Robert E. Vardeman, from Albq. NM, first started writing novels in 1975, even though he was nominated for a Fan-Fic Hugo in '72 (yes they had that category back then). He jumped into the last phase of the "Ace books" pulp to fiction era along with such authors as John Norman (Gor), Van Vogt and Andre Norton. He's a very prolific author who has written Sci-Fi, Fantasy and, under pen names, Westerns (as Karl Lassiter), Mysteries and Action/Adventure.
I first noted the connection between Stephen R. Donaldson and Vardeman when I attended a seminar at the University of New Mexico on Fantasy writing featuring SRD, REV and Fred Saberhagen (known for the "Swords" and "Beserker" series) in '82. Aside from Roger Zelazny and Jack Williamson these guys were the most notable Fantasy/Sci-Fi authors living in New Mexico at the time. Vardeman was one of the cofounders of Bubonicon, the NM Sci-Fi/Fantasy convention-he's, probably, been friends with SRD since '80-and has introduced, or has been on panels, with SRD
(at the Con) a number of times since then. He did an excellent and
very funny introduction of SRD as Guest of Honor at Bubonicon two years ago, which I why I jumped at the chance (with Romeo and Jenn's advice and help) to get him for Elohimfest.
I read his first Sci-Fi, Sandcats of Rhyl in '79 and found it very entertaining. Road to the Stars is very good as is the Great Helium War series. He also wrote Dark Legacy for the Magic the Gathering series and for Star Trek: Mutiny on the Enterprise and The Klingon Gambit.
The Sundered Realm is, probably the best Fantasy I've read by him, but he's probably better known for the Centograph Road series which is sorta like the Chronicles of Amber where a cyborg and his huge floating spider ally chase, and are chased by, a demented disembodied wizard from world to world.
To learn more and check out his other Sci-Fi and Fantasy series go to
www.cenotaphroad.com. Thanks Bob! What a great job you did at Elohimfest!!!!
