It's the 1800's Jim, but not as we know it...

Don't get me wrong. I love writing guest posts. Absolutely adore it. But suddenly it's become a bit of a pain in the rear. Why? Well, stupidly, I decided to write one on "What Is Steampunk?". That's not the smartest decision I've ever made and I'm wondering why I set myself such a challenge. Why? Because I am, whether I like it or not, a sucker for punishment.

Steampunk is one of those genres which can't easily be defined. Ask several different people and you'll get several different responses. The general consensus is that it's set in the Victorian era but a version of it that they may or may not recognise. Oh, they'd recognise parts of it. But would they know a land dreadnought if you showed them one? Or how about giant, steam spewing flying fortresses?

There's always debates raging about what is and what isn't Steampunk. At the end of the day, I honestly think it's what you make of it. Obviously there have to be certain elements for it to be considered for the genre but each book is so different. (I'm looking at it mainly from a literary genre rather than the whole huge picture) Some books focus on the technological elements, while others have supernatural themes. Others again take people on a Verne-like journey to some incredible new world. It's such a beautiful and creative genre and it's one of the reasons I love it so much. You can have so much fun with it and there's definitely a suspension of disbelief with it as well.

So I'm going to do it. I'm going to write a “What Is Steampunk?” post. Hopefully it won't cause any arguments...

Can someone pass me the gin, please?!