Here are 7 Author Shoutouts for this week. Find your favorite author or discover an author whose work you’ve not yet read.
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This Week’s Author Shoutouts
Linda Nagata
An Author Shoutout to Linda Nagata. Linda Nagata is an award-winning American author of science fiction and fantasy, celebrated for her groundbreaking contributions to the hard sci-fi subgenre. Based in Hawaiʻi, her work is known for its meticulous scientific detail and her profound exploration of post-humanism and advanced technology.
Nagata’s journey as an author is as pioneering as her novels. After a long career that included working as a database programmer, she became an early and successful trailblazer in the world of independent publishing, founding her own imprint to release her work. Her novella, Goddesses, made history by becoming the first online publication to win the Nebula Award, a testament to her innovative spirit.
Her recent Inverted Frontier series is a sweeping space opera that continues the story of her earlier work, The Nanotech Succession. A notable element of the series is its use of realistic interstellar travel—journeys take centuries—a rare feat in modern science fiction. The series is praised for its exploration of sentient nanotech, post-human existence, and the implications of immortality.
Linda Nagata’s work stands out for its intellectual rigor and its ability to turn complex scientific concepts into compelling and deeply human stories. She
Anthony Ryan
An Author Shoutout to Anthony Ryan. Anthony Ryan is a British author of epic fantasy, celebrated for his gritty, character-driven narratives that have made him a leading voice in the grimdark genre. His journey to becoming a full-time writer is a testament to perseverance. He initially self-published his debut novel, Blood Song, which became a viral success and earned him a major publishing deal.
A former civil servant with a degree in history, Ryan brings a unique authenticity to his writing. His historical knowledge shines through in his authentic and realistic depictions of warfare and pre-modern societies. Beyond his writing, he has a well-known passion for real ale, which he has called his “unending quest for the perfect pint.”
Ryan’s new trilogy, The Age of Wrath, is a compelling return to his signature grimdark style. Set in the same world as his debut series, it is a fast-paced narrative filled with adrenaline-fueled battle sequences and morally complex characters. The series is told from multiple perspectives, allowing Ryan to explore themes of honor, destiny, and the nature of war from different angles.
Whether writing about a reluctant warrior or a band of mercenaries, Anthony Ryan’s novels are a masterclass in realistic storytelling, cementing his place as an essential author for fans of dark and epic fantasy.
Vanessa Le
An Author Shoutout to Vanessa Le.. Vanessa Le is a Vietnamese-American author who has quickly become a notable voice in the speculative fiction genre. Her work is a fascinating blend of science fantasy, romance, and mystery, all informed by her unique background in both medicine and her Vietnamese-American heritage.
A graduate of Brown University and a current medical student, Le has a passion for both science and storytelling. This is powerfully showcased in her debut, The Last Bloodcarver Duology, which features a unique magic system based on human biology. The story follows a bloodcarver, a healer who can alter human biology with a touch, and explores the societal fear and prejudice she faces. The series is a perfect example of Le’s ability to translate complex scientific concepts into something both fantastical and deeply human.
Le’s work is also a celebration of her heritage. She has stated that her writing is a personal exploration of what it means to live between two cultures, and this shines through in her richly detailed worlds and her characters’ journeys of self-discovery.
A testament to the power of a creative outlet, Le’s writing career took off after a hiatus she took to focus on her pre-med studies. Her journey is an inspiration to aspiring authors and a reminder that even the most demanding careers can leave room for a fulfilling creative life.
Nancy Springer
An Author Shoutout to Nancy Springer. Nancy Springer is an incredibly versatile and acclaimed American author, celebrated for a career spanning decades and a body of work that includes fantasy, mystery, and young adult fiction. Her love for nature, born from a wild childhood spent exploring the woods, is a recurring theme in her novels.
A multiple award-winning writer, Springer is the creator of the Enola Holmes mystery series, a global sensation adapted into a popular film franchise on Netflix. However, her work in fantasy is equally beloved.
