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Heather Massey’s Steampunk Cafe’

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Steampunk is known for some pretty weird stuff. However, “weird” isn’t meant in a pejorative sense; rather it refers to weird fiction, a subgenre that dates back to the late 19th century. Steampunk pairs well with horror, fantasy, and science fiction, so it’s no surprise many authors have taken advantage of the blends to create some pretty wild and fantastical characters and devices. Currently, such books may fall under the “new weird” tag.

One of my favorite examples of a new weird element in steampunk is from Whitechapel Gods by S.M. Peters. In this story, one of the characters, Tommy, basically has a boiler for a heart. Mark Hodder’s The Strange Affair of Spring Heeled Jack also features some very bizarre characters who have been transformed in fantastical ways. Think: giant heads (but I won’t say more for fear of spoilers).

As a result of all this new weird content, steampunk romance has incorporated similar elements since becoming a subgenre in its own right a few years ago. Based on my reading experience, I’ve discovered that weird elements in steampunk romance fall under four general categories:

*vehicles (e.g., airships, steam-powered transportation devices)
*prosthetics
*inventions/gadgets
*weapons

Allow me to provide a few examples.

Meljean Brook’s Iron Seas series, which begins with The Iron Duke, is pretty much prosthetic city. Many primary and secondary characters in this series have a prosthetic limb or organ. The prosthetic itself isn’t the weird part–it’s how they’re made, their purpose, and how they’re described. Not everyone can afford a top-of-the-line prosthesis, so some characters have no choice but to contend with oversized, ill-fitting, or clunky mechanical artificial limbs.

Zoe Archer’s Skies of Fire and Skies of Steel feature steampunk cyborg heroes. The “telumium” implants (indicated by a metallic plate welded to the hero’s torso) make them stronger and faster, but they can never travel far from their airships without dire consequences.

Nathalie Gray’s Full Steam Ahead is an alternate universe/portal story featuring fantastical airships that fly above a poisoned ocean.

P.G. Forte’s This Winter Heart has a heroine whose unique biology would result in her being labeled a freak if anyone were to discover her secret. Through this “weird” element, the story explores what it means to be human.

Kate Cross’ Touch of Steel is a spy historical with steampunk elements. The “Clockwork” agents use aether-powered weapons and other gadgets on their missions.

A few authors of steampunk romance have incorporated Weird West elements into their stories. “Weird West” is basically like it sounds: Western stories mixed with weird, strange, and bizarre characters, settings, and situations. When you encounter a Western blended with science fiction, fantasy, steampunk, or horror, you’ve got a Weird West tale on your hands.

Nico Rosso’s Nights of Fire and Nights of Steel include weird elements such as a massive mining machine with destructive powers and flying ether cycles.

Pauline Baird Jones’ short story Steam Time features a gang of automaton henchmen.

Angelia Sparrow’s short story Meanwhile, Back at the Ranch mixes a Western setting with zombies and steam-powered weapons.

Theresa Meyers’s hero in The Hunter rides a mechanical horse. There’s also a spooky automaton in her short story spin-off The Inventor.

I’ve also played with Weird West elements. My steampunk romance Iron Guns, Blazing Hearts features an automaton gunslinger, a steam gun, and insect-like iron steam carriages, among other devices.

I personally adore weird elements in steampunk romance, but I do wonder how romance readers less familiar with steampunk romance feel about them. If I were to rate the intensity of weird elements in steampunk romance, I’d say they are generally mild when compared to non-romance steampunk stories.

Given the fantastical nature of some “weird” steampunk elements, there can be a significant learning curve even if, as noted above, the elements are mild-medium in nature. In that sense, can there be too much “weird” in steampunk romance for the subgenre to be viable? Or are romance readers comfortable with the status quo? If authors were to push the “weird” envelope a bit further, would readers be interested as long as the romance genre conventions were met?

What do you think?

About the author

Heather Massey is a lifelong fan of science fiction romance. She searches for sci-fi romance adventures aboard her blog, The Galaxy Express. She’s also an author in the subgenre. To learn more about her published work, visit heathermassey.com.

I have always loved books but discovered romance books later in life while home with a sick child thanks to my best friend, Brenda. It didn't take long to meet up with Karen and learn that we shared a lot more than a love of books. We are sisters in spirt who want to help people spread the word about books. KarenneLyn is the web designer of Coffee Time Romance and several other sites. This wonderful exploration of her creative side has become a fun thing to learn and opened the door to meeting some wonderful people.

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0 COMMENTS

  • Donna Frelick

    I don’t think the speculative elements of steampunk romance are any “weirder” than your average SFR or paranormal romance, and may even be more accessible than some of those scaly aliens or fang-toothed creatures. Romance fans who love historical settings will naturally be drawn to this sub genre, and you can’t ask for more or better sexual tension than what Meljean Brook or Zoe Archer serve up in their books! Great post as always, Heather!

