Picture an American storyteller who turned teleportation into a thrilling escape from reality—meet Steven Gould! Born in Arizona and shaped by a nomadic childhood, Gould is the science fiction genius behind the 'Jumper' series, a saga that blends heart-pounding adventure with deep themes of identity and freedom. His work has captivated readers and even caught Hollywood’s eye, earning him a spot collaborating with James Cameron on the 'Avatar' franchise.
The Making of Steven Gould
Born on February 7, 1955, in Fort Huachuca, Arizona, Steven Charles Gould grew up as an Army brat, moving from base to base, including a memorable stint in Hawaii where he fell in love with scuba diving. This wanderlust seeped into his stories, filled with characters yearning to break free. At Texas A&M University, Gould dove into science fiction fandom, chairing Aggiecon V in 1975. His first short story, 'The Touch of Their Eyes,' sold to 'Analog' in 1980, sparking a career that blended personal experience with speculative wonder.
Steven Gould’s Unforgettable Stories
Gould’s breakout novel, 'Jumper' (1992), follows Davy, a teen who discovers he can teleport while fleeing an abusive father. The story’s raw emotion and meticulous exploration of teleportation’s limits made it a sci-fi classic, later adapted into a 2008 film. Its sequel, 'Reflex' (2004), deepens the stakes with Davy’s capture, while 'Impulse' (2013) and 'Exo' (2014) introduce Cent, a fearless teen jumper. Gould’s 'Wildside' (1996), a tale of teens discovering a pristine parallel world, won the Hal Clement Award for young adult sci-fi. Collaborating with his wife, Laura J. Mixon, on 'Greenwar' (1997), Gould tackled environmental issues, showcasing his knack for weaving social conscience into thrilling plots. His style—clear, character-driven, and grounded in real-world struggles—makes his fantastical premises feel achingly human.
Gould’s stories often pit young heroes against corrupt systems, reflecting his belief in personal agency. His love for aikido, which he practices and teaches, shapes the disciplined protagonists of '7th Sigma' (2011) and 'Helm' (1998), while scuba diving informs vivid underwater scenes in 'Blind Waves' (2000). This blend of personal passion and narrative depth sets Gould apart in the sci-fi landscape.
Why Steven Gould Matters
Steven Gould’s impact lies in his ability to make the extraordinary relatable. His 'Jumper' series, banned by some yet beloved by many, resonates with readers craving escape from life’s constraints. His work inspired a 2018 TV series, 'Impulse,' and his collaboration with James Cameron on 'Avatar' novels (though unproduced) underscores his influence in speculative fiction. As president of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America (2013–2015), Gould championed the genre’s growth, mentoring new voices.
- Born: February 7, 1955, Fort Huachuca, Arizona
- Key Works: 'Jumper,' 'Wildside,' 'Reflex,' 'Exo'
- Awards: Hal Clement Award for 'Wildside' (1997)
- Fun Fact: Gould’s aikido expertise shapes his characters’ resilience!
Ready to teleport into a thrilling world? Grab 'Jumper' and dive into Steven Gould’s unforgettable sci-fi adventures!