Exclusive Author-Editor Chat featuring author Meljean Brook and editor Cindy Hwang discussion

Steampunk is a relatively new genre for many romance readers. Have you read it before? Do you have questions about it? Why did I write it, and why was Cindy interested in it? If you have any questions, please feel free to post them here!

I've recently read several, including The Iron Duke! But what exactly is steampunk? How is it defined, and where did that cool name come from?

After writing a paranormal romance series, what made you chose steampunk for your next? Is there another genre you'd like to tackle in the future?

For Cindy - had you edited other steampunk works before Iron Duke? What drew you to the project?

For Meljean - I can't wait for book 2 (Yasmeen is a favorite of mine), but I am loving the shorts in the meantime. I devoured both Here There Be Monsters and The Blushing Bounder. Do you have plans for more Iron Seas shorts? [Any clues to how many, who will be in them?] :)

I found the world building in the Iron Duke amazing. Where did you get the idea for the bugs, and for them to be radio controlled?

The Iron Duke was the first steampunk I read, and I loved it! it was historical yet so different and combines aspects of so many areas of life! The two shorts were fun also!. Looking forward to Heart of Steel

I was already a big steampunk fan when I first picked up The Iron Duke last year, but reading that book really took my love for the genre up a notch! I was really struck by the care taken in mapping out how that world came to be...it was more than just "this is how things are"; it was "this is WHY things are." Especially the primer on the website (explaining the tweaks in our history that resulted in the Iron Seas history)!

I'm extremely curious, Ms. Brook...did that history short precede the creation of the books? Was it where the first kernel of the ideas began? Or did that detailed history follow later (perhaps created during the writing or afterward,in response to later questions)? And to Ms. Brook and Ms. Hwang...is there a more of that created history that needs to be referenced/"fact"-checked when writing and editing the books?

I've been a big fan of steampunk for a while, and I was so excited about the Iron Duke (the cover just grabs you!) . I loved the technical side, the nanotechnology really added a nice twist. So, my question is: What's next for Newberry?

Ms. Brook, while more detail as to the technological underpinnings of this world would bog down the story, I was wondering how much of it is worked out in your head. There are no computers in this world, but one must assume some kind of similar technology for the bugs to work.

Also, were the captive scientists directed by their captors to specifically invent something that would enslave humanity? Was war always the reason they were kidnapped?

ive read a couple before (gail carriger) cant wait for book 2! i got my start in this series in an anthology

When you pitched the story to your editor, was there a lot of explaining going on, or was it more of a "This is what I want to do, just trust me!" sort of scenario?

One of the things I love about your Guardians series is the intertextuality and the way you have talked about Milton and other classic literature as inspiration for the series. I'm curious: what books were at the back of your mind when you were creating the Iron Seas universe? Any unexpected inspirations?

I also love steampunk - The Iron Duke wasn't the first steampunk novel I'd read, but I absolutely loved it. I had read the novella "Here There Be Monsters" in the anthology Burning Up first, and it was so great I immediately added The Iron Duke to my TBR list.

I am curious if Meljean had to do any scientific research before creating this world.

The level of creativity in The Iron Duke absolutely blew me away, especially since it was so well balanced with character development. I've since read "The Blushing Bounder" (a delightful little comfort read) and would give the Demon series a try if Demon Angel was available as an ebook.

I love steampunk and this question is for Cindy. Will this trend continue for a while and is it gathering steam or nor. Seems I don't see as many steampunk books as I do angels.

Jenny wrote: "I've recently read several, including The Iron Duke! But what exactly is steampunk? How is it defined, and where did that cool name come from?"

The term 'steampunk' was coined in the late 70s/early 80s, and was a tongue-in-cheek reference to the cyberpunk genre (futuristic, somewhat nihilistic science fiction that often challenged the status quo -- that was the "punk" part.)

In the most basic sense, steampunk is historical science fiction. The setting is a historical one (or the technology makes it seem less advanced than modern society) and the machines are usually powered by steam engines and clockworks.

Steampunk is often strongly tied to the Victorian era, but a Victorian setting isn't necessary. It can be set during a different time, and it definitely doesn't have to be set in England. The key elements are right there in the name: the steam, and the punk. As long as the primary advanced technology and gadgets use steam or clockwork (rather than more modern technologies like gasoline engines, cell phones, digital displays, and so on) and as long as it examines/challenges something in the status quo, I think you've got yourself a steampunk :-)

Lisa wrote: "After writing a paranormal romance series, what made you chose steampunk for your next? Is there another genre you'd like to tackle in the future?"

