Steampunk adventures and espionage with Her Majesty's Agents
Category: Steampunk News
Æther Feature: Steampunk from Buffalo
These features as a way for the Ministry to highlight artists, musicians, writers, and makers of all variety. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps we might endeavour
Æther Feature: Chronotography
If you’ve been to any steampunk event on the east coast of America, then you have probably seen Babs Who Takes Photos—Babette Daniels clicking away. A charming woman with a lot of energy, who has created some truly memorable steampunk imagery, she’s one of the
Æther Feature: Cover Reveal— The Perils of Prague
Today the Ministry is honoured to be part of the cover reveal for the Perils of Prague, the first in a new series of novels, by Doc Coleman. You will, dear reader, remember Doc from his Tales from the Archives episode, The Cross of Columba.
SPECIAL ÆTHERSYNDICATION: The Geek Wolfpack Podcast and the Nerd Out App Kickstarter
Greetings, Faithful Patrons and Ministry Agents! We at the Archives are preparing for our final season (and yes we are using the term “final†rather liberally…) of Tales from the Archives, but we wanted to share with you this episode of the Geek Wolfpack Podcast, featuring
̠ther Feature РOutlawed Faith
We love to see other creatives diving into steampunk, and we love it when they are ambitious. Steampunk has a lot of fashion, literature and music. What it really hasn’t had is much in the way of the moving picture. Costs are high, but there
Steampunk Hands Around The World — My Favourite Thing
This month is steampunk Hands Around the World. An event that I think shows just how global this movement has become. Talking about my favorite thing is so hard. I would be tempted to say people and run down a list of the generous, creative
Æther Feature — Absinthe Heroes
These features as a way for the Ministry to highlight artists, musicians, writers, and makers of all variety. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps we might endeavour
Æther Feature – 6 Inconvenient Realities of Victorian Dress
These features as a way for the Ministry to highlight artists, musicians, writers, and makers of all variety. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps we might endeavour
Happy Birthday, Verena Vorstaz!
Oh I say! Today, the Ministry celebrates a very special birthday! Verena Vorstaz (also known as V for Cosplay) surprised our journalists with a series of photographs and moving picture clips of an uncanny Eliza D Braun cosplay. Verena is a talented cosplayer, runway model,
4 Things GSN’s Steampunk’d Got Right
Today is a very special ÆtherFeature as our journalist, Tee Morris, is taking the helm and sharing his thoughts on a new offering in steampunk. Enjoy this spoiler-free review of Steampunk’d, the competition pitting teams of creative steampunks against each other’s imaginations… This morning, my
Aether Feature – Splendid Tea Pot racing
These features as a way for the Ministry to highlight artists, musicians, writers, and makers of all variety. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps we might endeavour
Æther Feature – Olive
These features as a way for the Ministry to highlight artists, musicians, writers, and makers of all variety. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps we might endeavour
Æther Feature – Steampunk in New Zealand, Part the Second
From Rotorua, our intrepid journalists, Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris, traveled to the South Island of New Zealand. It is here just a few hours south of Christchurch, that steampunk has taken a hold of a town; and in turn, a town has embraced steampunk
̠ther Feature РSmog Riders
These features as a way for the Ministry to highlight artists, musicians, writers, and makers of all variety. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps we might endeavour
Æther Feature – Steampunk in New Zealand, Part the First
Our journalists spent two weeks last month back in New Zealand, and the steampunk they found there was wonderful. So the next few Æther Features will be spotlighting the steampunk scene in New Zealand. Our journalists were, along with Gail Carriger, Guests of Honour at
Æther Feature – V’s Eliza cosplay
These features as a way for the Ministry to highlight artists, musicians, writers, and makers of all variety. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps we might endeavour
Steampunk Book Trailer — The Diamond Conspiracy: A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Novel
After an extremely cold night in Virginia’s capital city and weeks of production, Imagine That! Studios and Ace Books present the official book trailer for The Diamond Conspiracy, the fourth volume in The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences series from Ace Books, written by Pip Ballantine &
̠ther Feature РGaslight Fantasy?
