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Steve Miller (science fiction writer)

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For other writers of the same name, see Steve Miller.
Steve Miller
Born(1950-07-31)July 31, 1950
Baltimore, Maryland, U.S.
DiedFebruary 20, 2024(2024-02-20) (aged 73)
Waterville, Maine, U.S.
OccupationWriter
Alma materUniversity of Maryland, Baltimore County
Period1978–2024
GenreFantasy, science fiction
SpouseSharon Lee
Website
korval.com

Steve Miller (July 31, 1950 – February 20, 2024) was an American science fiction writer from Waterville, Maine, best known for his works set in the Liaden universe, written in collaboration with his wife Sharon Lee.[1]

Background

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Steve Miller was born on July 31, 1950, in Baltimore, Maryland. He attended Franklin High School in Reisterstown, Maryland, graduating in 1968; and the University of Maryland, Baltimore County in the late 1960s and 1970s, where he was news editor and managing editor of the campus newspaper, The Retriever and founding president of the Infinity Circle, the school's first science fiction club. He served as founding Curator of the UMBC Albin O. Kuhn Library & Gallery's science fiction research collection. Miller was an active member of science fiction fandom for many years, serving as Director of Information of the Baltimore Science Fiction Society for some years, and as vice-chair of the bid committee to hold the 38th World Science Fiction Convention in Baltimore (they lost to Boston).[2][3]

Miller married Baltimore-area science fiction fan Sue Nice in 1975; they divorced in 1979. He and Sharon Lee were married in 1980. In 1988, they relocated to central Maine, living for some time in Winslow, Maine. In early 2018, they moved "into town" to nearby Waterville (on the other side of the Kennebec River).[4] Steve Miller died in Waterville on February 20, 2024, at the age of 73.[5][6]

Writing

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In 1973, Miller attended the Clarion West Writers Workshop. He sold short fiction to semi-professional markets, and wrote for science fiction fanzines, before selling a short story, "Charioteer" to Amazing Stories (May 1978 issue).[7] He has since published dozens of novels and over 50 short stories, as well as book reviews, essays and other non-fiction; much (though not all) in collaboration with Lee. He has also collaborated with Lee on some non-Liaden works.[8][9]

On fan fiction

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Miller and Lee strongly oppose fan fiction written in their universe. In Lee's words:

I don't want "other people interpreting" our characters. Interpreting our characters is what Steve and I do; it's our job. Nobody else is going to get it right. This may sound rude and elitist, but honestly, it’s not easy for us to get it right sometimes, and we've been living with these characters ... for a very long time ... We built our universes, and our characters; they are our intellectual property; and they are not toys lying about some virtual sandbox for other kids to pick up and modify at their whim. Steve and I do not sanction fanfic written in our universes; any such work that exists, exists without our permission, and certainly without our support.[10]

Publishing

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Miller ran a small press from 1995 through 2012, specializing in chapbooks containing 2-3 short stories set in the Liaden Universe, and other settings from books by him, Sharon Lee and other authors. The works published under this imprint by Miller and Lee have been published as ebooks in editions from Baen Books following the termination of operations of SRM Publishers, Ltd.

Works

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Liaden Universe novels

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Main article: Liaden universe

(coauthored with Sharon Lee)

Agent of Change Sequence
  • Agent of Change (1988)[11] ISBN 978-0441009916
  • Conflict of Honors (1988)[12] ISBN 978-0441009640
  • Carpe Diem (1989)[13] ISBN 978-0441010226
  • Plan B (1999)[14] ISBN 978-1892065001
  • I Dare (2002)[15] ISBN 978-0441010851
  • Local Custom (2002)[16] ISBN 978-0965725576
  • Scout's Progress (2002)[17] ISBN 978-0441009275
  • Mouse and Dragon (2010)[18] ISBN 978-1451637595
Omnibus Editions
The Great Migration Duology
Other

Liaden Universe Short Story Collections

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  • A Liaden Universe Constellation (2013)[42]
  • A Liaden Universe Constellation, Volume 2 (2014)[43]
  • A Liaden Universe Constellation, Volume 3 (2015)[44]
  • A Liaden Universe Constellation, Volume 4 (2019)[45]
  • A Liaden Universe Constellation, Volume 5 (2022)[46]

The Fey Duology

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(coauthored with Sharon Lee)

Other Novels coauthored with Sharon Lee

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Anthology co-edited with Sharon Lee

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Awards and honors

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Miller (along with Lee) has received various literary awards.

