Why so dark?

I don't see any reason why steampunk and urban fantasy HAVE to be creepy or dark. There has to be more room for creativity than that. If it's icky and miserable, with no glimpse of goodness, it's not something I will enjoy reading. Or writing, for that matter.

All my stories tend to be rather dark at times, but the darkness isn't the point; it's only dark until the light bursts in and shatters the darkness with its radiance.

A doctor's touch.

This is a wonderful Ted Talk, and it's also great steampunk story inspiration. :)

Steampunk music.

steampunkery

I wish I had the skills to sew this costume. So pretty! Mine would be green, and I'd make a cool hat and jewelry to wear with it. If I ever get my sewing machine back I have another project to finish first (a midnight blue, Elvish dress), but I'd try this one after that anyhow, and learn the complicated stuff as I go.