Steven Barnes

Stevan Barnes is an accomplished African American science fiction writer, lecturer, creative consultant, and human performance technician. He was born on March 1, 1952, in Los Angeles, California. Barnes has made significant contributions to various television shows, including The Outer Limits, Baywatch, Stargate SG-1, and Andromeda. His writing talent was evident from an early age, but it was not until a pivotal moment in his life that he fully embraced his identity as a writer.

After enrolling at Pepperdine University, Barnes studied various subjects related to the arts, including drama, radio, journalism, composition, literature, and everything but writing. He did this to appease his mother, who feared that his writing dreams would lead him to failure, as his father had experienced in his career as a back-up singer for Nat "King" Cole. However, Barnes could not deny his passion for writing, and when he entered a short story contest at his university, he realized the profound impact his writing had on others. Upon winning the contest, he read his story to an audience of alumni who responded with smiles, laughter, nods, and applause. This moment confirmed Barnes' calling as a writer and solidified his determination to pursue his passion, regardless of the challenges that lay ahead.

Barnes' first published piece of fiction was the novelette 'The Locusts' (1979), co-written with Larry Niven, which earned him a Hugo Award nomination. This early recognition in his career further propelled Barnes to hone his writing skills and establish himself as a respected voice in the science fiction genre. Throughout his career, he has continued to develop his storytelling abilities, share his knowledge through lectures, and contribute his creativity to various television productions. Barnes' unwavering dedication to his craft and his ability to captivate audiences with his words make him an influential figure in the world of science fiction.