Robert J. Sawyer

"Despite the fact that I write at length about what people would consider to be metaphysical issues, I'm a rationalist. I think that the lesson that one should take from science fiction is that there's nothing that's outside of the boundaries of science... The favorite review of my book is one from the Toronto Star which says, 'Sawyer forces us to grapple with questions that we used to think were too metaphysical to deal with rationally.' That's what I think good science fiction is: the rational approach to the metaphysical."
                                                                             -- Robert J. Sawyer (from an interview)

Who is Robert J. Sawyer?

Robert J. Sawyer is Canada's only full-time science fiction author. Author of 12 novels (with 3 more pending), winner of the Nebula and Hugo awards as well as many other international awards, and former President of the Science Fiction Writers' of America.

I had the pleasure of meeting Rob at Eeriecon III, in Niagra Falls, NY. I had scheduled an interview with him because I was incredibly impressed with his work, and wished to get his views on various topics. We discussed writing (both in general and his work specifically), as well as the themes of what science is meant to do, immortality, evolution, and other topics. It was honestly some of the most fun I've had in a long time, and I was as impressed with him in person as I was with the fine stories that he tells.

Themes in Rob's work:

Rob's work tackles heavy themes, and does not shirk from the consequences of them. Whether it's science, religion, or man's role in the universe, Rob is able to juggle these themes on the level of a master of literature. Though not exhaustive, what follows is a list of some topics and themes that have a strong presence in Rob's work:

Evolution & Creationism

Neanderthal Parallax Trilogy (Hominids, Humans, Hybrids), Quintaglio Trilogy (Far-Seer, Fossil Hunter, Foreigner), The Terminal Experiment, Illegal Alien, Starplex, Frameshift & Calculating God

Immortality

The Terminal Experiment, Starplex, & FlashForward

Existence of the soul

Neanderthal Parallax Trilogy, The Terminal Experiment

Role of science in the world (explicit discussions)

The Terminal Experiment, FlashForward & Calculating God

Man vs. Machine

Golden Fleece & Factoring Humanity

Fate vs. Free Will

FlashForward

Artificial Intelligence/Consciousness

Golden Fleece & Factoring Humanity

Replicated Consciousness

Golden Fleece & The Terminal Experiment

Collective unconscious

Factoring Humanity

Racial issues

Neanderthal Parallax, Starplex & Illegal Aliens

Repressed & implanted memories

Factoring Humanity

What is life?

Starplex, Illegal Aliens & Calculating God

Genetics

Frameshift, Illegal Alien, & Calculating God

Nanotechnology

The Terminal Experiment

Quantum physics

Starplex, FlashForward, Golden Fleece, & Factoring Humanity

Quantum computing

Neanderthal Parallax Trilogy, Factoring Humanity & Golden Fleece

Time travel

Starplex, End of an Era & FlashForward

Robert J. Sawyer speaks
(Selected topics from interview,
along with references to specific books where applicable)

Full interview with Robert J. Sawyer

Rob's books
Bibliography with comments/overviews

Links

Robert J. Sawyer Official Homepage: www.sfwriter.com

This site is the most comprehensive science fiction author's page on the internet. It has short stories, book excerpts, articles on writing, reading group questions for Sawyer's books, and many other fine features. You can also order autographed copies of some books through the site!

Join Robert J. Sawyer's Discussion Group

Yes, Rob actually is on the group. He runs it. He responds. Join and hear his words of wisdom.

Join Robert J. Sawyer's Theology Discussion Group

Yes, he's on this one too. If you like what he says in the interview, then jump on over here. As of the time I write this, there are only 4 of us on there, and you need much more for a good discussion.

 

Pictures of Rob from Eeriecon III

Robert J. Sawyer, shrouded in mystery whilst signing my books.

Two pictures of me with Rob.
I knew that, eventually, someone would figure out how to get the damn flash to work!

Pictures Copyrighted 2001, Andrew Zimmerman Jones

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