Picture a Marine-turned-storyteller crafting epic tales under the northern lights of Alaska—meet Craig Martelle! This bestselling author of science fiction and urban fantasy weaves fast-paced, character-driven novels that thrill readers worldwide. From his disciplined military roots to his prolific writing career, Martelle’s journey is a testament to grit, imagination, and the power of a good story.
The Making of Craig Martelle
Born in Iowa, Craig Martelle grew up with a book always in hand, devouring works by Robert Heinlein, Anne McCaffrey, and J.R.R. Tolkien. His early life took a bold turn when he joined the Marine Corps, serving 21 years as both an enlisted Russian linguist and an intelligence officer. After retiring, he earned a law degree summa cum laude and thrived as a business consultant in Alaska’s rugged North Slope. But the call to write was stronger than corporate life, and at 52, Martelle retired to Fairbanks, Alaska, to chase his storytelling dreams full-time.
His diverse experiences—military discipline, legal precision, and corporate strategy—shaped his structured approach to writing. Inspired by the imaginative worlds of his favorite authors, Martelle began crafting stories that blended action, heart, and speculative wonder, launching a career that would soon skyrocket.
Craig Martelle’s Unforgettable Stories
Martelle’s novels are a thrilling mix of Space Opera, Post-Apocalyptic fiction, and Urban Fantasy, marked by vivid characters and relentless pacing. His Battleship Leviathan series follows a massive warship and its crew as they battle alien threats, earning praise for its gripping military sci-fi action. The End Times Alaska trilogy, starting with Endure, chronicles a family’s survival in a post-nuclear Fairbanks, blending raw emotion with gritty realism drawn from Martelle’s Alaskan life.
The Free Trader series, a fan favorite, features a hyper-intelligent cat and his human companion navigating a trade route in a vibrant sci-fi world. Martelle’s Terry Henry Walton Chronicles, co-authored with Michael Anderle, dives into urban fantasy with a post-apocalyptic twist, showcasing his knack for blending genres. His writing style—tight, action-packed, and laced with themes of justice and leadership—reflects his Marine Corps ethos and resonates with readers who crave immersive escapism.
With over 100 titles, including short stories and collaborations, Martelle’s output is staggering. He writes to market, tracking reader engagement to shape series like Cygnus Space Opera, ensuring his stories hit the sweet spot of what fans love while staying true to his creative vision.
Why Craig Martelle Matters
Craig Martelle’s impact extends beyond his books. As a hybrid author, he’s a beacon for indie writers, sharing wisdom through his 20Booksto50k® community, which empowers thousands of authors to succeed. His disciplined approach—writing 2,700 words daily—has made him a top 1,000 Amazon author, with thousands of five-star reviews. Martelle’s stories, often compared to Andre Norton’s, offer hope and heroism in chaotic worlds, resonating with readers seeking meaning in speculative fiction.
Living in Fairbanks, where temperatures plummet to -50°F and the northern lights dance, Martelle embodies the Alaskan spirit of resilience. His work inspires readers and writers alike to embrace their unique paths, proving that a creative life can thrive in the unlikeliest of places.
- Born: Iowa, USA
- Key Works: Battleship Leviathan, End Times Alaska, Free Trader, Terry Henry Walton Chronicles
- Genres: Science Fiction, Urban Fantasy, Post-Apocalyptic
- Notable: Top 1,000 Amazon author, founder of 20Booksto50k®
Snag Battleship Leviathan or End Times Alaska and dive into Craig Martelle’s thrilling sci-fi worlds! Whether you’re a fan of epic space battles or gritty survival tales, his stories will keep you hooked.