Terry Bisson

Terry Bisson

Terry Bisson was born on February 12th, 1942

Full Name: Terry Ballantine Bisson
Place of Birth: Olympia, Washington
Profession: Science fiction author
Nationality: American
Notable Work: Fire on the Mountain
Genre: Science fiction, Fantasy
Alma Mater: University of Washington
Awards: Nebula, Hugo, Locus

Author of humorous and thought-provoking science fiction and fantasy novels, often exploring the intersection of technology and humanity. Known for his unique blend of wit and social commentary.

Written by: David Williams David Williams

Terry Bisson: The Prolific Science Fiction and Fantasy Author

Award-Winning Storyteller

Terry Bisson is renowned for his compelling short stories, particularly "Bears Discover Fire," which clinched both the Hugo Award and the Nebula Award. His other notable work, "They're Made Out of Meat," has solidified his position as a prominent figure in the science fiction and fantasy genre.

Early Life and Education

Born on February 12, 1942, in Madisonville, Kentucky, Bisson was raised in Owensboro, Kentucky. During his college years at Grinnell College, Iowa, in 1961, he participated in a historic event that marked the beginning of the student peace movement. Along with eleven other students, Bisson traveled to Washington, D.C., during the Cuban Missile Crisis, supporting U.S. President John F. Kennedy's peace race. This event earned them an invitation to the White House, where they met with McGeorge Bundy for several hours.

Bisson graduated from the University of Louisville in 1964 and later moved to New York City, where he lived for most of the next four decades. In 2002, he relocated to Oakland, California.

Writing Career and Notable Works

Bisson became a full-time writer in 1981. His first novel, Wyrldmaker, was a science fiction novel inspired by James Blish's The Seedling Stars. His subsequent novel, Talking Man (1986), is a fantasy about a wizard living in modern-day America.

Bisson's writing career has been marked by collaborations, including working on comic book stories with Clark Dimond and editing Web of Horror, a black-and-white horror comics magazine.

Awards and Honors

Personal Life

Bisson identified as a member of the New Left and operated Jacobin Books, a revolutionary mail-order book service, from 1985 to 1990, in partnership with Judy Jensen. He has been married three times and has four children. Bisson married his longtime companion, Judy Jensen, on December 24, 2004, and became stepfather to her two children.

Legacy

Terry Bisson's contributions to the science fiction and fantasy genre have left an indelible mark. His award-winning stories have captivated readers, and his writing continues to inspire new generations of authors and enthusiasts alike.
Timeline
1942
Born in Kentucky
Terry Bisson was born on February 12, 1942, in Owensboro, Kentucky. He would go on to become an American science fiction and fantasy author.
1970
Publishing Debut
Bisson published his first short story, The Doll Wars.
1985
Fire on the Mountain
Bisson published his novel Fire on the Mountain, an alternate history of the American Civil War.
1991
Theyre Made Out of Meat
Bisson published his short story Theyre Made Out of Meat, which was later adapted into a film.
2010
Arthur C. Clarke Award
Bissons novel The Levellers was shortlisted for the Arthur C. Clarke Award.
Terry Bisson

Terry Bisson Quiz

Terry Bisson's writing style is often characterized by

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FAQ
What genre of fiction does Terry Bisson write?
Terry Bisson is a science fiction and fantasy author, known for his imaginative and thought-provoking stories that often explore the intersection of technology, humanity, and the natural world.
What is Terry Bissons most famous novel?
Terry Bissons most famous novel is Fire on the Mountain, a science fiction epic that reimagines the American Civil War and its aftermath. The novel won the Nebula Award for Best Novel in 1989.
What themes does Terry Bissons work often explore?
Terry Bissons work often explores themes of social justice, environmentalism, and personal identity, using science fiction and fantasy as a lens through which to examine the human condition.
Has Terry Bisson written any non-fiction?
Yes, Terry Bisson has written several non-fiction books and essays on topics such as science, technology, and politics, drawing on his expertise as a science fiction writer to offer unique insights and perspectives.
What awards has Terry Bisson won?
Terry Bisson has won several awards for his writing, including the Nebula Award, the Hugo Award, and the Grand Prix de lImaginaire, as well as being a finalist for the World Fantasy Award and the Philip K. Dick Award.

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