I am a mid-40's father of two kids. I have a Phd in a social science and my day job is teaching undergraduates.

I have published many academic articles but never involving robots or aliens. Sadlly, I am afflicted with an ungovernable urge to write science fiction. Some of my favorite authors are Bujold and Banks. Indeed, I picked the pseudonym Oliver Buckram to be in there at the beginning of the alphabet along with Asimov, Clarke, etc. Outside of science fiction, I love Patrick O'Brian.

Right now I am writing short stories, mostly set in present day or near future. Someday I want to write space opera novels.

Welcome, oh writer to be. Time to have some fun and learn at the same time. And this place is great for both. Nice people too.

But in your list of "A" writers don't forget Asprin ... except he does fantasy not SF.

And as you look up be careful while wondering the treehouse you could bump into the unicorn. And She can be mean.