These features as a way for the Ministry to highlight artists, musicians, writers, and makers of all variety. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps we might endeavour
Aether Feature: Karen Memory
 These features as a way for the Ministry to highlight artists, musicians, writers, and makers of all variety. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps we might endeavour
A Victorian getaway
Our journalists travel all over the world for conventions and book signings, but during this year they didn’t get much time for a holiday. So when they had a free weekend they escaped to scenic Delaware. Yes, Delaware. Mostly that was to do with Tee
Æther Feature: Ticker
These features as a way for the Ministry to highlight artists, musicians, writers, and makers of all variety. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps we might endeavour
Report on S4: Steampunk Saturday at Shaharazade’s in Shepherdstown
Back on September 13th, the Ministry had the joy of hosting a steampunk tea at Shaharazade’s Restaurant & Tea Room in Shepherdstown, West Virginia. Our journalists Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris were joined by Tiffany Trent, author of the Unnaturalists, and one of the authors
Æther Feature: Writing Young Adult Steampunk
These features as a way for the Ministry to highlight artists, musicians, writers, and makers of all variety. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps we might endeavour
Æther Feature: How Amelia Chain Brings the Punk
These features as a way for the Ministry to highlight artists, musicians, writers, and makers of all variety. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps we might endeavour
S4: Steampunk Saturday at Shaharazade’s in Shepherdstown
Our journalists are hosting a steampunk tea in charming Shepherdstown, WV, and they’d love you to attend! Tiffany Trent, author of the Unnaturalists, and a Ministry Initiative contributer will be joining Tee and Pip at Shaharazade’s Restaurant & Tea Room, 141 W German St, Shepherdstown,
Happy Birthday, David Warner!
The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences wishes David Warner the happiest of birthdays! This fine British actor is multi-faceted, to say the least. From crime dramas such as Midsommer Murders and Wallander, to science fiction classics like Tron, Time Bandits, Doctor Who, and various Star Trek properties,
Happy Birthday, Nikola Tesla!
Our favourite mad science consultant for the Ministry, Nikola Tesla, celebrates a birthday today. We came across this picture in the Archives, circa 1894-95, where we see Nikola on his travels across America, enjoying a relaxing afternoon on the beach. Wait. Hold on a
Æther Feature: Still Think Steampunk is Dead? You Must Not Be Watching Penny Dreadful.
Showtime, back in May, offered up a free preview—the first episode—of a new series featuring Josh Harnett, Eva Green, and Timothy Dalton. The show was advertised as gothic horror; but amidst the breathtaking fashions, the epic sets, and its beautiful design, steampunk makes its presence
Æther Feature – Eliza D Braun Cosplay
These features as a way for the Ministry to highlight artists, musicians, writers, and makers of all variety. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps we might endeavour
Tales from the Archives, Volume III: A Special Preview of Dawn’s Early Light
The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences has many forgotten stories in its Archives. Stories of madcap adventures in all corners of the Empire, dark doings in hidden places, and mysterious devices and artifacts that the everyday citizen should never become aware of for fear it would
̠ther Feature РThe Artifact Hunters, finding inspiration
These features as a way for the Ministry to highlight artists, musicians, writers, and makers of all variety. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps we might endeavour
̠ther Feature РAn Ode to Steampunk
These features as a way for the Ministry to highlight artists, musicians, writers, and makers of all variety. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps we might endeavour
Aether Feature – AETHERANGELEGENHEITEN
These features as a way for the Ministry to highlight artists, musicians, writers, and makers of all variety. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps we might endeavour
Tales from the Archives: A 2013 Hanukkah Special
The Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences has many forgotten stories in its Archives. Stories of madcap adventures in all corners of the Empire, dark doings in hidden places, and mysterious devices and artifacts that the everyday citizen should never become aware of for fear it would
Æther Feature — Building an Anatomy of Steampunk—An Insider’s View
These features as a way for the Ministry to highlight artists, musicians, writers, and makers of all variety. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps we might endeavour
Æther Feature — The League of S.T.E.A.M.
