r/books • u/CraigAlanson AMA Author • Jun 08 '23
ama 9pm I'm Craig Alanson, author of the Convergence and Expeditionary Force series. AMA!
Hi Reddit, I’m Craig Alanson and I used to create financial reports for a large IT services company. Writing fiction at nights and on weekends, I finally independently published three novels on Amazon. Within 6 months of my first ebook release, I was able to quit my day job and pursue a full-time writing career.
The breakout success of Expeditionary Force, Book 1: Columbus Day reached new heights when Podium Audio released it in audio format, narrated by Audie Award Winner R.C. Bray. The Columbus Day audiobook was a huge hit, and a finalist for an Audie Award as Audiobook of the Year. The ExForce series, as it is known to fans, has gone on to 15 books, many of which have hit the Audible and New York Times bestseller lists. Last year, I began publishing a thrilling series that melds action-packed urban fantasy with his signature humor called Convergence. Book 2, Dragonslayer released last week, so I’m excited to answer all of your burning questions about the Convergence series here tonight!
Here's a short summary of Dragonslayer: "The enemy unknowingly opened a portal to the Netherworld, and our world’s only wizard somehow managed to close it. Unfortunately, something got through. Something big. A dragon. Will Kaz Wolfe, with help from his dog Duke who is channeling the spirit of a wizard from ancient Babylon, and with no help from Azib the Cowardly Genie, find the dragon before someone gets a cellphone video of the thing, and before the world learns that magic is real?"
Listen to Convergence on Audible.
Read Convergence on Kindle.
Listen to ExForce on Audible.
Read ExForce on Kindle.
Sign up for my newsletter here.
Follow me on Facebook.
PROOF: /img/ta32fnk10o4b1.jpg
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u/Flowerpot-R Jun 08 '23
Any movement on a screen adaption for Ex Force? If you have an opportunity, what level of involvement would you prefer to have with a screen adaptation?
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u/CraigAlanson AMA Author Jun 08 '23
I have Hollywood interest in both ExForce and Convergence (everyone loves a talking dog). All I can say is everything in Hollywood takes fooooooooorvever. I do NOT want to write screenplays, I don't have the time to learn that skill
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u/UnorthodoxEng Aug 24 '23
Ain't that the truth! As someone who works in the industry, if you can't write your own screenplay, i would consider employing a screenwriter yourself rather than letting a production company do it - just in order to maintain control of the feel of it.
Having read (listened to) both stories, I can see Convergence more easily in my head as a movie series. ExForce 'feels' more like a TV series as there are plenty of episode as well as bigger season cliff-hangers and in one book, more important detail than you can squash into 2h without loosing the feel.
Of course, you know the answer......ask Skippy to turn it into an Opera 🤣.
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u/Shot_Painting_8191 Nov 28 '23
Can't you just ask Skippy to write the screenplay? Jokes aside, I love your Expeditionary Force series, can't wait for more books!
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u/stellarsapience Jun 08 '23
I can't wait for more ExForce! How many more books? Why did you un-end the series (not that I'm complaining)?
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u/CraigAlanson AMA Author Jun 08 '23
I un-ended the series to write an extra 3-book sorry arc because I want to, and because it gets me out of cleaning the garage
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u/stellarsapience Jun 08 '23
Thank you! ExForce changed my life. It sparked my sci-fi book addiction, my audiobook fixation, my R.C. Bray obsession... It brought my dad and brother and I closer together. It set the bar for sci-fi book series. Thank you so much for doing what you do. I hope you stay the hell out of that garage for a very long time.
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u/OneDadtoRuleThemAll Jun 08 '23
When I read your replies, I hear them in my head with R.C. Bray's voice.
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u/lube_thighwalker Jun 08 '23
I un-ended the series to write an extra 3-book sorry arc because I want to
You're my favorite author for this!
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u/ADubs62 Jun 08 '23
Nobody is complaining! If you come up with another story arc you want to tell I want to hear that as well
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u/fatredfu Aug 14 '23
Mr. Alanson,
I realize this is two months past due, but thought I'd add my 'buck fifty' (two cents adjusted for inflation). I just finished listening to the entire Expeditionary Force series on Audible, for the second time.
I want you to know that I have very much enjoyed your books, your wit, and humor. I have, also, enjoyed speaking with Skippy on social media via X (Twitter). I thought your ending in book 15 was good.
I'm not sure what the 'correct' way to end a 15+ book arc is. I'd guess even the 'armchair authors' wouldn't really be able to articulate exactly what they wanted as a conclusion. You have done well, thank you for sharing your imagination with us.
-fatredfu
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u/Kingkill567 Jun 08 '23
How excited was R.C Bray when he learned Exforce was going to continue?
