Tuesday, October 6, 2009

Genre Talk

Will the Proliferation of Fantasy Sequels Overwhelm Shelf Space? via The Reader's Advisor Online Blog by Cindy Orr on 9/8/09


Guest Op: The Case for Steampunk Romance via Dear Author: Romance Novel Reviews, Industry News, and Commentary by Guest Reviewer on 9/1/09

What is Steampunk?

Steampunk as a literary genre gained notice starting in the 1980s. A subgenre of science fiction and fantasy, it developed as a rebellious response to the science fiction that preceded it. Core elements of steampunk include:

Steam power
Alternate history settings (mostly Victorian/Edwardian era England)
SF/Fantasy elements
Devices that reflect the period but are ahead of their time (e.g., difference engines, airships, etc.)

In fact, the concept of inventions that debut far ahead of schedule represents one of the most fascinating aspects of the genre.

If you're old enough to remember the television show "The Wild, Wild West," think that, but funkier.

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