Steampunk is an entire world in itself! A writer has to be mindful at all times the setting, the vocabulary, the devices, the everything the characters do. I suppose it's no different than writing in the French Renaissance, right? Everything must match the premise. It is a bit of a learning curve to seek the world if you're not used to it.
I admit that I had to look up words and definitions. I compiled a list of things that belonged to this genre like clank, cog, wheel, hiss, whir, bolt, gear, artificer. I did a bit of world-building because this is fiction pure and simple. I don't mind world-building. For me, it's easier to invent people and laws and buildings. The clothes are distinctive but that requires research, too.
So, I must say that I've written my first ever steampunk for an anthology call, thinking, why not? It sounds like fun, right? I whipped it out and submitted it. Guess what? Immortal Works accepted my work. Here it comes ...
SQUEEEEEE!
It's one of those moments where you think you've lost it all, but then realize you still got it goin' on! Know what I mean? Ha!
I feel the timid author emerging from years of buried rubble. I've never given up on writing. I just keep on writing along though I've been kicked off the hobby horse a few times.
Tiny Steps, though.
What new things did you try for the first time? How did you deal with the learning curve?