Stephan Besik

Stephan is a new author, having just published a new ebook on Amazon and Smashwords.

His primary writing goal is to add to hard science fiction as much as his skills and knowledge of current science permits. While many of the ideas of the early days of science fiction have come to pass, some have not, and there may be cause to revisit the old ideas. And there are new features of society that were not thought of or only slightly covered in the past that he would like to consider in his work.

He has been an avid reader all of his life. His first science fiction reads were the classics of Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, Robert A. Heinlein, Poul Anderson and Frederick Pohl, with a touch of A. E. Van Vogt and Clifford D. Simak. H.G. Wells was in there too, as well as the very first Buck Rogers novel.

Recent favorites have been Eric Flint and the Ring of Fire series, Mike Shepherd’s Kris Longknife and Vicky Peterwald series, and Jack Campbell’s Lost Fleet and variations. On the fantasy side, Jim Butcher’s Dresden series is a favorite, along with various writings of L.E. Modesitt. 

It seems harder to find true, quality science fiction nowadays. Most recent authors seem to prefer the fantasy genre, not really Stephan’s cup of tea with a few exceptions. Peter Hamilton and Charles Stross come to mind as more recent writers with some true science fiction work, and even they have been in the business for a long time.

Stephan’s primary interests have always been science fiction and military history. He is especially interested in what might be called near-term hard sci fi- about circumstances and events that may occur within the lifetime of today’s reader. But who knows how long today’s young readers may live? One can only hope.

Stephan is a regular reader of Scientific American, and has recently added the periodical magazine of the Union of Concerned Scientists. He was educated as an engineer, and spent most of his working life in information technology and statistical analysis. He was recently reminded about the IEEE publications, and even though his engineering is rusty he may be able to use them as viable sources of ideas as well. He is a supporter and frequent user of Wikipedia.

For comments, questions, or corrections, Stephan can be reached at sbesik@artiplex.net. 

Stephan's new anthology has just been released for pre-order at Amazon and Smashwords. The book, titled Lightship, will be available for purchase as of July 31, 2021. The book is a compilation of four stories. A brief summary of the stories in Lightship as well as a short sample of the title short story can be viewed by clicking here .

Stephan is beginning work on two new projects. The first, tentatively titled Moonbase, continues the storyline of the Lightship story line, as solar powered ships are deployed to construct the first permanent bases on the Moon. He is also beginning the first in a series of books on interplanetary travel, as humanity builds pathways o light to power the next generation of solar lightships.

Stephan can be reached by email at sbesik@artiplex.net