Picture a sci-fi maestro who turned a mundane desk job into a launchpad for intergalactic adventures—meet Craig Alanson! This American author skyrocketed to fame with his Expeditionary Force series, blending military science fiction with laugh-out-loud humor and heart-pounding action. From self-publishing on Amazon to topping bestseller lists, Alanson’s journey is a thrilling tale of grit, wit, and storytelling magic.
The Making of Craig Alanson
Born in 1962 in Springfield, Massachusetts, Craig Alanson (pen name for Craig Odell) grew up devouring sci-fi classics like Dune and Star Trek. His early career took a different trajectory, landing him at United Technologies in Connecticut, where he worked on aerospace projects, including space suit components. Later, in Gainesville, Virginia, defense contracts exposed him to military jargon that would flavor his novels. A fateful vacation in 2005, where he read a dreadful book, sparked his writing journey: if that could get published, so could he!
Craig Alanson’s Unforgettable Stories
Alanson burst onto the scene in 2016, self-publishing three novels on Amazon, including Columbus Day, the first in the Expeditionary Force series. This space opera follows Joe Bishop, a soldier navigating alien wars with the help of Skippy, a snarky AI. The series, now spanning 18 books, is known for its blend of high-stakes action, intricate world-building, and comedic banter, inspired by films like Battle: Los Angeles. Alanson’s Ascendant trilogy, a fantasy epic, showcases a young wizard’s journey, while Aces, a standalone YA sci-fi, explores sibling survival. His urban fantasy series Convergence adds mystery and humor to his repertoire.
Alanson’s style is a cocktail of fast-paced plots, relatable characters, and witty dialogue, earning praise for its accessibility and entertainment. His audiobooks, narrated by R.C. Bray, have become Audible sensations, with Columbus Day a finalist for Audiobook of the Year in 2018. The Expeditionary Force spin-off Mavericks and audio drama Homefront, featuring stars like Kate Mulgrew, highlight his versatility.
Why Craig Alanson Matters
Alanson’s impact on indie publishing is undeniable. By self-publishing, he bypassed traditional gatekeepers, proving that quality storytelling can thrive outside conventional systems. His prolific output—over 30 books since 2016—inspires aspiring authors, showing that dedication and a strong work ethic can lead to bestseller status. Fans adore his ability to make sci-fi approachable, with humor that bridges generations, even sparking family bonding over shared audiobook adventures. His work’s optioning for a TV series by Milmar Pictures signals his growing cultural footprint.
- Born: 1962, Springfield, MA
- Key Works: Columbus Day, Ascendant, Convergence
- Awards: Columbus Day Audie Award finalist (2018)
- Fun Fact: Lives in South Hero, Vermont, with rescue dogs
Ready to blast off with a sci-fi adventure? Grab Columbus Day and dive into Craig Alanson’s hilarious, action-packed universe!