MONOGRAM TRIA -  Best selling science fiction author Larry Niven and artist/illustrator Michael Whelan (LarryNiven Magic and MichaelWhelan Xue in SL) visited Second Life today at the First Annual Monogram Virtua Writers Convention.  Both were present at a digital poster signing of Whelan’s cover work for “Integral Trees” and answered questions from the 26 people in attendance.

Larry Niven has written over 50 sci-fi novels and stories.  Best known for “Ringworld,” “Footfall,” the co-author of “The Mote in God's Eye” and “Lucifer's Hammer,” Niven is the editor of the “Man-Kzin War” series. He is a five-time winner of the Hugo Award, along with a Nebula and numerous others.

Many of his pieces are written alone, but he does collaborate with other sci-fi authors such as Jerry Pournelle, David Gerrold, Steven Barnes, Michael Flynn, Isaac Asimov and Ed Lerner among others.

Michael Whelan has been creating sci-fi and fantasy art for over 30 years. In addition to his cover art for many of Niven’s novels, Whelan has created illustrations for Stephen King, Isaac Asimov, and Anne McCaffrey.  He has designed CD covers for artists Sepultura and Meatloaf.

Niven’s most recent work is “Escape from Hell” and fans can next expect to find “Juggler of Words” in stores shortly.

Niven began his writing career by signing up for the Famous Writers School in the 1960’s and learned enough to get going.  He also bought magazines he liked and submitted articles to them until he was published, which he said took 1 ¼ years.