by Chandra Perkins
When I first dipped my toes into writing steampunk novels, I was a bit daunted by the intricate inventions, mechanics, and industrial nuances that define the genre. But then I realized something that made it all click: I've been surrounded by inspiration my entire life.
Growing up in a modest neighborhood in California, we didn't have fancy houses or swimming pools. My childhood was all about playing in the yard, dealing with a bathtub without a shower, and fuses that would blow if we turned on too many lights at once. My parents, who grew up in the 1930s and '40s, instilled in me the values of those times, which turned out to be the foundation of my steampunk inspiration.
image by konstantin145
My dad was the ultimate tinkerer. He had a passion for electricity and was always building something for us. At the back of our sizeable yard, beyond a patio and a weedy trail that was downright spooky at night, he had a shed nestled among mulberry trees. This shed was his domain, filled with half-finished projects from the junkyard, and it was a place you entered with caution. Sharp objects, wires, broken glass, and metal parts made it a hazardous but fascinating wonderland. Watching my dad work on his projects, no matter how chaotic they seemed, has deeply influenced my approach to creating the quirky inventions and automatons in my stories. Whenever I feel overwhelmed by the technical aspects of my writing, I channel my dad's curiosity and determination.
image by HUNTER16
These days, I live in an area that takes great pride in its Route 66 heritage, and there's so much inspiration to draw from. One of my biggest sources of steampunk vibes is an old steel mill I pass by regularly. This place is the epitome of industrial aesthetics, with its massive size and machinery that seems to stretch on forever. A train runs through the mill, and although I'm not sure if it's still operational, just looking at it sparks my imagination. The sight of those industrial machines and steel-perforated buildings always makes me wonder about the stories they hold.
Inspiration is everywhere, from my past to my present. All I have to do is open my eyes and let my imagination transport me into my steampunk world. I can't wait for you to join me on this epic adventure in "Pirates and Witches and Other Obsessions," coming to online bookstores next year.
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