Hi there, I’m Tom.
Greetings from West Dundee, IL!
I’m Tom Dell’Aringa, an American Science Fiction writer and graphic novelist. I write fun, engaging, character-driven stories that have heart — and meaning.
I’ve had a serious bug for reading and creating since I was a kid. Tolkien changed my life, and science fiction writers like C.J. Cherryh and James P. Hogan made me think about what the future could be like.
I’ve spent much of my professional life in the creative endeavors of graphic and software design (where I continue to work today). In 2008, I began creating graphic novels and successfully crowdfunded two of them — Marooned – A Space Opera in the Wrong Key! was funded in October of 2013 and Rock & Tin in July of 2015
But a few years ago, I realized I really wanted to get back to writing. With many thanks to Stephen King’s book On Writing, I finished my first full-length novel Blanchland Blues – a fun romp across the galaxy where one man tries to find his redemption.
It’s currently represented by Kimberley Cameron & Associates and being shopped for publication.
Five Fun Facts
I like to write about my characters having a passion for good whisk(e)y and good jazz, because… I have a passion for those things.
Starting as a pre-teen, I’ve been reading The Lord of the Rings every year (some years twice). I’m probably around 60 at this point.
Christmas is my favorite time of year, and my family has a very strict schedule of all the holiday specials we watch, printed out on a huge calendar. One viewing per year only — just like the old days!
I once got into an accident on the highway with a semi-truck going around 70 mph. I did a 720-degree spin in the middle of the road and crashed into the center concrete divider. Talk about a wild ride!
In the 90’s I was in a hard rock band with some friends and we recorded a CD. I still have a guitar sitting by my desk.