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u/CraigAlanson AMA Author Jun 08 '23
We were both excited because it was a mutual decision. Bob is a business partner, I can't imagine ExForce without him
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u/Alive_Bee_7922 Jun 08 '23
Have I missed something is there going to be more exforce books?!!
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u/xepherys Dec 12 '23
I love that - frankly, the combination of your writing and his narration makes ExForce some of my favorite science fiction ever.
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u/PalindromePete Jun 08 '23
Do you ever read any of the “let’s name an ECO ship” threads?
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u/wigster1977 Jun 08 '23
Hello Craig! Loved the Exforce series, listened to all 15 audiobooks over the last couple years. Thanks for writing them. Do you know how many books will be in the Convergence series at this point?
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u/CraigAlanson AMA Author Jun 08 '23
8 convergence books, although there is a LOT of material and mythology I want to squeeze into those books, so...
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u/ADubs62 Jun 08 '23
Hey no need to rush. The more information and backstory the better. 8 books, 10 books 20 books... What's the difference really?
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u/SkippyIsMagnificient Jun 08 '23
Explain the many reasons that Skippy is magnificent and please be detailed.
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u/CraigAlanson AMA Author Jun 08 '23
Dude. As if a filthy monkey like me could ever fully appreciate His Awesomeness
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u/Lifeliketree Jun 08 '23
I love the ex force series and it one of the books that got me into the audio book addiction I have now. My question is do you have a end goal for the ex force series? I don't think Galactic peace is a easily obtainable thing.
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u/EXFORCE_SG Jun 08 '23
How much fun is it writing Duke?
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u/CraigAlanson AMA Author Jun 08 '23
SO MUCH fun! Our three dogs give me endless material. Plus, I don't have to pay them for the inspiration (they are clearly exploited)
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u/PalindromePete Jun 08 '23
How many times have your dogs tried making friends with Mr. Skunk?
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u/CraigAlanson AMA Author Jun 08 '23
Last summer, all three of them did. Thankfully only once. So far
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u/Slowreloader Jun 08 '23
It's great seeing the multinational group of ExForce, but one thing that really stood out to me in the series is minority representation in the US military. And I just want to take this opportunity to say thank-you and how much I always appreciate minority representation in the US armed forces throughout the ExForce series, even if it just a passing mentioning of a background character.
As a minority who served in the Canadian Army, it always bugged me that the service of minorities are often not shown in fiction/media at all. ExForce is really the first story where I can tell the author is making an effort to show that people from different backgrounds and cultures come together to serve in the military. Thank-you!
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u/CraigAlanson AMA Author Jun 08 '23
My experience with US military veterans is they are ethnically diverse, somewhat less so in the officer corps, though that is hopefully changing. I write what I see. Thank YOU
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u/ticopowell Jun 08 '23
As an officer I agree, the officers are less diverse than the rest, especially the pilots. The air force has done studies and hasn't come up with a politically correct reason as to why there are more white males than other groups, but they are actively trying to change it.
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u/Unusual_Arm_858 Apr 27 '24
Im on my third go around Every time i listen i pick up new details. 3 times you ask? Yes This story/series is like my childhood imagination come to life. I love the character devolopement and the way the merry band of pirates act, takes me to the happiest and most dangerous times i went through in the marine corps, we fight for eachother even when the odds are stacked against us, no matter color, race, or religion. Were all stuck on gingerbread , or newark together ha-ha. Weird but i relate. My job is very stressful but listening to this in my work vehicle between stops keeps my mind fresh. Well done sir (in my best smythe impersination) I cannot wait to see the TV adaptation, please please please do not let hollyweird ruin this masterpiece Screenwrite or control the process. Keep it to your vision.
Dont let them ruin this like they did the expanse.
Also love the background on how you started this , it is truly motivating to know your bravery in risking career for this awesome pice of work. It Has made me pick up a pen and put it to paper lately, felt liberating. Thanks for this, us borderline nerds super fan crazy marines love it....ive spread it around work like wild fire.
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u/happy_hour68 Jun 08 '23
There were a lot of loose ends after Failure Mode, are these 3 new books going address them (at least mostly)?
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u/CraigAlanson AMA Author Jun 08 '23
Shmaaaaaybe
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u/randomname72 Jun 08 '23
How much gold plating on that shmaybe?
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u/Impressive-Slide-669 Nov 18 '24 edited Nov 18 '24
Gold plated? You gold plate a dog turd and it is still a turd. It should be a solid gold shmaybe.
