Steampunk World Fair

[Elizabeth J Kolodziej]

The Steampunk World Fair was the best convention I have been to! There was so much to do between the Steampunk YA talks, bands, archery lessons and wonderful people just wasn’t enough time to do everything! However, I did do what was most important for me and I had a great time doing it.

The most interesting was going to the Steampunk YA Fiction talk:

A look into steampunk themes in young adult fictions with current authors. Hosted by Kady Cross, AL Davroe, Lia Habel and Leanna Renee Hieber.

Considering the fact that I am currently writing a Steampunk YA Romance novel it was great insight into what parts of the genre I should really be paying attention to.

The line up of authors was so diverse that I could really see how across the board Steampunk can really hit as long as it contains a few particulars. Steam inventions being a big part! Of course.

One of the authors I really bonded with during a book signing event was A.L. Davroe who writes the City Steam Collection. We talked a lot about the hardships of a blog for an author and how it would just be easier if we could get people to give us guest posts. lol. Like I will be giving her! I have a great idea in mind. hehe.

I really like the idea of Leanna's books. She writes the Strangely Beautiful Series.  She takes the paranormal and puts it into the Victorian age. What I loved most about her was her dedication to researching the era and probably a big part of why her books are so popular! I personally love research so that holds a fondness in my heart.





Then there is Lia Habel who has the more futuristic take on Steampunk with the zombie twist! She was interesting to hear talk about her books since it is futuristic with zombies. How awesome does that sound!?

One of my fav's (who's book should be in the mail coming signed for me to sink my fangs into) is Kady Cross who writes the Steampunk Chronicles (second book coming out soon)!  Also: Kate Cross, Kate Locke and I think a few other names I might have missed depending on the genre. She is a USA Today best selling author and ::ahem:: agreed to read my Steampunk novel when I'm done!

How did it happen?

"I have my own book I am writing and I know your busy as an author but I would love if you would read it when I'm done..." - me

"I like you, so I will." - Kady

Seriously????!!!! I almost fainted! lmao.

The last author (cause I didn't name enough? haha) that I met was Emilie P. Bush who actually came up to me and loved the comments I made during the panel. We talked about what was Steampunk and the fact that you just don't say this is a Steampunk story with Steampunk characters and write a normal story. haha. That was a fun conversation. Not only is she awesome but she introduced me to a forum of hers where I can learn more about Steampunk.

Not only that but she also told me all about her illustrator for her Steampunk children's book Her Majesty's Explorer: A Steampunk Bedtime Story. Which looks so cute and the illustrations of Allied Aethernautics, LTD AKA William Kevin Petty are amazing!

Through listening to all of these very diverse authors I really learned how much Steampunk can touch many different genres and futuristic aspects of the writing world. It could almost be defined as a mix of SciFi and the Victorian Age. Along with bands like Strange Artifact that combines kimonos and Steampunk with their band theme.

However, what I really learned about was that this is a genre that deals with an era of great fear and great hope. A time when they questioned God and they were terrified by the future.  You could say a mix of wonder and fear. It is no wonder the genre is so popular when you have elements like this!

There is also the "subversive nature of Steampunk" (as Emilie brought up), where the characters are going up against the government while man is also taking on God and Nature by the use of the steam contraptions and automaton mechanisms.

What I love most about this genre is incorporating the strong element of a woman becoming more than she should be in that era because, well, we are now in the year 2012 and most women believe in being more than a housewife. But taking someone that shouldn't be more than a servant and making them a hero is something many young girls need to read about.

With so much conflict in this era it is easy to see why these authors write this genre. These books are very much the heroes on a journey type. Everything you need and want in a story should be in a Steampunk novel unless you aren't reading the right author.

MK Hobson being mentioned as an author to read in this genre and the book God Save The Queen by Kate Locke.

After this panel and speaking for so long with all the different authors I really wasn't sure what more I could accomplish with my time here! There was tons to see and do and learn but after all the offers and meeting all the right people I was like: "I'm good."

UNTIL! ::drum roll::

I went and saw V is for Villains play.

O.M.G.

First, let me just say, Mr. Fallon Flynn (guitarist) is seriously so nice.  I saw him in costume before the show and stopped and was like "I emailed you on FB about doing an interview on my blog!" and he is like "Yeah! Hi!" ::paraphrasing::. Cause I had checked out the bands before going to Steampunk to see if there was anyone worth seeing. I played their songs (for free on their site) and was blown away!

But seeing them live was mind blowing! And embarrassing. Considering Mr. Flynn must have told Mr. Agitator (the lead singer) what my fav song was and he decided to point me out at the concert and make me tell my name to the crowd. BTW, thank you again for that one! My cheeks are flaming red at the memory! lol.

Considering they got me to jump around the room like a crazy girl though, was a feet in its self. Kind of. For those that know me understand I am outgoing and talk to EVERYONE (including the girl at the McDonalds drive thru at 4AM after a night at the club), but things like speaking in pub-LIC are difficult for me to get up and do. Weird. I know. I'm an enigma in a puzzle box with a lock and key sometimes.

Anywho! After the show I got to hang out with them. And I tell you all this because, well, I want to brag...But also because they will be featured characters in the Steampunk Ya Romance Zombie book I am writing! (This book really needs a title already) Hopefully I will get those character profiles back soon ::ahem::. ;)



I just found them to be so delightful and impressive, because all my readers know music inspires my writing, that I just have to put them in the book! Plus they have great personas as they play the Villains so well!

After that I was able to write out the outline for my book the next morning, which is un-named and yet I plan to have it done in a month. Yes I just said I am going to finish a book in a month. I am going to totally nanowrimo-ing (national novel writing month) myself in June instead of November. So cross your fingers people!

There is lots happening and lots that will continue to go on!

Can't wait till next year for the next Steampunk World Fair!

<3's and fangs,

Liz ^_^