Writing Steampunk

[Guest Rumpelstiltskin]

Writing Steampunk

 

There are plenty of elements that are helpful, if not crucial, when writing in the Steampunk category.  If thrown together some of the elements that I've found helpful, and hopefully will assist you in your endeavors as well.  Take careful note that this guide is not intended to be the end-all to writing Steampunk, but rather some suggestions that might make your life (and storytelling) easier.  This is the equivalent to me saying that sometimes there are aliens in SciFi writing, and sometimes there are giant mutant ants, but not all of them have these elements.

 

What is Steampunk?

 

It's that fantasy, science-fiction, Victorian-era (and/or Victorian-inspired) genre conglomeration.  It's a technology-aesthetic hybrid.  Welcome to the 19th-century, with an edge.  Welcome to a world of steam-powered machinery and idealism.  Steampunk is beautiful (and you know, there are airships, so it's a win-win). 

 

Setting

 

Typically, this will take place during the Industrial Revolution, or will be set in an alternate history that's a spin-off from the century.  An alternate history is the retelling of historical events that aren't accurate to what actually happened.  Many times there is a pivotal moment in history that creates a domino-effect in changing history as we know it.  Sometimes, just as an example, the pivotal moment causes or is an apocalypse, and there is a popular subgenre here set in the post-apocalyptic world. 

 

Styles

 

Generally, Steampunk garb is a modernization of the Victorian-style dress.  By this, of course, I mean corsets, petticoats, waistcoats/frocks, suits, bodices, gowns that accentuate the silhouette, and etc. etc.    Popularity has suggested enhancing and accessorizing the Victorian wares with goggles and gears and cogs and the like, but it there are no set 'requirements' for these things.  If you want your character to wear goggles, or perch them atop his head, then do that.  If not, and it doesn't fit your character, then don't.  Maybe your character has a timepiece.  Maybe your character has a parasol.  Or just maybe, if you're headed in that faithful post-apocalyptic direction, the characters will be sporting gas masks. 

 

Remember not to look at just one piece of the 19th-century when trying to decide what style will best suit your character, as you can transcend the period and mix and match as you please.  You may find a lacy, frilly goth-soldier outfit will serve the characters in your story well (or not; that all depends on you and your story).  With a bit of research into this century, you're certain to find the style that perfect for you.

 

Machinery/Technology

 

This is one of my personal favorite aspects of this genre.  I'm a huge fan of airships, and not ashamed of it either.  So, let's just take a look into some of the gadgets and doohickeys that might be helpful as a guideline in this genre.  Remember, this is a guide and not a strict set of rules that you have to abide by. 

 

Also know that your technologies may be relative to the type of story you're writing.  You may choose different technologies if writing in the actual 19th century than somewhere else on an alternative timeline.

 

All About that Steam-Power!

 

Steam-powered technology is a fundamental element.  I mean, it's called STEAMpunk for a reason .  When writing your machines, you may want to include (at least) some steam-powered engines into (at least) some of your equipment.  Hand cranks are a great alternative source of energy here, but seemingly not as efficient.

 

The Flying Contraption

 

Sometimes, you'll see some sort of flying contraption in a Steampunk story.  This could be a hot air balloon.  It could be an airship, or a zeppelin, or a blimp or whathaveyou.  Or maybe it's not an air-vessel at all.  Wings?  Mechanical wings, anyone?  A steam-powered glider sounds like a fun time.  Maybe some spiced-up Wright brother machines?  There's a ton of room for creativity, if you'd like to include something like this into your story.  And hey, then you can add sky pirates (but only if you want).

 

Automatons

 

An automaton is a moving, mechanical device.  You can think of this along the same lines as a robot.  The general differential factor between an automaton and a robot is that a 'robot' is typically thought as a device that runs on artificial intelligence, where an automaton was created with an input/output command system.  Of course, I'm speaking 'generally'.  I've seen some indications in steampunk writing that automatons and robots are one-in-the-same (though automaton totally sounds cooler).

 

Time Machines

 

Time machines are a very popular element in Steampunk.  A time machine is a device that can take you to a certain point in time, kind of like a time turner in the HP Series.

 

Clocks, clocks, and more clocks

 

With all of the clockwork systems I've seen in Steampunk writing, somebody better have a pretty solid excuse for not being somewhere on time (probably sky pirates).  I've seen clocks as interactive automatons, and I've seen a cog-filled clockwork system make up an entire city.  Sometimes, clocks are mentioned as mere time pieces, but the popular vote is that clocks are "in".

 

Rayguns

 

Oh SciFi elements, how I do love you.  A raygun is essentially a machine that fires a 'beam' of some sort of energy and is usually highly destructive.

 

DIY

 

The possibilities are endless.  Try incorporating some of this elements into an invention of your own for your story!  Keep in mind the device's use and connection/interaction with your story. 

 

Content and Some Other Things Worth Mentioning

 

While the Victorian-inspired dress and neat machinery are a piece of the puzzle in writing Steampunk, the actual story plays an even larger role. 

 

While writing your story, keep in mind the social issues that might be going on, even if they're not playing a major part in your actual story.  The social issues associated with Victorian England are important on how they will be impacting your characters and plot.  Even when using an alternate history, the past that has affected the future (and any issues occurring in this 'future') will be impacting your story.

 

The element of 'romance' is commonly found within this genre due to its associate with the Victorian era.  Of course, I'm not saying that every Steampunk story should be a love story (in fact, I'm not saying that at all).  However, a touch of that romantic element seems to be weaved into this genre.  As an example, think along the lines of mannerisms, that old idea of gentlemen and ladies. 

 

I'll reiterate that settings in the 19th century or in an alternate history spin-off are a huge piece of this genre, and it's definitely worth saying twice.  Keep that in mind while writing, but you could certainly write a completely fantastical Steampunk story that doesn't lean on history and alternative history.

 

Another element that happens to play a large role is the idea of 'Aether'.  (I'm not speaking of the aether/ether as known in chemistry and pharmaceuticals.)  As regarded in the 19th century, Aether is the power behind everything, and could be equated with 'the heavens'.  It's the colorless sky above.

 

Final Thoughts

 

Above all, have fun while writing.  Whether you're writing in the Steampunk genre or any other genre, have fun. 

 

 

 

Sources and Recommended Readings

 

The Steampunk Bible: An Illustrated Guide to the World of Imaginary Airships, Corsets and Goggles, Mad Scientists, and Strange Literature -Jeff VanderMeer

The Steampunk User's Manual: An Illustrated Practical and Whimsical Guide to Creating Retro-futurist Dreams -Jeff VanderMeer and Desirina Boskovich

So You Want to: Write a Steampunk Story - http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/SoYouWantTo/WriteASteampunkStory

Steampunk Magazine - steampunkmagazine.com

 

[firewhiskey_ginger]

I love this! Steampunk is a kind of guilty pleasure of mine, which I didn't realize until seeing Mad Max (future desert steam punk?) but this would be really helpful if you decided to incorporate it into your writing. I particularly like the bit about the excessive amount of clocks and never having an excuse to be late.  That would be a funny addition to a story; a MC who is chronically late "but CLARA YOU ARE WEARING 8 WATCHES HOW"

[Guest Rumpelstiltskin]

"but CLARA YOU ARE WEARING 8 WATCHES HOW"

 

I'm dying!  Yes!

 

I think Mad Max is another branch altogether -- diselpunk, I think (end-of-the-world-as-we-know-it type).  It's awesome regardless, and I'm glad Mad Max opened you up to that steampunk feel .