How I Fell in Love with Steampunk + The Steampunk E-Bundle Sale
Yesterday was International Steampunk Day. I’ve already made a post explaining what steampunk is, so I thought this time would be fun to tell you how I discovered it.
The short version? It started with a pair of goggles and a corset.
I was in love with the fashion. The brass, gears, pocket watches, waistcoats, lace… I remember seeing photos and thinking, whatever this is, it’s gorgeous, and I want in.
At the time, I didn’t know there was a name for it. Eventually, I learned it was called “steampunk,” but I had no idea there were books, conventions, music, artists, or entire communities built around it. I just knew I was drawn to the fashion and aesthetic.
Fortunately, life has a funny way of opening unexpected doors. Thanks to my drum instructor’s wife and her steampunk bookstore (which was every bit as cool as it sounds), I discovered that steampunk was much more than a fashion style. It was a genre. A playground for imagination.
And one of the things I still love most about steampunk is that it can incorporate almost anything.
It can lean heavily into science fiction. Or embrace fantasy and magic. It can focus on alternate history, or horror, or romance, or all of the above. Some even steampunkify pop culture! (Check out my steampunk Loki cosplay!)
Eventually, my love of steampunk inspired me to write my own stories.
The Techno Mage takes readers to a divided world where alchemy powers floating cities and a trio of friends embark on a mission involving a mythical airship.
Rise of the Sky Pirate travels to the Great Lakes, where sky pirates, airships, and a dangerous poison collide in the origin story of one of my favorite characters from The Techno Mage.
Celebrate International Steampunk Day with The Steampunk E-Bundle
To celebrate International Steampunk Day, both ebooks are currently available together as The Steampunk E-Bundle for just $6.99 USD through June 30.
Whether you’re already a fan of steampunk or you’re simply curious about a genre filled with imagination, adventure, and more goggles than anyone reasonably needs, this is a great place to start.
You can grab the bundle here.
I’m curious: how did you discover steampunk? Was it through books, movies, fashion, games, or something else entirely? Let me know in the comments!
Raine