A Greek Inventor and a Famous Chef by Coleen Kwan

First I have a winner to announce.  BBS Used Book Buyers  you have won a copy of Jana Oliver’s The Demon Trapper’s Daughter. Please email me to claim your prize. There’s still time to win God Save the Queen by Kate Locke.

Now, on to today’s guest. Today we welcome Coleen Kwan, who’s first steampunk romance Asher’s Invention just released from Carina Press on Tuesday! ~launches cupcake canonon~

Coleen Kwan has been bookworm all her life. At school English was her favorite subject, but for some reason she decided on a career in IT. After many years of programming, she wondered what else there was in life — and discovered writing. She loves writing contemporary romance whether it’s sweet or sensual. She lives in Sydney with her partner and two children. When  not writing,she enjoys avoiding housework, eating chocolate, and watching The Office. Visit her at http://www.coleenkwan.com

 

A Greek Inventor and a Famous Chef

by Coleen Kwan 

Thanks for having me on your blog today!

 When I started writing steampunk, I found I had to do a lot more research than I realised. Now, research is a great way to put off actual writing, and it can also be fascinating.  As I trawled through the internet I stumbled upon some intriguing tidbits which I’d never known about.

Take the steam engine, for example. From my school days eons ago I assumed that the steam engine was invented around the turn of the eighteenth century by a Scottish engineer. Turns out an ancient Greek is credited with inventing the world’s first steam engine. Hero of Alexandria lived in the 1^st century AD. He built the aeolipile, a steam-powered turbine.

 

 The aeolipile consists of a sphere which can rotate on its axis and has nozzles bent in opposite directions. Water is heated, either inside the sphere or in a boiler below, and the resulting steam shoots out the nozzles, which creates torque and drives the sphere which then starts rotating. It’s not known whether Hero’s aeolipile was put to any practical use, or whether it was just an interesting curiosity, but it’s definitely a steam engine.

 The aeolipile wasn’t Hero’s only invention. He also created automatons which he used to mount a fully automated play complete with special effects like fire and thunder. He also invented a vending machine which dispensed holy water when a user deposited a coin into a slot! This man was seriously gifted.

 From steam engines to food. How much food did the average 19^th century epicure eat? In Alexis Soyer’s ‘The Modern Housewife’ (published 1849) he details a list of average daily meals:

“BREAKFAST.––Three quarters of a pint of coffee, four ounces of bread, one ounce of butter, two eggs, or four ounces of meat, or four ounces of fish.
“LUNCH.––Two ounces of bread, two ounces of meat, or poultry, or game, two ounces of vegetables, and a half pint of beer, or a glass of wine.
“DINNER.––Half a pint of soup, a quarter of a pound of fish, half a pound of meat, a quarter of a pound of poultry, a quarter of a pound of savory dishes or game, two ounces of vegetables, two ounces of bread, two ounces of pastry or roasts, half an ounce of cheese, a quarter of a pound of fruit, one pint of wine, one glass of liqueur, one cup of coffee or tea; at night one glass of spirits and water.”

It’s also interesting to note the huge variety of food that was eaten in those times. They ate pigeons, partridges, grouse, plovers, teals, peacocks, deer, eels, turtle, hares, and a huge variety of fish.

Soyer was one of the most celebrated cooks in Victorian England. During the Great Irish Famine of 1847 he invented a soup kitchen in Dublin which dispensed soup for free to thousands of starving poor people.

So, a Greek inventor and a famous chef — just two of the interesting tidbits I uncovered during the writing of my first steampunk romance.

 ~Coleen Kwan

http://www.coleenkwan.com

 

Asher’s Invention

Five years ago, Asher Quigley broke his engagement to Minerva Lambkin, believing she was an accomplice in a scheme to steal his prototype for a wondrous device. Minerva swore she was innocent, though the thief—and Asher’s mentor—was her own father.

Now, sheer desperation has driven Minerva to Asher’s door. Her father has been kidnapped by investors furious that he’s never been able to make the machine work. Only Asher, now a rich and famous inventor in his own right, can replicate the device. He’s also become a hard, distant stranger far different from the young idealist she once loved.

Despite their troubled past, Asher agrees to help Minerva. He still harbors his suspicions about her, but their reunion stirs emotions and desires they both thought were buried forever. Can they rebuild their fragile relationship in time to save her father and their future together?