Year Organization Award title, Category Work Result Refs
2012 Edward E. Smith Memorial Award Skylark n/a Won [57]
2014 Locus Locus Award, Science Fiction Novel Necessity's Child Nominated [58]
2014 Locus Locus Award, Science Fiction Novel Trade Secret Nominated [59]
1981 Fool-Con Balrog Award, Short Fiction A Matter of Ceremony Nominated [60]
2010 Golden Duck Award Hal Clement Award Fledgling Nominated [61]
2005 Golden Duck Award Hal Clement Award Balance of Trade Won [61]
2013 SF Site SF Site Reader's Poll Dragon Ship Won [62]
2012 SF Site SF Site Reader's Poll Ghost Ship Won [63]
2011 SF Site SF Site Reader's Poll Saltation Nominated [64]
2002 Romantic Times Romantic Times Book Club Reviewers Choice Award for Best Science Fiction Novel Scout's Progress Won [65]
2002 Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal (FF&P) Chapter of the Romance Writers of America Prism Award Scout's Progress Won [66]
2002 Fantasy, Futuristic and Paranormal (FF&P) Chapter of the Romance Writers of America Prism Award Local Custom Nominated [67]

Miller, usually with Lee, has been a Guest of Honor or Special Guest at a number of science fiction conventions, including: SiliCon (1998); SheVaCon (2000, 2003); Albacon (2002); Balticon and MarsCon (2003); PortConME (2004, 2010); CONduit and Trinoc*coN (2004); Penguicon and COSine (2006); Stellarcon (2009); DucKon and Oasis (2010); ConQuesT and Chattacon (2012); and RavenCon (2016).[68]

