by joanneweaver

Greetings! I have a story to tell you. It's a tale about foggy old cobbled streets, eerie in the orange glow of the gaslights. If you listen closely, you'll hear the clatter of horse hooves and carriage wheels. You might even hear the distant beat of dragon wings or a mad doctor resurrecting the dead. That's right, it's the story of Gaslamp Fantasy. Let's step back in time to an era when gentlemen tipped their hats, and rich ladies drank tea in their parlours. A time when the poor wore rags and made matchsticks for a living. It's the 1800's, and Europe and America have entered an industrial revolution.

The Gaslamp Fantasy genre has all the traits of Historical fiction, but with one big addition: Magic and the supernatural! This fun subgenre is slowly gaining popularity. In fact, you probably know one or two Gaslamp stories. Some of the most famous are Pride and Prejudice and Zombies, Barnaby Grimes, and Cassandra Clare's Infernal Devices. These are the supernatural and dark-magic Gaslamps, found at the darker end of the spectrum. At the opposite end, you'll come across whimsical tales of magic such as The Secret of Moonacre, Howl's Moving Castle, and Neil Gaiman's Stardust.

Whether the theme is magic spells or monsters from the underworld, all Gaslamp Fantasies have a Victorian-style setting, embellished with the European culture of the era. Secrets, mysteries and twists are also common to the plot. I've already mentioned the genre can vary in tone, and atmosphere is key in the dark stories. Imagine the grimy streets and the shadowy back alleys of Jack the Ripper's London. It's the ideal setting to encounter a ghost or demon. In contrast, the lighter Gaslamps can be sprinkled with colour, wit, and old-fashioned charm. Quirky magicians are at home here, and characters often fall under enchantments. Some Gaslamps manage to land nicely in the middle.

So when did Gaslamp Fantasy become a genre? Back in 2001 when a comic book called Girl Genius arrived. It was set in Victorian-style Europe, and the heroine, Agatha, became entangled in adventure, romance and mad science. It was immediately labeled as 'Steampunk' (the charismatic, gadget-obsessed older brother of Gaslamp). However, co-creator of the comic, Kaja Folio, insisted it wasn't Steampunk, and invented the term 'Gaslamp Fantasy'. And so the title for the genre was born.

I really love this type of fiction. When you open a Gaslamp Fantasy book, you step into a bygone era. It's a world filled with tailcoats and pocket-watches, spell books and monsters, cloaks and lace gloves, impeccable manners and despicable villains. While the historical setting can be both romantic and creepy, and the supernatural/magic element exciting, it's the characters that hook the reader. The people in a Gaslamp Fantasy are a special bunch, often larger than life. They're all based on stock characters, typical of the era, yet writers of the genre weave their magic to make these people unique and believable. Don't be surprised to find a dark and brooding hero, or a smart young heroine tackling a mystery. On the flip side, you might find yourself laughing out loud at a charming and reckless adventurer or an endearing twit. And let's not forget the animal sidekicks, especially if the protagonist is a witch or wizard.

It's these intriguing characters in their perilous worlds of tea-drinking and alchemy who draw a reader into the story. They're also the reason I can't stop writing about them.

Example of Gaslamp Fantasy on Wattpad:
LONDON SHADOWS by joanneweaver

Synopsis:

In Victorian London, monster hunting isn't just a job, it's a way of life. Freddie Westman, a reporter for a paranormal magazine, is one of the best in the business, but now it's personal. His childhood friend, Jim Penderry, has disappeared, and the signs point to sinister forces from beyond the grave. If Westman wants to save Jim, he'll have to face his worst fear. No, not fighting a demon with only a cake to hand. Something far more daunting.

Sceptical Sophie Penderry doesn't solve mysteries or go on adventures. She's more at home in the library with her nose in The Botanist's Guide to Plants and Fungi. But she puts the science books away to help Westman find her missing brother, whether he likes it or not. Which he really doesn't. Westman is a loner, reluctant to lead anyone into danger. According to him, the supernatural is not just the stuff of folklore and children's nightmares, and a world of black magic awaits them.

Excerpt:

Westman stepped out into the dark evening with his plum pudding wrapped in paper and tied with string. His carriage waited outside the shop where he found his servant, Blinks, reclined in the driver's seat. Soft snores drifted from beneath the hat pulled over his face.

The evening was young, he decided, so he whistled quietly to the dog sitting beside his servant. "Come along, Jack. There's investigating to be done."

Gently swinging the parcel in his hand, Westman took a left and continued along an ominous-looking route. If the baker's wife was to be believed, this was the demon's favourite haunt; a quiet little thoroughfare; dark and foggy. Indeed, with its many unlit alleys, shooting off into blackness and fog, it was perfect for illicit activities like robbery, kidnap or murder. Above the echo of his shoes and Jack's clawed feet padding over wet cobblestones, he noticed a third set of footsteps ahead of them. As he suspected, it wasn't long before the figure of a girl emerged into the lamplight on High Street, carrying a basket on her arm.

It was the same girl from the bakery.

With a demon on the loose and three women missing, this little girl's safety was an extra concern Westman didn't need. Fortunately, she glanced over her shoulder at the sound of his approach and ran towards the church where a policeman walked his beat. With any luck the constable would escort her safely out of this part of town.

A sudden clicking and whirring made Westman stop in a shaft of moonlight. He drew close to a slimy-looking wall and pushed up his coat sleeve. The leather encased detector strapped to his forearm had sprung to life, ticking and humming while the needle rose to warning level.

This meant only one thing.

Danger.

At that same moment, Jack growled.

Who needs all this new-fangled gadgetry with Jack around? he thought to himself.

The dog could always sense evil when it was present. And without a doubt, there was something paranormal in the close vicinity.

"Good boy," he murmured, patting the animal's head.

A scream pierced the night and Westman looked up sharply. Without hesitation, he hurried onto High Street, but froze in his tracks at the spectacle ahead. Cape spread wide like a pair of black wings, the policeman roared and fire poured from his mouth while the girl stared in horror, eyes bulging in fright.

Creeping Clem!

In the next moment, she fled and the beast gave chase. With a muttered curse, Westman broke into a run, his coat beating wildly around him.

Inspirations:

Setting

">Source

Source

Characters

Source

Source

Music

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]