John M. Ford
John M. Ford is a notable writer primarily recognized for his contributions to young adult literature and science fiction. His works often blend elements of mystery, moral complexity, and human drama, utilizing literary devices such as alternate history and fantasy. Ford began his writing career early, publishing his first short story at the age of eighteen and releasing his first novel by twenty-three. He gained acclaim for his novel "The Dragon Waiting: A Masque of History," which won the World Fantasy Award in 1984 and creatively intertwines historical themes from the fifteenth century with elements of wizardry and vampirism.
In addition to original works, Ford authored several "Star Trek" novels, including "The Final Reflection," which uniquely presents a Klingon perspective on the Federation's endeavors. His young adult novel "Growing Up Weightless," set on the moon, explores themes of adolescence through the lens of interplanetary intrigue. Ford's collection "Casting Fortune" examines the intersection of theater and the supernatural in the fictional world of Liavek. His later work, "The Last Hot Time," further exemplifies his ability to merge sci-fi, fantasy, and supernatural elements, presenting a narrative that delves into the complexities of human and elfin experiences. Ford's distinctive storytelling continues to resonate with readers across diverse genres.
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John M. Ford
- Born: 1957
Biography
Generally viewed as a writer for young adults, John M. Ford has also employed the genre of science fiction to present stories of mystery and human drama. Utilizing a range of literary devices such as alternate history, fantasy worlds, and interplanetary travel, Ford creates tales of moral and intellectual depth. Ford has also produced numerous articles (published in periodicals such as Asimov’s Science Fiction and Omni magazines) and poems on science-fiction themes.
Ford published early, with his first short story seeing print at the age of eighteen. His first novel appeared when he was twenty-three. A third novel, The Dragon Waiting: A Masque of History, won the 1984 World Fantasy Award for its twenty-seven-year-old author. This novel combines the historical context of the fifteenth century with wizardry and vampirism to create a work of fantasy and mystery.
Ford has written three Star Trek novels. Of these, critics lauded The Final Reflection because the work takes the stance of viewing reality through a Klingon point of view. A Klingon ambassador questions the “manifest destiny” of the Federation and its quest to bring order and rationality to the universe. Reviewers liked the fact that the book contains neither clear heroes nor villians, but instead simply tells the story of characters trying to figure out what is best for both groups.
For the younger set and published in 1994, the critically recognized Growing Up Weightless involves a United States teenager who matures on the moon and experiences normal adolescent isolation, alienation, and angst. Seeking escape in virtual reality role-playing, the hero Matt becomes involved in serious and life-challenging interplanetary intrigue. Ford’s collection Casting Fortune provides a planet named Liavek as the foreground for a series of stories and a novella that examine the world of the theater and the intrusion of the supernatural in its midst.
Ford published his novel The Last Hot Time in 2000, a work that characteristically commingles sci-fi, fantasy, and the supernatural. The futuristic story involves elves who attempt to make sense of the nightmarish world of humans. The book has been called “a haunting puzzle” and “jazzlike” with its integration of disparate elements.