About Chris Cosmain
I write adult hard science fiction that offers keen psychological insight into its characters, grounded in real science and thoroughly researched extrapolations of current technological trends, all while delivering uncompromising, high-stakes action. I live with my family in Queensland, Australia.
I trained as a scientist before becoming a medical doctor. I've had a lifelong love affair with science and have always been an avid reader of science fiction. As a scientist, I've been especially drawn to the precision of hard science fiction and its considered, realistic projections of emerging trends.
Psychological Hard Science Fiction
In broad terms, psychological fiction is often strongly character-driven, propelled by a depiction of the characters’ inner world, mental state and even mental health. Characters are frequently flawed, or have inner conflicts which can drive a story, impacting upon the plot.
Psychological science fiction offers an infinite palette of unique and often surreal settings which challenge protagonists in interesting ways. It not only posits powerful “what if?” questions around technological, social or political trends, it allows characters to be placed in quite unusual settings, such as the surreal situations which can arise from time travel. This genre explores how those bizarre situations might impact on the psyche of the characters and ultimately explores the question of what it means to be human.
Hard science fiction is characterised by its devotion to scientific accuracy, logic and cause and effect. While many hard science fiction stories avail themselves of the odd “scientific MacGuffin” to enable certain technologies (like time travel), they strive for attention to technical detail and integrity around the laws of physics.
My novels are meticulously researched. The science featured in them is either rooted in established theories and technologies, or thoughtfully extrapolated from them. Most are set in the near future, and I strive to make those worlds feel plausible and immersive.
As a doctor working in mental health, I’m drawn to diversity, complex characters and flawed protagonists. Above all, I’m curious about exploring the impact of extraordinary circumstances on the mental states of ordinary people.
Welcome to my website and I sincerely hope you enjoy reading my work.