Purchase Asher’s Invention at

Carina Press http://bit.ly/KEP0io

Amazon http://amzn.to/IpClNx

Amazon UK http://amzn.to/Id8RZq

Barnes & Noble http://bit.ly/IavZXG

iTunes http://bit.ly/M2VD0C

 

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Renaissance Overflow

This photo isn’t exactly an example of what the term has come to mean among my acquaintances, since the assets it shows are all tucked into the wearer’s corset, but it’s the closest I have. Anyone who’s ever been to a Renaissance event knows what I mean–the well-endowed woman whose bodice is a couple sizes too small and gets sort of a forward-muffin top. Mind you, the term wasn’t meant to be used as derogatory. The males I hang out with are more than happy to view feminine assets any way they can.

The phrase, Renaissance overflow actually originated among my circle of friends at an SF con. Near the corset booth in the vendor room, big surprise. Mr. Cindy and another friend were enjoying the sights, as it were, and the friend remarked that it was interesting how much overlap there was among the things one saw at an SF con and the things one saw at a Renaissance faire. Mr. Cindy immediately dubbed it Renaissance overflow, and the term almost immediately took on a double meaning–the too-snug bodice and the commonality one finds at Renaissance events and SF or steampunk gatherings.

I’ve been pondering this. Why so much overlap? The more I look, the more I see. I’ve watched the same groups performing at both World Steam Expo and  Renaissance faires (shout out to The Theatrical Combat Network, The Bawdy Boys and Thee Bluebeard.) I’ve shopped from the same vendors, my favorite being Pendragon/Mad Girl costumes. I have corsets from them in both my steampunk and Renaissance boxes. I see steampunk jewelry and hats for sale at Renaissance faires and Elizabethan items at SF cons. Clearly they appeal to the same group of people to an unexpected degree.

Or is it unexpected? Steampunk as a fiction genre grew largely out of the aesthetic, not the other way around. A lot of the early adopters of the aesthetic were grown ups who already liked to play dress up for fun and/r profit–meaning reenactors of one kind or another. Civil war reenactment probably has a bit of crossover as well, I just haven’t seen it since I don’t do that one. I’d also guess there’s some overlap with the serious medieval reenactment crowd, aka SCA. One thing I can see that might be awkward there is that serious historical groups tend to be sticklers for period accuracy and steampunk is all about NOT being historically correct.

And that would be why I think the biggest crossover crowd is the casual costume and any-period-works-for-me fan. We (because I do include myself here) enjoy immersing ourselves in another world, whether or not that world ever actually existed. I love steampunk events, and I dress accordingly but I also love medieval or Renaissance faires and whatever other cool things I can go to. (FYI, there are always a few sticklers who glare at my elf ears if I wear them with a period costume, but there are always a bunch who adore them.) I’m hoping a Ragtime Street Fair is in the plans for July, though real life may get in the way. The thing is, when I go to something, I love feeling like I’m part of it, even if I’m paying for my ticket at the gate and not part of the cast or crew. I think there are a lot of us like that. Many of us probably also read, and maybe even read across a variety of genres, because reading gives us that immersion experience we crave. Are we really a bunch of overly tall children playing dress up? Probably. Do I care? Not in the slightest. Life is too short not to take your fun where you can find it.

That’s the deal for me. Renaissance faires and steampunk are both FUN. So is reading. So garb up or grab a book and have a ball! If you’re doing so in Michigan this summer, look for me when you do. 😉

//

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Book Monday — God Save The Queen by Kate Locke

It’s book Monday!  Today I’m gushing about God Save the Queen.  One lucky commenter will win my ARC and I got it *signed* by Kate Locke over the weekend for you.  Open internationally, closes July 1, at 11:59 PM PST. 

God Save the Queen by Kate Locke
Book 1, The Immortal Empire
Orbit, July 3rd, 2012
ARC provided by Orbit

When Orbit asked me if I wanted to read this new steampunk urban fantasy series, I was like, um, heck yeah.  The basic premise of God Save the Queen had me intrigued immediately.  It’s 2012 and Queen Victoria is still in power–and is a Vampire.  Told from the point of view of 22 year-old Xandra Vardan we’re taken on a wild romp through an alternate history where the British Aristocracy are paranormal and technology has evolved in a very steampunkian sort of way.  They have many of the same types of devices we have (cars, cell phones, etc), but they run on different technologies.  Xandra Vardan is a “halvie” — her father is a Vampire, her mother human.  The halvies often act as protectors to the paranormal aristocracy and Xandra is an elite guard.  When her sister goes missing, she’s plunged into a darker side of society, and once she starts digging for the truth, nothing will ever be the same. 

I love Xandra, because she’s a badass.  She’ll also go to great lengths for her family, especially her missing sister.  She’s resourceful, intelligent, and can kick ass in a ball gown.  What’s not to love?  In addition to the action and intrigue, there’s also romance.  Oh, Vex.  Yes, Vex is a sexy werewolf, and an alpha, but he’s also very supportive, which was a great twist from the usual grabby alpha male.