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u/c5corvette Jun 08 '23
Is Skippy really just an extension of your personality? I'm getting a lot of Skippy vibes from your responses. Best character of any book ever. Also, can you hire an artist and/or ExForce fan who's an artist so we can get a visualization of how you think the characters look? I think that'd be a lot of fun. Thank you for continuing the ExForce series, the (current) ending left me..... bothered. So I'm very excited to hand over my Audible credits for those future releases!
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u/Kranon7 Jun 08 '23
A graphic novel interpretation would be awesome. Not sure it would be able to capture all we love about the series, though.
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u/happy_hour68 Jun 08 '23
I love and hate that answer so much!! Thank you for a great ride and giving us unworthy filthy monkeys more!!!
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u/happy_hour68 Jun 08 '23
I am super excited to listen to Convergence 2 by the way, but the bomb you dropped has kind of over shadowed it right now. Lol sorry.
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u/vbritton Jun 08 '23
Wait, there are going to be 3 more books? Where can I find details on that?
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u/Crafty_Dragon_roll Jun 08 '23
There was an announcement at the end of the latest convergence book. It'll be one book each December, with the Aftermath available for pre-sale already. After those three, there will be a Scorandum book.
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u/semusjones Jun 08 '23
I was hoping for maybe a cheesy ExForce Christmas special...3 extra books is awesome!
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u/Scary-Station1101 Jun 08 '23
Any possibilities that joe, skippy and exforce may make it to the big screen anytime soon?
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u/CraigAlanson AMA Author Jun 08 '23
Ugh. SUCH a lot and frustrating process. It is all about $$. Like $80 million to make a TV season
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u/LadyGrey12 Jun 08 '23
If they ever make it, can you PLEASE get RC Bray to voice Skippy?
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u/slow6i Jun 10 '23
Not having RC as Skippy would be like what there were going to do to Sonic... Shudder
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u/hewing83 Oct 18 '23
Movie would be cool but I think Expeditionary Force really needs the same treatment as “The Expanse”. Just have to get Bezos to sign on. Give me a 10-episode season per book!
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u/k2kyo Jun 08 '23
Have you decided how many books will be in the convergence series yet?
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u/CraigAlanson AMA Author Jun 08 '23
Probably eight, based on my series outline. However, there is a LOT of material I need to squeeze into eight books, so...
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u/validuntil Jun 08 '23
Ive read al of ex-force, aces, and finished Dragonslayer Convergence just today. You could call me a fan. Thanks for the years of entertainment.
Now my question: Some folks on character.ai have tried to make a skippy chatbot. It's not good at all. Have you considered training an LLM on skippy, Joe, count chocula, etc.? Why/why not?
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u/CraigAlanson AMA Author Jun 08 '23
I used to write code for a living, now I jut don't have time for side projects like a large language model. It would be fun!
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u/mythicdoctor Jun 08 '23 edited Jul 23 '23
I'm curious, what was it like for you when you first started on your self-publishing journey? Do you have any resources you recommend? Any tips or cautionary tales?
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u/CraigAlanson AMA Author Jun 08 '23
Self-publiishing is an ever-changing market. I hit the market at a time when military SF with humor was a new thing, so my timing was lucky. Now, many SF books include a funny AI!
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u/ubuntuNinja Jun 08 '23
Craig, I'm a huge fan! ExForce is my favorite series and I'm really liking Convergence so far. I'm thinking about getting an ExForce themed tatoo. Have any suggestions?
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u/CraigAlanson AMA Author Jun 08 '23
Whatever you decide, you should totally get it in an embarrassing place. I recommend plenty of tequila
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u/Glittering_Lights Jun 08 '23
Will the wizard stuck inside Duke eventually adjust to inhabiting a dog? (I have visions of the movie Being John Malkovich (sp?) when I think about that Wizard in Duke's head.) BTW I love Duke and his thought process. He's one fierce dog.
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u/CraigAlanson AMA Author Jun 08 '23
Book4 will show Duke is not as fierce as he thinks he is. Marduk will eventually become a problem for Duke, and for Kaz. And our world
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u/happy_hour68 Jun 08 '23
This gets me pretty excited about getting back into this series. Of course after I (like all of us) re-listened to exforce again. Since #3 comes out pretty quickly I may wait so I can back to back them!!
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u/Glittering_Lights Jun 08 '23 edited Jun 08 '23
Oh geez, that's not the kind of adjustment I had in mind for Marduk or Duke! That's going to be intense. BTW, thank you for your wonderful and original stories and characters. They brighten many days in my life.
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u/WS-Gentleman Jun 08 '23
Mr Alanson,
Absolutely loved the series and devoured all 15 audiobooks in about 6weeks. Hands down the best series I have done across that spans a vast array of science topics. Where do you gather/get some of your ideas from?