Oh, I've wanted to write steampunk for about ten years now -- since I first read
The Diamond Age: Or, a Young Lady's Illustrated Primer. I'd actually known and loved steampunk before that (at that time, the most recent was my love for Brisco County, Jr. -- and it wasn't just because the show starred Bruce Campbell) but I didn't have a name for it until I read THE DIAMOND AGE for a class.

That book has includes a society of Neo-Victorians, set in the future -- and I absolutely loved the concept, but I didn't love how clean and perfect everything was (it was perfect for that book -- it just wasn't something I wanted to write.) So my brain started ticking along, and I decided that I wanted to write something set in the past, but with a dirty/gritty setting rather than the clean Neo-Victorian style.

I'd also had an idea for an alternate history burning in the back of my brain since I was eight years old (no joke) and I read Orion: A Novel. Now, I was totally reading that book for the romance bits, but there's a part in that novel where a Neanderthal is trying to keep the Great Khan of the Mongol Horde alive, so that he can change history and see Europe defeated by the Horde. I am not kidding at all when I say that this has stuck in my head for years, and I've worked through it so many times, trying to find the right story to tell it with.

So, bang! They came together, and the idea for this steampunk series was born. If Cindy hadn't wanted the Guardian series when I first pitched it to her, I'd have pitched her this steampunk idea next*.

So it's been sitting on the back burner for a while, and when the Guardian series began winding down and Cindy said, "Do you have ideas for another series?" -- I was like, "OMG!!!!! YES!!!!!"

Although my e-mail was a lot more restrained than that, of course.

As soon is the Guardian series wraps up, I'll probably focus on the steampunk exclusively, at least for a little while -- and then I'd love to write paranormal suspense. I already have two books outlined ... but no time to write them yet, alas. So in five years, they might be the subject of another chat, and will be the back-burner books :-)

*Though I don't know if Cindy could have taken on a steampunk at that point -- that's probably a question for her. Berkley did publish a (totally awesome) steampunk-y book --
The Demon's Daughter -- around the same time that we signed my first contract, but I don't know if buying an outright steampunk series would have flown at that time.

I didn't remember until you mentioned it, but I actually read The Demon's Daughter. There's a whole series, isn't there? *checks* Oh yes, I've read these all except Demon's Fire. I'm not sure why I didn't get around that one, but if I remember correctly, the series as a whole didn't sell very well and by the end, it likely fell off my radar. The Asian influence and the emphasis on a caste system overpowered the steampunk elements, but it was very unique at the time and still is, in some ways.

I guess I prefer my steampunk to be cleaner, like Dru Pagliassotti's Clockwork Heart. Iron Duke did a great job of balancing the tasks of educating the readers on the alternate history and of letting the characters go about their normal lives.

Do you ever feel the desire to stick, like, a grapple gun in the Guardians' series as an Easter egg?

I've found that 'steampunk' as a genre can mean a lot of different things - mystery, fantasy, sci-fi, paranormal elements...
In your series you've done a great job of incorporating the sci-fi elements as well as romance. I've also seen the romantic aspect done well in Gail Carriger's series. Are there other steampunk books with a romantic edge that you would recommend (while we're all waiting patiently for your next book, of course!)?

Kindle-aholic wrote: "For Meljean - I can't wait for book 2 (Yasmeen is a favorite of mine), but I am loving the shorts..."

I do have a couple of shorts planned for the next year: One is "Mina Wentworth and the Invisible City," a long novella which is kind of an epilogue/coda to THE IRON DUKE (and there's a story about this novella that I'll tell in response to another question down the line ... but the take-away for now is: I can't just write a single scene or two, though my life would certainly be easier if I could :-D ) But, yay! It means there's an extra novella starring Mina & Rhys!

I'm also planning a novella for Scarsdale, because I really want him to have a HEA, and I know a lot of readers want it, too. If his novella ends up being more like a novel, however (and given that his conflict with society is as big as Mina's was, it's possible) then I'll probably switch that one to a Yasmeen/Archimedes novella, because I'd LOVE to revisit them again, too. So that all depends on whether I can wrestle Scarsdale into a HEA within 30,000 words. If I can't, then his won't be a short.

I also have a novella planned called "Salvage," and it will star a character that we'll meet in HEART OF STEEL named Big Thom.

I really love shorter stories -- I love novels and their crazy, huge plots, but sometimes it's nice to take a simple plot and focus on the relationship (while highlighting one aspect of the world that we might not otherwise see.)

