The primer will contain, but isn't limited to, the following topic areas:
- Technology
- Communications
- Transportation
- Aeronautics
- Robotics
- Weaponry
- Industrial Equipment
- Computers
- Science
- Genetics
- Biology
- Physics
- Chemistry
- Astronomy
- Commerce
- Major Industries
- Factory Conditions
- Trade
- Fashion
- Men's Clothing
- Women's Clothing
- Children's Clothing
- Architecture
- Design of Homes
- City Layout
- Factories
- Slums
- Mansions
- Interior Design
- Furniture
- Portraiture
- Layout of Homes
- Politics
- Monarchy
- Republics
- Treaties
- Wars
- Speech Patterns
- Cockney Rhyming Slang
- Backslang
- Slang of the American West
- Daily Life
- Foodstuffs
- Hygiene
- Shopping
- Culture
- Literature
- Theatre
- Music
- Motion Pictures
Why am I telling you about this, loyal blog readers? Well, because I'm curious as to what you'd want to see in a book like this. Is there a particular topic area you'd love to see covered? Something on my list you think should be struck?
Truth be told, you're the reason I'm putting this together. I know there's an interest in Steampunk in place, and I want to contribute the knowledge I've gained over the past year to help further the aspirations of Steampunk novelists everywhere.
What do you think?
9 comments:
I look forward to it.
Under culture, I think you should have a modern day section exploring conventions/ cosplay, that sort of thing. That's where a lot of steampunk has gained popularity among the masses.
Ignore me if you did mention or meant that by something up there.
I would love to see something like this.
I'm writing a little later, myself. (I'm thinking of calling it "Jazzpunk.") And I'm not so technology driven, but I would still love to see something like this because it's just plain interesting.
Wow! This is a totally great idea! I bet there are a gazillion steampunk afficianados (sp?) out there who would love a resource like that.
Good thinking!
I agree with Stephanie - I think you will find many people interested in this beyond just writers. In fact, I would consider framing it as a Style Guide or Modern Guide to Retro Coolness or some such thing.
Good luck! :)
I can't think of anything to add; I'm overwhelmed by the generosity of attempting such a venture, let alone that it would be so complete.
Oooh, is it done yet?!
......dhole
Fabulous idea! I'd carry around five in my bag, just so when someone asks, "Now, I know you've told me before, but what's steampunk again?" I can just hand them a Delman.
Gooooood luck, dude!
Definitely let me know when it's done.
However I feel like such a guide is but a starting point. I'm calling my novel steampunk, but I doubt it's archetypical of the genre. I'm not writing an homage to Steampunk, I writing a story about some characters in a Steampunk-like setting, but sometimes they wear jeans and a tee-shirt and listen to iPods. I think by defining something you're inherently limiting people and ideas. By pointing out what others have done, it then may be the basis for a new creative piece. The trick is to write a good story, not to conform with what other people think comprises the genre.
On the other hand, I agree with the commenters. I'd love a handout that explains the basics. Then I could explain how my story might differ.
David -- Why thank you.
L.T. -- That's a good point; I might include a final section detailing how this all plays into a maker culture, but that's still amorphous right now.
Daring -- "Jazzpunk"? Ooo ... I like.
Supreme Dictator -- I can almost guarantee there are tons of people who'd love a resource like this.
SKQ -- The working title thus far is "The Steampunk Primer," as I can't yet come up with anything cooler-sounding.
Donna -- Heh. I don't write quite that fast.
Marie -- "hand them a Delman." *snort* That's epic cool, that is.
Andrew -- You've hit on my intent exactly. This work is intended to be a mere starting point; it's decidedly not an instruction manual in how to write a Steampunk story, seeing as I don't have the writers' chops to demand that (and people would ignore me anyway). Rather, my aim is to put into one volume (two if necessary) as much basic information as I can to simplify a Steampunk creative's development of their own Steampunked world.
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