John Milo “Mike” Ford (1957–2006) was an accomplished American writer in the realms of science fiction and fantasy. Renowned for his versatility and literary innovation, Ford left an indelible mark on speculative fiction.
Born in East Chicago, Indiana, Ford attended Indiana University Bloomington, engaging in the science fiction club and publishing his début short story, This, Too, We Reconcile (1976,) in Analog magazine. He later moved to New York to contribute to Isaac Asimov’s Science Fiction Magazine and relocated to Minneapolis in 1990, where, alongside his writing, he held diverse roles, including hospital orderly, computer consultant, slush pile reader, and copy editor.
Ford’s literary journey took flight with the publication of his inaugural novel, Web of Angels (1980,) which served as a showcase for his distinctive narrative style. However, it was his science fiction opus, The Dragon Waiting (1983,) that catapulted him to widespread recognition. This novel masterfully blends alternate history, fantasy, and political intrigue, displaying Ford’s prowess in constructing intricate and engaging tales.
In the expansive universe of Star Trek literature, Ford’s contribution was significant. His acclaimed novel, The Final Reflection (1984,) delved into Klingon culture with a depth and complexity that set it apart within the Star Trek literary canon. Ford’s innovative storytelling and nuanced character development breathed fresh life into the exploration of familiar Star Trek themes.
Ford’s creative range extended beyond novels, encompassing poems, plays, and game-related fiction, attesting to his multifaceted talents. The collection of short stories titled Heat of Fusion and Other Stories (1986) exemplified his ability to weave compelling narratives across diverse speculative fiction sub-genres.
More: Wikipedia • READ: Works by John M. Ford
If you do not wish a thing heard, do not say it.
—John M. Ford
Topics: Rationality
Titles of honor add not to his worth, who is himself an honor to his title.
—John M. Ford
Topics: Titles
He deserves small trust who is not privy counsellor to himself.
—John M. Ford
Topics: Secrecy
You are not ready to count your enemy’s losses until you have learned to count your own. And remember that some enemies will never have learned to count.
—John M. Ford
Topics: Rationality
Delay in vengeance gives a heavier blow.
—John M. Ford
Topics: One liners, Revenge, Vengeance
You can speak well if your tongue can deliver the message of your heart.
—John M. Ford
Topics: Speakers, Speaking
Happy the kings whose thrones are founded on their people’s hearts.
—John M. Ford
Topics: Kings
Revenge proves its own executioner.
—John M. Ford
Topics: Revenge
Contentment gives a crown, where fortune hath denied it.
—John M. Ford
Topics: Contentment
In any war there are always more of the enemy than you think, and there are always allies you never knew you had.
—John M. Ford
Topics: Rationality
Wondering Whom to Read Next?
Leave a Reply