The Iron Duke was the first Steampunk book Ive read, and thanks to you, it definitely wont be my last.
I absolutely loved it! I swear it played out like the most fascinating movie in my head & I never wanted it to end!
Cannot wait for Heart of Steel & more Yasmeen!

First, Thank you so much Meljean and Cindy for doing this Q&A.

Meljean, Do you have as much fun writing these books as your fans do reading them? I have to say you really let loose with so many things in The Iron Duke and I absolutely loved it. Also, did you kind of stretch the genre a bit by adding in the nano technology? I actually did a search at the time I read the story and, if I'm not mistaken, it's a technology that's still in the works.

To answer your question, I've read quite a few Steampunk novels now and didn't realize what they were till I asked a friend what Steampunk was and what books would fall under that category. Steampunk reminds me of one of my favorite series from days gone by called Sliders so I guess it wasn't surprising I'd love the genre. Books I've read: Iron Duke (of course) Gail Carriger's Parasol Protectorate of which I still need to read Hearless, Clockwork Angel, Boneshaker (which is the only SP I haven't loved), and I think there's at least one more, but it's eluding me. I'm looking forward to Goodreads new recommendation system to find more. So glad it's finally up and running.

Cindy, Is editing a Steampunk novel easier or more difficult than editing other novels? Do you ever have to put your foot down and say "I don't think this is going to fly." or "That's way too confusing?"

Michelle wrote: "I found the world building in the Iron Duke amazing. Where did you get the idea for the bugs, and for them to be radio controlled?"

When I think about it, the idea of mixing nanotech and steampunk probably came from THE DIAMOND AGE, mentioned above. It wasn't a conscious connection, or anything, but I wouldn't be surprised if the steampunk+nanotech combination originated while I was reading that.

As for the radio signals, it had to be something that could conceivably fit Victorian-ish technology -- even though, since it came from the Horde, it was connected to something much more advanced (more on that in a later question.) So I needed some form of control that could be started/stopped, and radio signals fit that perfectly.

Brianne wrote: "The Iron Duke was the first steampunk I read, and I loved it! it was historical yet so different and combines aspects of so many areas of life! The two shorts were fun also!. Looking forward to ..."

Thank you! :-)

Jane wrote: "When are we getting the Blacksmith's story? Also, I would put my vote in for that to NOT be a novella, but a full length story. Just saying...."

Ditto!

Steampunk romance is an all new world to me. I didn't know what it was but gathered it had something to do with the Victorian era. After reading your thoughts on the genre it really helped clear things up. I am wondering are there any "set" or popular conventions applying to this genre? Something that can be expected to find in steampunk? For example, in urban fantasy books, I have come to expect a strong (usually) female protagonist whose role is to save something, the world, mankind etc. within an urban setting.

Alisha wrote: "I'm extremely curious, Ms. Brook...did that history short precede the creation of the books? Was it where the first kernel of the ideas began? Or did that detailed history follow later (perhaps created during the writing or afterward,in response to later questions)?"

As I mentioned before, I'd had the idea of the Mongol Horde's takeover of Europe burning in my head for a while, but although I'd been developing it bit by bit, I didn't go into full-blown development until I began writing the series (maps, detailed alternate histories, and so on.) I actually chose Marco Polo as part of that alternate history because -- even if readers aren't aware of the scope of the Mongolian empire and their history of invasion -- the Polo name is familiar to almost everyone, I think. So that detail was something that I added specifically to show: This is where European history began to really change.

So some of it came before I began writing the story, and some of it came afterward, whenever I recognized a need within the story to illustrate how the history altered. Rhys's ship is named Marco's Terror specifically so that I could tell an abbreviated version of Marco Polo's alternate history, for example, and yet it's also a name that perfectly fits Rhys's own history and his mindset at the time that he mutinied and named the ship.

So it's all constantly evolving and deepening, and it's important to me that I find new ways of showing that alternate history with every book. No two characters are ever going to see the history of the world in the same way; some details will be more important to them or their cultures than others will.

And to Ms. Brook and Ms. Hwang...is there a more of that created history that needs to be referenced/"fact"-checked when writing and editing the books?

Because it is an alternate history, there are really no facts to check. I think that for the most part, they have to trust me to do my research and be consistent with my worldbuilding (and research, and research, and research ... which I do *grin*)

I do expect that Cindy and my copy-editors will point out anything that doesn't make sense, however -- or point out any detail that needs additional explanation. From this end, sometimes it's hard to know what is clear and what isn't, and that is where their 'fact-checking' of my alternate history is extremely valuable: if it doesn't make sense, I need to fix it.

