Growing up, Ken McConnell was fascinated by sci-fi movies, and it seemed inevitable that he would one day be the author of several science fiction novels including the Star Trilogy: Starforgers, Starstrikers and Starveyors, and Tyrmia.

Having completed his studies at the University of Central Florida in the late eighties, Ken moved on to study film making. He worked briefly as an assistant cameraman on several motion pictures and commercials before shifting gears to join the Air Force.

While in the Air Force, Ken started writing his first novel, Starstrikers. Although Ken’s earlier work was traditionally published by Hadley Rille Books in an anthology, Barren Worlds (2008), and with SpaceWesterns.com for his short story, The Renoke, Ken began investigating self-publishing as an option for Starstrikers. And for the past five years he has been writing and self-publishing in earnest releasing books two and three of the Star Trilogy, another science-fiction novel, Tyrmia (2010), and numerous short stories including an anthology, Tales From Ocherva, Volume One (2010). 

Ken has also published a mystery/thriller, Null Pointer (2009), under his pen name, Johnny Batch.

When it comes to choosing between self-publishing and traditional publishing Ken is firmly in both camps. "Do whatever works for you,” he says. "The worst thing you can do is choose a side and remain closed to all other options. It’s a great time to be a writer and you should be prepared to take whichever path will further your career.”

Ken now works as a contractor for Hewlett Packard in Boise Idaho where he met his wife, Laurie, and where they are raising their two boys. He has amassed a strong body of work and continues to write whenever life permits. 

Ken is a member of several writer groups based in Boise including the Boise Spec-Fic Writer’s Group, Partner’s in Crime, and the Idaho Writer’s Guild.

You can connect with Ken on his website, blog, Twitter and Google+ or you can email Ken directly for speaking and other engagements.