Craig Alanson

The military science fiction subgenre was transformed by the release of Columbus Day, an alien-invasion adventure that introduced readers to high-stakes interstellar warfare paired with sharp humor. Author Craig Alanson launched his writing career with this breakout self-published novel, which quickly grew into the widely acclaimed Expeditionary Force series.

Career & Background

Before becoming a full-time author, Craig Alanson (the pen name for Craig Odell) worked in IT services creating corporate financial reports. He began writing fiction in 2006 during nights and weekends while balancing his corporate position. In 2016, Alanson independently published his first three novels on Amazon. Within six months of his initial e-book releases, the overwhelming reader response enabled him to leave his day job and write full-time. The breakout trajectory of Columbus Day accelerated when Podium Audio released the audiobook adaptation narrated by Audie Award winner R.C. Bray, earning a nomination for Audiobook of the Year in 2018. Born in Springfield, Massachusetts, Alanson now resides in Gainesville, Virginia, with his wife.

Writing Style & Themes

Alanson's storytelling combines fast-paced military sci-fi action, space opera tropes, intricate logistics, and witty character dynamics. His work frequently explores themes of improbable survival against overwhelming alien threats, military camaraderie, tactical improvisation, and resourceful technology usage. Across his Expeditionary Force universe and its spin-offs, Alanson mixes tense tactical encounters with lighthearted comedic banter. Beyond his flagship sci-fi saga, Alanson has expanded his creative scope into epic fantasy with the Ascendent trilogy, young adult space opera with Aces, and urban fantasy with his Convergence series.

Major Works

• Columbus Day — The debut novel in the Expeditionary Force series follows Earth's unexpected involvement in a galactic conflict, establishing the popular military science fiction saga.
• Homefront — An audio drama set within the Expeditionary Force universe that expands on the events and characters of the main storyline.
• Mavericks — A spin-off series installment focusing on a specialized team of human and alien soldiers operating independently within the larger interstellar war.
• Breakaway — The twelfth main installment in the Expeditionary Force saga, continuing the high-stakes missions and tactical operations of the Merry Band of Pirates.
• Valkyrie — A pivotal entry in the Expeditionary Force series featuring intense naval space combat and dramatic shifts in galactic strategy.
• Zero Hour — A key installment in the main series where the crew faces critical deadlines and escalating alien threats.