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Chen, Mike (Mike Chen)
Mike Chen, a critically acclaimed science fiction author based in the San Francisco Bay Area, has made a significant impact in the world of speculative fiction with his unique blend of storytelling. His debut novel, "Here and Now and Then," was a finalist for several awards, including the Goodreads Choice, CALIBA Golden Poppy, and Compton Crook awards, signaling his emergence as a notable new voice in the genre.
Chen's other novels, including "A Beginning at the End," "We Could Be Heroes," "Light Years From Home," and "Star Wars: Brotherhood," showcase his versatility and ability to engage readers with compelling narratives. His contribution to the "Star Wars: From a Certain Point of View" anthology further cements his place within the larger Star Wars canon, appealing to a wide audience of fans.
In addition to his novels, Chen has covered geek culture for prominent sites like Nerdist, StarTrek.com, and The Mary Sue, demonstrating his deep engagement with the science fiction and fantasy community. His background is as eclectic as his writing; in previous lives, Chen has worked as a sports journalist covering the NHL, a DJ, a musician, and an aerospace engineer. This diverse range of experiences has undoubtedly enriched his storytelling, bringing a unique perspective to his work.
Chen's journey to becoming a writer began in his youth, where he created fan fiction and crossover stories between his favorite franchises. This early passion for storytelling was evident in his high school years, where he wrote a parody of "The Grapes of Wrath" titled "The Oranges of Evil," which humorously blended elements of the Dust Bowl with the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles.
In college, Chen pursued creative writing alongside his engineering degree and began freelancing about the NHL for various sites. His career path took him through technical and marketing copywriting, as well as developing WordPress websites, all while covering hockey for major sports networks.
However, Chen's heart always remained in storytelling. His stories often focus on family, friendship, and humor, set against a backdrop of science fiction elements like time travel or apocalyptic scenarios. This approach sets his work apart, focusing on intimate, character-driven narratives rather than epic wars or fate-of-the-universe events.
Chen's entry into Star Wars writing began with his short story "Disturbance," published in the 2020 anthology "From a Certain Point of View: The Empire Strikes Back." He later wrote the 2022 novel "Brotherhood," focusing on Obi-Wan Kenobi and Anakin Skywalker during the Clone Wars, and contributed another short story to the 2023 anthology "From a Certain Point of View: Return of the Jedi."
For readers of SFcrowsnest, Mike Chen represents an exciting and unique voice in science fiction. His ability to weave deeply personal stories within the framework of speculative fiction offers readers a fresh and engaging perspective. Whether exploring the intricacies of time travel or delving into the Star Wars universe, Chen's work promises to captivate and resonate with a wide range of science fiction enthusiasts. You can search the Nest for articles on Chen, Mike (Mike Chen) over at https://www.SFcrowsnest.info/tag/Mike-Chen
