In this mind-expanding episode, host Rob Southgate chats with Andy T. Hanson, science fiction author with 4 Horsemen Publications, about building futuristic worlds that feel eerily real. From his take on artificial intelligence and interstellar politics to his process for creating tension-driven narratives, Andy offers fascinating insights into the craft of writing intelligent, immersive sci-fi.
Plus, Andy shares his favorite sci-fi authors, the tech that inspires his storytelling, and practical advice for writers who want to explore speculative fiction.
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🔖 About Andy T. Hanson
Andy T. Hanson is an author of science fiction, general fiction and dystopian horror. After driving Abrams tanks in the US Army, Andy settled into life as a regional-stage actor. He parlayed that passion first into playwriting – most notable of which is Molly’s Chamber, his modern-day take on the old Irish folk song Whiskey In The Jar – then graduating to screenwriting, with Paradise Valley, a former Los Angeles Film Festival quarterfinalist script. On the strength of their modest success, he tried his hand at the ultimate goal, Sci-fi novels. His first foray into that magical world was The Despot Chronicles, a dystopian three-part epic series. The first of which, Calamity, is set for release on 10/26/24 by 4 Horsemen Publications, Inc.’s. Andy is thrilled to occupy a slot among their fantastic stable of authors.
Residing in Bay City, Michigan, Andy is an avid Detroit, and Michigan in general, sports fan and somehow finds time to write in the midst of a busy life packed with Lions games, golf, a healthy love of film and television of all genres, grilling and chilling with his big family, in particular his lovely wife Lauren and son Teddy, and devouring science fiction, historical fiction and fantasy novels.
His literary inspirations include, but are in no way limited to, (in no specific order) George R.R. Martin, Stephen King, Bernard Cornwell, Lee Child, Maya Angelou, Sara Rosett, Bertrand Russel, Thomas Paine, Stephen Fry, Carl Sagan, Kurt Vonnegut, Julia Sweeny, Neil DeGrasse Tyson and Michael Crichton.
Andy is attracted to stories with well-fleshed out characters, especially gray characters. “The greatest thrill I’ve discovered in these past years at the keyboard is the immense joy that comes from simply being present as your story seems to grow of its own volition.”
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🔍 Episode Keywords:
Andy T. Hanson, science fiction author, sci-fi podcast, speculative fiction, worldbuilding, futuristic storytelling, book interview, indie sci-fi, writing sci-fi, creative writing, 4 Horsemen Publications, AI in fiction, space opera, author interview, aspiring writers
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