Her world is incredible, weaving in technology, alternate history, and myth and legend. It’s gritty and dark, despite the balls and parties of the aristocracy, which Xandra often attends due to her position in the guard.  In addition to Vampires and Werewolves, we also meet the Goblins, which add a great twist to the many-layered culture Kate has created.  Like any good “punk” there’s plenty of rebellion, especially among the humans, who feel oppressed by, and are a bit afraid of, the paranormal aristocracy.  I have a feeling that war may break out in future books…

God Save the Queen is a great romp through alternate London, a fun and exciting read that’s hard to put down.  I actually had to stop myself from reading it and wait until I had an opportunity to read uninterrupted, because once I got about 5 chapters in I didn’t want to stop, and literally stayed planted on the bed reading while my child watched cartoons and ate cookies for the rest of the afternoon.  The ending left me wanting for more and I love how she has explanations and a glossary in the back.

Seriously, I loved this book and had a hard time formulating a review that was more than “crazy good shit” and “this books kicks ass.”  If you’re a fan of the Parasol Protectorate books, I’d recommend checking this out.  I can’t wait for book 2 to see what happens to Xandra next.  Can’t I have it now?

—-

Suzanne Lazear writes about steampunk faeries.  Her debut novel, INNOCENT DARKNESS, book one of The Aether Chronicles, releases August 2012 from Flux. Visit her personal blog for more adventures.

 

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Busy in the Bellows

“Lolita Seleste!”

I snapped to attention as the captain strode toward the engine, her bustle sweeping through the soot on the floor. Soot I should have cleaned hours ago. “Aye, Captain!”

“I was under the impression you had some experience with steam engines when you requested to take up this post. Was I mistaken?”

My gaze darted to the left where turbines and pistons moved in much the same manner as they had when I arrived. Which meant they weren’t yet at full capacity. “No, Captain. The hitch in the works is a wee bit more complicated than I–”

“Excuses, Lolita I have no time or tolerance for them. We need to be at full power by nightfall. Get back to work.” Picking up her bustle as she spun around, she scowled at me. “And this place will be ship-shape by morning. Have I made myself clear?”

“Aye, Captain.”

As soon as she left the engine room, I kicked the offending turbine. “Work, blast you!”

When I said I could fix the steam engine, I’d anticipated a simple problem. Something quick. I’d been down here for three days, tinkering with the damned thing. By nightfall, she said. If I didn’t figure this out soon, I had a feeling my time on board might quickly be reaching its conclusion.

~~*~~

In other words, I am neck deep in revisions for Clockwork Mafia. They’re going fairly quickly (which is nice), but small changes have proved very invasive and have led to… a lot of changes. As I announced on Twitter last night, readers who felt Badlands was too short will be happy to know that this installment of the story is roughly twice as long. And… I got a release date last night! Clockwork Mafia will go on sale April 29, 2013. I know, I know, it’s a long way off, but I am hoping to have the third book out in 2013 as well. (As long as the writing gods cooperate at least.)

For now, however, I need to get back to Henrietta Mason and her rogue clockworks. I do promise a more infotaining post next time (that’s informational/entertaining for those who didn’t know :P)

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Why Steampunk is like a TARDIS? by Jana Oliver

Today we welcome Jana Oliver.  One lucky commenter will recieve a signed copy of The Demon Trapper’s Daugther.  (Open internationally, contest closes 6/27/12 at 11:59 pm PST).

Jana Oliver is the author various alternate history novels, including the award-winning Time Rovers Series. Folks are always welcome at her website (JanaOliver.com) or at her Facebook page.

Why Steampunk is like a TARDIS®?

by Jana Oliver

I am extremely fond of all things steampunk, but that shouldn’t be too much of a surprise since I’m writing a post for a blog dedicated to the subject. So bear with me as I explain why the steampunk is a lot like a TARDIS. For those of you who are not Dr. Who fans, this is a TARDIS. One of the cool things about this handy machine, besides being able to travel through time, is that it is bigger on the inside than on the outside.

In many ways, that’s exactly what steampunk has become. Once a quiet niche for a few enthusiasts, it now encompasses a variety of expressions and has gone worldwide. Today there are a myriad of steampunk activities available: artwork, music, literature, technology and various types of social interaction.

The original concept for steampunk, the curious marriage of technology and love of Victoriana, have given us such fine offspring as Cherie Priest’s BONESHAKER, Clay and Susan Griffith’s THE GREYFRIAR, Abney Park and The Extraordinary Contraptions, Hugo and countless steampunk conventions.

