Steampunk

I caught up with YA author, Suzanne Lazear, to ask her about the hot sub-genre called “Steampunk”. 

Hi, Suzanne!  Thanks for taking the time to chat about Steampunk.  We’ve been hearing so much about Steampunk books lately. . . . what IS Steampunk?

Steampunk is the intersection of Victorian romanticism and modern technology.  Think Jules Verne, Stardust, and The League of Extraordinary Gentleman.  There is the possibility for incredible technology, but it’s generally done with Victorian materials–think brass robots and aether filled ray guns.  Air pirates, airships, mad scientists, aviatrix, and corset and bustle wearing women abound, as do Victorian attitudes, and that great Victorian love for gadgets.  Steam, not oil, is the primary power source.  Often these stories are “alternate histories,” giving us an insight on the “path not taken” or what could have been, and the difference is sometimes explained as part of the world building. 

Okay, so I’m getting the “steam” part.  Where does the “punk” fit in?

The “punk” part is really a misnomer.  Unlike the other “punks” (cyberpunk, biopunk, ect) Steampunk stories are usually not dystopian/anarchist, (which is usually what the “punk” stands for).  But there’s still often a bit of rebellion (and sometimes women might even wear trousers *gasp*).  It’s just not at the same level most “punks” have.  “Steampulp” probably fits better, but doesn’t have the same ring. 

Can Steampunk be YA?  Adult Fiction?

Steampunk fits in any genre– it can be YA, middle grade, or adult.  A Steampunk story can be mystery, horror, paranormal, romance, or even sci-fi.  It doesn’t even have to be set in Victorian England.  It could be set in the Wild West or California.  It could be in the past or in the future, it could even take place on another planet, in a fantasy world, or in the faerie realm.  There’s also “steamypunk”  or “bustle bumpers”, which is Steampunk erotica.  Also, the tone of Steampunk stories range from dark and gritty, to light and humorous, and everywhere in between.  Truly, Steampunk is genre-blending at its finest.

When did this Steampunk craze ignite?

The term Steampunk was coined in the late 1980’s, though stories that are considered Steampunk date back far longer (like Jules Verne and HG Wells).  Steampunk has been really gaining popularity, but I’m not so sure if it’s so much that it’s becoming trendy as that people are finally realizing the genre actually has a name. 

It’s amazing to add a name to something, isn’t it?

That it is.  I know when I ran across the term Steampunk for the first time I was like “Oh, so that’s what it’s called.”   Steampunk has something for everyone.  Truly, I believe one of Steampunk’s greatest strengths is the diversity of those it brings together.  There’s technology, there’s fashion, there’s scientists and werewolves, airships…and don’t forget the brass goggles.

Brass goggles?  Do you think the fashion industry will take this and run with it?

It already has.  Steampunk goes far beyond writing; there are also many fabulous Steampunk musicians, artists, and craftspeople out there as well.  If you go on etsy or ebay you’ll find all sorts of handmade goodies–everything from gowns to top hats to brass goggles.  Part of the fun of Steampunk is dressing up. 

That’s amazing!  Okay, back to books.  Can you tell us, as of this interview, which publishers are interested in Steampunk?

Lots of them–from Harper, Tor, and Ace, to Juno and Flux, to e-pubs like Samhain and Carina.   Many magazines also take Steampunk sort stories.  Steampunk Tales is a Steampunk magazine for your iPhone.

When you were writing Innocent Darkness, were you intentionally writing a Steampunk or did it end up fitting into that category?

Actually, Innocent Darkness, as it’s tentatively titled,  started as a story set in modern-day California.  I’d already finished an adult Steampunk and wanted to write a YA one.  I started looking at my YA ideas and went, “I bet I could Steampunk this.” 

LOVE the idea of Steampunking a book.  

Waste not, want not, right?  LOL  I took the contemporary outline I’d written and Steampunked the story on the fly as I wrote it, which made for a lot of research and some very fun twists and turns.  The Victorians loved faerie lore, so the story lent itself well to steampunking, not to mention I got to give my MC a flying car—what’s not to love about that?  When people ask me about Innocent Darkness I often joke that it’s “Jane Eyre meets Chitty Chitty Bang Bang as written by Hans Christian Anderson and Directed by Tim Burton.” 

 I’m gonna have to pick up Innocent Darkness as soon as it hits the shelves.  Can you tell us when it will be out?

Innocent Darkness, a Steampunk Dark Fairytale, comes out from Flux in 2012.  Thank you so much for thinking of me.  If anyone is interested in learning more about Steampunk, I belong to a group Steampunk blog called Steamed!  Myself and my fellow “Lolitas” talk about everything from reviewing Steampunk books and movies, to making costumes, to writing.  Every Thursday we have a special Steampunk guest. Past guests have included Gail Carriger, Scott Westerfeld, and the creators of the comic Girl Genius.  We hope you stop by and say hello. 

Thanks for the chat, Suzanne!