Atompunk. Sourced from the Atomic and Space Ages, atompunk focuses on the effects of atomic energy and is the basis for many, many popular superhero origin stories, wherein they were given their extraordinary powers after exposure to some kind of radiation or cosmic energy.

Biopunk. Many of the same tropes as cyberpunk, but focuses on technology evolved from genetic engineering and human experimentation (as opposed to the often artificial modifications of cyberpunk such as cybernetics, artificial intelligence, etc.).

Dieselpunk. Focus on the aesthetics of the interwar period between World War I and World War II where diesel engines replaced steam engines, this is a popular genre for many science fiction stories that also fall into the categories of pulp, film noir, and art deco. Dieselpunk even has a growing sub-sub-genre of its own: Decopunk which focuses specifically on the art deco aesthetic.

Elfpunk. One of the more popular "creature" punks (there's also Dwarfpunk and Faeriepunk among others), which focuses on the transplantation of rural folklore into more modern, urban settings.

Solarpunk. Unlike many of the other 'punk' genres, solarpunk has an optimistic outlook on the future, contemplating a world where issues like climate change and pollution have been addressed and a utopian society has been introduced that addresses social inequality and harmony with nature. Solarpunk has become popular enough that it also has a sub-sub-genre offshoot known as Lunarpunk, which focuses on the darker side of the solarpunk world, including vivid nightlife and spirituality.

Steampunk. One of the most popular 'punk' genres outside of cyberpunk, this focuses on a retro-futuristic setting that supposes steam power is the predominant form of energy, and fashion and culture culminated at the height of the Regency and Victorian Eras.

Stonepunk. The Flinstones is the preeminent example of stonepunk, a sub-genre that supposes our technological abilities ended at the Stone Age despite society advancing many modern concepts.

EXCERPT: Sun glow faded to the dark of night, synchronizing with the end in the patrol cycle along the edge of the woodland kingdom of the ravens. Brandt took each patrol of utmost importance, not letting any ease night with no threats to give a false sense of safety. Nothing stirred on the ground, nor in the sky. Relief came in reaching the furthest edge of their marked territory, allowing for the small group on patrol to go back without facing threat or having to interact with unwelcome trouble.

EXCERPT: Vyne huffed in annoyance as he noticed the empty candy bowl.

"Abby, where are my suckers?" He asked his wife as he entered the kitchen.

Turning away from the coffee maker, the wolf lady handed him a cup.

"You're all out, hun."
"Out?! But... But I need them!" He remarked.

Abigail's ears lowered, her lips curling into a subtle frown.

"Aww, I'm not good enough for you?" She asked, a hint of sarcasm in her voice.

EXCERPT: Oan pulled a leather bag from a hole in the floor. He dumped the contents into his hand.

20 silver talons gleamed in the candlelight: ten coins for Old Robb’s boat to cross the Boiling Sea. Ten more to begin again on the other side.

He replaced the coins and picked up the candle. Hot wax dripped on his skin.

And then, behind his eyes, came the stabbing again. He dropped the candle, groped in the sudden darkness for the bed. The thrumming pain kept time with his pounding heart.

EXCERPT: Once upon a time, in a small village in the heart of Arvidsjaur, there lived a young girl named Lina. Lina loved nothing more than exploring the vast forests and shimmering lakes that surrounded her village. She was a curious child and always wondered what mysteries lay hidden in the depths of the woods.

EXCERPT: The silence lured Jamie from his hiding spot in the loft. Memory roiled his stomach: a flashing blade, a searing pain, a powerful arm slamming him against the wall. Either forgotten by his attacker or ignored as insignificant, he had passed out and fallen behind the bed.

Standing made his head explode and tore at his chest. A foot-long slash down his left breast had bled freely and was still oozing, the pain competing with the throbbing in his head. He folded his shirt over the cut and pressed his withered left arm against it. He closed his eyes and breathed slowly until the throbbing pain receded to a tolerable level. I ran away. I tried to hide. Those thoughts might never recede, might never be tolerable.

I had no idea Sanderson had such a platform. What a success! I have heard of the Mistborn series which I heard was supposed to be great. I may try reading it if it is clean. Thanks for the NL! — brom21


Thanks for including 'Help Wanted' in your list of works to read. — dragonwoman

Thank you so much for listing "Sanderson's Laws of Magic". It was very interesting. I've never read/seen them before. I plan on going over to the site and reading them more in-depth when I have more time. I know it will be very useful to me, especially since I write a lot of fantasy. — Elfin Dragon-finally published

You didn't mention Sanderson's Stormlight series, and those are my absolute favorites. Of course, as I considered this omission, I realized what a difficult task it would be to describe the magic of stormlight in less than half a page (and I'm so long-winded it would take me pages!) This is a great reference for folks interested in writing about magic and I'm pleased that you brought it to this Newsletter! As always, your suggestions and comments are excellent! Thank you! — buddhangela's Psychotic Break