So what is it about this “movement” that is so compelling? What lures new folks into its web (steel-plated of course) and holds them in thrall? Could it be that very TARDIS-like feature I mentioned earlier, that the inside of steampunk holds so much more room for innovation than other pursuits?

I would argue that steampunk’s very open architecture is what has made it as powerful as it is. There is no one steampunk, no rigid rules that all must adhere to. If you can’t sing or convert existing items to a new form, maybe you’re great at costuming or creating digital artwork. Maybe you’re good at putting words together and can tell a great tale of adventure or a delightful children’s story.

That’s one of the reasons I’m so fond of steampunk. Within its big tent, there is room for everyone, room for all forms of human expression. Innovation and creativity flow within steampunk’s metallic veins where one is not confined to the “we’ve always done it that way” mentality. Which is why steampunk will continue to evolve as those within its “walls” take it in new and interesting directions.

For an author, that means the steampunk I know today may be completely different in a year. Such fluidity allows for creative change which will flow into other parts of the participants’ lives. Already steampunk is affecting the “mundane” world in terms of design, entertainment choices and beyond.

We need creative and imaginative people and that’s what steampunk provides: a ready source of intelligent, unique and curious folk who are very happy to color outside the lines. The ability to look beyond the ordinary, to dream of new technology, outlandish solutions and workarounds is what put us on the moon and created such marvels as the Internet. Is it not possible that steampunk can also improve our chances of survival as a species?

At the very core of every steampunker is the echo of one of the masters of such innovation and I’m sure that Leonardo da Vinci smiles a little every time another cog is designed or another airship launched.

So don’t worry, there’s plenty of room inside this steampunk Tardis. We can go wherever we want, see new worlds or create them, for that matter. That is what steampunk is all about: there are no boundaries.

 ~Jana Oliver

Comment below to be entered to win.  One lucky commenter will recieve a signed copy of Jana’s YA The Demon Trapper’s Daugther.  (Open internationally, contest closes 6/27/12 at 11:59 pm PST).

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Westernpunk by Maeve Alpin

Westernpunk Fun

I have seen different terms, cowpunk, weird west, and westernpunk, but I prefer the later. One of the greatest examples of Westernpunk is the old television show, Wild Wild West. Though a western, all the 19^th century high tech spy gadgetry made it Steampunk. Even though James West and Artemus Gordon didn’t fly on an airship, they lived in the luxury compartment of a steam powered train. That wasn’t the only western that had Steampunk influences before Steampunk was cool. In the 1967 movie, The War Wagon, with John Wayne and Kirk Douglas, the duke drove a stage coach with metal sides and a Gatling gun mounted on it as they crossed the wild, dangerous west. The perfect vehicle for a westernpunk story.

Giant prehistoric Armadillo

Keep in mind people wore goggles in the west on wagon trains to keep the dust out of their eyes. And of course trains run on steam. Nineteenth century locomotives were bigger than life with huge grills in front and towering smoke billowing out. Their long, powerful iron bodies were adorned with decorative brass, gleaming in the hot western sun as they cut across the wild, spacious west. They emitted an orchestra of musical sounds, including the steam whistle and the chuffing noise of the train. All of these things add to the ambiance and settings of Westernpunk stories.

Wild West Soldier

There are several western states you can set a Steampunk story in but you might want to look at Texas. As a Texan I can say lots of weird, fantastic, and strange things occurred in Texas in the 19^th century and are great inspiration for Westernpunk tales. You may not know but it was a Texan, Jacob Brodbeck, who built and flew the first airplane. He called it a flying machine. The first take off occurred in 1866 in Gillespie County, Texas. It ran off a powerful clockwork motor and a series of gears. This large motor didn’t build up enough power for the machine to take off on its own. Brodbeck built a ski-jump type ramp on the side of a hill near Fredericksburg, he’d take his flying machine to the top of it, and as it gained speed sliding down he’d start the motor. He could fly for three or four minutes with power, then he’d glide to a landing.

Steampunk Riffle Man

Another weird piece of Texas history is the alien UFO crash of 1897 which took place in Aurora Texas.  A cigar-shaped UFO plowed though a windmill, destroying it. The good folk of Aurora discovered a space alien inside, who died upon impact. They gave him a Christian burial. Someone stole the space alien’s tombstone but the state of Texas erected a historical marker at the cemetery, which reads, “This site is also well known because of the legend that a spaceship crashed nearby in 1897 and the pilot, killed in the crash was buried here.”

