Picture a California storyteller who spun a cyberpunk saga from a 600-page dream—meet Cody Sisco! This indie author burst onto the speculative fiction scene in the mid-2010s with Broken Mirror, a novel that blends alternate history, psychological depth, and sci-fi intrigue. With a knack for crafting worlds that feel eerily plausible yet thrillingly strange, Sisco has carved a unique niche in the literary landscape.
Born and raised in Northern California, Sisco’s journey from portal fantasy enthusiast to literary community organizer is as captivating as his stories. His work, influenced by sci-fi titans like Frank Herbert and Kim Stanley Robinson, tackles complex moral questions in settings that straddle the line between familiar and fantastical.
The Making of Cody Sisco
Growing up in a suburban California town during the 1980s and 1990s, Sisco found solace in books like Alice in Wonderland, drawn to portal fantasies that offered escape. As a gay youth in a less-than-welcoming era, he sought worlds where he could belong, a theme that echoes in his writing. His early love for horror and science fiction, from Stephen King to Clive Barker, shaped his bold, imaginative style. Before settling in Los Angeles, Sisco lived in Paris, working on sustainable development, but his passion for storytelling eventually took center stage.
Sisco’s writing career began with a daunting challenge: a 900-page manuscript that became the Resonant Earth series. Undeterred by its complexity, he refined his craft through critique groups and beta readers, embracing the indie publishing ethos. His perseverance paid off with the 2016 release of Broken Mirror, marking his rise as a speculative fiction voice.
Cody Sisco’s Unforgettable Stories
Sisco’s Resonant Earth series is the heart of his bibliography. Broken Mirror, the first novel, introduces Victor Eastmore, a programmer with Mirror Resonance Syndrome, navigating a fractured American Union to uncover his grandfather’s killer. This cyberpunk tale weaves alternate history, mental health struggles, and conspiracy, earning praise for its immersive worldbuilding. The sequel, Tortured Echoes, deepens the saga, exploring Victor’s quest for truth amid a dystopian landscape.
Beyond novels, Sisco shines in short fiction. His contributions to the Made in L.A. anthologies, like “Little Woman” and “Salt in the Hell Mouth,” showcase his versatility, blending surreal elements with Los Angeles’ vibrant culture. His style—described as sitting in the “uncanny valley”—combines scientific plausibility with moral ambiguity, drawing comparisons to Haruki Murakami’s magical realism and Frank Herbert’s epic scope.
Sisco’s worlds are rich with detail, from the “Mesh” (a futuristic internet) to self-driving cars, yet he avoids heavy exposition, letting readers discover his universes organically. His focus on marginalized voices, including LGBT characters, adds emotional depth, making his stories resonate with readers seeking authentic, thought-provoking narratives.
Why Cody Sisco Matters
Sisco’s impact extends beyond his books. As a co-founder of Made in L.A. Writers in 2017, he’s nurtured a community of indie authors, amplifying diverse voices through anthologies and events. His startup, BookSwell, connects readers and writers in Southern California, while his roles with the Editorial Freelancers Association and APLA Health reflect his commitment to social good. Sisco’s work challenges readers to confront societal issues like marginalization and corporate greed, wrapped in gripping sci-fi mysteries.
Though not a household name, Sisco’s influence in indie publishing and speculative fiction is undeniable. His ability to craft complex narratives from a once-unwieldy manuscript inspires aspiring authors, proving that dedication and community can turn dreams into reality.
- Key Works: Broken Mirror (2016), Tortured Echoes (2017), Made in L.A. anthologies
- Influences: Frank Herbert, Kim Stanley Robinson, Haruki Murakami
- Community Impact: Co-founded Made in L.A. Writers, founded BookSwell
Snag Broken Mirror and dive into Cody Sisco’s mind-bending speculative fiction! Whether you’re a sci-fi fan or just love a good mystery, his worlds will keep you hooked.