These features as a way for the Ministry to highlight artists, musicians, and makers of all variety. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps we might endeavour to
Æther Feature — Steampunk & Glamping
These features as a way for the Ministry to highlight artists, musicians, and makers of all variety. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps we might endeavour to
Steampunk Chronicle Reader’s Choice Award
The winners were announced, and the Ministry was absolutely chuffed to find out that the Janus Affair has won the fiction category! It was an honour to be in company of such people as John C White, Ben Hamby, and Major Jack Union. Other
Æther Feature — The Gearheart: Last Days of the October Squadron
These features as a way for the Ministry to highlight artists, musicians, and makers of all variety. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps we might endeavour to
A Tribute to BioShock Infinite: Quantum Physicist Rosalind Lutece
As you all know, our journalists are enjoying the experience that is BioShock: Infinite. So it shouldn’t surprise you at all that a cosplay has captured their eye today… No, this is not a painting nor is it a screen capture, but cosplayer LaynesLionRedCat from Russia,
BioShock Infinite: A Steampunk’s Perspective
We are pleased at the Ministry to invite one of our journalists to discuss about a new æthergame which is all the rage currently, so with any further fanfare, please indulge Tee Morris as he gives his own personal account of BioShock Infinite. To use
Steampunk Style
This is what happens when steampunks decide to make a music video. Look out for the Ministry novels at 2:15 with our journalists behind them… We have reports they had a wonderful time with so many talented folk, and Mr Morris was able to revisit
For Your Consideration: The Janus Affair for SPC’s 2013 Readers’ Choice Awards
Our journalists get quite tickled when the steampunk community gives the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences a nod. They still take a great deal of pride in both the 2011 Airship Award and their 2012 Parsec wins. This year, the Ministry is in the spotlight on The
Æther Feature — STEAM FU(NK): African Martial Arts in the Age of Steam
These features as a way for the Ministry to highlight artists, musicians, and makers of all variety. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps we might endeavour to
Happy Birthday, Jules Verne!
Today marks the birthday of imaginative mind and part-time consultant for the Ministry, author Jules Verne. Yes, I am sure, good citizens, you find Verne’s works reflecting the Empire and Her Majesty (God save the Queen!) in a rather nasty light; but I do wonder
A Daguerreotype Message of Frightful Importance to Jim C. Hines
Sunday was quite the day for our intrepid journalists, Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris. Not only were they hosting the lovely (and exotically Asian) P.J. Schnyder and enjoying cake pop madness over the weekend, the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences was alerted of a mention of
Æther Feature — A Peek Inside the Secret Mind of an Author
Every Thursday, the Archives will feature artists, musicians, and makers of all variety, entered for your approval here in the Archives. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps
Æther Feature — Water Globes and Curious Inventions
Every Thursday, the Archives will feature artists, musicians, and makers of all variety, entered for your approval here in the Archives. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps
Æther Feature — Deadlance Steamworks
Every Thursday, the Archives will feature artists, musicians, and makers of all variety, entered for your approval here in the Archives. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps
Æther Feature — How I Came to the End of the World
Every Thursday, the Archives will feature artists, musicians, and makers of all variety, entered for your approval here in the Archives. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps
Æther Feature — Gilded Trailer Release
Every Thursday, the Archives will feature artists, musicians, and makers of all variety, entered for your approval here in the Archives. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps
Æther Feature — Olivia M. Grey on Publishing & Marketing Realities for the Emerging Author
Every Thursday, the Archives will feature artists, musicians, and makers of all variety, entered for your approval here in the Archives. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps
Æther Feature — Birthrite
Every Thursday, the Archives will feature artists, musicians, and makers of all variety, entered for your approval here in the Archives. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps
Æther Feature — The Steam Powered Tales of Awesomeness & Imperial Amerikan Air Corps
