PHOTO: Steve Bellinger, celebrated science fiction author and creator of award-winning novels and audio dramas, pictured sharing his creative journey.
A Master of Science Fiction Across Books, Audio, and Fan Fiction
Steve Bellinger’s innovative storytelling spans science fiction novels, award-winning audio productions, and fan fiction, blending real science, history, and creativity to captivate readers and listeners alike with thought-provoking narratives.
Steve Bellinger is a name that resonates with creativity, versatility, and a deep passion for storytelling. As one of the most dynamic and multifaceted voices in contemporary science fiction, Bellinger offers readers and listeners a unique blend of intellect, imagination, and authenticity. His love for the genre, cultivated from an early age through the works of the likes of Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke, shines brightly across his varied and impressive body of work. From award-winning novels like The Chronocar and Edge of Perception to his masterfully produced radio dramas and fan fiction, Bellinger’s ability to weave captivating tales is nothing short of extraordinary.
What makes Steve Bellinger’s career even more compelling is the wide spectrum of his creative endeavours. Whether it’s delving into the intricacies of time travel in The Chronocar, blending paranormal elements with science fiction in Edge of Perception, or creating immersive audio productions such as Day of the Martians, he continues to push the boundaries of storytelling. His works deftly combine larger-than-life concepts with deeply human themes, making them accessible and relatable to readers from all walks of life. His dedication to including authentic historical and cultural elements further enriches his narratives, making them both thought-provoking and enlightening.
Steve’s enthusiasm for storytelling extends beyond traditional mediums, embracing everything from Sunday School skits to crossovers in fan fiction. His ingenious ability to merge the worlds of Star Trek and Highlander, and his ongoing journey to adapt his novels into screenplays, only underscore his boundless imagination. Moreover, his collaborative approach with his wife, Donna, to celebrate and share their love for Star Trek reflects the personal joy and camaraderie that often permeates his work.
It is not every day that one meets an author who combines such a remarkable dedication to science fiction with a profound respect for storytelling across genres. Whether you’re a seasoned science fiction enthusiast, a fan fiction lover, or someone seeking inspiration to pursue creative ventures across platforms, Steve Bellinger’s story is one that will undoubtedly motivate and captivate in equal measure. It is with great pleasure that we welcome him to this issue of Reader’s House.
Steve Bellinger redefines science fiction with his award-winning works, blending imagination, authenticity, and history into unforgettable storytelling.
How did your early exposure to classic science fiction authors like Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke shape your writing style and storytelling approach?
I discovered these masters of classic science fiction when I was about 12 years old. Before then I was interested in real science and science fiction. I was a big fan of the old Flash Gordon serials and the crazy sci-fi movies of the 50’s and 60’s. I would be late for school because I wanted to watch rocket launches from Cape Canaveral on TV.
What appealed to me most was the way they would often include real science in their stories, which is always my goal.
What inspired you to write The Chronocar, and how did it feel to win multiple awards for your debut novel?
Like most time travel stories, The Chronocar deals with the idea of changing history, but also with the “science” and dangers of time travel itself. Sci-Fi author Sue Burke once described one of my Chronocar-themed novels as having “solved the time travel paradox.”
The Chronocar also deals with Black American history and required many hours of research. But I don’t consider it to be “Black Science Fiction,” per se. I like to think of it as science fiction that happens to Black people. Anyone can relate to it.
I entered a few literary contests on a whim. I will never forget the thrill when I received the trophy for the Best Indie Book Award, and traveling with my wife to Miami, Florida to receive the Reader’s Favorite Gold Medal for Young Adult Science Fiction.
Can you share more about your Star Trek-themed wedding vow renewal plans? What inspired the idea, and how do you and Donna share your love for Star Trek?
I’ve been a fan of Star Trek since 1966 with it first aired. When I met Donna, she expressed an interest in attending Star Trek and other science fiction conventions with me. I don’t recall when we first got the idea of renewing our vows Star Trek style. We were going to do it on a Caribbean cruise that was cancelled because of COVID. That put those plans on hold, but we have not given up on the idea. We still have our Starfleet uniforms!
What was the creative process like for producing your radio drama Day of the Martians, and why do you consider it your magnum opus?
When I was a freshman in college in 1968, I heard a recording of Orson Welles’ original 1938 production. I asked myself; how would this story translate to contemporary times? I made the decision then to do a modern version. Exactly 10 years later, on the 40th anniversary of the original, Day of the Martians was produced and heard on public (college) radio the first time. It can now be heard on the Mutual Audio Network online.
Produced with my home-made recording studio, and featuring amazing performances of some very talented actors, I’ve been told by more than one person that it is better than the original. Now over 50 years later, I still consider it to be my magnum opus.
How do you balance writing original novels with creating fan fiction? Do you find that fan fiction helps fuel your creativity for other projects?
The beauty of fan fiction is that the characters and settings are already established. You only have to deal with the actual story. I usually do fan fiction when I am suffering writers block or in a slump (which has not happened in a while). The other thing I love is the concept of crossovers, where you can mix two completely different universes and come up with an original story.
What was the most challenging part of writing your Highlander/Star Trek crossover fan fiction, and how did fans respond to it?
It was not that challenging, actually. I was completely familiar with both series. Since one took place in the future and the other dealt with an immortal, the connection was kind of obvious. It was great fun writing the “episode” that could never be done on television. Based on the reviews, those who read it loved it.
Can you tell us more about your experience writing Sunday School skits and junior high Sunday School texts? How did that differ from your other writing projects?
The first Sunday School play I wrote was entitled “The Bible News Update;” where the story of the nativity was told as if covered by TV news reporters. I was able to add quite a bit of humor, and both the kids and the adults loved it.
I had the opportunity to write the Junior High Sunday School text for the African Methodist Episcopal Church back in the 1980’s. As a junior high Sunday School teacher myself, I had learned how to relate to the older students, and how to make the lessons relevant.
What advice would you give to aspiring writers who want to explore multiple genres, from science fiction to fan fiction to radio drama?
A young man once asked director Stanley Kubrick how he could become a great filmmaker. Kubrick’s response was, “make a film.” In other words, whatever you want to become, just do it. Make a video, write a story, paint a picture, do whatever you aspire to. You have to start somewhere!
