Alright, so here’s the deal. I just had an absolutely awesome idea for a short story (though the full scope could easily turn into several novels later on). The way I’m describing this story is Steampunk fisticuffing with High Fantasy, that is to say it’s a mish-mash of both genres.
I’ve read a ton of fantasy set in medieval eras, and it’s more or less an area I consider myself to be well-versed in and able to write about the best. Now, I know what steampunk is, however I’ve never actually read a book that could be classified as steampunk. What I’m wondering is if this would give me a slight edge on putting a completely unique spin on the genre.
The question is this: Should I read a steampunk book or two to get a better feel for the genre, or do you think already knowing the basic gist of what defines this genre is enough?
3 responses so far ↓
midiguru // May 31, 2008 at 4:50 pm
Knowing more about a genre in which you aspire to write is always a good thing, yes. I can’t recommend any steampunk offhand … although the title “The Difference Engine” (Bruce Sterling? William Gibson?) comes creeping vaguely into my mind.
A few years ago I wrote a novel that combined medieval fantasy with more modern elements. My agent didn’t feel he could sell it, but I don’t think that was because of the elements I used. I think the problem was that it just wasn’t emotionally compelling enough.
–Jim Aikin (midiguru.wordpress.com)
Rachel Russell // May 31, 2008 at 8:02 pm
@Midiguru: Thanks for the response. I’ll see about buying a steampunk book or two to better research into the genre, and if anything maybe discover if my idea has already been done before. I’m about 99.9% positive it already has, but the real trick will be to put such a new spin on the idea that it becomes a completely unique piece of work set apart from all the others.
elizaw // June 2, 2008 at 8:41 pm
Hmm. I always shifted closer to a ‘Final Fantasy’ version of steampunk; I don’t read it (I’ve written a book in the genre, currently in my unsent ‘past project’ pile), but I do keep up on steampunk communities. Just watching all the steampunk costumes and gadgets is enough to inspire me.
Still… there’s a fantastic steampunk-y comic at girlgeniusonline.com — If you’ve got a few hours, go read it! Also, http://www.freakangels.com has post-apocalyptic steampunk, though it has an entirely different flavor to it.