Every Thursday, the Archives will feature artists, musicians, and makers of all variety, entered for your approval here in the Archives. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps
Æther Feature: Crowdfunding Your Fantasy — The Fast and the Furious
Every Thursday, the Archives will feature artists, musicians, and makers of all variety, entered for your approval here in the Archives. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps
Æther Feature — Shanghai Steam
Every Thursday, the Archives will feature artists, musicians, and makers of all variety, entered for your approval here in the Archives. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps
Steampunk in In D Tale
So our journalist Pip Ballantine has had a article published about the recipe for steampunk in the latest issue of the delightful magazine InDTale.com This is a magazine that specifically looks at publishing for independent or small press authors. It is free to sign up
Once More Unto the Breach: The Goodreads 2012 Choice Awards
Esteemed agents, faithful readers, and those of you who have cheered for our honours and awards, Miss Braun and I come to you once more as we did a year ago from this time. We are thrilled to announce that, yes, there are times where
Æther Feature —The Extraordinary Contraptions
Every Thursday, the Archives will feature artists, musicians, and makers of all variety, entered for your approval here in the Archives. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps
Æther Feature — European Steampunk Convention 2012: After Action Report
Every Thursday, the Archives will feature artists, musicians, and makers of all variety, entered for your approval here in the Archives. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps
Æther Feature — Green Bunny Hats
 Every Thursday, the Archives will feature artists, musicians, and makers of all variety, entered for your approval here in the Archives. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps
Æther Feature — Sightmares
 Every Thursday, the Archives will feature artists, musicians, and makers of all variety, entered for your approval here in the Archives. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps
Æther Feature — The 2012 European Steampunk Convention
 Every Thursday, the Archives will feature artists, musicians, and makers of all variety, entered for your approval here in the Archives. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps
Æther Feature — Days of Steam: A Website to Watch
Every Thursday, the Archives will feature artists, musicians, and makers of all variety, entered for your approval here in the Archives. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps
Æther Feature — Steampunk Books for Children: Where are they?
Every Thursday, the Archives will feature artists, musicians, and makers of all variety, entered for your approval here in the Archives. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps
Æther Feature — Lantern City: A Project of Infinite Promise
Every Thursday, the Archives will feature artists, musicians, and makers of all variety, entered for your approval here in the Archives. With so many talented individuals to choose from, we know it is a challenge to feature every clever creative worthy of note, but perhaps
In Which Our Intrepid Journalists Head North, then South
While the summer is drawing to a close, it appears our journalists are not slowing down even in the face of adversity. What makes the travels of Mr. Morris and Ms. Ballantine so much fun is that these travels are not done alone. We hope
Wherein Our Intrepid Journalists Make New Friends Overseas: The Books & Braun Germany Premiere
As we reported from the Ministry ætherblog, Phoenix Rising: A Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences Novel (released under the title, Books & Braun: The Sign of the Phoenix) has been released in Germany. Breaking barriers of language, distance, and improper references, our intrepid journalists Pip Ballantine
Brute Force and tool abuse
Thomas Willeford of Brute Force has begun posting irregular (at this stage) videos of how he makes some of his creations. Brute Force is behind most of the beautiful creations seen in our Janus Affair trailer. He is both incredibly smart and charming, but now
A Steampunk Book Trailer from Imagine That! / Baldgroove / Brute Force Studios
Currently on TeeMorris.com, our journalist is busy revealing a behind-the-scenes look at his project within a project. As many of you know, our intrepid journalist collaborated with Baldgroove studios in the previous year to produce a right bit of fun — the Phoenix Rising book
Phoenix Rising and Eliza Braun examined…
When one is reviewed, it is one thing, when one is used as an example of feminism in steampunk…that is just cool. Watch as Brittany Marczak uses Phoenix Rising and Gail Carriger’s Parasol Protectorate series in her Feminist Analysis of Steampunk Senior Research Presentation.
