these are the voyages of…
tl;dr
Ren Brooke (they/them), a queer Chicagoland native now immersed in the Pacific Northwest, is an author on a mission: to craft bold, unforgettable genre tales that ignite change. Witnessing the power of inclusive storytelling online, Brooke decided to bridge the gap between fandom and mainstream literature. With over two decades of fandom engagement penning three novels and dozens of short stories, Brooke’s stories invite readers on genre-mashing adventures of exploration and empathy. When not lost in storytelling, Brooke enjoys bad movie nights, writing at their local brewery, and filling their Tumblr queue.
the long version
Hailing from Chicagoland and now embracing the lush weirdness of the Pacific Northwest, Ren Brooke (they/them) is an author with a mission: to tell bold, unforgettable genre stories that stir the consciousness to change.
As a queer writer with over two decades of passionate engagement in fandom realms, Brooke brings a wealth of experience to their craft, having authored three novel-length works and dozens of short stories within these communities. In Brooke’s genre-mashing stories, readers will find characters who defy stereotypes and break free from the confines of traditional narratives. Be it body horror or spy thriller, meetcute romance or heist homage, their work invites readers to embark on journeys of exploration and empathy above all else.
In online creative spaces, Brooke has witnessed firsthand the power of inclusive storytelling. In these spaces, creativity knows no bounds and underrepresented stories aren’t just accepted but celebrated. Fandom has always been Brooke’s sanctuary – but as the call for diversity echoes (hollowly) through the halls of traditional publishing, Brooke knew it was time to bridge the gap between fandom and mainstream literature.
With a deep appreciation for creativity no matter its form, Brooke draws inspiration from every kind of media, from Umberto Eco to Salad Fingers, to that first twist in the board game Time Stories, to Mob Psycho 100; from Titus Kaphar’s “Enough About You,” to Mike Royko’s journalism, to Steely Dan’s Can’t Buy A Thrill, to the best film ever made: Hackers (1995). This love of all things creative leads to Brooke’s work being vibrant, immersive, referential, playful, and often multimodal—few things delight Brooke more than playing in and with the space.
When not trying to finish one of the hundreds of stories in their brain, Brooke can be found at their weekly Bad Movie Night, chatting at the bar of their local brewery, curating playlists for every mood, and clicking Next Episode on their latest hyper-fixation show. Their passion for storytelling knows no bounds, and they are always eager to connect with fellow enthusiasts who share that passion for creativity and expression.