Christen wrote: "I've been a big fan of steampunk for a while, and I was so excited about the Iron Duke (the cover just grabs you!) . I loved the technical side, the nanotechnology really added a nice twist. So, my..."

re: Newberry. I love him! He's so sweet :-)

He'll show up in "Mina Wentworth and the Invisible City," but after that, I'm not quite certain. I want to get away from London for a little while, just so that there isn't the expectation that every book/story will be Anglo-centric. No doubt I'll come back to him at some point, though! He's just too fun not to include.

Lady Lioness wrote: "Ms. Brook, while more detail as to the technological underpinnings of this world would bog down the story, I was wondering how much of it is worked out in your head. There are no computers in this world, but one must assume some kind of similar technology for the bugs to work.

Also, were the captive scientists directed by their captors to specifically invent something that would enslave humanity? Was war always the reason they were kidnapped?"

I'm going to try to avoid spoilers for the worldbuilding in HEART OF STEEL, and also strive for a simple answer... yeah, we know I can't do that *grin*

One of the problems with developing a technology that is created (and essentially hidden/protected by the Horde's royalty) is that unless we have a character who has first-hand knowledge of that history, no one else knows it, either. So Yasmeen, for example, knows a lot more than Mina or Rhys. The Blacksmith knows a lot more than any of them, but he has reasons not to share it yet.

I am luckily privy to all of it, however, and so I can tell you that in the very early years after the scholars (European and Asian) were imprisoned by the Horde and forced to invent stuff, someone developed a counting machine (analogous to Babbage's Difference Engine) and based on an astrolabe. That early machine eventually developed into computer-like machines, which then developed into the more advanced tech like the nanoagents.

The counting machine was first developed in the early 1300s, and so I extrapolated the other developments over the centuries. I don't think it's inconceivable that three hundred years after our first rudimentary computers, that we will also have functional nanotech -- and I used that timeline to develop the Horde's nanotech, as well (except that to the world at large, that nanotech is either some form of magic, or it's a disease-like threat.)

Were those scientist originally kidnapped specifically to make computers or nanotech? Not at all. They were kidnapped to invent war machines (steam-powered, and which still exist in the Horde armies). The computer-like tech and nanotechnology were developed along the way, just as many of our technological advancements came from war and/or trying to get to space. These advancements came about because of war, but they weren't originally the goal, because they hadn't been conceived.

Giant machines that could crush cities, however? Oh, yes, they wanted those.

I'm excited Heart of Steel is featuring Yasmeen. Can you tell us a little bit about her (maybe how you created her)?

Also, is there going to be any appearances by other characters from The Iron Duke?

Alaina wrote: "ive read a couple before (gail carriger) cant wait for book 2! i got my start in this series in an anthology"

Thank you! I hope you enjoy HEART OF STEEL!

Kindle-aholic wrote: "For Cindy - had you edited other steampunk works before Iron Duke? What drew you to the project?

For Meljean - I can't wait for book 2 (Yasmeen is a favorite of mine), but I am loving the shorts..."

I had worked on books with steampunk elements (the Demon World series by Emma Holly) but THE IRON DUKE was the first full-fledged steampunk, and I loved it! But I have to admit what drew me to the idea wasn't that it was steampunk--it was because Meljean really wanted to write it, and I think she's a tremendous storyteller who has fantastic world-building skills, and I was really intrigued by the world she wanted to create. And she definitely didn't disappoint!

Jill wrote: "When you pitched the story to your editor, was there a lot of explaining going on, or was it more of a "This is what I want to do, just trust me!" sort of scenario?"

I pitched it through my agent, and I think what I said was ... lemme find the e-mail. Ah! I pitched it as "the League of Extraordinary Gentlemen meets The Pirates of the Caribbean" and that I'd add some crazy stuff in there, too.

So I think it was kind of a 'trust me' scenario :-D Thank goodness that Cindy did.

Kitty wrote: "One of the things I love about your Guardians series is the intertextuality and the way you have talked about Milton and other classic literature as inspiration for the series. I'm curious: what bo..."

I haven't had the same sort of inspiration as I did in the Guardian series. In that series, I very directly built my world from Milton and a bit of Dante, and then threw is some classic literature like Dracula and vampire mythology.