The Dallas Morning News printed the story and it can be read online. It stated an airship hit the tower of Judge Proter’s windmill, blew into pieces in a terrific explosion scattering parts of the UFO over several acres, wrecking the windmill and water tank, and destroying the Judge’s flower garden. The pilot, the only one in the spaceship, died upon impact and though his body was badly disfigured it was evident he was not an inhabitant of this world.

 

saloon girl

Then they’re the ghost lights of Marfa Texas. Ghost lights occur around the world, with orange the most common color. The Marfa lights are usually orange, red, white and yellow, but green and blue have been reported. In addition to numerous sightings, the lights have been documented many times in photographs and video images. Several videos of the lights can be viewed on YouTube. Every night, onlookers, hoping to spot the lights, stop by the circular viewing center, located about eight miles east of Marfa, it includes a picnic area, restrooms, and a parking lot. A recorded sighting of the ghost lights in Marfa Texas was first published in 1957, but many claim observations of the lights go back at least to the 1800’s. Some say the Apaches who lived in the area spoke of them though there is no hard evidence of that.

western moustache

Also Texas was its own country for a while, with its own president and its own money. Texas wanted to join the U.S. but what if it didn’t? What if Texas stayed a country? As for that idea, think of all those places in the U. S. originally owned by Spain and France. I know when my Fife ancestors originally came to Mississippi in the late 18^th century they had a Spanish land grant. What if some of those areas never became part of the U. S. You could have Spanish or French territories surrounded by U. S. states. That would make for a good Steampunk story. It reminds me of the Steampunk book, The Kingdom of Ohio by Matthew Flaming.

Then there’s the shoot-em-up wild west. Would the addition of Steampunk weapons make it more lawless or less?  Obviously it would depend on who had the biggest, baddest guns. What if Native Americans had high-tech weaponry?

Saloon Gal

As you can see the American west makes as good a setting for Steampunk as Victorian London does. Cherie Priest (Boneshaker) and Devon Monk (Dead Iron) have had great success with using the west for their Steampunk takes. I wish the same success to any Steamed readers setting a Steampunk story in the wild west.

~ Maeve Alpin

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Book Monday: Timeless by Gail Carriger

Yeah, so I know Maeve already reviewed Timeless but I love these books so much, I’m going to gush about it anyway.  I also haven’t done “Book Monday” in awhile (where I gush about books I love, for those of you who don’t know).  So…here’s today’s book:

Timeless –Book #5, Parasol Protectorate
by Gail Carriger
(copy provided by Orbit)

All good things must come to an end, and Timeless is the last book Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate series.  Sure, she has two new series coming out, but alas, Lord Maccon and Alexia’s story has come to an end. 

I love these books – their charm, wit, humor, and ability to make me laugh out loud in undignified ways while on airplanes.  Book #5 was no exception.

In this book Alexia and company travel to Egypt in an adventure that doesn’t disappoint.  Prudence cracks me up, and Carriger accurate portrayal of life with a toddler (especially bathtime) had me rolling. 

Though I was a tiny disappointed not to get the full Alexia origins story, this story did not disappoint overall.  There was plenty of Ivy and her hats, Akeldam’s wit, Madame Lefoux’s intrigue, and the amazing love and respect shared by Lord Maccon and Alexia (which always makes me swoon).

And Biffy!  I was pleasantly surprised by darling Biffy.  I hope we haven’t seen the last of him.

I know we haven’t seen the last of Prudence and I look forward to reading about her in her series, Parasol Protectorate Abroad.

Have you read it?  What did you think?

 

—

Suzanne Lazear writes steampunk tales for teens.  Her debut novel, INNOCENT DARKNESS, book one of The Aether Chronicles, releases August 2012 from Flux. Visit her personal blog for more adventures.

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Guest: Steampunk Artist Michael Orlando

Please welcome steampunk and visual effects artist Michael Orlando. I met him at the World Steam Expo in Detroit and was impressed by his amazing paintbrush. Then I saw his bio and was even more amazed. So meet Michael and see what he has to say about the way-cool steampunk computer monitor he also built for himself. ~Lolita Cindy

Welcome to Orlando Art, my name is Michael.

I live in San Francisco & Michigan. My days are spent designing building Steampunk decor & accessories.  I also spend time building  a catalog of original oil painted images and art business.

Steampunk has become a passion like the old world art of oil painting. There is nothing like sitting in front of a pile of parts and materials and then creating something decorative and functional that would fit in the Victorian time period.  Especially in the sterile society of today.  Too much saturation of high tech looks with no character. The medium of oil painting is wonderful, and the act of creating images rich with detail and mood is an endless pleasure.