    • Heather Massey

      Thanks for visiting!

      >are any “weirder”

      I agree the accessibility factor is high for steampunk romance, which is one reason I think it’s a fun introduction to SFR. Still, I’ve read about some really wild steampunk elements in non-romance stories and I personally wouldn’t mind seeing something similar–meaning on the high weird scale–only paired with a romance! Whether that would be viable for an author, I don’t know, but I do know I want to read it!

  • Liz S

    I have read most of the stories you have listed above and really enjoyed them. I do think there can be too much weirdness if it detracts from the character and plot development. Gadgets, vehicles, prosthesis, etc should not be thrown into the story without it meaning something. But the fun part of steampunk is that no author uses any of these items in the same way. Great blog!

    • Heather Massey

      Agreed, a parade of weirdness for its own sake would be boring. They’re best when the impact on the plot is strong. When I respond viscerally to weird elements in steampunk I know they’re doing a great job.

      Thanks for weighing in!

  • Anna

    May I add “His Black Wings” by Astrid Yrigollen to the list? It is a steampunk version of Beauty and the Beast. The combination of scifi/fantasy/romance/mystery/fairytale was well done!

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Iris jumps at the opportunity to prove her worth as a scholar—and avoid an unwanted marriage proposal—while hiding the truth of her father’s whereabouts. If her secret gets out, the house of McTavish will fall into ruin.

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Definity in the mood. I try not writing when I’m in a sad or bad mood. I don’t have a routine. Whenever I get the chance to sit and write is do it.

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Everything. As I said before about seeing a cracker is true. I can look at a sunset and build a story around it.

Let's move on and give readers some insight into your personal life. What are your pet peeves?

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Interview with Shiela Stewart
Welcome, today we are talking with Shiela Stewart! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let`s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about yourself that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

I’m a sucker for animals. If I could take in every stray I would. I hate to see animals being abused, neglected and starved. If I see a cat or dog wandering around my neighbors, I’ll put food out for it. Going to the zoo breaks my heart. They should be set free.

I also love playing pranks and scaring people. I’m not mean about it though.

How long have you been writing?

Since my teen years. At that time, I used to write everything on paper. Some of my stories back then were 70,00 to 126,000 words. My hands were very sore. LOL

What have you found most challenging about it?

Promoting. I can sit and create a story from looking at a cracker, but promoting it is hell.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

A lot of the time it’s a release. If I’m stressed about stuff I’ll sit and put it to words in my books. It’s also fun. I add a lot of humor to my stories mainly because I tend to write dark stories.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

Definity in the mood. I try not writing when I’m in a sad or bad mood. I don’t have a routine. Whenever I get the chance to sit and write is do it.

Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

Honestly, when I fist starting writing it was for fun, a hobby. But when my first book was published I thought it would be a job.

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Everything. As I said before about seeing a cracker is true. I can look at a sunset and build a story around it.

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Interview with Joan Havelage
Welcome, today we are talking with Joan Havelange! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let’s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about yourself that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

I’m an avid golfer, not a good golfer, but an avid one. I go out in the morning every weekday.But I take weekends off and let the real golfers golf.

How long have you been writing?

I wrote a children’s story when my children were young. But I never tried to have it publish. Then in my 20s or maybe my 30s, I tried to write a romance. Again, I never tried to get it published. But by then, I decided I’d rather kill them than kiss them. So, I turned to mysteries. And in 2019, my first mystery, ‘Wayward Shot,’ was published.

What have you found most challenging about it?

Writing a murder mystery is not a problem for me. That comes easy. My biggest challenge in writing was my second book, ‘Death and Denial.’ I took my protagonist to Egypt. A country I had visited. I wanted to show my readers the sights and the feel of that country without making it a travel log. The mystery is foremost. I had the same challenge with ‘The Suspects. I took my protagonist on a bus tour through Northern Europe. I have had excellent reviews from my readers, so I have accomplished my goal of entertaining with the mysteries and showcasing the scenic and historic sights.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

Writing a story for me is like reading a good book. I know that sounds a bit odd. But I write what I would like to read. It’s fun but maybe I do get a bit emotional. I almost killed a protagonist in ‘Moving is Murder.’ Spoiler alert. In the end, I just couldn’t.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

In the summer it is hard for me to write. I live in Canada;...
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What have you found most challenging about it?

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What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

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Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

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Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

I started writing as a hobby, but once I started publishing I began to think of my work as a job.

What inspires you?

I find inspiration everywhere. From funny things my kids say, articles in newspapers, hobbies I pursue, the list goes on and on.

Let's move on and give readers some insight into your personal life.

 What are your pet peeves?

When someone talks AT me. I call myself an extroverted introvert. I am outgoing and a people person. But I ...

