BRIAN FENCE is an author of fantasy and science fiction novels, short stories, and poetry. He lives near the beach outside New York City — though his wanderlust often takes him elsewhere — with his three cats, all of which are exceedingly adorable.
His debut novel, Librarian, was released unto the world in May 2013 to critical acclaim, followed by its sequel, Apprentice, in December 2014. The books comprise the first two novels in a fantasy trilogy titled “Lenna’s Arc,” which will conclude (or will it?) with the soon-to be-released third work, Freewoman (2026).
The Loneliest Place in the Universe, his first chapbook was released in November, 2022. Upcoming machinations include The Posh Tales of Jacob Orange, The Janet Project, and a memoir titled To Those Who Have Sailed In Me.
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Nickname: Bao-Bao (or just Bao, if we’re friends)
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Hometown: Whiting, NJ (yes, the land of trees and quiet)
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Education: BA from Bucknell University (East Asian Studies/Creative Writing); MS from the University of Oxford (Sociology), St Cross College; MFA in Creative Writing from Fairleigh Dickinson University — Bao collects degrees like Pokémon
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Favorite foods: Any kind of curry and basically anything pickled
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Least favorite: Eel with cheese (please don’t ask)
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Favorite colors: Red and peach — bold with a soft side
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Favorite author: Diana Wynne Jones, forever and always
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Favorite movie: Love Songs (Les Chansons d’Amour) — singing, feelings, the works
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Favorite TV series: Doctor Who, My Little Pony, Xena, Star Trek, Strictly Come Dancing, Masterchef Australia, Two Fat Ladies — chaos, comfort, and camp in one long binge
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Hobbies: Cookery, ballroom dancing, and world‑class daydreaming