Steampunk means a lot of different things to different people. No, I’m not talking about the definition of the genre. Guest Lolita Karina Cooper did a brilliant job of that a couple weeks ago. But it’s different from other genres of fiction in that it’s spawned music, fashion, decor, and all kinds of other things.
Coming to steampunk via the fiction, I continue to be amazed that there are people who identify themselves as steampunks who don’t read the books. There are those who are into steampunk for the music, for roleplaying, for the clothes and even for an entire lifestyle. I’m not sure any other subgenre of fiction can say that. Culturally speaking, I find it a fascinating phenomenon. Some of it I like, some of it not so much. The music, for me, varies from band to band. Some of it’s just not to my taste. I’m not going to listen to something just because it says steampunk. I love the clothes and jewelry, but then I’ve always had a taste for vintage and odd bits and pieces. I’ve also really enjoyed most of the people I’ve met in the southern Michigan steampunk scene.
My first love in the steampunk, however, remains the literature. I’m a writer and a reader, far more than I’ll ever be any other part of the lifestyle. Although I really do love the clothes…
I have been a bit surprised about this, too. I wonder if there aren’t a lot of people who won’t classify themselves as a reader, but who like to read, though. We live in hope!