National Science Fiction Day is unofficially celebrated by many science fiction fans in the United States on January 2, which corresponds with the official birthdate of famed science fiction writer Isaac Asimov. While not an official holiday of any sort (in the sense that it is not recognized or declared by any government), National Science Fiction Day is given some degree of credence by its recognition by organizations such as the Hallmark Channel and by the Scholastic Corporation.
Though I don’t write sci fi, I celebrate this event every year so I can share the good news about my favorite Indie (some hybrid) science fiction writers:
If I missed you, add a comment and I’ll include you next year.
Some sci fi authors suggested by readers last year:
Arthur C. Clarke
Frank Herbert
HG Wells
John Wyndham
Isaac Asimov
Margaret Atwood
Orson Scott Card
Philip K. Dick
PD James
Ray Bradbury
Robert Heinlein
Want to read more about science fiction? Try these articles:
32 Tips for Science Fiction Writers
Book Review: Performance Anomalies
Here’s the sign-up link if the image above doesn’t work:
https://forms.aweber.com/form/87/838503387.htm.
Jacqui Murray is the author of the popular Man vs. Nature saga, the Rowe-Delamagente thrillers, and the acclaimed Building a Midshipman, the story of her daughter’s journey from high school to United States Naval Academy. She is also the author/editor of over a hundred books on integrating tech into education, adjunct professor of technology in education, blog webmaster, an Amazon Vine Voice, and a freelance journalist on tech ed topics. Look for her next prehistoric fiction, Natural Selection, Winter 2022
I wish we had a National Science Fiction day here. Ah well. I’d like to add a couple of indies to your list, Jacqui – Eliot Kay [for the Poor Man series], Hugh Howey for the Wool series [even though he’s now a hybrid], and good friend Chris James for the Repulse Chronicles. 🙂
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Thank you! I will add them to next year’s list!
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Excellent! I’m chuffed. Thank you. 🙂
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I didn’t know there was a SciFi day, thank you for sharing! Is Douglas Adams considered a SciFi author?
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I’m surprised it doesn’t get more notoriety. Lots of sci fi readers out there!
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National Science Fiction Day sounds like it would be popular. It’s interesting how people love Sci-fi.
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It does, doesn’t it? Yet, there isn’t a lot about it. I’ll send Elon Musk a quick email next year, get him to participate.
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That sounds like a plan.
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Who knew it was national science fiction day! I find it odd to classify Margaret Atwood as a sci-fi author, given that the bulk of her work is literary, or at least the books I read in the early part of her career are, but I know she’s also experimented with mystery.
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I didn’t try to vet the suggestions, just listed them. I’ve read none of Atwood–not into literary fiction (all that deep understanding hurts my brain). Thanks for the comment.
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Great genre for celebration, Jacqui. I enjoy sci-fi and have some indie writers to catch up with, it seems. Happy Reading!
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Yep. They are good, too. Just start at A and work your way down!
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Happy Science Fiction Day 🙂
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I wanted to read a sci fi book but was buried in one of my Westerns. Darn!
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You sure named a bunch of stars. I think my first science fiction read goes all the way back to H.G. Wells’s The War of the Worlds.
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Good one. I use that in my class on ‘vetting what you read and hear’ because so many people thought the radio broadcast was real!
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Frank Herbert (and his son) and Arthur C. Clarke are among my favorites. I just finished another book by Andy Weir, Project Hail Mary, a book that has an interesting twist on first contact with alien species.
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That has my interest. I will be checking it out!
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This is awesome!
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Especially for those who love sci fi. Thanks, Jennifer.
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This is wonderful! I love science fiction and am so pleased to see authors I didn’t know about. Can’t wait to see what they wrote. 🙂
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There are some amazing sci fi authors. I have gotten away from them, but I want to go back!
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Happy Sci Fi Day.:)
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It always sneaks up on me!
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I don’t read a lot of Sci-Fi, but Staci Troilo’s series stands out as the exception to the rule 🙂
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It is different than others I’ve read, in a wonderful way. Really enjoyed it.
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Hey, that’s me! Thanks.
I always forget this day, so thanks for the reminder.
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Yeah it is! Really liked that series, especially Book 1.
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Very nice
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Food and reading go nicely together, don’t you think?
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Happy New Year, Jacqui.
Although I’ve drifted towards the crime genre, science fiction has been on my reading list for decades, so I’ve read most of the listed authors. I read/devoured Asimov’s Foundation series in my teens, but my favourite has to be Frank Herbert, especially Dune. I’ve yet to see the new film as I’m alone in wanting to view it. Can I add Kurt Vonnegut as inspirational?
