Picture an American storyteller who sailed airships through the stars and won a Hugo Award—meet David D. Levine! This science fiction and fantasy author, best known for his swashbuckling novel Arabella of Mars, weaves tales that blend Regency-era charm with interplanetary adventure. From a tech career to literary acclaim, Levine’s journey is as captivating as his stories.
The Making of David D. Levine
Born on February 21, 1961, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, David D. Levine grew up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with a passion for science fiction. A long-time fan, he was an early member of the Milwaukee Amateur Press Association and co-edited a fanzine, Bento, with his late wife, Kate Yule. Before writing fiction, Levine penned technical articles and worked as a software engineer, but his love for speculative storytelling led him to attend Clarion West. His first professional sale in 2001 marked the start of a prolific career.
David D. Levine’s Unforgettable Stories
Levine’s debut novel, Arabella of Mars (Tor, 2016), is a steampunk adventure set in an alternate 1812 where airships sail between planets. The story follows Arabella Ashby, a spirited heroine who disguises herself as a boy to save her brother on Mars. This Andre Norton Award winner blends Jane Austen’s Regency sensibilities with Jules Verne’s cosmic flair. Its sequels, Arabella and the Battle of Venus (2017) and Arabella the Traitor of Mars (2018), continue the saga with wit and heart.
Levine excels in short fiction, with over sixty stories published in outlets like Asimov’s, Analog, and Tor.com. His Hugo-winning story “Tk’Tk’Tk” (2005) explores a human salesman navigating an alien culture, showcasing his knack for blending humor and empathy. Other notable works include “Damage” (2015), a Nebula-nominated tale of sentient spacecraft, and contributions to George R. R. Martin’s Wild Cards series. Levine’s style merges meticulous world-building with character-driven narratives, often critiquing colonialism and celebrating human resilience.
In 2023, Levine released The Kuiper Belt Job, a space-opera caper about a gang of grifters reuniting for a daring heist. This novel highlights his versatility, trading Regency airships for gritty interstellar intrigue. His stories, translated into multiple languages, consistently earn spots in Year’s Best anthologies, reflecting his broad appeal.
Why David D. Levine Matters
David D. Levine’s work bridges classic sci-fi adventure with modern sensibilities, offering readers escapist fun alongside thoughtful commentary on culture and technology. His transition from tech to writing inspires aspiring authors, proving it’s never too late to chase a creative dream—Levine was 55 when Arabella of Mars debuted to acclaim. His involvement in fandom, from chairing Potlatch conventions to narrating podcasts for Escape Pod, strengthens the sci-fi community. In 2010, he even spent two weeks at a simulated Mars base in Utah, living his stories’ spirit of exploration.
About David D. Levine
- Birth Date: February 21, 1961
- Key Works: Arabella of Mars, “Tk’Tk’Tk,” The Kuiper Belt Job
- Awards: Hugo Award (2006), Andre Norton Award (2017), Endeavour Award (2009)
- Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Ready to soar through the stars with a Regency twist? Grab Arabella of Mars and dive into David D. Levine’s thrilling sci的态度!