Pen Name:
None
Genre:
Fantasy, Memoir, Science Fiction, Thriller, Young Adult
Website:
Social Media:
Other Contact Information:
jeffotis@earthlink.net
Bio
Jeff Otis has been a fiction author and humorist since 2019. Several of his short stories appear in anthologies published by SouthWest Writers. In 2023, he won first place in the humor category for his short story “The Gift” which appeared in the anthology Woven Pathways. His novels center on magical realism or science fiction. In addition, he loves painting in oils. He lives in Albuquerque, New Mexico with his wife Ida and family.
Books
Title: Raptor Lands: The Story of the Harrowing Return of the Dinosaurs
Published: March 29, 2024
Genre: Science Fiction
Cantor, a paleontologist, and Kumiko, a geneticist, team up with a quantum computer genius to reverse engineer dinosaurs from birds, planning to learn how dinosaurs behaved millions of years ago. But a ruthless oligarch arranges for changes in the bird genes that result in large and dangerous predators — the kind his wealthy clients can show off. After the growing raptors are moved from California to a ranch in New Mexico, Cantor and Kumiko believe the dinosaurs will thrive. But will they? This is the story of scientists’ desire for knowledge versus greedy profiteers. Of humans versus the deadliest of predators. Of families versus an increasing human and nonhuman menace. Of how an underdog becomes a key player in this life-or-death struggle.
Available for Sale
Anthologies
Title: Mosaic Voices (The 2024 SWW Winners Anthology)
Publisher: Independently published (September 8, 2024)
“Raptor Lands”
♦ 3rd Place: Opening Pages of a Published Novel
The latest SWW anthology Mosaic Voices features the award-winning prose and poetry from the 2024 SWW Writing Contest. This year we had over 400 entries in twenty-five categories from talented writers and artists eager to share their work. Our winning entries came from all over the country and beyond. The writers are from a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences, and education. Like the pieces of a mosaic, these voices come together in beautiful patterns that enrich each other while also maintaining their own identity. Enjoy this mosaic of voices!
Available for Sale
Title: Woven Pathways: The 2023 SouthWest Writers Winners Anthology
Publisher: Independently published (September 6, 2023)
“The Gift”
♦ 1st Place: Short Story, Humor
SouthWest Writers has released a new collection of award winning prose and poetry highlighting the talents of both experienced and novice wordsmiths. This delightful anthology weaves together diverse genres and viewpoints to bring you an eclectic mix of humor, pathos, and intrigue. These pieces were all winners in the 2023 SWW annual writing contest. This year’s contest includes writing categories in both prose and poetry, fiction and nonfiction, spanning the gamut from opening pages of novels to flash fiction to memoirs. The Annual Writing Contest allows both new and seasoned writers to sharpen their skills by taking them out of their comfort zone. We the members of SouthWest Writers hope you enjoy this year’s anthology of contest finalists — after all, you the reader are the reason we write!
Available for Sale
Title: Holes in Our Hearts: An Anthology of New Mexican Military Related Stories and Poetry
Publisher: Independently published (May 29, 2023)
“Bottles” ♦ Genre: Humor/Memoir
“The Mission” ♦ Genre: Memoir
This collection of prose and poetry was gathered and created by SouthWest Writers and funded through a grant from the State of New Mexico Arts Agency. These stories were written and contributed by New Mexican Veterans, their family members and caregivers including: Rosa Armijo-Pemble, Joseph Badal, Rebecca Black, Steve Borbas, E. Joe Brown, Laurel Burnett, Sherri Burr, Ivan Calhoun, John J. Candelaria, Judy Castleberry, Brenda Cole, Brinn Colenda, Joshua Colenda, Mark Fleisher, Paul David Gonzales, Linda G. Harris, M. Elder Hays, A. Michael Hibner, Carl Hitchens, KE Hopkins, James Houston and Molly Houston, Carol Kreis, Caroline A. LeBlanc, Jacqueline Murray Loring, Butch Maki, Elaine Carson Montague, Sam Moorman, Evelyn Neil, Thomas Neiman, C.L. Nemeth, Paula Nixon, Harper O’Connor, Jeffrey Otis, Donna Pedace, W. Howard Plunkett, Léonie Rosenstiel, Earl W. Rugen, Lynne Sebastian, Barb Simmons, Ted Spitzmiller, Dale Swetnam, Jasmine Tritten, Jim Tritten, Lawrence Trujillo, Vicki Turpen, KL Wagoner, Regina Washington, Dan Wetmore, Ben White, Josephine White, J. Allen Whitt, Circe Olson Woessner, Norbert Wood, Kay Yoest.
Available for Sale
Anthology: A Diversity of Expression: 2022 Anthology of Winning Prose & Poetry
Publisher: Independently Published (August 28, 2022)
“The Lure of Flying”
♦ 3rd Place: Prose Flying
The SouthWest Writers 2022 Writing Contest motto was A Diversity of Expression. Thirteen categories of prose, poetry, fiction, and non-fiction as well as art and photography grace this delightful anthology of winning entries. The Annual Writing Contest offers an important step in an author’s development. It focuses on short pieces of poetry, non-fiction essays and genre-driven short prose. The contest allows both budding authors and seasoned writers to sharpen their skills. These stories and poems are fun, or sad, or factual, or surprising, many of them are all these things. Pay attention to the names of the authors—you will probably see them again!