I also created a SF film society in my teens and a SF/Fantasy fanzine.
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You definitely qualify, Roland. Most people I know–myself included–enjoyed Dune. I will be seeing the sequel.
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I’ve read H.G. Wells and Ray Bradbury though science fiction is not my favorite genre. 😊 Happy New Year Jacqui.
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I would agree, but it does amaze me how much that used to be sci fi is now reality. Who knew?
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There are a lot of great authors on this list, Jacqui. I’ve read and enjoyed work by many of them. Happy National Science Fiction Day and Happy New Year!
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You too, Mae. I took a few weeks off, definitely missed chatting with all of you, and am ready to get back to it!
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I took a few weeks off too. Looking forward to getting back to routine in the New Year!
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Your readers have compiled a great list; I’ve read most of them. Nice that you’ve extended that list with new names. Thanks for heads up on sci-fi day – that’s new for me.
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They have! And more great ones in the comments. Next year will be a good update.
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I don’t read much science fiction, but I do like NH science fiction writer James Patrick Kelly’s work: https://www.pbs.org/video/nh-authors-james-patrick-kelly/. (I’ve met him, and he’s a very funny guy.)
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I’ll check him out. Thanks, Liz.
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You’re welcome, Jacqui. 🙂
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Sci-fi is such an amazing genre, Jacqui, probably my favorite. I think I have read (or heard) every Azimov book–he was such a visionary and we incorporate his ideas in sci-fi to this day. My daughter just watched the Apple TV version of Foundation and said it fell short. How do you make an action movie out of theoretical psychohistory? Good call on her part! And I might have to check out Blair’s Book, too!
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I love good sci fi. There is a lot that takes the name but falls short. Azimov never did!
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Asimov was amazing. He wrote books of all sorts, not just sci fi. A brilliant guy.
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What a brain he had! We need a few more like that.
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The first novel I read as a teen was, “Earth Abides” by George Stewart. I’ve reread it many times.
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I’ve not heard of it, but the title is enticing. Thanks, Andrew.
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One of the early post apocalyptic novels and boarders speculative and science fiction. If you want to write in this space, it’s a novel you must read.
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Thank goodness I don’t! Anything apocalyptic is too frightening for my cozy sentiments.
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Last year’s list of science-fiction author reminded me of my about page blurb. “I still remember the thrill of pulling that special book from the top shelf of the school library—no small feat for an under-tall sixth grader!” An anthology of stories about space and planets, including aliens, that got my young juices flowing. Thanks for the reminder of what started my reading and writing adventure! And happy National Science Fiction Day to you, too! (It should be a holiday!)
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I love that. Whatever gets a child reading is a great thing. Thanks for sharing that, Grant.
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Hi Jacqui – Happy New Year to you … I heard mention recently of this day (I think!) … I’ve read Alex’s books: which I so enjoyed … and it’s a genre I’m open to – but not necessarily my pick to read. Cheers Hilary
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Agree on everything, Hilary. Alex created a great character I enjoyed traveling with. Happy new year!
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I think it’s interesting that you don’t consider yourself a sci-fi writer. Sci-fi, like any good fiction, (for me, anyway) is about the characters. If I like or hate a character it holds my attention.
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I write about science–tangentially–but that’s actually called scientific writing or lab. Too confusing for a Sunday.
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Interesting. That’s cool.
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Wonderful share, Jacqui. I didn’t know it was Sci-Fi day. Happy New Year!
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It makes sense when you realize it’s Asimov’s birthday. Every reader knows him!
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Jacqui, it’s lovely that there is a special Sci-Fi day to celebrate the wonderful Asimov and his books! As young, I devoured science fiction books and read so many of these long-standing authors mentioned here – some are literally falling apart as I read them repeatedly over a few years! It is great that new authors are coming into this genre!
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Yes! I searched for official days to celebrate other genres, but there aren’t many. It seems Sci Fi is a standout favorite.
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Thanks for mentioning my novel “Einstein’s Compass a YA Time Traveler Adventure”. Kindle on Sale $.99
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Absolutely. We need a genre that mixes fact with fiction. Your book would fit there perfectly. I’ve seen it done in biographies, but never sci fi–before!
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Thanks for sharing, Jacqui. Happy New Year!
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I have my review of your new book coming out this week. And I posted the review on Amazon–sorry I missed the launch date!
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No worries, Jacqui. It’s a busy time for everyone! I appreciate your support. xo
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