Introduction
Every great story starts with a spark, but sometimes that spark takes its time to grow into an absolute blaze. For today’s “Author Spotlight”, we are stepping into the imaginative world of Rodger E. Carty. Rodger is a Canadian science-fiction author who specializes in flipping traditional physics on its head while grounding his narratives in rich emotional truth. Proving that it is never too late to chase a lifelong dream, he began publishing his work after a major life milestone, bringing readers character-driven adventures that beautifully balance high-stakes post-apocalyptic survival with an irrepressible sense of wonder, hope, and humour.
Dreaming the Narrative: The Journey of Rodger E. Carty
Rodger E. Carty spent his adult life carrying around a collection of vivid story ideas—so much so that he would frequently dream entire scenes that would eventually find their way onto the page. However, it took surviving a significant health scare and subsequent six-bypass heart surgery to give him the final "now or never" push to share those visions with the world. He completed the first draft of his debut novel during the year he turned 70, proving that storytelling has no expiration date.
Long before his debut, Rodger’s raw talent was recognized when he stood out as one of only 66 authors selected from over 800 entries to move forward in a nationwide Canadian children's writing competition. The feedback he received praised his writing style as both skillful and highly intriguing, noting that his concept was a worthy addition to post-apocalyptic fiction. Today, Rodger views writing as his absolute dream job. When he isn’t busy exploring the boundaries of fictional physics at his desk, he loves to experience a bit of real-world weightlessness by throwing a frisbee around with his friends.
The Novels of Rodger E. Carty
Rodger’s fiction crafts a brilliant intersection between soft science fiction, imaginative physics, and uplifting, heartwarming character connections.
- Falling Up (Book 1): Generations after a devastating nuclear apocalypse, a young trader named Peter discovers he possesses a rare and dangerous gift: the ability to control gravity with his mind. While his talent offers the exhilaration of flight, it also marks him as a valuable target. As Peter navigates a fractured landscape filled with shifting alliances, he draws the attention of a terrifying, cold, and methodical tyrant king who is determined to either control or eliminate him. Spanning over 500 pages, this epic adventure focuses on Peter’s survival, his profound personal sacrifices, and the enduring bonds of friendship he forms along the way.
- Zero-I: Falling Up Series (Book 2): The adventure continues by taking a sharp look at the laws of motion, exploring what happens when human ingenuity learns to control, induce, and completely nullify inertia. The story follows a former fighter jet pilot who considers anything slower than Mach 1 utterly boring, relying on his Camaro muscle car to satisfy his need for speed on the ground. However, his understanding of velocity is completely rewritten when he gets involved in developing a revolutionary propulsion technology and a clean, unlimited energy source. The discovery triggers an extreme, catastrophic pushback from powerful entities heavily invested in traditional oil and gas, turning an exploration of joy and science into a desperate struggle against treachery.
What Readers Are Saying About Rodger E. Carty’s Work:
Rodger’s writing is highly celebrated for its organic world-building, clever subversion of scientific laws, and deeply touching relationships that anchor the dangerous stakes.
- "Rodger E. Carty has crafted something genuinely special here. Peter is one of the most compelling protagonists I've read in years... Carty balances tension with quieter, character-driven moments that make you genuinely care." — SAphira Luna on Falling Up, 5 Stars, Goodreads
- "The friendship between Peter, Alice, and Terence warmed my heart. I didn’t expect to be so emotionally attached to characters in a sci-fi story about flying, but here we are. The physics aspects are cleverly written and the emotional depth surprised me." — Thomas Christopher on Falling Up, 5 Stars, Goodreads
- "With its creative take on gravity and fun character moments, Falling Up feels fresh and exciting. It’s the perfect mix of soft sci-fi and feel-good fiction." — Steven Andrew on Falling Up, 5 Stars, Goodreads
- "I read this with my teenage son and we both adored it. It sparked so many “what if” conversations about gravity, physics, and imagination. Books that inspire curiosity are always winners in my eyes." — Tina Florence on Falling Up, 5 Stars, Goodreads
- "Falling Up is an imaginative and heartwarming tale. The concept of flying via mind-controlled gravity is exciting, but it’s the emotional depth of the characters that really hooks you." — Patrick Edward on Falling Up, 5 Stars, Goodreads
- "I'm a big fan of the post-apocalyptic genre. This was a nice change. Seeing how civilization is doing a few generations after. Well written, made me feel like I was right there." — Donna on Falling Up, 5 Stars, Goodreads
- "Peter’s journey is exhilarating, and the friendships he builds are touching. The flying scenes felt so real, I had to remind myself I was still on the couch." — Mary Lorraine on Falling Up, 5 Stars, Goodreads
A Call to Connection
If you are on the lookout for thoughtful, uplifting science fiction that inspires immense curiosity, Rodger E. Carty’s books are a must-read for anyone from ages 16 to 116. You can stay updated on his latest chapters, scientific reflections, and creative updates by following his journey on his website, Substack, and Facebook. Be sure to also check out his Goodreads profile, where he shares regular updates and insights on his personal author blog, "Rod Spills".
You can purchase his books through the Amazon affiliate links below:
The above books are also free to read with a Kindle Unlimited subscription!
Special Event Announcement: FictionFest
Rodger will also be participating in FictionFest, an incredible online Canadian literary event running from June 21 to July 24. It is a fantastic, free opportunity for authors and readers to connect, join lively discussions, and browse brilliant Canadian books. You can check out all the action and secure your spot by visiting the official website.
Conclusion
Rodger E. Carty beautifully highlights how the power of a long-held dream can manifest into something unforgettable. By twisting the laws of thermodynamics and gravity through a lens of joy, curiosity, and deep humanity, he creates a refreshing space within the sci-fi genre. I am absolutely delighted to feature his inspiring journey and distinct, physics-defying stories with you today.
Thanks for reading!
*This post contains affiliate links. For more information about my affiliate relationships, please see my Affiliate Disclosure.