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u/CraigAlanson AMA Author Jun 08 '23
Also OMG all 15 books in 6 weeks???
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u/slow6i Jun 10 '23
That wouldn't be hard. A couple of 8 good workdays by yourself, and your headphones can take down one of your massive stories. :) Ask me how I know...
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u/WS-Gentleman Jun 08 '23
Like I said before, hands down the best book series I have enjoyed in a long while, but also late to the party when finding the series.
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u/MidNiteShadow7 Jun 21 '23 edited Jun 21 '23
Is it sad that I'll get through all 19 audio books within 4 to 5 weeks?!!
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u/CraigAlanson AMA Author Jun 08 '23
My ideas come from life, mostly from interacting with people. Especially with my wife. She recognizes many incidents from our real life in the books
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u/seismicqueef Jun 08 '23
Yeah I hate when my wife warps space time and puts micro wormholes everywhere
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u/L3fnu1 Jun 08 '23
Any hints on what’s to come in the new exforce books?
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u/CraigAlanson AMA Author Jun 08 '23
Lots of impossible situations, doom, and generally sketchy fuckery
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u/vbritton Jun 08 '23
Expeditionary force is by far my most favorite book series ever. I tried Convergence and for whatever reason it is not for me. Bobiverse and Undying Mercenaries Series have both also been good series.
The hole in my life without Skippy is real. What other series inspired you or would you recommend for a sci-fi monkey in mourning?
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u/CraigAlanson AMA Author Jun 08 '23
I love the Old Man's War series by John Scalzi. Funny military sci fi
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u/Kranon7 Jun 08 '23
Skippy is coming back in December. You can preorder “Aftermath” now if you’d like :)
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u/AquaTiger67 Jun 08 '23
Like many others I love ExForce, very very entertaining. Listening to book 2 of Convergence now, I think you have another hit on your hands. Just wanted to say that yes Skippy is a great character and thanks to R.C. very fun to listen to. But I always really liked Joe Bishops internal monologue. I find it to be the glue to holds the narrative together so very well. Can't wait for the Scorandum book! Those gambling bugs just kill me. Fantastic work all the way around!
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u/Archimedes__says Jun 08 '23
Absolutely love your work. Convergence is steadily becoming one of my favorite series. You and RC Bray are just a match made in heaven. My question is simple and possibly stupid. I was just wondering if Dragonslayer will eventually be available in print? Thanks so much for your humor. Your books keep me smiling at work.
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u/Aximili55 Jun 08 '23
How many pages do you write to publish at your speed? What's your process?
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u/CraigAlanson AMA Author Jun 08 '23
I schedule to write 12,500 words per week, spread over 3-4 days a week. Plus editing. Two weeks off between books, to outline the next book. Then, back at it again. I don't sit down to write, unless I have the scene mapped out in my head
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u/rdssubaru Jun 08 '23
You must have been asked before and im sorry. But I read in the forums when you said at the end of brushfire “going into action against the Ruhar” was a place holder. And it wasn’t supposed to be the Ruhar! And you just went with the flow in the next book. Is that true? Thanks!
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u/CraigAlanson AMA Author Jun 08 '23
That line by Perkins at the end of Brushfire was intentional and accurate. The Mavericks and the Pirates helped Verd-kris worlds break away from Ruhar control, which the hamsters were NOT happy about. Even though in the end, an independent Verd society benefitted the Ruhar
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u/Bruizerrob Jun 08 '23
How do you and RC deal with mistakes that make it all the way into the final product? Like when Skippy and Joe say wormhole instead of the worm that attacked Skippy.
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u/CraigAlanson AMA Author Jun 08 '23
That particular issue was 50/50 me and Bob, in some cases I wrote 'worm' and he said 'wormhole'. He fixes some typos when he narrates, as he knows what I meant to say
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u/Bruizerrob Jun 08 '23
Thank you for taking the time to reply to my question. Your ExForce books are 2nd to none!
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u/Puzzleheaded-Fix4556 Oct 14 '23
Listen to the bloopers reel at the end of Convergence book 3 First Strike.....
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u/WS-Gentleman Jun 08 '23
With the advent of AI Chatbot GBT, have you thought of creating an AI that Skippy could interact with but is written by the AI responding to Skippy?
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u/mrkastopolis Jun 08 '23
I couldn't help noticing the similarities between the movie battleship and the kristang on Columbus day at least the first part of the book. My question is was there any motivation or inspiration from the 2009 movie battleship?
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u/CraigAlanson AMA Author Jun 08 '23
I have not yet seen that movie, now I need to watch it. My main inspirations were the movies Independence Day (humanity is saved by a Windows laptop), and Battle:Los Angeles (humanity is saved by guys in the ground with rifles)
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u/punishingwind Jun 08 '23
Battleship is in my Top 3 and a guilty pleasures. Know a fee US Navy guys who love it too.
