Back home in South Bend, author Cat Rambo has new sci-fi novel, 'Devil's Gun'
Creative, personable and a storyteller with a quick wit and great hair colors, Cat Rambo has a gift for teaching and creating science fiction and fantasy. The award-winning author got started in South Bend and recently returned to the old neighborhood after living in Washington State.
The old neighborhood is the Chapin Park area. A part of town that can spark most imaginations. Back in South Bend since 2022 there have been big changes, but some things stay the same.
"I’m enjoying my existence and spending time with family and friends," they said. "South Bend is not a big city. You can write in the city and then be in the county. There is water and Lake Michigan.”
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Cat has a new book, “Devil’s Gun,” which is published by Tor Publishing Group. While traveling through space, the heroine decides to set up a pop-up diner. More things happen after that. The second in command of the ship has four arms and that makes him even more helpful in the kitchen. There is a squid and an augmented chimp who is great at stocking the kitchen. There is a vengeful pirate king in the game. Chases, explosions and dinner specials are on the menu.
That’s just a hint.
“Devil’s Gun” is the sequel to 2021's “You Sexy Thing.” The books are available on Amazon and Barnes & Noble.
Cat has written more than 200 pieces for noted publications, including Asimov’s Science Fiction, Clarkesworld and The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction. They are also recipients of an Endeavour and have been a World Fantasy Award finalist.
They also won the 2019 Nebula Award for best novelette for the story “Carpe Glitter” from the Science Fiction & Fantasy Writers of America (SFWA).
The Nebula recognizes the best of science fiction or fantasy published in the United States. That’s a big deal.
Cat was co-editor of “Fantasy Magazine” from 2007 to 2011, which earned them a 2012 World Fantasy Special Award: Non-Professional nomination.
Cat served as the president of the Science Fiction Writers Association for two terms from 2015 to 2019. And one term as vice president. Cat also gives a hand up to others as a teacher in The Rambo Academy for Wayward Writers. The newbies and others learn how to navigate the publishing world. Some are online, some classes are in person.
There was a recent writing workshop in a Spanish castle. That sounds like a good way to concentrate.
Sarah Pinsker, Tobias Buckell and Ann Leckie also taught at the workshop in Spain. All three are noted and award-winning science fiction and fantasy writers.
If you want more information on the workshops, visit www.kittywumpus.net, or more information on schools, visit http://academy.catrambo.com.
Hanging out at The Griffon
Cat comes to this talent naturally. Mom is Deanna Francis, a retired reporter and editor for The Tribune. Growing up in South Bend and a graduate of St. Joseph High School, Cat (with the given name of Catherine) was drawn to science fiction/fantasy as a child. Hiding the books in textbooks and going to the Griffon Bookstore, 121 W. Colfax Ave.
“I was there at the 40th anniversary of the store. So many people said, ‘The store saved me. I was geeky and smart. I didn’t fit in.’ The Griffon was there for them.”
Cat intends on writing a story that will feature the Griffon. Plans are underway for that one.
Cat said there is a weekly dinner with the Griffon's owner, Ken Peczkowski, on her calendar.
LaVar Burton's podcast
Cat worked at Microsoft in Washington but decided to go full-time into writing in 2005. A graduate of the Johns Hopkins Writing Seminars and Clarion West, a nonprofit literary organization that runs six-week residential workshops. There were freelance jobs and writing one story a week.
Two events moved their story along. First, one short story was submitted to LaVar Burton’s podcast during the early part of the pandemic. “The Magnificent Pigs” is about loss. “I got a phone call, and the identification said, ‘LA Burton,’" she said, "and I sent it to voicemail.”
They connected and the story was used.
Another story, “Dead Girl’s Wedding March,” was published in Fantasy Magazine and that led to collaborations and an editing position.
Cat is grateful for the opportunities and the chance to do good work.
Coming back to South Bend followed the COVID shut down. The opportunity to reconnect with people is important. More people and fewer Zooms. “It feels good, and the move was the right choice.”
Seattle is a special place to Cat. A great atmosphere and restaurants. “But I don’t miss the corporate life.”
There is a schedule for the day to stay in the groove. Writing in the morning, coffee. “Butt in the chair is important for deadlines.” More ideas, more teaching and wildly interesting stories to come.
Kathy's email is kfborlik@yahoo.com.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: Sci-fi author Cat Rambo moves back to hometown South Bend
