Picture a Welsh storyteller who turned a struggle with dyslexia into a steampunk masterpiece—meet Rod Duncan! Born in 1962, this science fiction and steampunk author captivated readers with his Gas-Lit Empire series, blending mystery, alternate history, and Victorian flair. From a childhood of avoiding books to crafting award-nominated novels, Duncan’s journey is as inspiring as his imaginative worlds.
With a knack for weaving intricate plots and vivid settings, Duncan’s work, especially The Bullet-Catcher’s Daughter, has earned praise for its clever protagonist and immersive storytelling. Let’s dive into the life and legacy of this remarkable writer who proved that technology and tenacity can transform dreams into reality.
The Making of Rod Duncan
Rod Duncan grew up in Aberystwyth, Wales, where reading and writing posed challenges due to dyslexia, diagnosed at age eight. He cleverly navigated school by avoiding writing, but stories were always close to his heart, thanks to his sci-fi-loving father who read Asimov and Conan Doyle aloud. Duncan’s love for storytelling bloomed, sparked by hearing The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy on the radio at fifteen, which opened his eyes to authorship. After studying Mining Geology at the University of Leicester, Duncan ventured to Taiwan in 1989 to develop an environmental education program for the Bahá’í community, before returning to Leicestershire to lecture and write.
The invention of the word processor was a game-changer for Duncan, allowing him to overcome dyslexia and pen his tales. He later embraced dictation software, turning his challenges into strengths. This resilience shaped his path from a reluctant reader to a celebrated author, proving that barriers can fuel creativity.
Rod Duncan’s Unforgettable Stories
Duncan’s Gas-Lit Empire series is his crowning achievement, a steampunk saga set in an alternate history where a Luddite revolution halted technological progress, leaving a Victorian-esque world. The Bullet-Catcher’s Daughter, the first book, introduces Elizabeth Barnabus, a private detective living a double life as herself and her fictional brother. Nominated for the 2014 Philip K. Dick Award, it’s a thrilling blend of illusion, mystery, and steampunk gadgets, set against a divided England. Readers love Elizabeth’s cunning and the richly built world, inspired by Leicester’s Victorian remnants.
The series continues with Unseemly Science, exploring societal divides and Elizabeth’s quest for truth, and The Custodian of Marvels, a climactic heist that unveils the Gas-Lit Empire’s secrets. Duncan’s style shines through his vivid characters, wry humor, and meticulous world-building, drawing from influences like Mervyn Peake and Raymond Chandler. He also penned The Map of Unknown Things trilogy, further expanding his alternate history universe with titles like The Queen of All Crows, cementing his knack for crafting immersive, character-driven adventures.
Before steampunk, Duncan wrote crime novels like Backlash, shortlisted for the John Creasey Dagger, showcasing his versatility. His ability to blend genres—mystery, sci-fi, and historical elements—sets him apart, creating stories that feel both fresh and timeless.
Why Rod Duncan Matters
Rod Duncan’s impact lies in his ability to craft compelling narratives that challenge norms and inspire readers. His strong, unconventional heroine, Elizabeth Barnabus, defies patriarchal constraints, resonating with fans of character-driven fantasy. By turning his dyslexia into a creative asset, Duncan shows how technology can empower storytelling, offering hope to aspiring writers facing similar hurdles. His Gas-Lit Empire series has enriched the steampunk genre, earning praise for its originality and depth, while his lectures at De Montfort University nurture the next generation of writers.
Duncan’s work reminds us that stories can bridge gaps—between past and present, struggle and triumph. His Leicester-inspired settings and alternate histories invite readers to see the world anew, making him a quiet but powerful force in speculative fiction.
- Birth Date: 1962, Wales
- Key Works: The Bullet-Catcher’s Daughter, Unseemly Science, The Custodian of Marvels, The Queen of All Crows
- Awards: Nominated for the Philip K. Dick Award (2014), shortlisted for the John Creasey Dagger
Ready to explore a world of steampunk intrigue and clever heroines? Snag The Bullet-Catcher’s Daughter and dive into Rod Duncan’s Gas-Lit Empire today!