How does one begin building a viable steampunk world? Well, not like I did. My first introduction to writing Steampunk was in response to a call for stories for the second edition of Science Fiction Romance Quarterly magazine. I briefly wrote Cyrus and Evangeline’s story as a piece a little over 8,000 words.
I had the airships, the two main characters, and the plot; but what I didn’t have – and what really makes Steampunk unique – is the world. Steampunk requires more of the writer than simply a compelling plot and 3-dimensional characters. Like all subgenres of science fiction, it takes the detail to the next level, requiring the author to build the world around the characters with depth and fine detail of historical, scientific, and social aspects which make the story extraordinary, yet believable.
Over the next few weeks, I will share with you the aspects you need to consider to build a viable, unique Steampunk world; and what I did to make my own world a wondrous and compelling place to test my characters and allow them to overcome all obstacles and become who they were meant to be.
Aeon Igni 