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 on October 18, 2026, on Amazon. It will be released as an eBook and paperback, and eventually as an audiobook (also narrated by me!)
A Spy, Forged is the first book in The Sapient Saga, but each book is intended as a standalone novel much like Iain M. Banks' Culture novels. Part Asimov's galactic empires, part Robert Heinlein's snark, with Adrian Tchaikovsky's world-building with Andy Weir's easy writing style. I am leaning on decades of storytelling lessons to craft a tale spanning centuries but 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 on launch day!). You can also apply to be an early reviewer (you can an advance copy, and in exchange I only want an honest review).
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... and dedicated them all into the public domain. You can buy it in eBook, paperback, or hardcover on Amazon here.
the boring universe (an experiment with AI)
In early 2026, I ran a fun experiment using AI called Boring Sci Fi Stories For Sleep, which you can check out on YouTube here. I was trying to test how quickly I could create new and (somewhat) entertaining science fiction stories narrated with a pleasing AI voice to lull you to sleep. Eventually, I'll release them as an anthology in book form, which I'll narrate 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 an infrequent newsletter where I go a lot deeper on stuff I talk about on this web site. Think of it like a tip jar with a perk!
Emailed updates. No algorithm. Plenty of snark.
