The authors of a series of romantic, sci-fi, space adventures will touch down at the Reisterstown library later this month for an evening of readings, book signings and fun.

Sharon Lee and Steve Miller may create far away, alternate worlds as successful science fiction writers, but both were born nearby in Baltimore. Miller was a graduate of Franklin High School.

The couple was married in 1980. They are graduates of the University of Maryland Baltimore County, and now live in Maine with three cats.

Lee and Miller will be in Baltimore for the 37th annual Balticon science fiction convention, May 23- 26, where they are the headliners.

The authors are slated for a literary event sponsored by the Friends of the Reisterstown Library on May 27 at 7 p.m.

Barbara E. Karpel, president of the friends group, said she went to Franklin Junior High and Franklin High School with Miller.

"I've known Steve since I was a kid," she said. "I've been a fan of Steve's writing since he first got published."

Lee and Miller have written eight novels that take place in their trademarked creation, the "Liaden Universe."

"Adventurous romantic space opera," is how the authors describe their novels, two of which won 2002 Prism Awards for best futuristic romance. The Prism Awards are given by the Futuristic, Fantasy and Paranormal Chapter of Romance Writers of America.

Their book "Tomorrow Log" is currently on Locus magazine's bestseller list.

Miller moved to Owings Mills with his family in 1957. His love of writing led him to become editor of Franklin High School's literary magazine, The Junto. While attending UMBC he was editor of the campus newspaper, The Retriever.

"I started writing fiction when I was about six," he said.

Miller said his mother was an inspiration to him as an award-winning poet and host of a WBAL radio children's program in the 1930s and 1940s. "I always assumed I would write. I was reading science fiction from the first day I could read," he added.

Miller went on to teach at UMBC and freelanced for the Carroll County Times, The Sun and the Catonsville Times.

Lee also attended UMBC and eventually worked as an administrative aide to the dean of the School of Social Work for the University of Maryland Professional Schools.

She opened a bookstore and when that went bankrupt she worked at a series of odd jobs, including writing ad copy and delivering tractor-trailers.

"I started out writing very short things and when the things started to take shape, they were fantasy and science fiction," Lee said.

"We're very versatile. We write science fiction, we write fantasy, we write mysteries," she added.

Karpel, of the friends group, recommends that readers unfamiliar with Lee and Miller's books start at the beginning with their first novel, "Agent of Change."

Miller said their targeted market is "readers who pay attention," whether they are 19 or 90 years old.

In addition to writing, the couple runs a small publishing company called SRM, Publisher (www.korval.com).

Miller said they mainly publish soft-cover chapbooks of their own short stories and novellas, as well as the work of other authors.

The two are scheduled to be featured speakers at Balticon, but they've decided to forego the usual dry speeches and Q&A.

"We're going to let people interview our characters," Miller said with a chuckle.

Lee said she loves her career as a science fiction author.

"The best thing is the people," she said.

She described sci-fi and fantasy fans as "the most supportive and creative people I've ever been around."

Miller said science fiction stories and books can be a good way for people to escape the "stress and strife" of the world.

"I suspect the best thing for me is what drew me to the field in the first place," he said, "the `oh, this is a neat idea,' and to get it down on paper and share it with people."

The free event will be held in the library's meeting room. Light refreshments will be served. For more information, call 410-887-1165. The Reisterstown library is at 21 Cockeys Mill Road.