Picture a Texas-born storyteller who spun galaxies of adventure with a dash of wit—meet T.S. Paul! Born in 1968, Paul was a science fiction maestro whose Athena Lee Chronicles captivated readers with fast-paced space opera thrills. His knack for crafting plucky heroines and intricate universes made him a beloved figure in sci-fi until his passing in 2020.
With a life as varied as his stories, Paul’s journey from disc jockey to bestselling author was anything but ordinary. His passion for sci-fi and fantasy fueled a creative spark that lit up the pages of his many series, inviting readers to explore worlds where engineering genius meets interstellar intrigue.
The Making of T.S. Paul
Born in Mineral Wells, Texas, T.S. Paul (the 'S' stands for Scott) lived a nomadic life, calling places like Alaska, Georgia, and Missouri home. His eclectic career—spanning cook, bookstore manager, and bowling alley attendant—gave him a rich tapestry of experiences. With degrees in Telecommunications and Culinary Arts, Paul was a history buff turned multimedia enthusiast before he embraced writing full-time. His lifelong love for science fiction, inspired by classics like Heinlein, shone through in his work, blending rational perseverance with a playful edge.
T.S. Paul’s Unforgettable Stories
Paul’s flagship series, the Athena Lee Chronicles, is a 13-book space opera saga that follows Ensign Athena Lee, a brilliant engineer navigating wars, pirates, and corruption. The series kicks off with The Forgotten Engineer (2016), where Athena, stranded after a battle, builds a space station to survive 15 years alone. Its sequels, like Engineering Murder and The Martian Inheritance, blend action, humor, and Athena’s knack for outsmarting foes.
Beyond Athena Lee, Paul penned the Federal Witch series, a paranormal adventure, and the Etheric Academy, co-written with Michael Anderle. His style? Fast-paced, character-driven, and unapologetically fun, with a nod to classic space opera. Readers loved his quirky AI sidekick Wilson and pop culture references, though some noted editing hiccups. Paul’s stories prioritized entertainment over hard science, earning praise as 'rambunctious reads' perfect for a cozy sci-fi escape.
His innovative approach—self-publishing what he wanted, when he wanted—made him a USA Today Bestselling author. Paul’s ability to churn out books rapidly, sometimes in weeks, kept fans hooked, even if the short lengths left some craving more depth.
Why T.S. Paul Matters
T.S. Paul’s impact lies in his accessibility and infectious enthusiasm. His Athena Lee Chronicles brought space opera to a new generation, appealing to young adults and sci-fi veterans alike. Fans adored Athena’s resilience and Paul’s knack for weaving humor into high-stakes plots. His indie publishing success inspired aspiring authors, proving you could break rules and still find an audience.
Though his passing in 2020 left the Athena Lee series unfinished at book 10, Paul’s legacy endures through his vibrant worlds and dedicated fanbase. His stories remain a testament to creativity unbound, encouraging readers to embrace the joy of a good yarn.
- Born: 1968, Mineral Wells, Texas
- Key Works: Athena Lee Chronicles, Federal Witch, Etheric Academy
- Fun Fact: His cat Merlin inspired a character in the Athena Lee series!
Snag The Forgotten Engineer and dive into T.S. Paul’s rollicking space opera today!