Robert Dresner, Author
Robert Dresner grew up in the Bronx, across the street from the Bronx Zoo and the New York Botanical Gardens. As he remembers it, “It was a good place to live and a great place to leave.”
Robert Dresner, the author of The Astral Imperative series, is a somewhat unconventional figure in the science fiction world. His background includes working as a house painter in Boulder, Colorado, and he is known for his direct, unadorned writing style. Despite not fitting the typical image of a science fiction author, Dresner has crafted a series that delves into space exploration, human relationships, and philosophical questions about existence and consciousness.
“The same DNA literally runs through each book,” he says. “The hero of one book may be the grandmother of an antagonist in another book. The Astral series was the culmination of them all …”
He has written multiple volumes of The Astral Imperative, which explore the human condition through the lens of interstellar missions and the tensions that arise among diverse characters from different backgrounds. Dresner’s books often focus less on the technical aspects of space travel and more on the psychological and emotional challenges faced by his characters during these high-stakes missions.
In addition to his writing, Dresner has had a varied career, including significant time spent writing more novels in other genres. His works, including The Astral Imperative, are praised for their character-driven narratives and philosophical depth.
Robert Dresner’s writing strengths lie in several key areas:
- Character-Driven Narrative: Dresner’s work is notable for its focus on the psychological depth of his characters. Rather than relying on the technical details of space travel, he brings the complexities of human emotions and relationships to the forefront. The astronauts in The Astral Imperative are portrayed with flaws and personal conflicts, making their interactions highly engaging and relatable.
- Philosophical Depth: His writing often explores deeper themes like the nature of consciousness, humanity’s place in the universe, and ethical questions surrounding space exploration. This philosophical approach gives his books a reflective tone, encouraging readers to think beyond the action and plot.
- Use of Innovative Storytelling Devices: Dresner incorporates unique elements like the “Dream Machine” in The Astral Imperative, a computer game that allows the characters to reshape a holographic image of Mars. This device cleverly mirrors the interpersonal dynamics of the characters and adds an additional layer of creativity to the storytelling.
- Unadorned Prose: His straightforward and direct writing style allows the complexity of the story and characters to shine without unnecessary embellishment. This clear, no-frills approach makes the narrative accessible while maintaining emotional and intellectual impact.
These strengths combine to make Dresner’s work not only engaging in terms of plot but also deeply thought-provoking, appealing to readers who enjoy speculative fiction that probes human nature and future possibilities.
