Western Professor Named to Authors’ Hall of Fame

The Colorado Authors’ Hall of Fame

The Colorado Authors’ Hall of Fame has named a Western Colorado University professor as one of its 2021 inductees.

Kevin J. Anderson, Publishing Concentration Director of Western’s Graduate Program in Creative Writing, will be inducted into the Colorado Authors’ Hall of Fame, along with Robert Heinlein, James Michener, Stephen King, and others. There will be a gala ceremony in Denver in September.

A True Creative Wordsmith

With more than 170 published books, 58 of which have been national or international bestsellers, Anderson is a true creative wordsmith. He has written numerous novels in the Dune, Star Wars, X-Files, and Batman/Superman universes, as well as unique steampunk fantasy novels Clockwork Angels and Clockwork Lives, written with legendary rock drummer Neil Peart.

His original works include the Saga of Seven Suns series, the Wake the Dragon and Terra Incognita fantasy trilogies, the Saga of Shadows trilogy, and his humorous horror series featuring Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I. He has edited numerous anthologies, written comics and games, and the lyrics to two rock CDs. Anderson and his wife Rebecca Moesta are the publishers of Colorado-based WordFire Press.

Drawing Inspiration from Surroundings

Anderson does most of his writing by dictation while out hiking in the Colorado mountains. He has climbed all the Fourteeners in the state and has completed the entire Colorado Trail, and after lengthy hikes he enjoys relaxing with an IPA from one of Colorado’s many excellent craft breweries. His most recent novels are Vengewar, Dune: The Duke of Caladan (with Brian Herbert), Stake (set in Colorado Springs), Kill Zone (with Doug Beason), and Spine of the Dragon.

Dozens of Books Written on the Trails

“I’ve lived in Colorado for 25 years, and I have written dozens of books across the trails of the state,” Anderson said. “Colorado is in my blood and in my imagination, and it really means a lot to me to be included in the Colorado Authors’ Hall of Fame.”

The announcement follows another recent honor bearing the author’s name. Most recently, a student produced anthology guided by Anderson — “Monsters, Movies, & Mayhem”— won a 2021 Colorado Book Award in the anthology category.

The induction ceremony for 12 living authors and four legacy honorees is scheduled to be held Sept. 18 in Denver.

Learn more about Western’s Graduate Program in Creative Writing.

 

 

Author Credit: Chris Rourke

Photo Credit: Carley Clegg