Some Saturday Links
I’m experimenting with not blogging on a Saturday, since I’m currently blogging at least once a day. As you can see, that’s working out really well! What can I say? A couple of the blogs I follow have some interesting posts that I want to share, and I want to be sure those that visit me are aware of them. Especially if you are a writer (or have aspirations along those lines), these might be useful.
Sarah Enni has posted an article introducing the steampunk genre. I confess, while I know what it is, I have yet to read any. That will change when I order Scott Westerfeld’s LEVIATHAN today. Hopefully I’ll get to it soon. Not that I think I’ll be writing steampunk (though I might–I never like to say never), but I look forward to seeing how it’s done. And Scott Westerfeld is, from all I can tell, a master at the genre. Sarah lists some other steampunk novels you can check out. Go! Visit!
Kirsten Hubbard, author of LIKE MANDARIN, has posted an article on YA Highway about the use of pop culture in novels. I’m glad she did, because this is something that has irritated me with things I’ve read in the past. Not that pop culture references can’t be done, but they need to be handled well. Go read her article to see what I mean.
Do you have any steampunk recommendations? How would you handle pop culture references in your stories? Either leave a comment here, or comment at Sarah’s blog and YA Highway.
Have a fun Saturday!
Steampunk is a fantastic genre. I recommend George Mann’s work too, although it’s not YA. It’s a really good blend of Sherlock Holmes detective novel and Stephen King horror.
Also, steampunky is Incarceron by Catherine Fisher. I haven’t read much of that type either, but it’s quite popular and interesting.
I love steampunk, but haven’t read a whole lot of it. I have Leviathan but haven’t gotten to it yet.
I have to confess, it drives me bonky when pop culture references are dropped into stories. I feel like it really dates the book and if it’s something that as a reader you can’t stand, it can really take you out of the book. It seems weird to get so hung up on something like that, but it happens.