From Dune to the Stars: A Conversation with Kevin J. Anderson

By Nick Sampson | Epic Realms Podcast

Few authors have shaped the landscape of science fiction and fantasy like Kevin J. Anderson. With nearly 200 published books, collaborations with icons from Dune, Star Wars, and Rush, and an ongoing passion for creation that spans novels, comics, and rock albums, Anderson’s career defies any simple label. On a recent episode of Epic Realms, we sat down to explore his incredible journey, one that began in a small Wisconsin town and expanded to galaxies far, far away.

Early Dreams and Typewritten Beginnings

Anderson’s path to becoming a writer started before most kids could drive. “I bought a typewriter before I bought a bicycle,” he recalled. Growing up surrounded by sports-loving relatives, he was the “weird kid” who spent his free time reading Spider-Man, Star Trek, and Frank Herbert. His first story sold when he was just 15 years old for a whopping $12.50. “See, Mom, I can make a living!” he laughed. That story, Luck of the Draw, would later evolve into The Dragon Business, a humorous fantasy novel he revisited decades later.

From Science to Storytelling

Though writing was always his passion, Anderson originally studied astronomy and physics, following his parents’ advice that “no one can make a living as a writer.” Yet even his college years helped shape his fiction. “If you only take English classes to become a writer, it’s like trying to be a chef who only reads cookbooks and never buys ingredients,” he explained. Science, history, and politics became the “ingredients” that fueled his imagination.

Rewriting the Rules of Publishing

Anderson has also been a pioneer in adapting to the changing publishing world. His first Kickstarter campaign, resurrecting his Dan Shamble, Zombie P.I. series, showed how powerful direct connection with fans could be. “The fans brought that character back to life, literally,” he said. “The Kickstarter raised three times what a regular publisher ever paid me.” Now he runs WordFire Press and teaches publishing at Western Colorado University, helping new writers navigate the shifting landscape.

Tales from a Galaxy Far, Far Away

Anderson’s Star Wars work remains a highlight for many fans. His Jedi Academy trilogy and Darksaber novel helped define the Expanded Universe era of the 1990s. When Disney later rebranded those books as Legends, Anderson took it in stride. “Fans were furious,” he said. “But I just saw it like a Batman reboot. You keep the stories you love. They didn’t erase them; they just started a new canon.”

Continuing the Legacy of Dune

For Anderson, the Dune universe has been both a lifelong passion and a career-defining collaboration. “Dune was my favorite novel since I was eleven,” he told us. When Frank Herbert passed away, Anderson wrote to Herbert’s son, Brian Herbert, about finishing the saga. That letter led to a creative partnership spanning over two decades and more than 20 novels. “If teenage Kevin could see this, working on Star Wars, Rush, and Dune, his head would explode.”

Monsters, Music, and the Multiverse

Beyond the classics, Anderson continues to explore new creative frontiers. His recent Lovecraftian sci-fi novel Nether Station, published by Weird Tales Presents, channels the isolation and horror of Event Horizon and Alien. “It’s probably the scariest thing I’ve ever written,” he said.

Then there is Terra Incognita, Anderson’s epic fantasy trilogy, recently reissued alongside three companion rock albums featuring members of Kansas, Dream Theater, Asia, and Saga. The project, produced under the name Roswell 6, bridges his love of music and storytelling. “I always wanted to do a novel and an album together,” Anderson said. “It’s like writing the soundtrack for your own world.”

Still Creating, Still Inspired

Even with nearly 200 books to his name, Anderson shows no signs of slowing down. Between Dune collaborations, his Dan Shamble TV development, his Nether Station sequel, and ongoing teaching and public speaking, he still finds time to mentor aspiring writers and engage fans directly through Patreon.

“People talk about AI writing books for them,” he mused during the interview. “But why would anyone want that? The writing part, that’s the fun part.”

Listen to the full interview at EpicRealmsMedia.com. You can also find his work, albums, and signed editions at WordFireShop.com. More podcast episodes are available at EpicRealmsMedia.com.