With the steampunk, even though I can trace the bits and pieces of certain ideas back to books like ORION and THE DIAMOND AGE, the actual worldbuilding was mine, and I didn't take it from or really reference any other source.

My vision for the series is very much inspired by adventure stories, however. No specific adventures, but anything fun, kooky or scary, and with a bit of swashbuckling thrown in. I feel that steampunk is a very visual genre, as well -- it simply looks neat, and so I try to bring that out as much as possible, and give it an adventure-movie feel.

So I think the answer is yes AND no. I don't have any specific inspirations, but at the same time, it's inspired by everything I personally love about certain types of books and movies.

Jill wrote: "When you pitched the story to your editor, was there a lot of explaining going on, or was it more of a "This is what I want to do, just trust me!" sort of scenario?"

I'd say it was more of the latter scenario, though Meljean may disagree! :-) There definitely wasn't a lot on paper--just a series overview and brief description of the kind of stories she wanted to tell, but in our conversations Meljean talked about her idea with such enthusiasm she won me over. At the time, there really wasn't anyone else writing steampunk area and we were both excited about the possibilities.

Rebecca wrote: "I am curious if Meljean had to do any scientific research before creating this world. "

I'm so glad you've been enjoying the series! As to this question... Yes. A ton of research.

Most of it is research into actual Victorian inventions (some of which were only concepts, and would never actually work.) Then I tweak and pick out bits from those to create my own technology, fib a little on the physics, and come out with an airship that has a seemingly endless supply of coal, and the weight of that endless supply never really seems to matter :-D

Hello Meljean! The Iron Duke was my introduction to the steampunk genre and I love it because it was a mystery novel, an amazing adventure and romance. What an incredible world building.
As a portuguese I have to ask this: you gave us an alternate London, a Zombie infected Italy and North Africa. In "Here there be Monsters" you mentioned a couple of Portuguese cooks (and I was so happy just for that!). In our history we went from west to east by sea, Magalhães went around the world, we connected the world from Brasil to Japan. Will we see more of Portugal in "The Iron Seas" world? How do you imagine it?

Pam wrote: "I love steampunk and this question is for Cindy. Will this trend continue for a while and is it gathering steam or nor. Seems I don't see as many steampunk books as I do angels."

I've definitely seen an increase in the number of authors trying their hand at steampunk, so I think you'll see more offerings on the shelf. I don't know that it's going to equal the angel or vampire craze in popularity, however. Good steampunk requires good and detailed world-building, and not all writers put the necessary research into their world-building.

Erica wrote: "The level of creativity in The Iron Duke absolutely blew me away, especially since it was so well balanced with character development. I've since read "The Blushing Bounder" (a delightful little co..."

I would like to see Demon Angel as an ebook, too :-D

Lady Lioness wrote: "Do you ever feel the desire to stick, like, a grapple gun in the Guardians' series as an Easter egg?"

I'm tempted to all the time, but I never will unless it would be absolutely seamless. The problem is that anything like that might jolt a reader out of the story, and I'd hate to do that, even for a fun little Easter egg. I never want someone reading the books to stop and think, "Oh, that Meljean!!" -- I want them to forget I exist at all.

Cecelia wrote: "I've found that 'steampunk' as a genre can mean a lot of different things - mystery, fantasy, sci-fi, paranormal elements...
In your series you've done a great job of incorporating the sci-fi ele..."

To be perfectly honest, I haven't read much because I don't want to mess up my own process by worrying about what I might inadvertently copy or -- worse -- take something out of my series because I see it in someone else's. There ARE and always will be a lot of elements in steampunk that will echo each other, but I don't want to rub my own nose in it, at least not right now.

So maybe this is a time when other readers might recommend those steampunk romances that they loved?

Marissa wrote: "The Iron Duke was the first Steampunk book Ive read, and thanks to you, it definitely wont be my last.
I absolutely loved it! I swear it played out like the most fascinating movie in my head & I ..."

Thank you! :-)

Lisarenee wrote: "Meljean, Do you have as much fun writing these books as your fans do reading them? I have to say you really let loose with so many things in The Iron Duke and I absolutely loved it. Also, did you kind of stretch the genre a bit by adding in the nano technology? I actually did a search at the time I read the story and, if I'm not mistaken, it's a technology that's still in the works."

Oh, I have a BLAST with this series. I always have a great time with the books (or I wouldn't be doing this) but the steampunk world has been especially fun. I'm glad it shows! I sometimes think: What crazy thing can I do now? And thank goodness, the steampunk world usually allows me to do it.

