Like Clockwork, a novel
containing murder, mayhem, espionage, inventions, romance and steam.
The term steampunk is a wide umbrella these days that encompasses many types of
stories. Some lean more toward the paranormal, others toward alternate history
with gadgetry. The elements that seem to be essential to classifying a story as
steampunk are a sense of Victorian style, make-believe inventions based on steam
power and intricate gadgets with a lot of moving pieces. At least thatโs my
interpretation. There are plenty of articles out there which are more in depth
about what defines steampunk.
When I decided to try to tackle the genre, I wanted to focus on how an amazing
new invention could wreak havoc on society by eliminating jobs and causing an
even greater schism between the classes. I came up with the idea of mechanical
clockwork people taking the place of the laboring class. One of my favorite
romance themes is a couple overcoming social barriers. The idea of a radical
extremist kidnapping a scientist to draw attention to his cause was born.
In order for this romance, which begins with a kidnapping, to be believable I
knew Victoria Waters would have to be a very special woman. Sheโs ahead of her
time, a scientist with a social conscience who never intended her invention to
eliminate so many jobs. Sheโs already an outcast in society because of her
eccentricity so she is able to do things, think things and feel things for an
inappropriate man that no normal woman of her time would do.
But the social story behind
LIKE CLOCKWORK is only part
of it. I felt a story set in pseudo-Victorian times wouldnโt be complete without
a creepy serial killer ala Jack the Ripper. So I invented the Southwark Slasher.
The real Ripper, btw, was also dubbed the Whitechapel Butcher by the press
because his kills were found in that area of the city. Southwark, near
Whitechapel, was a dangerous slum at the turn of the century.
Which brings us to my hero, Dash, a man from the dregs of society, born in
Southwark, surviving on the streets by whatever means necessary. His life turned
around when one kind man reached out to help and educate him instead of turning
him in after catching him robbing his shop. Dash turned from crime to legitimate
labor--until the advent of the automatons lost him his job.
ย There are plenty of chills, thrills and twists in
LIKE CLOCKWORK, available
in December from Carina Press.
A little about me: I began telling stories as a child. Whenever there was a
sleepover, I was the designated ghost tale teller, guaranteed to frighten and
thrill with macabre tales. I still have a story printed on yellow legal paper in
second grade about a ghost, a witch and a talking cat. Writing childish stories
for her my own pleasure led to majoring in English at college. Like most English
majors, I dreamed of writing a novel but didn't have the necessary focus and
follow through at that time in my life. It was only in 2000 that I began writing
again. I enjoy reading stories about people damaged by life who find healing
with a like-minded soul. When I couldnโt find enough books to suit my taste, I
began to write them. You can see my back list of titles at my
website , or join
my
Yahoo group for updates on new releases. You can also
find me on
Facebook and
Twitter.
Bonnie Dee
Buy
LIKE CLOCKWORK from Carina Press
I haven't read any steampunk but the description of your book has defiantly caught my attention. I may need to keep it a try.
(Maria Munoz 11:10am December 14, 2010)
I'm not quite sure what steampunk is, but the premise sounds like fun, and I can always read anything that sounds even vaguely historical, even if turns out to be alternate history. At present I've got a book named INCA waiting for me. It's about the Inca not being conquered by the Spanish. Unfortunately, I missed the day this week at eHarlequin where I could have got your book free.
(Sigrun Schulz 3:48pm December 14, 2010)
You introduced me to a term that I'm not familiar with, but am very interested in reading now. The premise is far-fetched, but quite intriguing. It takes quite an imagination, along with a way with words, to be able to weave such a story!! I also wanted to be an English major, but when I spoke to my Mother about my dreams when I was in High School, she didn't understand, and made fun of my ideas, so I never fulfilled them. Silly me!! That book has always been in the back of my mind, and perhaps one day I'll put that pen to paper. Have a Merry Christmas and a great New Year!!
(Peggy Roberson 9:56pm December 14, 2010)
Boy does this have a lot of stuff in it. I didn't know about the term steampunk before.
(Alyson Widen 12:08pm December 17, 2010)
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