovers and donates a technological ‘invention’ of historical significance to her majesty’s British Museum in honor of her beloved deceased husband, Prince Albert.
Lord Jules Darcy, Lord Simon Darcy, and unbeknownst to them, their sister, Lady Amelia Darcy set off in search of three different ‘lost’ legendary inventions. Whilst on their quest, all three fall prey to a sizzling romance and forever love. In the end, one sibling will bring glory to the British Empire, another scandal, while the third becomes an unwitting accomplice in a plot to assassinate the Queen. Will love or technology save the day? Will the Darcys prevail or perish? Passion and adventure abound in these humorous steampunk-ish tales.
NAL’s enthusiasm for the project blew my mind! Before I knew it, we’d gone to contract. (Special thanks to my new editor and champion, Jhanteigh Kupihea!) This within days of signing with St. Martins Press for a new contemporary series, The Cupcake Club. I didn’t plan the dual sale, I swear. Once again I find myself writing in two different worlds and all I can say is—lucky me! An opportunity to explore multiple passions. A chance to spread my wings in Steampunk and soar! The launch book for The Glorious Victorious Darcys is loosely slated for release late 2012. Meanwhile, please visit the GVD Steamblog for steampunkery tomfoolery and publishing updates. http://bethciotta2.blogspot.com/
By the way, the first book features, Amelia Darcy. I’ll leave you with visual ‘essence’ of her along with her character profile.
Age: 20
Nationality: British
Parents: Lord Reginald and Lady Anne Darcy
Siblings: Older twin brothers, Jules and Simon
Passions: Air Ships, Aeronautics, Reading, Leonardo da Vinci
Goals: To own and pilot an air ship. See the world.
Trivia: Determined to live life on her own terms, Amelia has rejected six marriage proposals and has successfully distanced herself from 'society'. Her best friend, Leo, is an 'enhanced' falcon.
Nationality: British
Parents: Lord Reginald and Lady Anne Darcy
Siblings: Older twin brothers, Jules and Simon
Passions: Air Ships, Aeronautics, Reading, Leonardo da Vinci
Goals: To own and pilot an air ship. See the world.
Trivia: Determined to live life on her own terms, Amelia has rejected six marriage proposals and has successfully distanced herself from 'society'. Her best friend, Leo, is an 'enhanced' falcon.
Did I mention all of my stories, no matter the subgenre, feature humor, adventure, and sexy romance?
So, when did you first fall in love with Steampunk? Let’s talk favorite genre movies! Comment for a chance to win a copy of The Steampunk Bible: An Illustrated Guide to the World of Imaginary Airships, Corsets and Goggles, Mad Scientists, and Strange Literature by Jeff VanderMeer and S. J. Chambers. A neo-vintage gem!
Special thanks to Marie for the invite to the party. What fun!
Today Beth is giving away a copy of The Steampunk Bible to one lucky winner who answers her questions above, or comments on her post in some other way. Sorry, this contest is limited to US residents. The contest will close at midnight tonight and the winner will be announced tomorrow on this thread.
