Steve Miller was a science fiction author who, with his wife, Sharon Lee, wrote dozens of books and stories set in the Liaden universe.
- Died: February 20, 2024 (Who else died on February 20?)
- Details of death: Died at his home in Waterville, Maine, at the age of 73.
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Steve Miller’s legacy
Miller and Lee began collaborating on the Liaden universe in 1984 and published the first book of the space opera series, “Agent of Change,” in 1988. That first book sprawled into more than two dozen novels and many short stories and novelettes, most recently the 2023 novel “Salvage Right.” An upcoming novel, “Ribbon Dance,” will be published later this year.
The meticulously crafted universe attracted fans even before Miller and Lee realized they would be successful. After the publication of the first three novels in the series – “Agent of Change,” “Conflict of Honors,” and “Carpe Diem” – the authors were unsure they’d continue. In fact, they went on hiatus from writing the series for several years. However, the books had reached members of the avid sci-fi fan community at the early internet newsgroup rec.arts.sf.written, and they clamored for more. Miller and Lee got back to writing, and 10 years after the third novel was published, “Plan B” came out and continued the series.
Miller and Lee were frequent guests at fandom conventions. They often spoke about their joint writing process, including their habit of discussing story ideas whenever and wherever they occurred, whether it was at home or in a public place. Miller’s work was widely honored in the sci-fi community. Two of the Liaden novels were nominated for Locus Awards, while “Balance of Trade” won a Golden Duck Award, and “Scout’s Progress” was honored by both the Romantic Times and the Romance Writers of America. “Dragon Ship” and “Ghost Ship” were both chosen in the SF Site reader’s poll.
Miller on his writing process with Lee
“We often role-play at dinner or after going over the day’s work; sometimes we’ll start driving, get in a discussion of a character or plot point and end up in Canada. The role-playing may involve standing and showing body language, or the raising of voice in character, or the rapid alternation of characters, more or less in voice — I guess, yes, our own madhouse. Sometimes one or another of us will pause at the grocery store, say ‘storystuff!’ and we’ll discuss things right in front of the oatmeal or carrots — story takes precedence.” —from a 2010 interview with Michael A. Ventrella
Tributes to Steve Miller
Full obituary: Portland Press Herald