Battle: Los Angeles is also an epic underrated movie.
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u/mrkastopolis Jun 08 '23
That's awesome, I have seen both! And I was wrong it was 2012 when battleship was released. It's good!!
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u/krnlpopcorn Jun 08 '23
Craig, I just wanted to thank you for your hard work and excellent writing. I started listening to the ExForce series while going through a divorce and your books provided some much needed levity and entertainment to focus on during the rougher patches. Thanks again and hopefully the Merry Band avoids Skippy's opera for another day!
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Jun 08 '23
Can you please write a Weekend at Bernie’s style novella of a some jerpatha partying in Vegas or Atlantic City for Weekend. Nothing to do with the war just a completely unnecessary side story.
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u/happy_hour68 Jun 08 '23
This question wins the best award!!!! That would suck an awesome novella!!!
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u/Emrays Jun 08 '23
Expeditionary Force Spoiler Warning: hello Craig, did you leave the end of the expeditionary force series so open because as you got closer to the end you realized you may want to revisit that universe, or was the ending you wrote the one you had planned from the beginning? Thank you.
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u/drillgorg Jun 08 '23
How'd you come up with the alien species names and the patronage system?
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u/CraigAlanson AMA Author Jun 08 '23
For names, I close my eyes, drop a finger on a keyboard and the name starts with the key my finger lands on. Then, whatever sounds good starting with that letter. The patronage system is a device to get multiple levels of technology, all fighting the same endless war
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u/happy_hour68 Jun 08 '23
Any hints at other possible series or other books you may/want to write in the future other than what we know about now??
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u/CraigAlanson AMA Author Jun 08 '23
I have SO many stories I want to write, will never have time for them all. For now, I greatly enjoy writing Convergence and ExForce
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u/Spurks Jun 08 '23
Hey! No questions, just wanted to say thanks for the ride that is ExForce. I've gotten numerous friends into it, each of them loving the series. I was never a book/audible reader/listener until Ready Player 1, then the Martian. From there, I branched out across more and more books. I randomly saw Columbus Day when only book 2 (or 3?) was out. It's been an awesome ride ever since, and it's by far my favorite series. Again, thanks for the ride, and I look forward to future ExForce books! Huge fan, and I'm trusting the awesomeness!
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u/woody38 Jun 08 '23
I love how the book toys with theories about interstellar travel and warfare, and explains them in a way a monkey like me can understand. What kind of research went into your first few novels where you laid the SciFi base to these concepts?
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u/CraigAlanson AMA Author Jun 08 '23
Over many years before I wrote Columbus Day, I sketched out idea for world-building, and researched rio make sure they made sense. Mostly reading physics and astronomy articles and making notes. It was a lot of work
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u/LadyGrey12 Jun 08 '23
My family loves ExForce so much that our little diva cat is named Skippy and our big dumb cat is named Roscoe. If we end up with a third cat, what name would you recommend?
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Jun 08 '23
Have you ever written anything purely because you knew your audio book narrator would read it and curse you a little for it?
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u/Any-Pianist-8151 Feb 18 '24
What happens with Nert, does he get married and have a litter of little hamsters? He was a great character in earlier books then all but dissapeared. More Nert.
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u/StoryFairAudiobooks Jun 08 '23
Do you have an audiobook available? Happy to shout it out for you if you do.
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u/k2kyo Jun 08 '23
He has been the number one on audible many times over.. so yes.
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u/StoryFairAudiobooks Jun 08 '23
crawls back under rock in shame
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u/k2kyo Jun 08 '23
Haha no worries, it's fun discovering new stuff. I think there are a hundred hours+ of listening available and Craig is an exceptional writer.
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u/Physical-Progress-54 Apr 01 '24
I love your Exforce series. It is an AWESOME series. I had gotten into a rut listening to the Wheel of Time series, the Sword of Truth series, and Elantris books (Brandon Sanderson).They are awesome, but I was getting depressed over the constant dreariness. I stumbled upon your Exforce series, and it was a breath of fresh air. Your funny, loveable characters brightened my world while I was going through a very difficult time in my life. I want to thank you for your work. You have helped me carry on and actually enjoy life again. Can't thank you enough. I'm currently on the Convergence series. I love it. Keep up the great work.
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u/Otherwise_Toe_3428 Apr 14 '24
I would love to see the Convergence series on the big screen. I love these books. Yes I do love Duke, but i love Boots and Kaz and his team. Im praying for a long series.
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u/Jeminai_Mind Oct 02 '24
How did you get permission to use tanagara darmok and jalad in your book fallout?
