Picture a storyteller who weaves Jane Austen’s world with dragons and romance—meet Maria Grace! A bestselling historical fantasy author, Maria Grace captivates readers with her gaslamp fantasies and Regency romances. With a PhD in Educational Psychology and a knack for blending historical detail with psychological depth, she’s crafted a unique niche in Austen-inspired fiction.
From martial arts black belts to university lecture halls, Maria’s eclectic journey fuels her vivid storytelling. Her love for Austen’s characters, sparked by a 1990s film, led her to reimagine their lives with fantastical twists, earning her six BRAG Medallions and a devoted fanbase.
The Making of Maria Grace
Born with an unpronounceable last name, Maria Grace adopted her pen name to spare readers the tongue-twisting struggle. Her academic path was a whirlwind—undergraduate degrees in economics, sociology, managerial studies, and behavioral sciences, followed by a master’s in counseling and a PhD in Educational Psychology. For 16 years, she taught university courses on human growth, learning, and counseling, but her heart leaned toward storytelling. A third-grade teacher’s encouragement ignited her writing passion, and by high school, she’d penned eight novels and countless short stories.
Maria’s entry into writing wasn’t planned. After stints in martial arts (she earned two black belts), fencing, and even sewing her own wedding dress, she stumbled into Jane Austen fandom via Emma Thompson’s Sense and Sensibility. Fan fiction forums sparked her ‘What if…’ questions, leading to her first published work in 2012.
Maria Grace’s Unforgettable Stories
Maria’s novels blend historical accuracy with fantastical elements, often reimagining Austen’s characters in richly detailed Regency settings. Her Jane Austen’s Dragons series, starting with Pemberley: Mr. Darcy’s Dragon (2016), introduces mythical creatures into Pride and Prejudice, earning praise for its inventive world-building. Longbourn: Dragon Entail (2017) continues this saga, weaving dragon lore with Elizabeth Bennet’s wit.
In historical romance, Mistaking Her Character (2024) explores untold Pride and Prejudice moments, showcasing Maria’s knack for psychological depth. Her non-fiction, like A Jane Austen Christmas, dives into Regency traditions, reflecting her research addiction. Maria’s gaslamp fantasy style—think Austen meets steampunk with a dash of magic—appeals to readers craving immersive, character-driven tales.
Her prose is meticulous, drawing from her academic background to craft authentic dialogue and settings. Whether it’s dragon keepers or courtship etiquette, Maria’s stories balance whimsy with historical rigor, making her a standout in Austenesque fiction.
Why Maria Grace Matters
Maria Grace has carved a vibrant space in historical fantasy, blending Austen’s elegance with bold imagination. Her work resonates with readers who love Regency romance but crave something fresh—like dragons guarding Pemberley. Her contributions to Austen Variations and fundraising for causes like Ukraine relief highlight her community spirit.
With over 30 books, Maria’s influence extends beyond novels. Her non-fiction educates readers on Austen’s era, while her workshops inspire aspiring writers. Her ability to merge scholarly insight with accessible storytelling ensures her lasting impact in historical fiction.
- Key Works: Pemberley: Mr. Darcy’s Dragon, Mistaking Her Character, A Jane Austen Christmas
- Awards: Six-time BRAG Medallion Honoree
- Fun Fact: She’s a cat-lady who loves historical costumes and high-adrenaline vacations
About Maria Grace
Snag Pemberley: Mr. Darcy’s Dragon and dive into Maria Grace’s enchanting world of dragons and Regency romance!