References

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  1. ^ "Steve Miller". Archived from the original on 2019-07-28. Retrieved 2019-07-27.
  2. ^ "Baltimore in 80". Archived from the original on 2019-07-28. Retrieved 2019-07-27.
  3. ^ "Steve Miller Writer of Liad Bio | Welcome to Liad". Korval.com. 22 July 2011. Retrieved 2015-07-23.
  4. ^ Lee, Sharon. "Liaden Universe® Infodump No. 120" Sharon Lee, Writer blog; May 26, 2018
  5. ^ "Sharon Lee Facebook Post". Facebook. Retrieved 2024-02-20.
  6. ^ Tusinski, Dylan (21 February 2024). "Waterville sci-fi author whose career spanned genres and universes dies at 73". Central Maine. Retrieved 21 February 2024.
  7. ^ "Bibliography: Charioteer". isfdb.org. Retrieved 2015-07-23.
  8. ^ "Steve Miller – Summary Bibliography". Internet Speculative Fiction Database (ISFDB). Retrieved 2015-07-20.
  9. ^ "Authors : Miller, Steve : SFE : Science Fiction Encyclopedia". Sf-encyclopedia.com. 2014-11-13. Retrieved 2015-07-23.
  10. ^ Lee, Sharon (October 26, 2013). "The second answer". Sharon Lee, Writer. Sharonleewriter.com. Retrieved 2013-11-05.
  11. ^ "Agent of Change (Liaden Universe, #9) by Sharon Lee — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists". Goodreads.com. Retrieved 2015-07-23.
  12. ^ "Conflict of Honors (Liaden Universe, #8) by Sharon Lee — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists". Goodreads.com. Retrieved 2015-07-23.
  13. ^ "Carpe Diem (Liaden Universe, #10) by Sharon Lee — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists". Goodreads.com. Retrieved 2015-07-23.
  14. ^ "Plan B (Liaden Universe, #11) by Sharon Lee — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists". Goodreads.com. Retrieved 2015-07-23.
  15. ^ "I Dare (Liaden Universe, #13) by Sharon Lee — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists". Goodreads.com. Retrieved 2015-07-23.
  16. ^ "Local Custom (Liaden Universe, #5) by Sharon Lee — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists". Goodreads.com. Retrieved 2015-07-23.
  17. ^ "Scout's Progress (Liaden Universe, #6) by Sharon Lee — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists". Goodreads.com. Retrieved 2015-07-23.
  18. ^ "Mouse and Dragon (Liaden Universe, #7) by Sharon Lee — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists". Goodreads.com. Retrieved 2015-07-23.
  19. ^ "Partners In Necessity (Liaden Universe, #8-10) by Sharon Lee — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists". Goodreads.com. Retrieved 2015-07-23.
  20. ^ "Pilot's Choice by Sharon Lee — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists". Goodreads.com. Retrieved 2015-07-23.
  21. ^ "The Dragon Variation by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller WebScription Ebook". Webscription.net. Retrieved 2015-07-23.
  22. ^ "The Agent Gambit (Liaden Universe #9-10) by Sharon Lee". Goodreads.com. Retrieved 2018-08-14.
  23. ^ "Korval's Game (Liaden Universe #11,13) by Sharon Lee — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists". Goodreads.com. Retrieved 2015-07-23.
  24. ^ "Crystal Soldier (The Great Migration Duology, #1) (Liaden Universe, #1) by Sharon Lee — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists". Goodreads.com. Retrieved 2015-07-23.
  25. ^ "Crystal Dragon (The Great Migration Duology, #2) (Liaden Universe, #2) by Sharon Lee — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists". Goodreads.com. Retrieved 2015-07-23.
  26. ^ "The Crystal Variation by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller - WebScription Ebooks". Webscription.net. Retrieved 2015-07-23.
  27. ^ "Balance of Trade (Liaden Universe, #3) by Sharon Lee — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists". Goodreads.com. Retrieved 2015-07-23.
  28. ^ Trader Secret (Liaden Universe®, #4) by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller. OCLC. OCLC 1164825142. Retrieved 2020-11-18.
  29. ^ "Fledgling (Theo Waitley, #1; Liaden Universe, #12) by Sharon Lee — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists". Goodreads.com. Retrieved 2015-07-23.
  30. ^ "Saltation (Theo Waitley, #2) (Liaden Universe, #14) by Sharon Lee — Reviews, Discussion, Bookclubs, Lists". Goodreads.com. Retrieved 2015-07-23.
