start here
Welcome to the Orientation Lounge at Space Station Alpha Zebra Niner. You're here to find out who I am, what this is all about, and how your life will get immeasurably better by walking through those silent-as-the-grave sliding glass doors.
Have a seat. I'll take your questions one by one.
who I am
This web site is by me, Ross Pruden. I am a science fiction author preparing to publish my debut novel, hopefully the first in a series.
I have loved sci-fi ever since my cousin threw me his copy of Rendezvous With Rama and said, "I think you'll like this." Had he only known!
Today, I'm planning an epic series of science fiction novels, the first being A Spy, Forged which is set for release in October 2026.
A Spy, Forged is the first book in The Sapient Saga, but each book is intended as a standalone novel much like Iain Banks' Culture novels. Part Asimov's galactic empires, part Robert Heinlein snark, with Adrian Tchaikovsky world-building and Andy Weir's easy writing style. I am leaning on decades of storytelling lessons to craft a tale that will span centuries while also not lapsing into the soft science magic of space operas. If you like science fiction, I am writing these books for you. You can preorder a copy on Amazon here. (Or just wait to borrow it on Kindle Unlimited!)
108 short stories (my first book)
If you can't wait that long, then might want to check out my anthology of 108 short stories in 11 different genres—Gods, Ghosts, Lovers, and Robots. I wrote all these stories to be quick, thought-provoking, and literary offerings into the public domain. You can buy it in eBook, paperback, or hardcover here.
the boring universe (an experiment with AI)
Currently, I'm also running a fun experiment using AI called Boring Sci Fi Stories For Sleep, which you can check out on YouTube here. I'm trying to test how quickly I can create new and (somewhat) entertaining science fiction stories narrated with a pleasing AI voice to lull you to sleep. I also plan on releasing them as an anthology in book form, which I'll be narrating myself.
for readers and writers
This site is designed for both sci fi readers and writers, because many of the things I'll be writing about will likely appeal to both groups.
- If you're a reader of science fiction—particularly hard science fiction—then you'll get sneak peaks of my upcoming stories, insights on how I plan out my series, and musings on my favorite sci fi authors.
- If you're a writer of science fiction (or really any genre), then you'll hear insights around help to write better, publish better, and market better.
three ways to read
Here are three ways you can step into my story:
- Lurker's Paradise aka "No Membership": You do nothing at all and still almost everything on this site is free to read, just as you might anywhere else. Enjoy! I am happy to have your attention and I'll try to make your time spent worthwhile.
- Comments & Updates aka "Basic Membership": Members can comment and get instant updates as soon as I post new stuff.
- Newsletter & Works-In-Progress aka "Paid Membership": At only $1/month—or $10/year—you can read and comment on what my current works (sometimes for feedback, too), plus get a monthly newsletter where I go a lot deeper on stuff I talk about on this web site.
Emailed updates. No algorithm. Plenty of snark.
