Jeanne Cavelos | |
|---|---|
| Born | (1960-05-26)May 26, 1960 (age 65) Summit, New Jersey, U.S. |
| Occupation |
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| Nationality | American |
| Education | Michigan State University (BS) American University (MFA) |
| Genre | Science fiction |
| Website | |
| www | |
Jeanne Cavelos (born May 26, 1960) is an Americanscience fiction writer, editor, and formerNASAastrophysicist.[1] She is the founder and a main director of theOdyssey Writing Workshop.[2] She is the author ofThe Science of Star Wars and is the first person documented saying "May the 4th Be with You," which has led to the creation of "Star Wars Day" on May 4.[3][4]
Cavelos began writing science fiction as a child, but wanted to do something that she felt was more important. Inspired byCharlton Heston inPlanet of the Apes, Cavelos decided to study astrophysics with the goal of becoming an astronaut.[1] She went on to receive her BS in astronomy fromMichigan State University in 1982.[5]
Cavelos first worked as an astrophysicist and mathematician. She taught astronomy at Michigan State University andCornell University and worked at the Astronaut Training Museum atNASA'sJohnson Space Center.[6]
However, she became dissatisfied with working in astronomy. She realized that she liked thinking about big questions, like the creation of the universe, rather than the smaller issues she had to focus on in research or at NASA. Science-fiction also gave her the ability to have freedom to explore ideas and consequences.[1] This love led to her decision to attendAmerican University to earn her MFA in Creative Writing.[7]
Cavelos transitioned into the publishing field, working as a senior editor forBantam Doubleday Dell. While working there, she launched the Abyss imprint, of horror, and Cutting Edge imprint, of noir literary fiction. She also ran the science fiction/fantasy publishing program and edited a wide range of fiction and nonfiction. As an editor, she became known for discovering and nurturing new authors, and won aWorld Fantasy Award. She worked with authors includingWilliam F. Nolan,Joan Vinge,Robert Anton Wilson,Dennis Etchison,Tanith Lee,Kathe Koja,Poppy Z. Brite,J. M. Dillard,David Wingrove,Barry Gifford,Patrick McCabe, andPeter Dickinson.[6]
While working at Dell, Cavelos contactedJ. Michael Straczynski to discuss the novelizations ofBabylon 5. She began the novel line with Dell before leaving publishing to focus on her writing career in 1994.[8][1] After receiving a form letter with an idea for the book, she set aside the novel that she had been writing and wrote a proposal for the Babylon 5 book, which led toThe Shadow Within.
Cavelos then wrote the non-fiction booksThe Science of the X-files, followed byThe Science of Star Wars. InThe Science of Star Wars, she possibly coined the phrase "May the 4th Be with You," which has led to the creation of "Star Wars Day" on May 4.[3][4]
Cavelos went on to author the Babylon 5Passing of the Techno-Mages trilogy.
In 2004 Cavelos editedThe Many Faces of Van Helsing, an anthology of horror and fantasy stories aboutAbraham Van Helsing written by masters of the genres.[9][10] The anthology was nominated for aBram Stoker Award.[6]
Cavelos has continued to teach, shifting her focus from astronomy and mathematics to creative writing. In 1994, she began teaching advanced fiction writing atSaint Anselm College.[11] In 1996, Cavelos and founded Odyssey Writing Workshops Charitable Trust, a nonprofit that helps fiction writers improve their work. In 2015, Cavelos was nominated for aWorld Fantasy Award for her work as Odyssey director and instructor. In 2024, Cavelos won aLocus Award for "Fostering Excellence in Craft & Career".[12]