  31. ^ Lee, Sharon; Miller, Steve (2 August 2011). Ghost Ship (Liaden Universe Novels): Sharon Lee, Steve Miller: 9781439134559: Amazon.com: Books. ISBN 978-1439134559.
  32. ^ "Ghost Ship by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller - WebScription Ebooks". Webscription.net. Retrieved 2015-07-23.
  33. ^ Lee, Sharon; Miller, Steve (4 September 2012). Dragon Ship (Liaden Universe®): Sharon Lee, Steve Miller: 9781451637984: Amazon.com: Books. ISBN 978-1451637984.
  34. ^ "Dragon Ship by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller". Baen Ebooks. Retrieved 2015-07-23.
  35. ^ Necessity's Child (Liaden Universe®, #16) by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller. OCLC. OCLC 865491918. Retrieved 2020-11-18.
  36. ^ Dragon in Exile (Liaden Universe®, #18) by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller. OCLC. OCLC 990381855. Retrieved 2020-11-18.
  37. ^ Alliance of Equals (Liaden Universe®, #19) by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller. OCLC. OCLC 946459699. Retrieved 2020-11-18.
  38. ^ The Gathering Edge (Liaden Universe®, #20) by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller. OCLC. OCLC 952979771. Retrieved 2020-11-18.
  39. ^ Neogenesis (Liaden Universe®, #21) by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller. OCLC. OCLC 1017977660. Retrieved 2020-11-18.
  40. ^ Accepting the Lance (Liaden Universe®, #22) by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller. OCLC. OCLC 1114282930. Retrieved 2020-11-18.
  41. ^ Trader's Leap (Liaden Universe®, #23) by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller. OCLC. OCLC 1164825142. Retrieved 2020-11-18.
  42. ^ "A Liaden Universe Constellation". Baen ebooks. Retrieved 2019-08-01.
  43. ^ "A Liaden Universe Constellation, Volume 2". Baen ebooks. Retrieved 2019-08-01.
  44. ^ "A Liaden Universe Constellation, Volume 3". Baen ebooks. Retrieved 2019-08-01.
  45. ^ "A Liaden Universe Constellation, Volume 4". Baen ebooks. Retrieved 2019-08-01.
  46. ^ "A Liaden Universe Constellation, Volume 5". Baen ebooks. Retrieved 2022-03-13.
  47. ^ "Duainfey by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller WebScription Ebook". www.baen.com. Retrieved 2019-08-02.
  48. ^ Schmidt, Bryan Thomas (2012-04-26). "[SFFWRTCHT] A Chat With Authors Sharon Lee & Steve Miller". Grasping for the Wind. Retrieved 2019-08-02.
  49. ^ "Longeye by Sharon Lee and Steve Miller WebScription Ebook". www.baen.com. Retrieved 2019-08-02.
  50. ^ "Locus Online: Bestsellers on General Lists". www.locusmag.com. Retrieved 2019-08-02.
  51. ^ "Locus Online: Bestsellers on General Lists". www.locusmag.com. Retrieved 2019-08-02.
  52. ^ "Tomorrow Log". www.amazon.com. Retrieved 2019-08-02.
  53. ^ "Locus Online: New Books, early December 2005". www.locusmag.com. Retrieved 2019-08-02.
  54. ^ Lee, Sharon; Miller, Steve (2005). The Sword of Orion. Phobos Impact. ISBN 0972002685.
  55. ^ "Publication: Low Port". www.isfdb.org. Retrieved 2022-03-13.
  56. ^ Lee, Sharon; Miller, Steve (2003). Low Port. Meisha Merlin Pub. ISBN 1592220126.
  57. ^ "Skylark Award". Locus Science Fiction Foundation. Retrieved 2019-07-28.
  58. ^ "Locus Awards 2014". Locus Science Fiction Foundation. Retrieved 2019-07-28.
  59. ^ "Locus Awards 2014". Locus Science Fiction Foundation. Retrieved 2019-07-28.
  60. ^ "Balrog Awards 1981". Locus Science Fiction Foundation. Retrieved 2019-07-28.
  61. ^ a b "Sharon Lee: Awards Summary". Locus Science Fiction Foundation. Retrieved 2019-07-28.
  62. ^ "SF Site Readers Poll 2013". Locus Science Fiction Foundation. Retrieved 2019-07-28.
  63. ^ "SF Site Readers Poll 2012". Locus Science Fiction Foundation. Retrieved 2019-07-28.
  64. ^ "SF Site Readers Poll 2011". Locus Science Fiction Foundation. Retrieved 2019-07-28.
  65. ^ "Book awards: Romantic Times Reviewers' Choice Award". Library Thing. Retrieved 2019-07-24.
  66. ^ "2002 RWA PRISM Award (Awarded by Romance Writers of America (PRISM))". Fiction DB. Retrieved 2019-07-28.
  67. ^ "2002 RWA PRISM Award (Awarded by Romance Writers of America (PRISM))". Fiction DB. Retrieved 2019-07-28.
  68. ^ "Lee and Miller Honors and Awards | Welcome to Liad". Korval.com. 21 February 2012. Retrieved 2015-07-23.
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