Interview with Rachelle Paige Campbell
Welcome, today we are talking with Rachelle Paige Campbell! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let`s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about Rachelle Paige Campbell that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

How long have you been writing?

I started publishing in 2015 and can’t believe it’s been nine years already. Truly, the time just flies.

What have you found most challenging about it?

Pursuing anything creative means making yourself vulnerable. You’re sharing a piece of yourself with the world.

What does writing do for you? Is it fun, cathartic, do you get emotional?

Writing is all of those things and more. The start of a project is fun. Editing is cathartic, to take a rough draft and polish it to perfection. Hearing from readers is emotional. I process so much of my own life through writing (not that anything is autobiographical), it helps me make sense of the world.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you disciplined with a strict schedule or do you have to be in the mood?

I love a schedule but as a mom I have to be flexible. My ideal schedule, aka during the school year, is writing from 8:30-10am, exercising, writing/marketing/editing from 12pm-2:30pm on weekdays. I try to take weekends off, and I try to stick to working only during these hours so I have a balance between work and life.

Did you go into writing thinking that it would be a hobby or a job?

I started writing as a hobby, but once I started publishing I began to think of my work as a job.

What inspires you?

I find inspiration everywhere. From funny things my kids say, articles in newspapers, hobbies I pursue, the list goes on and on.

Let`s move on and give readers some insight into your personal life.

 What are your pet peeves?

When someone talks AT me. I call myself an extroverted introvert. I am outgoing and a people person. But I ...
...

4 1
Interview with Bobbie Grover 
Welcome, today we are talking with Bobbi Groover! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let's delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about Bobbi Groover that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

The biggest surprise might be that my first published novel was a coming-of-age story. It received many 5-star reviews and was used in several school districts. The most fun was being asked to be ‘visiting author’ and introduce the students to the joy and excitement of writing. They wanted me to write a sequel but my writing journey took an unexpected tangent. You see, I’m the quintessential insomniac, so I read a lot of romance paperbacks from the library to fill the long nights. As I finished each one I told my husband, “I could have written this.”  Finally he retorted, “Prove it. Sit down and write one.”  My husband’s dare was the impetus I needed to take the plunge. I have three published romances, all of which earned 5-star reviews and several first place and runner-up awards. 

 How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing as long as I can remember.  I have a vivid memory of sitting in an empty stall of the stable on my Grandmother’s estate as a precocious five-year-old. I traced the outline of a horseshoe in the dust of the floor and imagined it was my pony in that stall.  I stood and pretended to nuzzle the equine.  On the wall I spied the empty water bucket and glanced inside.  A ferocious giant spider (remember, I was only five) seemed to glare at me amidst the silk of the web.  I went back to the house and drew pictures that told the story of the unlikely friendship between the equine and arachnid, although I believe I used ‘pony’ and ‘spider.’ My mother once told me my story was quite detailed and imaginative. From then on I was off and running, filling drawers with stories.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you discipl...

Interview with Bobbie Grover
Welcome, today we are talking with Bobbi Groover! I would like to thank you for taking time out of your busy writing schedule to answer a few questions. First, let`s delve into who you are. Some of the questions may be untraditional but you’d be surprised at what readers connect to, and sometimes the simplest ‘I can relate to that’ grabs their interest where nothing else can.

Can you share a little something about Bobbi Groover that’s not mentioned in your bio on your website?

The biggest surprise might be that my first published novel was a coming-of-age story. It received many 5-star reviews and was used in several school districts. The most fun was being asked to be ‘visiting author’ and introduce the students to the joy and excitement of writing. They wanted me to write a sequel but my writing journey took an unexpected tangent. You see, I’m the quintessential insomniac, so I read a lot of romance paperbacks from the library to fill the long nights. As I finished each one I told my husband, “I could have written this.”  Finally he retorted, “Prove it. Sit down and write one.”  My husband’s dare was the impetus I needed to take the plunge. I have three published romances, all of which earned 5-star reviews and several first place and runner-up awards. 

 How long have you been writing?

I’ve been writing as long as I can remember.  I have a vivid memory of sitting in an empty stall of the stable on my Grandmother’s estate as a precocious five-year-old. I traced the outline of a horseshoe in the dust of the floor and imagined it was my pony in that stall.  I stood and pretended to nuzzle the equine.  On the wall I spied the empty water bucket and glanced inside.  A ferocious giant spider (remember, I was only five) seemed to glare at me amidst the silk of the web.  I went back to the house and drew pictures that told the story of the unlikely friendship between the equine and arachnid, although I believe I used ‘pony’ and ‘spider.’ My mother once told me my story was quite detailed and imaginative. From then on I was off and running, filling drawers with stories.

Describe what your writing routine looks like. Are you discipl...
...

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