John Varley
John Varley
Full Name and Common Aliases
John Varley (born August 29, 1947) is an American science fiction author known by his pen name.
Birth and Death Dates
Varley was born in Chicago, Illinois. His current status is active.
Nationality and Profession(s)
Varley's nationality is American. He works as a novelist, short story writer, poet, and editor.
Early Life and Background
Growing up in the Midwest during the 1950s and '60s had a significant influence on Varley's writing style. His interest in science fiction began early, with authors like Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke serving as early inspirations. He started writing his own stories at an early age.
Varley attended high school in Chicago before moving to California for college. He was exposed to a diverse range of ideas and perspectives during this time, which further shaped his writing. After graduating from college, Varley began pursuing a career in science fiction full-time.
Major Accomplishments
Throughout his career, John Varley has made significant contributions to the science fiction genre. One of his most notable achievements is the awarding of two Nebula Awards for Best Novel: 'The Ophiuchi Hotline' (1977) and 'Millennium' (1983). He has also been nominated for numerous other awards, including the Hugo Award and the World Fantasy Award.
Notable Works or Actions
Varley's works often explore themes of science fiction, space exploration, and social commentary. Some notable titles include:
The Ophiuchi Hotline (1977): A novel that explores life in a world where humans have made contact with an alien species.
Millennium (1983): A post-apocalyptic novel set after a global catastrophe.
Titan: A series of interconnected novels that explore the lives of individuals living on Titan, one of Saturn's moons.Impact and Legacy
John Varley's contributions to science fiction have been profound. His unique blend of philosophical and scientific concepts has captivated readers worldwide. As an author, he continues to inspire new generations of writers.
Varley's influence extends beyond his own works as well. He has served on the board of directors for the Science Fiction Writers of America (SFWA) and has been active in various literary organizations throughout his career.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
John Varley is widely quoted and remembered for several reasons:
His thought-provoking works often challenge readers' perspectives on science, technology, and society.
He has a unique ability to balance scientific concepts with engaging storytelling.
His contributions to the science fiction genre have paved the way for future authors.
Overall, John Varley's impact on science fiction is undeniable. His dedication to exploring new ideas and pushing boundaries continues to inspire readers and writers alike.
Quotes by John Varley
We all love after-the-bomb stories. If we didn’t, why would there be so many of them? There’s something attractive about all those people being gone, about wandering in a depopulated world, scrounging cans of Campbell’s pork and beans, defending one’s family from marauders. But some secret part of us thinks it would be good to survive. All those other folks will die. That’s what after-the-bomb stories are all about.
They eat the sewage that floats on the surface of the mass culture, digest it, and then get creative diarrhea – all at once. The turd look and smell exactly alike, and we call them this year’s fashions, hit shows, books, and movies.
She knew for a fact, for instance, that what the Polo sisters did behind the closed doors of their adjoining rooms was still illegal in Alabama.
All in all, it was the goldarndest, Barnum-and-Baileyest, rib-stickinest, rough-and-tumblest infernal foofaraw of a media circus anybody had seen since grandpaw chased the possum down the road and lost his store teeth, and I was heartily sorry to have been a part of it.
Draw your own moral from this, Sparky. And remember at the center of the cult of personality called stardom there is just a big empty hole. Awards don’t matter. Acclaim doesn’t matter. Only your craft matters.
Bill’s tongue had started at Cirocco’s toes and was now exploring her left ear. She liked that. It had been a memorable journey.
How heavy is that day in the mountains when you built a campfire and saw a shooting star? What is the mass of yesterday? How fast is love?
There were millions of Earth men and women who bought the Earth cultures big lies, and they died just as unhappy as you are now. And I suggest to you that it’s a foolish thing.