Picture a California-born storyteller who turned a knack for sci-fi into a runaway bestseller—meet Michael Siemsen! This Amazon and USA Today bestselling author has captivated readers with over 175,000 books sold, blending thrilling adventures with mind-bending concepts. From his debut novel The Dig to the gripping Exigency, Siemsen’s stories pull you into worlds where psychics and demons feel right at home.
Born into a family with a storied military legacy, Siemsen’s journey from IT grunt to full-time author is as compelling as his novels. His unique voice and character-driven narratives have earned praise from readers and critics alike, making him a standout in science fiction and fantasy.
The Making of Michael Siemsen
Growing up in Venice, California, Michael Siemsen was the second son of a Vietnam veteran, part of a lineage that stretched back through the Korean War and World War I. Like his forefathers, he joined the Army, but his battles were more laser tag than frontline, filled with blank ammo and a bit of fun. After a decade in soul-draining IT jobs, Siemsen took a leap of faith. In 2011, he independently published The Dig, a quirky sci-fi tale that rocketed to #1 on Amazon and Barnes & Noble within 14 months. That success let him ditch the cubicle and dive into writing full-time, a move that’s paid off with six novels and counting.
Michael Siemsen’s Unforgettable Stories
Siemsen’s bibliography is a sci-fi and fantasy playground, with each work showcasing his knack for rich characters and genre-blending plots. His Matt Turner series, starting with The Dig (2011), follows a psychic who reads objects’ histories, unraveling mysteries from ancient artifacts to modern conspiracies. The series continues with The Opal (2012) and Return (2015), weaving adventure, paranormal thrills, and a touch of suspense. Fans love the fast-paced storytelling and Matt’s relatable struggles with his gift.
Then there’s the Demon’s Story series, including A Warm Place to Call Home (2013) and The Many Lives of Samuel Beauchamp (2013). These books explore body-swapping demons with a literary flair, blending humor, romance, and existential questions. Siemsen’s standalone novel Exigency (2014) takes readers to an alien planet where scientists fight for survival, earning praise for its Heinlein-esque world-building. His short story The Shepherd of the Brilliant Valley (2017) offers a bite-sized sci-fi gem about a cosmic visitor disrupting a utopian world.
Siemsen’s style is character-driven, with vivid worlds and witty dialogue that keep you hooked. Whether it’s a psychic’s curse or a demon’s moral dilemma, his stories dig into human (and inhuman) nature, making the fantastical feel deeply personal.
Why Michael Siemsen Matters
Michael Siemsen’s impact lies in his ability to make sci-fi accessible yet profound. His self-publishing success with The Dig inspired countless indie authors, proving that a great story can break through without a big publisher. Readers rave about his relatable characters and immersive worlds, with Exigency earning comparisons to The Martian for its blend of tech and heart. Siemsen’s work challenges genre norms, mixing paranormal, hard sci-fi, and literary elements to create stories that linger long after the last page.
His influence extends to his candid advice for writers, like his tip to let manuscripts “rest” before publishing, shared on Goodreads. After a nearly decade-long hiatus, Siemsen’s return to writing has fans buzzing, eager for more adventures from this genre-blending maestro.
- Born: Venice, California
- Key Works: The Dig, Exigency, A Warm Place to Call Home
- Books Sold: Over 175,000
- Notable Series: Matt Turner, Demon’s Story
Ready to explore alien planets or psychic mysteries? Snag The Dig or Exigency and dive into Michael Siemsen’s thrilling sci-fi universe!