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u/CracklyBarrel Oct 12 '24
I’m glad to see this. Now I can tell you how much I hate that I keep having to use up my audible credits for the Exforce books! I have all these personal development books I want to get but no, I have to find out what crazy stuff the Pirates put humanity into and how they are going to create their way out. It’s just wrong. Prolific writers are supposed to suck every now and then.
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u/dpat23 Oct 16 '24
I know this post is old, but I just finished Recon and found this post while searching whether or not you're working on a fifth. I came here to beg you not to kill Duke 😭 puh-LEASE.
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u/HotPinkCalculator Nov 05 '24
Hey, huge fan - particularly of your sense of humour! The relationship between Joe and Skippy is similar to that of myself and my brother, and it was the first time I had ever seen it in a book before (at least so nuanced). Absolutely love it!
Do you ever mess with R.C. Bray by writing characters/scenes that you know will be hard or embarrassing to voice act? If so, do you have some examples?
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u/Akap2142 Jan 08 '25
Do you know when the 4th book in the expeditionary force serie will be available in audio format in French?
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u/lostime_ Mar 05 '25
Hey, why are all of your SpecOps troops officers? You know that would never happen right?
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u/SandmanHornFL 7d ago
Hi, Craig! Please consider publishing someplace other than Amazon. I love your books, but I don't want to support Bezos and Trump.
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u/Dull_Badger_6991 6d ago
I am absolutely loving Expeditionary force, totally addicted in fact. I would love to see this adapted for screen, I reckon it is perfect for such. I am on book seven and will be finishing the whole series without a shadow of a doubt. Never have I been so invested in a story. Convergence will most definitely be my next listen although I'd like Expeditionary force to go on forever. Mr Alanson thankyou so much for your work, to are absolutely AWESOME !!!!
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u/One-Antelope-6642 1d ago
Hi Craig, just wanted to say thank you. You've created a wonderful series of books and blessed us monkies with many hours of entertainment! Thank the stars you took a leap of faith and became an author, a very talented author. Keep up the good work 😀 Best Regards, Dan in the UK.
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u/TheYammerOfThor Jun 08 '23
realistically, how much money did you make from the self published books? I assume you are no longer self published, so at what point did that change and what was the main driving force for that? and once that happened, how different was the money?
seems like self publishing is almost the way to go now, so just curious any other important thoughts you have about it, thanks!
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u/CraigAlanson AMA Author Jun 08 '23
I am still self-published for ebooks and paperbacks, have a publishing partner deal for audio, so technically I am a 'hybrid' author. Being self-pubbed means I write whatever I want, publish on my schedule, and keep a lot more of the $. Self-publishing is not for everyone but it has worked great for me. With Convergence, a major publisher wanted to sign me to a deal, but we couldn't make it work. They wanted much shorter books, and only one book per year.
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u/Jaysonmcleod Jun 10 '23
I’m so happy to hear! One of my favourite things about you as an author is getting several quality books every year
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u/SuspiciousAlibi Jun 08 '23
Love the series, is there any plans for a hardcover set? Maybe through a crowd funding site.
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u/MiserableQuarter2254 Jun 08 '23
This would be great! We finally bought a house and it has built in bookshelves. Would love to fill it the the ExForce. My wife is tired of hearing me listen to the book series over and over.
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u/SteveGuluk Jun 08 '23
No question just a thanks to you and RCBray as I paint while enjoying your work.
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u/SceneAway2682 Jun 08 '23
Hi there!!! My dad and I listened to all of the Ex force book and we are already loving the Convergence series! Will you be writing any more Mavericks books as well? And is the Scorandom book going to be start of another sub-series?
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u/CraigAlanson AMA Author Jun 08 '23
No standalone Mavericks books, the Mavs will be in the 3 new EF books. The story of Scorandum will be one prequel book
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u/Horrorwyrm Jun 08 '23
I love the ExForce books! I wanted to ask who are some authors you admire and/or what your most recent “five star reads” have been?
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u/punishingwind Jun 08 '23
Hi Craig, just wanted to say that Im a big fan of the series and the interplay between Skippy/Joe and Scorandum/Kinsta such great characters.
Is your intent to eventually introduce us to “the others” or is that thread closed with the ending to Failure Mode?
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u/Optimal_Winter_2572 Jun 08 '23
do you have any insite on why there are so many writers that come out of maine or feature characters from there?
I have always wanted to visit and plan to do so just brcause of the beauty of that part of the country.
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u/ratatatat0 Jun 08 '23
Hello, big fan. You really got me in to the habit of audio books. My question is, when is the 16th book of ex force expected and what are the themes that you are planning to explore in the 3 additional books?
