Tag Archives: Dieselpunk

My Favorite Writerly Moments of 2019

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Instead of writing a new year’s post about my writing goals for the coming year, I decided to reflect for a moment about the year I just finished. On a non-writing front, 2019 was an odd year for me (mostly personal stuff), and I had some financial difficulties, but all in all it was a good year. I didn’t get nearly as much written as I’d planned at the beginning of the year, but even a little progress is good, so I’ve decided to focus on that. And so, on that note, here are some of my writerly highlights from the past year:

Favorite Book of 2019

Since the dieselpunk historical fantasy novel I’m writing has elements of a mystery story, I’ve started reading some mysteries. My favorite read was Silent Murders by Mary Miley, the second book in a mystery series set in the 1920s. I read the first book, as well, and enjoyed it, but the second book was the better of the two. I have the third book sitting on my book shelf, so I’ll be reading that this year. Continue reading →

How to Write Historical Fiction

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For those who don’t know, I am currently writing – and reading – historical fiction. To be specific, I’m currently writing in the historical fiction sub-genre of historical fantasy, retro-futuristic science fiction, or dieselpunk.

One of the key elements of writing historical fiction and its various relatives is, of course, research. And as any writer knows, the very act of doing research can often inspire other ideas – which can be great if you’re just at the start of putting together a book, but can also derail you from a good work in progress.

But anyway, let’s say that you’re wanting to try out the historical fiction genre. Where do you begin? As with most any writing, I believe good historical fiction writing comes from reading books in that genre. Also, most historical fiction writers have a love of history – whether it be a love of a certain place or time in history, or a broader love of anything that is old. So if you love history, how do you start writing a fictional story? Continue reading →

Decopunk Aesthetic: #ThursdayAesthetic Images

Posted in Music, Movies, and other Muses by

With the recent social media trend of sharing aesthetic posts or mood boards for books, I thought I’d join in.

Below are some images that I feel help to set the stage for my current 1920s historical fantasy series. Glamour, intrigue, and danger are a part of Cornelia Jones’ life. Magic and advanced technology flourish in her Roaring 20s world!

 

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Choosing a Historical Time Period for Your Dieselpunk Story

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One of the aspects of dieselpunk is the time period and associated aesthetics. The “punk” aspects of fantasy, the paranormal, high-tech gadgets, or alternate history blend with the “diesel” age—from about World War I to post-World War II/1950s era.

I chose the Roaring 20s for the setting of my dieselpunk series starring the enigmatic high-class adventurer Mrs. Jones. Why the Roaring 20s? Well, for the story I wanted to tell and the world I wanted to build, it seemed like the most ideal time period.

Post-war Decadence

My main character Cornelia Jones is a wealthy, upper class woman who very much enjoys the privileges of her class. Fine clothes, dinner parties, and a house full of servants is what she expects out of life. She’s not arrogant or snobbish, but she is accustomed to luxury. The 1920s saw a booming economy and a world of people ready to put the grimness of the Great War behind them. For a character who loves the glamorous life, the Roaring 20s was an obvious choice for a setting. Continue reading →

Historytellers Scavenger Hunt!

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Welcome to the Historytellers Scavenger Hunt! This is a blog hunt dedicated to historical fiction set in the 1910s, 1920s, and 1930s where all genres are welcome. You’ll get the opportunity to discover new authors, new stories, and to meet and talk to other readers who love this time period. You’ll also have the opportunity to win the grand prize which includes a digital copy of all the novels participating in the hunt.

The hunt will be online on March 17, 2019 from midnight to midnight (that’s 00:00 to 23:59) EDT.

Go to the Historytellers Scavenger Hunt page to find out all about the hunt.

 

***THE SCAVENGER HUNT***

Directions: I’ve included my lucky number on this post. (You will spot it! Just keep on reading!) All my fellow authors participating in the hunt will include a lucky number on their posts. Collect the these numbers and add them up.

Entry Form: When you have that lucky total number, make sure you fill out the form here to officially qualify for the grand prize. Only entries that have the correct number will qualify.

Rules: Anyone can take part. To be eligible for the grand prize, you must submit the completed entry form by Sunday 17 March 23:59 EDT. Entries sent without the correct number or without contact information will not be considered.

LET THE HUNT BEGIN!

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