Picture a Nashville storyteller who swapped corporate sales for crafting mind-bending sci-fi tales—meet K.J. Nelson! This rising star in speculative fiction has captivated readers with his high-concept series like The Journeyer and The Crumbling, weaving time travel, redemption, and the weight of power into stories that linger. With a passion for storytelling and an ambitious goal to pen multiple books a year, Nelson is carving a unique path in science fiction.
The Making of K.J. Nelson
Born and based in Nashville, Tennessee, K.J. Nelson spent a decade in corporate sales before his love for stories pulled him into writing. A lifelong reader and dreamer, he stumbled into authorship when he couldn’t find the time-travel tale he craved—a story of a prisoner reliving his life to right past wrongs. This spark ignited Relive, the first book in The Journeyer series, transforming Nelson from a story lover to a storyteller. His self-described mission? To share narratives that grip and inspire, drawing from his vivid imagination and knack for human emotion.
K.J. Nelson’s Unforgettable Stories
Nelson’s debut, Relive (2020), introduces Gerald Holstrom, a Folsom Prison inmate haunted by a murder he committed at 19. As a Journeyer—a rare soul who relives their life with memories intact—Gerald grapples with love, regret, and a secret order tasked with preserving the timeline. Fans praise its blend of Back to the Future’s time-bending thrills and The Shawshank Redemption’s emotional depth. Its sequel, Reload (2021), dives deeper, with Gerald fighting to reclaim stolen memories and fix a fractured timeline.
In Warlord (2021), the first of The Crumbling series, Nelson shifts to a post-apocalyptic world ravaged by an EMP blast. The story follows Cameron, a fierce female lead navigating alien tech and personal demons, showcasing Nelson’s knack for strong, flawed characters. His style—fast-paced, character-driven, and rich with twists—explores themes of second chances, the cost of power, and humanity’s resilience, earning comparisons to classic sci-fi with a modern edge.
Why K.J. Nelson Matters
K.J. Nelson’s rise as an indie author highlights the power of passion-driven storytelling. His ability to craft intricate sci-fi worlds while grounding them in raw human struggles resonates with readers seeking both escapism and meaning. Though early works faced criticism for needing polish, Nelson’s commitment to improving his craft and prolific output signal a bright future. By tackling universal themes through speculative lenses, he’s building a loyal fanbase and contributing to Nashville’s growing literary scene.
- Key Works: Relive, Reload (The Journeyer series), Warlord (The Crumbling series)
- Genre: Science fiction, speculative fiction
- Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee
Ready to dive into a world of time loops and redemption? Snag Relive and discover K.J. Nelson’s thrilling sci-fi universe!