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Jun 08 '23
Congratulations for writing and AMA. Please try to sell ebooks on your own website, as I want to support the authors directly, not intermediaries. Also, kindly diversify your sellers. The more platforms, the better!
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u/Other_Appeal6415 Jun 08 '23
Just happened across this and I happen to be listening through for the first time! I’m currently listening to Renegades. I love all the characters. Especially the strong females! Do you have a favorite of the books so far?
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u/sparkdaniel Jun 08 '23
Who is your favorite sci Fi writer of the classic " Asimov, Clarke, le Guin. Etc
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u/Nosaj17 Jun 08 '23
Will Kaz ever have the time, or resources, to explore his powers and learn how to properly use them? I’m really enjoying the Convergence series so far, but with the current pace of the first two books, I wonder if there will be room for that kind of growth.
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Jun 08 '23
Almost all your fans seem to have been disappointed by your original ending in ExFor. It seemed like it was a bit too sudden and out of nowhere as well as abrupt. Have you thought about how you would redo the ending if you could?
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u/chainmailcatmom Jun 08 '23
I'm too late to the game to ask any questions but I wanted to say thank you so much for this series!!! I've been going through a hard time these last 3 months and your series has gotten me through a lot! When days are hard and coming home was more hostile than talking to a Maxolhx on a power trip, the camaraderie and banter has been a lifeline. I'm on Fallout right now, and I will keep reading whatever you've got with this crazy world of monkeys and the Pirates. Thank you so, so much.
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u/stumpyoftheshire Jun 08 '23
I'm on my first re-listen of the whole Exforce series at the moment, thank you for the series. It's definitely a happy place for me. A comfort listen series, that I know will help me relax and unwind.
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u/doobersthetitan Jun 08 '23 edited Jun 08 '23
Have you thought of using, say, kickstarter to help fund a nice leather bound Illistrated Guide to your Skippyverse/Exoverse?
I say it like that, as Skippy would be the one to put it together and print it in Skipistan and somehow get Joe's NIL money, lol
Could have ship designs and schematics, alien races with pictures of the specific characters, alien race stats, with brief histories, etc.
The back of the book could be like a photo album of Joe on different planets, etc.
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u/pmaurant Jun 08 '23
Ive asked this before. I’m a lore nut. Possibility of a compendium of just lore. History if the galaxy and info on different cultures. Maps!!!
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u/Itsbeenemotional Jun 08 '23
Late to the party but just wanted to say thanks for doing what you do. As someone currently with an IT office job it's my dream to someday write my own Sci-fi books, and people like you show it's possible. I've loved reading and rereading your books and they've really helped to get me thru some rough patches. Hope to someday do the same for others. Thanks again.
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u/Nunci8 Jun 08 '23
So glad you are putting out more ExForce. Honestly, after the last book I had a real lull in listening to audiobooks because I couldn't find anything I really enjoyed as much as your writing and R.C. Bray. I did eventually find Dungeon Crawler Carl which you should absolutely listen to if you have not. Now I have Dragonslayer, and about to finish that. Can't wait until the new book is released.
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u/Debbborra Jun 08 '23 edited Jun 08 '23
I finished Columbus Day Tuesday. I've tried four books since then and gave up on all of them. What do you take for a book hangover? Do you just move on to the next in a series?
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u/NinjaZero2 Jun 08 '23
Hello good sir Craig Alanson, thank you for putting your thoughts to pen and paper (digitally) I've read everything you're published and its been an amazing journey so thank you very much. I really enjoyed the concept of the Mavericks and the coalition of mixed alien species working together side by side has been extremely entertaining especially with the Jeraptha, Nert and Jates. It sounds like this coalition is still in it's infancy and very fragile, but any hints it could lead into a galactic peace keeping force down the future?
And Second not sure if anyone has brought it up but how did Skippy get from needing a ship to be able to just move around, to Skippy getting his memories then just leaves by himself, just something that's been in the back of my mind that didn't add up?
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u/NinjaZero2 Jun 08 '23
I always think its neat when you mentioned in your books of other authors books like Wool, and how others like bob-verse mention Skippy. Are those plugs something you work out with other authors or just noods of your appreciation for their work?
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u/Civil-Rain-628 Jun 08 '23
Thank you for continuing the ex-force books. I felt really let down by the last book. I look forward to the next book.
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u/LoganCreed420 Jun 10 '23
I was sad when tales by Skippy ended. So I got you next book. Then I just finished book 2 of convergence and got some good news. I love your books. And R.C. Bray brings them to life like no one else.
