Well, it’s getting late here in the UK, so I’m going to have to say goodnight soon. But, before I go, I thought I’d tell you about my experiences at some of our Steampunk festivals.

We have a major one every September called Weekend At The Asylum (Which is often shortened to “The Asylum”). Yes, it’s held in an old asylum! Or at least parts of it are. It’s expanded so much since it started that it now takes over pretty much every Victorian building in Lincoln. If you ever get the chance, GO! It’s amazing and not to be missed. I did it for the first time last year and it was absolutely magical. The effort that people put in to their costumes is beyond unbelievable and I felt extremely under-dressed for it (Despite nearly passing out from the heat thanks to all the layers!). There’s everything from Steampunked fairy wings to mobility scooters done up like the Time Machine (a fellow author friend of mine is famous for hers. It’s INCREDIBLE!). And everyone lives by the same motto of “Be splendid” so you’re not going to hear a cross word said. Everyone is friendly, outgoing, and unbelievably helpful. Unfortunately I’m not going this year but hopefully, next year, I’ll be back.

There’s so many events in the UK it’s tough to keep up with them all. I’ve done two so far this year. The Leeds Steampunk Market and Tiffin on the Trinc (Held aboard Nelson’s frigate, the Trincomalee). They’re always a lot of fun! I wish I could do more but alas time, money, and the dreaded day job don’t always allow it.

And, well, I organise my own, except on a far, far smaller scale. One was held at the incredible Century Theatre in Coalville. This little theatre is housed in four trucks and used to travel the country. It was built in the town I currently live in (Hinckley) which is about 15 miles from Coalville so it really has come home to roost! It’s now a permanent museum feature and the staff who run it are all too happy to show you how it worked. For that particular event, we hired in two amazing bands, a brilliant Steampunk comedian, and had several book readings. They’re a lot of fun but I always say that I’ll never do another one. Before promptly starting work on organising another!! (I’m looking at doing events in our tiny, much unappreciated libraries now)

Before I go, I’m going to start a give away. I’ll give e-book copies of both “Mars on the Rise” and “Selling Mars” to two people. 🙂 Just leave your name and email address in a comment on this post and I’ll check back sometime tomorrow, run all the names through the Randomizer and email copies over.

Thank you SO much for having me and for all the wonderful comments and love! I do hope I get to come back and chat some more sometime soon. 🙂

Thank you, goodnight, and much love to you all!

Rae 🙂 x