As I mentioned above, the nanotech is totally a stretch, but not outside of the worldbuilding. This was important to me -- even though nanotech is, at this time, under development (and some of the articles I read were proposing some AMAZING uses for it that didn't seem too far away) Horde technology is -- in some ways -- two hundred years ahead of us. Technological development didn't evolve in exactly the same way, but enough that I could put it in without feeling too guilty.

And the truth is -- I needed it. There were some things that I wanted to do (zombies, megalodons and kraken, grafting prosthetics) that I simply couldn't do without something like nanotech behind it. In a way, it functions as a magic in the world, but I was careful about creating a timeline that at least could support the development.

I also love that it plays another role in the world, and that it's perceived as a disease. It echoes so well the scientific/biological studies and advances in the era, as well as the fear of infection and disease as Europeans colonized and explored "dark" areas of the world. So it allows me to play with those themes, with issues of control with the radio towers -- and yet it also is a source of physical strength and health. I just LOVE that there's so much I can do with it, from so many directions.

Cindy, Was just thinking of my previous question and I guess I should have asked, Have you edited other Steampunk Novels?

Jane wrote: "When are we getting the Blacksmith's story? Also, I would put my vote in for that to NOT be a novella, but a full length story. Just saying...."

I'm not sure, honestly. I definitely want to write it, but I'm not ready mentally. There's a lot that I have to do before I can tell his story. Maybe book #5?

Cecelia wrote: "Jane wrote: "When are we getting the Blacksmith's story? Also, I would put my vote in for that to NOT be a novella, but a full length story. Just saying...."

Ditto!"

Noted :-D

Ns wrote: "Steampunk romance is an all new world to me. I didn't know what it was but gathered it had something to do with the Victorian era. After reading your thoughts on the genre it really helped clear th..."

For conventions, you could probably say that there is typically some kind of inventor (mad or otherwise) somewhere in the stories, a detective or a captain, that there's an element of mystery or adventure, probably an airship or an automaton...

Hmm. Right now, especially in the romance genre, it's hard to pick out more than that, simply because there aren't a ton of works in the genre yet. There are more every month, however, and within a year I bet that you could make a more definitive list.

Lisa wrote: "I'm excited Heart of Steel is featuring Yasmeen. Can you tell us a little bit about her (maybe how you created her)?

Also, is there going to be any appearances by other characters from The Iron ..."

Neither Mina nor Rhys make an appearance in HEART OF STEEL, though they are both mentioned. The same for Scarsdale and the Blacksmith.

And it's weird, but I can't exactly recall what I was thinking when I first created Yasmeen. I know that I wanted a badass female airship captain, but as for her other attributes (I'm trying to avoid spoilers) I can't recall exactly WHY I chose to do that. Obviously it's there in her description from the very first story (in "Here There Be Monsters") and I remember telling Cindy that I wanted to have some people with those characteristics/alterations, but why was it Yasmeen? I can't remember. So weird.

ETA: And I would be more specific, but I don't want to ruin HEART OF STEEL with too many spoilers! We learn a lot about her there, I promise!

Meljean wrote: "Ns wrote: "Steampunk romance is an all new world to me. I didn't know what it was but gathered it had something to do with the Victorian era. After reading your thoughts on the genre it really help..."

Thank you. It's great to know the steampunk romance subgere is still growing and evolving. It will be interesting to see which conventions take off and become the norm. Also how agents and editors will respond to this. For now, I am intrigued with the genre already and plan on reading it.

Lisarenee wrote: "First, Thank you so much Meljean and Cindy for doing this Q&A.
Cindy, Is editing a Steampunk novel easier or more difficult than editing other novels? Do you ever have to put your foot down and say "I don't think this is going to fly." or "That's way too confusing?

Have you edited other Steampunk Novels?"

In some ways, it's easier to edit Steampunk romance because it's still a fairly new genre--besides Meljean, there really aren't that many authors writing it yet, so Meljean is really blazing her own path with the books. There have been instances where I've ask Meljean to clarify points in the book because I simply didn't understand certain references or was unclear on what the world building was supposed to be. If it didn't make sense to me, I know it would be a problem for other readers too!

I have edited other books with steampunk elements (like the Emma Holly series which has been mentioned before) but nothing as detailed or truly steampunk as the Iron Seas series. Before Meljean, most of my exposure to steampunk came from Jules Verne, H.G. Wells, The League of Extraordinary Gentlemen and Wild Wild West. And never underestimate the influence of Back to the Future Part 3!