My day job is spent as a visual effects artist in the motion picture industry, where, for the last 19 years I have been creating and integrating visual effects in Motion Pictures and Stereoscopic 3D. I’ve worked with George Lucas’ Industrial Light & Magic, Walt Disney Feature Animation, Sony Pictures Imageworks, Warner Brothers and other studios.

I’m interested in, and enjoy a variety of subject matter so my catalog of art images and custom accessories should offer “something for everyone” as it evolves. I enjoy putting an incredible amount of detail into my art so that you, the observer, can endlessly wander into the canvas of my art, and forget about the world around you for a while. Just as much effort goes into my curious creations, may they pull you into a world of wonder and fun, and curiosity.

As a visual effects artist in the motion picture industry for the last 19 years, I have spent an incredible amount of hours looking at a computer monitor.  Eventually it became to painful to look at even though I was working on blockbuster movies.  So I had the idea of Steampunking my monitor in an effort to make it a little more interesting.  I spent about a month on it and it fully functions.  It has toggle switches, old style guages and crystal buttons.  The glass cylinders light up, there is a keyboard light, & the guage panels also illuminate.  Other features include a built in microphone for hands free online chatting, headphone jacks, and a port for the future webcam modification.

 

I also thought if fun to give it a curtain and an out to lunch sign, as well as a little strip of cork board for post it notes.  I have been very happy with the end result and its a really fun functional item.  But the wonderful benefit that I did not anticipate was the psychological effect it would have on my while working.  Since the monitor is pretty sizable its pretty much in your face along with the characteristics of the Victorian era, its like your just looking at a museum piece or some curious object.  But when I start to work, there is this major contrast of whats on the monitor screen and what is actually surrounding the screen.  This had an interested and soothing effect, even magical in a way.  A 19th century box viewing high tech modern day visual effects work.  And when your actually working on the monitor doing this work…its just simply a cool experience.  Victorian style technology driving modern visual effects post production.

The resulting effect is that I love sitting in front of my steampunk monitor now.   I am now in the process of steampunking all my modern day equipment so that life can be more interesting again.  Modern day technology is great, but it is also sterile and has no character.  I’m excited to have discovered the whole Steampunk scene and happy to see how many others are involved in it.  It was a real joy to attend the World Steam Expo this past May in Dearborn Michigan.  I’m hoping to discover local groups that meet on a regular basis.

I am originally from Michigan but have lived in Los Angeles for quite a while and San Francisco several times and lots of flying back and forth for my visual effects work.  Having never attended college, I am self taught.  I was just a kid with a passion for movies.  Back then {before computer graphics} it was designing and building model miniatures and action props.  And of course blending those things into live action.  Eventually computer graphics became a tool and I was in the door at the start.  My opportunity came because of all my experience with making real world visual effects and then the big companies with all the latest graphics software and equipment trained me.  Not to date myself, but back then there was no online tutorials or software that was accessable.  It was a hard road and took me about 11 years to finally break into the professional business.  But since then, I have created visual effects for 33 motion pictures and have worked with the best companies in the world…but yes I have worked on some local bad movies when I was getting started.  I have screen credits on most of the films, some of which include Transformers 3, Pirates of the Caribbean At Worlds End, Star Wars Episode II Attack of the Clones, The Mummy Returns, Men In Black II, The Time Machine, Space Jam, Starship Troopers, Walt Disney’s Dinosaur and others.

While I will always have the opportunity to continue in the film business, I am coming back to my original love of designing and making things, and Steampunk will be the new venue in which I do this work.  I look forward to the new road ahead in the Steampunk culture.

Thanks so much to Michael for visiting STEAMED! You can find out more about Michael and his art at his website: http://michaelorlandoart.deviantart.com/ And his storefront: Orlando Art: Something for everyone:  www.orlandoart.etsy.com

MICHAEL’S VISUAL EFFECTS FILMOGRAPHYThe Hunger Games
Transformers III Dark Side Of The Moon
Zookeeper
Spy Kids 4
Piranha 3DD
Nightmare On Elm Street 2010
The Watchman
Stephen Kings The Mist
Nims Island
Mummy 3 Tomb of the Dragon Emporer
John Adams
7 lbs
Pathology
Hostel II
Pirates of the Caribbean At Worlds End
Evan Almighty
Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix
Transformers
The Last Mimsy
Saw
Star Wars Episode II Attack of the Clones
Men In Black II
Minority Report
The Time Machine
The Mummy Returns
Dark Heaven
South Park Bigger, Longer, Uncut
Dinosaur
Starship Troopers
Space Jam

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More tales from the shore:

I know Lolita Seleste has regaled you all with her version of the shore leave at the World Steampunk Expo in Dearborn, Michigan, but I wanted to add a little info of my own. Mostly in the form of photos. I do particularly like the one she posted of the two of us with Gail Carriger–major fangirl squeal. I also wanted to mention some of the guests that made my weekend a load of fun as well as educational. First, the phenomenally brilliant Scott and his cohorts at Realtime Portrait Studio. Anyone who can make photos of me look good is a bloody genius!

