The bestselling writer and self-described “dork” explains how he crafts upbeat space-set thrillers from dire scenarios only expertise can solve.

The $2.90 most New Yorkers pay for subway and bus fare will go up to $3.00 next year, but it’s half-price for thousands of New Yorkers, like Jerimiah Gonzalez. “I can go for more rides than if I pay ...