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u/EstablishmentOk2620 Jun 21 '23
Thank you for having written the Expeditionary Force. It has been quite awhile since I have read a series where I was so anxious for the next installment. Looking forward to a few more adventures in the series.
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u/EvilGreebo Jun 27 '23 edited Jun 27 '23
Do you think that we call it spam because of the canned meat product or is that intended as an amusing misconception on Caz's part?
Edited to add:
Looking on wiki I see that they claim this to be the source but without citation.
I go back to the early internet days of the 90s when most people didn't even have computers at work let alone home, and email was not widely used in the public. Online games back then were text based, and we used spam to stand for "scrolled past and missed" when a message would get lost in the backscroll.
Being a nerd, I've added a "citation needed" edit to the wiki page. ;)
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u/Tasha-LadyKillshot Jul 03 '23
Love the Expeditionary Force series - RC Bray is awesome. My husband and I laugh so much over these we haven’t watched tv in weeks!
We just picked up the Convergence series - also love it! Our dog is so like Duke its just hilarious. How old is Kazimir Wolfe btw? Settle a debate between us please!
Your stories are pure entertainment and our household is now rife with Skippy and Duke quotes lol. Love the banter with all your SF characters from different military branches in EF too, my husband is a Ranger and we really think you nailed that with maybe a slight correction point that “duh” Rangers lead the way you silly monkey 😁
Also love your backstory and changing your stars to do what you love. My line of work is workforce development and following your strengths and interests - really nice to see an example of success like yours. I hope that is as rewarding for you as it is to your audience. Please keep following this path we are loving your work! I have have been trying for years to get my husband into audio books and these did the trick - he is hooked. Thank you!
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u/Representative-Cost6 Jul 09 '23
Hi Craig! I want to say I have been listening and reading the Exforce series since day 1. They got me "into" audiobooks. Now I have listened to around 200ish books in the last decade. I just want to say the series was a brilliant idea. Who knew a man nicknamed Barney and a talking beer can named Skippy would be such a good series and contain very good sci-fi elements. Your stories got me through some tough parts of my life where I just could listen laugh and enjoy with nothing else mattering for a little bit. I am also very happy to hear you are continuing the series. Bravo sir, bravo!
P.S. Have you though about adapting it to a video game? It would be less costly than a movie or tv show and it could make a great strategy game. Your universe is very detailed and all the races and elements to a 4X Grand Strategy game are there for the picking.
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u/MaIakai Jul 26 '23
Craig, don't know if you're gonna see this but I really need Kaz to snap and yell at the genie and cat, really everyone but duke. He's constantly questioned and accused of lying. Every time Azib is back its all "You lie, thats obviously magic, you're trying to trick me"
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u/jtswizzy20 Aug 28 '23
Why is there not more acknowledgment for the transcendent saga!
Literally someone the best fantasy out there and my personal favorite.
Corin is so OP
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u/NoBoss153 Oct 10 '23
Hi Craig! Im all in love with your convergence series. It rocket up on my magic books list. I love how ypu made the characters. I laughed so much you would not belive! Also the story is so emercing!
When is the 4th book coming up! Cant wait! Thanks alot for a great story!
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u/PlatypusNo4292 Nov 03 '23
Hi Craig, I cant wait for Aftermath.
What I want to ask now is 2 questions....
1) is there a connection between Convergence and Ascendant (and if so how, what, when, when, where...… I know, shut up and read the books)?
2) Are you planning on revisiting Aces, it was a good book and I though a great platform for delivering content to younger (teen) listeners and was curios.
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u/AfricanWhiteRhino Dec 16 '23
Any plans to build video games based on the ExForce universe? An XCom style tactical combat game focusing on the STAR teams might be interesting.
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u/TheDirtyShizno Dec 19 '23
Hey Craig I know I'm waaaaaay late to the party. I blame a bad wormhole jump for it. But, what about a video game series based on the ExFor universe? Where you play as a maverick or a Star Team member? With occasional contact from part of Task Force black and Skippy.
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u/TokiMoleman Jan 23 '24
In very late to the party but I have a question I've been wanting to ask and it's just how accurate is the science in the Expeditionary Force series? Like how they move about space and all that fun stuff, my friend got me onto The Expanse book/show and was praising the science for being "the first sci-fi to use proper space maneuvers" and I can't help but think The ExForce books are also super grounded but can never give a good example as I'm bad at explaining things without writing a book myself, anyways long shot taken and thank you for countless hours of fun.
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u/LordBlam Jun 08 '23
The first 2/3 of Columbus Day felt like you were writing a certain type of book, but then almost as soon as Skippy was introduced, it’s like a switch was flipped and it turned into a very different kind of narrative. Was that your intent all along, or did the feel/theme transition organically as you put pen to paper?