I’m lucky enough that my husband is willing to tag along with my on my jaunts into alternate history. So here’s the formal photo of the two of us being geeks together, again, thanks to Realtime.

Shopping, was, of course, one of the primary activities. There were fabulous corsets, hats, jewels and all sorts of other accoutrements, both handmade modern and vintage. I was particularly thrilled with corsetiere Ms. Martha, of Ms. Martha’s Corset Shoppe, shown here lacing me into my new favorite black and silver silk. Not only does she sew these marvels, she designed the silk patterns herself and she can lace you up like nobody’s business! I stopped by her booth almost every day for after-car-trip adjustments.

Another vendor I chanced to meet was my unknown “cousin.” The proprietor of Spencer’s Mercantile and I did actually manage to link our families to the same corner of our small, small world. She had wonderful vintage goodies as well as some lovely modern reproduction textiles. I bought cool argyle socks and a pair of vintage shoes!

Author Johnny White, of the Tales of the Airship Neverland, (seated) is showing a cd of his new book to steampunk enthusiast (and panelist) Zebulon Vitruvius Pike (standing). Below, one of the cheerful convention staff happily sells music from Abney Park, Steam Powered Giraffe, The Bawdy Boys, and The Men Who Will Not Be Blamed for Nothing among other artists. Love her leather-covered cashbox and the old Victrola.

Shopping wasn’t the only passtime, of course!

There were wonderful workshops, especially by Ms. Carriger and Jay Lake. I spent most of a day learning combat maneuvers with weapons like a walking stick, a tophat, a fan , umbrella, hammer or crowbar from the talented ladies and gentlemen of The Theatrical Combat Network. They were remarkably patient of the silliness of me, the world’s biggest klutz, trying to battle my husband, the former military police specialist, who’s also a foot and a quarter taller than me. Finally, Lolita Seleste, myself, and three other authors ended the convention with a panel called “Local Authors Speak.” We talked to an eager group about the variety available in steampunk and some tips on writing and getting published. I also met the talented artist Michael Orlando who showed off his steampunk paintbrush and will actually be tomorrow’s guest on STEAMED!

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Finally, I can’t dash off today without a personal happy squeal, because Kilts & Kraken is now available from Carina Press, my own little story from the seaside. The reviews so far are positive, which is always a huge relief. Thanks for reading and TTFN!

Kilts & Kraken

 Magnus, Baron Findlay, longs to bring the wonders of the steam age to his remote island home, but his hands are full fighting the vicious kraken ravaging the coast. When he’s swept to sea during battle and washes up on the shore of an isle in the Hebrides, he is near death.

Struggling to establish herself as one of the first female physicians in Edinburgh, Dr. Geneva MacKay is annoyed when The Order of the Round Table sends her north to care for an injured highlander. To heal him, Geneva escorts the handsome warrior home, just in time to defend the villagers from another onslaught.

As the attacks escalate and they work together to fight off the threat, neither Geneva nor Magnus can resist the overwhelming attraction between them. But as their relationship deepens, a new threat arises – from within the village itself…

 

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Shore Leave Part 2: World Steam Expo

Lolita Cindy, Gail Carriger, and I

By the time Lolita Cindy and I made it back to the dirigible, we barely had energy to stagger to our berths. As excited as I’d been for the opportunity, I hadn’t anticipated the excursion to be quite so draining.

From the moment we’d stepped inside World Steam Expo, my heart sank. Though I could indeed blend in as Lolita Suzanne had suggested, my quest seemed impossible. How was I supposed to find one item in this sea of finery, frippery, and outright nonsense? As daunted as I was by the immensity of my task, I refused to shy away from the challenge. Lolita Cindy seemed quite at home so, as I’d been told, I accompanied her for much of the first day.

We learned of villains and heroes and damsels-in-distress (who I feel are all best put out of their misery, thank you very much). In addition, we learned both trickery and attacks with a variety of weaponry. As soon as I felt comfortable enough, I set out on my own.

The Bawdy Boys

Oddly enough, it didn’t take long before I set my eyes upon my goal. In mere moments, however, it was snatched from my grasp and lost once more in the crowd. I spent much of the evening searching for it, from the battle room of Aegis to the thrummingly violent strains from The Men That Will Not Be Blamed For Nothing–all for nought. I retired, exhausted and dejected.

