Picture a Taiwanese-American storyteller who swapped Silicon Valley’s code for cosmic capers—meet Curtis C. Chen! This science fiction maestro, born in Taiwan and raised in the USA, crafts thrilling tales that blend high-tech hijinks with heart-pounding adventure. Best known for his Kangaroo series, Chen’s imaginative storytelling has carved a unique niche in speculative fiction, captivating readers with his witty prose and mind-bending concepts.
From software engineering to intergalactic espionage, Chen’s journey is as dynamic as his novels. His ability to weave technological expertise into narratives about superpowered spies makes him a standout in contemporary sci-fi. Ready to dive into his universe? Let’s explore the life, works, and impact of Curtis C. Chen!
The Making of Curtis C. Chen
Born in Taiwan, Curtis C. Chen grew up in the United States, where his grandfather’s bookstore sparked a lifelong love for stories. As a child, he devoured Japanese manga like Doraemon, a tale of a cat with a magical pouch, which later inspired the pocket universe in his Kangaroo series. Before becoming a full-time writer, Chen thrived as a software engineer in Silicon Valley, honing a knack for problem-solving that now fuels his intricate plots. His transition to fiction was no accident—he graduated from prestigious workshops like Clarion West and Viable Paradise, sharpening his craft alongside industry luminaries.
Curtis C. Chen’s Unforgettable Stories
Chen’s Kangaroo series is the crown jewel of his bibliography, a trio of science fiction spy thrillers brimming with humor and heart. The first, Waypoint Kangaroo (2016), introduces a superpowered agent with a portal to a pocket universe, tasked with stopping a conspiracy on a Mars-bound cruise. A 2017 Locus and Endeavour Award finalist, it’s a fast-paced romp that blends action with clever tech. Its sequel, Kangaroo Too (2017), takes the hero to the Moon, unraveling secrets with snappy dialogue and inventive sci-fi gadgets. The third, True Blue Kangaroo (2024), explores Venus, cementing Chen’s knack for high-stakes adventure.
Beyond novels, Chen’s short fiction shines in publications like Playboy Magazine, Daily Science Fiction, and Mission: Tomorrow. His stories often explore speculative tech and human resilience, reflecting his engineering roots. Chen’s writing style—witty, accessible, and packed with plot twists—draws comparisons to John Scalzi, making his work a perfect blend of brainy and fun. He also weaves puzzles into his Kangaroo book covers, inviting readers to uncover hidden online trails, a nod to his love for interactive storytelling.
Why Curtis C. Chen Matters
Curtis C. Chen’s impact lies in his ability to make science fiction feel fresh and inclusive. His Taiwanese-American perspective infuses his work with cultural depth, while his engineering background grounds his fantastical ideas in plausible tech. As a Full Member and former Board Secretary of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers Association, Chen advocates for genre writers, amplifying diverse voices. His puzzle games, like Puzzled Pint in Portland, foster community engagement, blending his love for storytelling with interactive fun. Chen’s legacy is one of innovation, inviting readers to think, laugh, and explore.
- Born: Taiwan
- Key Works: Waypoint Kangaroo, Kangaroo Too, True Blue Kangaroo
- Awards: 2017 Locus and Endeavour Award Finalist for Waypoint Kangaroo
- Fun Fact: Built a cat-feeding robot displayed at Seattle’s Wing Luke Museum
Snag Waypoint Kangaroo and dive into Curtis C. Chen’s thrilling sci-fi universe! Whether you’re a tech geek or a spy-thriller fan, his stories promise a wild ride across the stars.