Mike Resnick sold his first professional writing piece in 1957 while attending Highland Park High School, launching a career that spanned over six decades. A prolific force in American science fiction, he produced hundreds of novels and short stories while becoming one of the most nominated writers in the history of the prestigious Hugo Awards.
Early Career and Prolific Output
Born in Chicago in 1942, Resnick attended the University of Chicago between 1959 and 1961. Before focusing primarily on science fiction, he spent the 1960s and early 1970s authoring over 200 erotic novels under various pseudonyms. During this period, he also managed seven tabloid newspapers and three men's magazines, in addition to writing regular columns on horse racing and purebred collies.
Twenty questions, eight minutes on the clock, and a percentile measured against everyone who has taken it. No sign-up.
Take the IQ test →Thematic Focus and Collaboration
Resnick frequently utilized fable and legend as core elements of his storytelling. His work often explored themes of colonialism, history, and culture, particularly regarding the Kikuyu people of Kenya. He was a frequent visitor to the region, and many of his narratives served as allegories for Kenyan politics. His collaborative spirit was a defining trait of his later career; by 2014, he had partnered with 52 writers on short fiction and collaborated on various novels and screenplays.
Editorial Contributions
Beyond his own writing, Resnick held significant editorial roles within the publishing industry. He served as the editor-in-chief for National Features Syndicate and later functioned as a publisher for Oligarch Press. From 2007 to 2010, he acted as executive editor for Jim Baen's Universe. Later, in 2013, he became the editor of the science fiction magazine Galaxy's Edge, where he championed both veteran authors and emerging voices in the genre.
Awards and Recognition
Resnick received extensive international recognition for his literary contributions. He holds a record for Hugo Award nominations, securing five wins for works including Kirinyaga, Seven Views of Olduvai Gorge, and Travels with My Cats. His accolades include multiple Ignotus Awards, a Seiun Award, and a Locus Award. In 1995, he achieved the distinction of being the first individual nominated for four Hugo Awards in a single year.
Fast facts
- Born: 1942, Chicago
- Died: 2020, Cincinnati
- Education: University of Chicago, 1959-1961
- Notable Work: Kirinyaga
- Hugo Award Wins: 5
- Primary Field: Science Fiction
- Career Start: 1957
Questions readers ask
Did Mike Resnick write mystery novels?
Yes, late in his career, he wrote a series of mystery novels featuring the character Eli Paxton.
Was he involved in film adaptations of his work?
Yes, he sold screenplays based on his novels Santiago and The Widowmaker, and had various properties optioned by Hollywood studios including Miramax.
Achievements
- Hugo Award for Best Short Story — 1998
- Hugo Award for Best Novelette — 1991
- Nebula Award for Best Novella — 1995
- Hugo Award for Best Novella — 1995
- Notable work: Kirinyaga
- Genres: science fiction and speculative fiction