What Is Steampunk? — A Definitive Answer from the Ministry
Agents of the Ministry, as you may have discerned from the chatter within the æther, there has been spirited discussion bandying about on what exactly constitutes steampunk. We have our own definition, of course, but even that has been brought into question. Perhaps it is
Submitted for #SteamTuesday: The Steampunk Chronicle’s 2012 Reader’s Choice Awards
This week — April 5, 2012 — is the last day supporters of the Ministry can vote for the SPC 2012 Reader’s Choice Awards. This honour, courtesy of The Steampunk Chronicle, is an opportunity for supporters of Steampunk to vote for outstanding talent in media,
Coming Soon…
10 April 2012 Featuring original works from P.J. Schnyder, J.R. Blackwell, J.R. Murdock, Shaun Farrell, and many others. Descend into the Archives again for the untold stories of the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences.
Tales from the Archives (and friends) Chosen for Honours
COMMUNIQUE FROM THE MINISTRY: The Archives just received word from the Director that The Steampunk Chronicle has announced their 2012 Readers Choice Awards. This is your opportunity to vote for outstanding talent in the steampunk community and we are pleased as punch to be featured
An Ode to Agent Braun (Well, I regard it as such…)
With the assignment of Miss Braun and charged in training her the Archival Sciences, I find myself adjusting my normal schedule here at the Ministry. Quite often, that adjustment means I find myself awaiting the arrival of Miss Braun. In the Archives. If fortunate, before
Happy New Year from the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences!
From Miss Braun, myself, Director Sound, and all of us here at the Ministry of Peculiar Occurrences, we would like to share with you this lovely Christmas steampunk homage from 2011… May the new year bring you all opportunity, prosperity, friendship, and tranquility. Remember that,
Submitted for Steam Tuesday: Steampunk in Goodreads’ 2011 Choice Awards
Faithful readers, an update from the Ministry’s wireless! As you have been notified from our intrepid journalists on their Twitter, Facebook, and podcast ætherfeeds, Goodreads — a jolly nice salon where purveyours of fine literature gather to discuss what is recent off the printing press and which favourite classics
An Appeal from the Ministry: The 2011 Goodreads Choice Awards
Esteemed agents and faithful readers, Miss Braun and I come to you upon bended knee…which, if you are working your way across a large room — I assure you — is neither a simple nor comfortable feat. Perhaps you have heard our intrepid journalists, Pip
A note of thanks from the Archives…
This morning, Miss Braun and I present a short note of appreciation to you, the dedicated bibliophiles, who not only invested the time in our modest adventure across Her Majesty’s realm but also spared the additional moment to share your thoughts on various platforms. The
Phoenix Rising at The 2011 Steampunk World’s Fair
This week, our intrepid scribes are bound for new and exciting flights of the imagination as they are attending The Steampunk World’s Fair in Somerset, New Jersey. Alongside our scribes, there will be other smashing artisans: Jared Axelrod, author of Fables of the Flying City
Ministry signing and photo shoot
The Ministry book trailer was shot in downtown Staunton, Virginia. A beautiful little town, with some amazing Victorian architecture. So it is only right that our authors Pip Ballantine and Tee Morris will be returning there for their second book signing and reading. You will
By Jove, what is steampunk?
Here at the Ministry we often get asked, what is steampunk? We even have a link to that, but here is a remarkable visual piece that explains it quite nicely and also gives you a look at some of the fashions and gadgets that make
Help Japan, buy a button
As someone from an earthquake prone country (Christchurch just suffered its own disaster) I feel somewhat lost being so far away from all this pain and misery. Now is the time for communities to pull together and show how much they care. Beyond Victoriana, one
Another Review as Anticipation Builds
With less than fifty days remaining in the launch of our first adventure, Phoenix Rising, the excitement is reaching a fever-pitch here at the Ministry. Tales from the Archives readies itself for its launch and pre-launch reviews of the novel are coming in. From Germany,
Talleyho! Steampunk in New Zealand!
Recently I have returned to Godzone country, but unfortunately undercover. (A little misunderstanding that involved dynamite, suffragists, and a certain petition). I am fairly sure Dick Seddon is not familiar with the ethersphere, so this communication will remain between just you and I. It was
News of steam – Hendrick’s Horseless Carriage Of Curiosities
In my role in the Archives (sadly this seems to be permenant) I run across some interesting news articles. Wellington says my cataloging of these items will keep me out of trouble, and away from the more fragile items in his collection. Normally this would