Sunday, May 1, 2011

Welcoming an Emerging Steampunk Romance Author


Good day Ladies and Gentlemen. I am so glad to be here. Please let me take a few words to introduce myself to you. My name is Mae Pen and I write Steampunk Romance, a sub genre I adore and submerge myself in frequently.

I spent my childhood lost in the fantasy worlds of my own design. As soon as I knew the written language, a door opened for other people to see where I spent so much time. Then at age nine, I discovered a love for history and an obsession for the Victorian Era. 


Over the years I graduated high school, married my high-school sweetheart, moved to Oregon, had three beautiful children and put my dream of being a published author on the back burner. Throughout the years I kept writing, but it wasn't until I turned 30 that I decided to pick up my dream again.




I discovered the wonderful organization of Romance Writers of America (RWA) and joined my local chapter. Amongst the new friends and encouragement I spread my wings growing beyond what I originally thought possible. In that growth I discovered my obsession with the Victorian Era had a real life application. The discovery of Steampunk and its lack of romances was like the proverbial light bulb moment.




I immersed myself in research and found myself at home. Now having found my niche I'm enjoying its immersion and the discovery of the unique world. I welcome anyone to join my world once again and discover the joys that we knew as children.

11 comments:

Judith Ashley said...

Hi Mae, Glad you've joined us. I find it fascinating to read how each of us have come to where we are now in our writing. So you've been fascinated with the Victorian period since a child...no wonder you and Steampunk are such a good match.

Judy said...

I was always fascinated with the Victorian period as a child and even today. I am new to the Steampunk novels, but they look really different and very interesting.I will check out your books.

Diana McCollum said...

Steampunk is certainly an intriquing Genre. I will be waiting patiently to hear more about Steampunk from your posts.

Sarah Raplee said...

Thank you for introducing me to Steampunk Romance, Mae. As you know, my next story found a home there. :)

So many people have helped me get this far as a writer, and you are definitely one of them. I'm so glad you joined us!

Judith Ashley said...

Hi Mae,
You mention that you moved to Oregon...I'm curious as to what part of the world you were in before. Except for three months when I lived in Ohio, I've always lived in Oregon although not always in the Willamette Valley.

Tam Linsey said...

Research is one of my favorite parts of writing, be it historical or scientific.

Greta said...

Hi, Mae.

I'm so glad you rediscovered your dream! Although 30 doesn't count as a late start, does it? I sure hope not!

I've met some steampunk-costumed folk at conventions and I am _amazed_ at the detail & creativity of their outfits.

maepen said...

Hello everyone. I must apologize for not responding sooner as I was out of town and didn't have acess to the internet, but I am here now and very glad to see your posts.

Judith Ashley: Thank you for thinking Steampunk and I fit so well. I grew up in Southern California, spent a year in Northern California in the Sierra Nevada Mountains and then a couple years in Tennessee before finally settling in Oreon.

Judy: Thank you for you're interest in my stories. I hope you'll keep following my blogs. I'll be explaining more about Steampunk in later posts.

Dianna Mcc: Thank you for you're lovely words.

Sarah: I'm glad to hear I've helped you grow. You've helped me grow in my writing as well. I look forward to future expanding.

Tam Linsey: Research can be such fun, especially when you can give it a real life application. What's your favorite thing to research?

Greta: Thanks for posting Greta. 30 isn't so late of a start, but I figured if I didn't start now, I might not ever. The costumes are aazing. Most are handmade by the creator and goes with the character they designed for themself. At some point in the future, I plan to have a post just for the costumes. Please keep watch for more delightful information.

Greta said...

The costume post sounds great. I look forward to it.

maepen said...

Is there a question you'd like about costumes that I could include in the post Greta?

Greta said...

Um, let's see ... I can't think of one in particular. I didn't realize the characters were often original. That's interesting!