Lead Singer of TMTWNBBFN

After an unfortunate delay, I returned the next day to resume my hunt. When every avenue brought me nothing, I turned at last to the lure of wormwood and the hope of second sight. Once again, music called to me, the siren songs of The Bawdy Boys as well as the musical displays from Steam-Powered Giraffe hypnotized me, lulling me into a strange sense of security and innocence as the drink took hold of my brain. I danced in a haze of clockworks and corsets until I woke with the sunrise…outside on the grass.

No one was near, but beneath the expanse of my skirts rested the sapphire beauty I’d come to claim. How I’d taken possession of the thing, I’ve no earthly idea. What the wormwood and music did to my mind…

Blasted evil scientists…

It didn’t matter. I had what I’d come for. At once, I secreted it away from pirates, scientists, and that little slip of a girl who delighted in showing off with her pistol. None there could be trusted, not even my fellow Lolita. Still, appearances had to be maintained, so after securing my treasure, I made my way back to Lolita Cindy, staying demurely by her side until we returned to the ship.

Though I detest the idea that I had to leave my prize, I am confident none will find it. For certain things have a life of their own–the sapphire chose me as its keeper as surely as I chose it. And I will return. I must. For this adventure has only begun.

Bloody Pirate (aka my partner-in-crime Maureen’s favorite pirate, Thee Bluebeard) trying to blend in with Steampunk Chicago

Needless to say, I had a fantastic time at World Steam Expo, and I can’t wait for next year. Also, if you have a chance to visit Ms. Martha’s Corset Shoppe, I highly recommend her work. I got a beautiful blue corset from her at the convention and am kicking myself for only buying one.

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Lost Cities and Unexplored Lands by Maeve Alpin

The Regency, Victorian, and Edwardian eras were a great time for world exploration and adventure. For Steampunk writers those explorations make for wonderful adventures for our books. The South and North Pole conjure up visions of all types of dangerous adventure.

Not only was the famed Norwegian polar explorer, Roald Amundsen, the first man to reach the South Pole but he also was the first to fly over the North Pole, and he did so in a dirigible in 1926.

From the snow to the sand, one of my favorite Egyptologist, Jean François Champollion, journeyed to Egypt, as one of the four members of the Franco-Tuscan Expedition, in 1827. Of course he is primarily known for deciphering the rosettea stone and unlocking the knowledge and history of the ancients Egyptians. Jean Francois Champollion is also the first curator of the Egyptian collection at the Louvre. Another great Egyptologist of the day was the Italian strongman Giovani-Battista Belzoni, beginning in 1817, he used the hydraulic engine he invented to help excavate Egyptian tombs and temples.

Another famed archeologist of the day was the German adventurer, Heinrich Schliemann. Using a copy of Homer’s The Illiad as his guide, he excavated the ancient city of Troy in 1871, searching for Priam’s treasure. He discovered the remains of eleven cities built on top of each other. The relics he found included a cache of gold and silver, including earrings, necklaces, and even diadems that might have been worn by a queen.

Just the words – lost city- conjure up mystery and adventure and there were wonderful finds in the Regency, Victorian, and Edwardian periods. In 1812, the Swiss explorer, Johann Ludwig Burckhardt, brought international attention to the lost city of Petra, built of incredible stone structures carved into the actual rock of Mount Hor in Jordan. Shortly after that, in 1818, General Taylor discovered the sacred pillars, palaces, temples, and monasteries of Sanchi in India. Dating back to the 3rd century BC, it’s the oldest Buddhist sanctuary in existence. Then, in 1911, explorer Hiram Bingham revealed the jungle enshrouded lost City of the Incas, an amazing pre-Columbian site, Machu Picchu, built on a mountain ridge, 7,970 feet above sea level.

Regarding unexplored lands, we cannot forget the adventures of David Livingstone, well known for his rescue by his fellow explorer, Henry Stanley, during an 1865 expedition to Africa in an attempt to find the source of the Nile.

Speaking of Africa you may have seen a great Stemapunk discovery associated with it, a twist of Edgar Rice Burroughs’ Tarzan tale of a man raised by apes. If you make the rounds of Steampunk Cons you may have seen the amazing educated ape, Rupert Cornelius. I recently spotted him at Aetherfest in San Antonio, Texas. He also visits youtube quite frequently. Here’s a link to one of his shows http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jdjRNPS0Ifs&feature=relmfu.

Influenced by the amazing discoveries of the day, adventure fiction surged in popularity in the Victorian era, especially in the penny dreadfuls of the time. Adventures are just as popular today and are a perfect cross-genre match for Steampunk literature.

~ Maeve Alpin

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