Remembering Steve Miller: the author behind the Liaden Universe (news).
We’re all feeling a deep sense of loss in the science fiction community as we come to terms with the passing of Steve Miller. For so many of us, Steve wasn’t just an author; he was a source of wonder, a man whose boundless creativity helped to shape the Liaden Universe series into something truly special. His unexpected passing on February 20, 2024, has left us with heavy hearts and a real sense of emptiness. It’s like there’s a hole in the rich fabric of the sci-fi world—a world that he and Sharon Lee brought to life with such color and vibrancy. We’ll miss him more than words can say.
For all of us who’ve journeyed through the cosmos with the beloved characters of the Liaden Universe, the recent update from Sharon Lee on her Patreon hits close to home. It’s a stark, heart-wrenching reminder of how delicate life really is. The news of Steve’s sudden departure, as Sharon shared in a deeply moving account of the moment she found him unresponsive, feels like we’re turning the final page on a significant chapter in the story of science fiction. Reading his obituary, which he had thoughtfully penned in advance, was like hearing his voice one last time. It was shared with all of us, his community, and it made me reflect on the incredible life he led and the indelible mark he’s left on the world of speculative fiction. It’s a legacy that’s as enduring as the stars he so often wrote about.
Steve Miller, born on July 31st, 1950, in Baltimore, Maryland, embarked on a literary journey that would see him become a cornerstone of the science fiction community alongside his wife and writing partner, Sharon Lee. Their creation, the Liaden Universe, spans over 24 novels and several short story collections, beginning with Agent of Change in 1988. This series, initially birthed into the world by Del Rey before finding a home with Baen Books, showcased Steve’s unparalleled worldbuilding and the creation of characters that have resonated with readers for generations.
The Liaden Universe was not just a series of books but a labor of love that Steve and Sharon nurtured through their own small press, embodying the spirit of “hybrid” authors long before the term became a staple in the publishing industry. Their dedication to their craft and their characters has left an indelible mark on the hearts and minds of their readers, creating a legacy that will continue to inspire and entertain.
Steve Miller’s contribution to the genre was not just in the stories he told but in the community he helped build. His background as a chess aficionado, journalist, and librarian only adds layers to a life that was as multifaceted as the universes he created. His engagement with the chess community, both in Maryland and Maine, and his work in bridging technology with literature, painted the portrait of a man whose interests and talents knew no bounds.
Steve’s stance on fan fiction, rooted in a desire to preserve the integrity of the Liaden Universe, speaks to his deep connection with his creations and his wish to maintain the authenticity of the world he and Sharon built together. This protective stance was not born out of exclusion but out of a profound sense of responsibility towards their characters and their stories.
The science fiction community has indeed lost a giant, but Steve Miller’s legacy will live on through the pages of the Liaden Universe, offering escape, adventure, and the warmth of familiarity to those who seek refuge in the world he and Sharon Lee brought to life. As we look up at the stars, it’s comforting to think that Steve is now among them, navigating the cosmos in ways we can only imagine. His journey on Earth may have ended, but his journey through the imaginations of countless readers is far from over. Rest in peace, Steve Miller. Your stories, your legacy, will forever orbit the hearts of those you’ve touched.
