DISCUSSION THREAD -- JULY 2023 -- 75 Word Writing Challenge

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This month's Writing Challenge is now up, courtesy of June's winner, Peter V:

Theme: Risk​
Genre: Gaslamp Fantasy​

JULY 2023 -- 75 Word Writing Challenge -- READ FIRST POST!!

RULES Write a story inspired by the chosen theme and genre in no more than 75 words, not including the title ONE entry per person NO links, commentary or extraneous material in the posts, please -- the stories must stand on their own WHEN WRITING YOUR STORY, PLEASE REMEMBER THIS IS A...
www.sffchronicles.com www.sffchronicles.com


For those wondering what the genre requires, there's a bit about it in the entry for Steampunk in Wikipedia
 
If anyone is stuck, I've brought my game of risk with me for inspiration.

It's a good theme ok, but new to me. So I'll be awhile.
 
Actually, I cannot start imagining yet... I'm not really familiar with Gaslamp Fantasy. I found the definition one paragraph down, online. Could someone please tell me/us if this definition is close enough to meet the genre?

"Gaslamp fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy that combines elements of Gothic horror, urban fantasy and historical fiction."

And should it be set in London, as some definitions suggest, or would another setting do (Boston, Manhattan, a small village, etc)? Thanks so much, CC
 
Cat's Cradle said:
And should it be set in London, as some definitions suggest, or would another setting do (Boston, Manhattan, a small village, etc)? Thanks so much
Click to expand...
I don’t know what gaslamp fantasy is either but am delighted with the opportunities and strictures it brings :D

I think the idea that London is the key to its setting is probably someone’s partisan opinion. I’d certainly not restrict my voting to stories set in London. (Also I think country estates are far more gothic than London!)
 
Cat's Cradle said:
Actually, I cannot start imagining yet... I'm not really familiar with Gaslamp Fantasy. I found the definition one paragraph down, online. Could someone please tell me/us if this definition is close enough to meet the genre?

"Gaslamp fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy that combines elements of Gothic horror, urban fantasy and historical fiction."

And should it be set in London, as some definitions suggest, or would another setting do (Boston, Manhattan, a small village, etc)? Thanks so much, CC
Click to expand...
It is typically a Victorian or Edwardian setting but as the term fantasy suggests... almost anything goes. I would say something that has a feeling for the era is more important than specific location. That's just my take.

I apologise for making it such a restrictive genre but I do think it is an interesting one and look forward to the results.
 
According to Goodreads...

Gaslamp Fantasy Shelf

Gaslamp Fantasy genre: new releases and popular books, including Soulless by Gail Carriger, Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell by Susanna Clarke, The Night Ci...
www.goodreads.com

"Gaslamp fantasy (also known as gaslight fantasy or gaslight romance) is a sub-genre of both fantasy and historical fiction. Generally speaking, this particular realm of fantasy employs either a Victorian or Edwardian setting. The gaslamp fantasy genre is not to be confused with steampunk, which usually has more of a super-science edge and uchronic tone."

So I'm thinking "Murders in the Rue Morgue" and "Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde"
 
The definition I originally found in Wikipedia read as:

Gaslamp fantasy​
Gaslamp fantasy is a subgenre of both fantasy and historical fiction. Generally speaking, this particular realm of fantasy employs either a Victorian or Edwardian setting. The gaslamp fantasy genre is not to be confused with steampunk, which is often set in the same historical era but usually has more of a super-science edge and uchronic tone.​

But when you follow that link through it takes you to steampunk which isn't helpful!

I don't think you need full-on gothic horror, and I wouldn't go with urban fantasy which I always consider to be modern day stuff. You do need the Victorian/Edwardian feel, but not all the cogs and Babbage engines of steampuck itself, and I'd count it as being within genre if it's in a city or the country, as long as the gaslamp feel is there.

Hmmm. I'm now wondering if a story about Mary Poppins would be gaslampish enough.


EDIT: MRG beat me to the quote, though from a different source!
 
No, it's cool, Peter! When the genre is simply 'SF or F', I just react and pop out some story, never concentrating on the genre, just the theme. When it's something different/unexpected, I have to consider both the theme and genre, and possibly this will result in a better story. Looking forward to the challenge, CC
 
I, uh, I don't know.

I'll just focus on the 350.
 
This sounds interesting. Gaslamps are from a certain period of time, which for me sits between the age of steam and the emergence of electricity as a viable commodity.

I can conceptualise the mood of a gas-lit house or street; the sights and smells. The potential dangers hiding in the corners that the flame doest Illuminate, and the reluctance to attempt to relight a flame that has been inexplicably extinguished...
 
mmmmmmmmm Having trouble getting past Charles Boyer and Ingrid Bergman on the staircase.
 
That's me in. Hopefully the spirit of the Challenge is there. Now for the 350! worder. Best of luck writing to those yet to enter the 75 worder, CC
 
Historically, gas was used to light factories and for street lighting in some locations since the beginning of the 19th century, so you can include Regency in there with Victorian and Edwardian. And if you google Gaslamp fantasy titles, for instance, you will see Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell, which takes place during and slightly after the Napoleonic wars.

THX's link to TCK Publishing gives one of the better descriptions of the Gaslamp sub-genre.
 
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