S.M. Stirling is a renowned Canadian-American author, born in Metz, France, on September 30, 1953. His parents were of English and Canadian descent, and Stirling's childhood was spent living in various countries due to his father's military career. Currently, he resides in New Mexico with his wife, Jan. Stirling is best known for his work in the science fiction, fantasy, and alternate history genres, having written numerous series such as The Fifth Millennium, Draka, Raj Whitehall, The Change, and more. He has also contributed to series created by others, including Terminator 2, The Ship Who Sang, Riftwar, and others.
Stirling's novels often feature military-based cultures, technology, and strong female characters. His Draka series, for instance, explores an alternate history where the Draka, a slave-owning society, becomes a dominant global power. In contrast, the Nantucket series and Emberverse series delve into time travel and alternate history, showcasing Stirling's versatility as a writer. The author's background and experiences living in different countries have significantly influenced his writing, providing unique perspectives on cultural values and societal norms. Critics have noted that Stirling's descriptions of cultures and societies often contrast with modern Western thinking and views.
In addition to his alternate history and science fiction works, Stirling is well-known for his love of history, anthropology, archaeology, and the sciences. These interests are reflected in his novels, which often contain detailed descriptions and explorations of various aspects of these subjects. Stirling's hobbies also include martial arts, which serves as his primary physical pastime. As a successful and inspiring author, Stirling's career has undoubtedly left a lasting impact on the literary world, particularly for aspiring writers in the science fiction and fantasy genres.