I started reading the Crimson City series a while back, when the first book came out, and I HAD to find out how everything worked out for Marius and Jill. So, when I found out their story was coming out, I was thrilled!Then, I went to the author's website and found that the author had started dabling in steampink, and the newest book was going to be a blend of the standards of the Crimson City series and her new steampunk writings.
Despite not knowing anything about it, I gave it a try. And to be honest, I am still not certain what I think.
I like the added tech, but at the same time, I have a hard time setting aside the jerk reflexes that nag at me that it isn't realistic to the time. Kind of like in historicals when the characters bath nightly.
Is it something I see myself dabbling in? Not really. I am just not much on historicals, either reading or writing them.
But I might be tempted to read another steampunk story or two, depending on the author and the motivation.
Think of it as alt history.
ReplyDeleteNot every genre is for every reader though,so if you don't like it, it's just not your thing.
Hi, Michelle,
ReplyDeleteI actually have the same problem writing steampunk as you do reading it. I have to push myself to include elements that I know don't belong in the time. I think Kathleen's notion helps, though - this is alternative history, so certain facts can be modified. Still, if you change too much, you lose the period feel and fall out of genre.
Best,
Lisabet
I have to push myself to include elements that I know don't belong in the time.
ReplyDeleteHear, hear. My concern as I write my story is that I'm not pushing the alternative angle enough; I'm a realist at heart. Though I enjoy fantasy and sci fi, I like it to be grounded to a degree.
How much we push the limits may make or break it for the reader, but we must obey the inner voice and hope the story will resonate.
Michelle,
ReplyDeleteYou raise a valid point. Part of the creation of fiction is the suspension of disbelief, which can be a tricky thing to manage at the best of times. To then push that suspension of disbelief whilst we try to force artifical elements into a narrative can seem like it's working against the 'reality' we try to achieve in fiction.
A good point well made.
Ash
I was struck by a word you used - "steampink"? I like it. Is that a typo or a genre? If its not a genre it will be someday.
ReplyDeleteI think that's what makes steampunk appealing, is the suspension not only of disbelief but of historical or even scientifc facts, like Vernes "Off on a Comet" where the earth is struck by a comet and the heroes go riding around space on a comet.
Steampink?
Garce
Kathleen - I have a hard time getting into alt history too. But I love futuristics, where they are no set rules. : )
ReplyDeleteLisabet -- Indeed. Changing too much of the timeline modifies the here and now.
ReplyDeleteI did dabble in alt history, with making Elizabeth I of England a lesbian. But I didn't mess with the tech.
Ash -- I struggle with the analytical aspects of my mind butting heads with the creative parts.
ReplyDeleteIt's part of why writing creativly during the school term is so hard, because I have to switch mindsets completely, and it isn't so easy as turning one off and the other on. I wish it were. Because even when I am in creative mode, the analytical part has to give it's input. : )
Garce -- Definitly a typo. Finals week man, my brain is mush, nuff said. LOL
ReplyDeleteYour Verne comment reminded me of a scene in the Rex Harrison Dr. Doolittle (which I like), where he rides the luna moth to the moon. That part always makes me cringe. I can handle the island being pushed by a whale, and them riding inside a giant snail. *snicker* But the luna moth part just gets me. I can't suspend my nature that much.
Craig -- You so nailed my issues with "I'm a realist at heart. Though I enjoy fantasy and sci fi, I like it to be grounded to a degree."
ReplyDeleteI can manage to set aside some disbelief to read a story, but not enough to write one. At least, not believably. LOL