Steampunk is a cult genre that's often underrated. Steampunk is described as technology that is powered by steam, and often set in Victorian England or Wild West America. The story often includes an alternate history, with well-known events tweaked by gadgets and steam powered inventions.

Jules Verne and H.G. Wells are often accredited with the genre, and would be a good place to start for further research. The steampunk world is often fairly gritty with bizarre but realistic inventions that play a key part in the story. Despite the advancements in society, all the technology is fitted to the era in which it takes place. These inventions always play a key part in the protagonist's life, and provide a certain hope for the future.

Just because your novel has a steampunk setting doesn't mean it has to take place on earth. Joss Whedon's TV series is often included as a best example of steampunk, but is a Western that takes place in space. Be creative and take your characters to new places.

Don't get bogged down in the setting. While it is important to have the steampunk elements, you need more than that to tell a story. You need to understand how your characters react to this world and how they'll use it for their advantage. However, the gadgets and steam based inventions can propel the story and give a reason for what happens in the story.

Match your setting. The style and gadgets used in the Wild West will be vastly different than those used in the Victorian era. If you're basing your inventions in a clockwork style, don't stray into another style form.

Don't forget the seemingly little details. While there are advancements in technology, try to remember the year your setting is in and hold true to it. What food is available will be different than today. The style of clothing will need to match where your character is, but will have a certain steampunk twist. Most steampunk clothing often incorporates gadgets, goggles, and other elements. Find a balance with the inventions and the style of clothes while fitting the style into the era.

Know what parts of history you want to tweak. While this is an alternate history to what we know, you need to understand how it's different. This will require a lot of research. Decide which events you want to keep and which ones you want to change, then explain why they're different. Be clear with what your inventions are capable of and the limitations they have.

Social issues usually play a big part with the protagonist finding a way to go against their role by using the steampunk gadgets. After researching the era, it'll be easy to see what issues you want to incorporate into the story. Both the Victorian era and the Wild West have a range of issues that include women, race, health, and poverty.

Most of all, have fun with it. Don't worry about trying to sound like the era you've chosen; find your voice and tell your story.