Her classic fantasy series, The Book of Isle, is a five-part epic inspired by a deep well of Arthurian and Celtic legends. Published in the early 1980s, the series is a foundational work of mythic fantasy, known for its vividly described world where gods, mortals, and magical creatures coexist. The books explore timeless themes of destiny, love, and the fight against ancient evil.
With over fifty books published, Springer has cemented her place as a master storyteller. Her ability to seamlessly move between genres, from the epic fantasy of the Book of Isle to the clever mysteries of Enola Holmes, is a testament to her creative range. She is a true icon in speculative fiction and a writer whose work has delighted generations of readers.
Guy Gavriel Kay
An Author Shoutout to Guy Gavriel Kay. Guy Gavriel Kay is a Canadian author of speculative fiction who is a master of blending history and imagination. He is celebrated for a unique subgenre he pioneered—historical fantasy—which crafts novels set in worlds that are analogues of real historical periods, with a subtle magical element.
Kay’s career began in a truly unique way: as a young man, he was chosen by Christopher Tolkien to assist with the editorial work on his father’s posthumously published classic, The Silmarillion. This apprenticeship gave him a deep understanding of epic world-building and myth.
After his time with Tolkien, Kay pursued a law degree, but eventually found his calling as a writer and producer for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation, where he worked on television dramas. This experience gave his novels their strong, cinematic narratives and fast-paced plots.
His work, such as the critically acclaimed standalone novel The Lions of Al-Rassan, is known for its beautiful, poetic prose and its focus on human-centered stories. He explores universal themes of loss and memory without the baggage of real-world prejudices. With his masterful blend of history, myth, and human drama, Kay offers a sophisticated and emotionally resonant reading experience that will appeal to any sci-fi fan who appreciates a well-built world and a compelling plot.
Mark Lawrence
An Author Shoutout to Mark Lawrence. Mark Lawrence is a British-American author who has become a leading voice in the grimdark and epic fantasy genres. Known for his unique blend of gritty realism and sharp wit, Lawrence is celebrated for his ability to craft complex characters and unforgettable worlds.
His path to becoming a bestselling author is a fascinating one. Before a half-hearted attempt to get his debut, Prince of Thorns, published resulted in a global deal, Lawrence worked as a research scientist with top-secret clearance, specializing in artificial intelligence. He has a PhD in mathematics, and his logical, analytical mind is evident in his intricate and detailed plots.
Lawrence’s latest work, The Library Trilogy, is a captivating departure from his signature grimdark style. The series began with The Book That Wouldn’t Burn, a high-concept fantasy that is a love letter to stories and the places we keep them. It follows a young man trapped in a vast, sentient library and explores themes of knowledge, memory, and history.
A devoted family man, Lawrence is also a tireless advocate for the independent publishing community, having founded the annual Self-Published Fantasy Blog-Off (SPFBO). With his unique background and a writing style that is as clever as it is compelling, Mark Lawrence is a truly dynamic and beloved figure in modern fantasy.
Gabriela Romero Lacruz
An Author Shoutout to Gabriela Romero Lacruz. Gabriela Romero Lacruz is a British-Venezuelan author who has quickly become a prominent voice in the romantasy and dark fantasy genres. She is celebrated for her immersive worlds and rich storytelling, which are deeply rooted in her South American heritage.
Before becoming an author, Lacruz had a diverse career, earning a degree in chemical engineering and working in the oil and gas industry. However, her passion for the arts led her to a different path. A multi-talented artist, she also illustrates books for children and adults under the name The Moonborn. She has said that writing stories set in places that remind her of Venezuela helps her deal with homesickness.
Her acclaimed debut duology, The Warring Gods, began with the international bestseller The Sun and the Void. The series is a sweeping epic fantasy that follows two women caught in a war between the god of the sun and the god of the void. Lacruz’s novels are a refreshing departure from European-inspired fantasy, drawing instead on the history and folklore of colonial South America to create her unique worlds.
With her combination of visual and literary talent, Lacruz crafts narratives that are both captivating and evocative. Her work stands out for its bold exploration of complex themes, its intricate world-building, and its beautifully written love stories, cementing her place as a rising star in the fantasy genre.
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