002 - The One Where We Start, Part 1 [Worlds Asunder]

From Marvel to Star Wars, shared universe content is taking over the world. We interviewed Chris Kennedy, publisher, author, and one of the co-founders of the Four Horseman Universe (4HU). Today Chris Kennedy Publishing is made up of six imprints that publish everything from non-fiction to military fiction to fantasy. 

From CKP’s Seventh Seal Press, the Four Horseman Universe is an action-packed, sweeping military science fiction series. It all started in 2016 with Cartwright’s Cavaliers by Mark Wandrey (https://www.worldmaker.us/home/). Now the 4HU has expanded to 8 different series, approaching 100 titles from over 50 authors. Its dedicated fan club has 25 companies across the country. 

We’ll discuss: 

• The starting seeds of a massive shared universe: how do authors hatch a plan that spans such a widespread, beloved series? 
• Submitting and participating in anthologies: how short stories help new authors get involved in established universes 
• Worldbuilding continuity across space: dozens of alien races, countless planets, and mercenary companies means you need a good bible and even better continuity editors
• Real-world inspiration for military science fiction and future tech
• Suspension of disbelief: research and reality vs the “rule of cool” in far-future science fiction 

Resources and Guest Links: 

• Chris Kennedy Publishing: https://chriskennedypublishing.com/
• Mark Wandrey Author: https://www.worldmaker.us/home/ 
• World Building for Novices: https://chriskennedypublishing.com/book/world-building-for-novices/ 
• Quillcraft Press, CKP: https://chriskennedypublishing.com/quillcraft-press/ 
• 4HU Fan Club, the Mercenary Guild: https://themercenaryguild.org/index.html

Host Links: 

• H.Y. Gregor: https://hygregor.com/