Space Exploration Fangirl, Here!

Ever since I was a kid, I can remember being mesmerized by the idea of space travel and exploration. I watched all the sci-fi TV shows (Battlestar Galactica, Buck Rogers, Star Trek, etc.), read loads of sci-fi stories (20,000 Leagues Under the Sea, A Wrinkle in Time, Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, to name a few), and watched the space shuttles blast off into space, not really understanding the specifics of each mission, but knowing the astronauts had important work to do “out there”.

I used to stare at the moon when it was bright and full, and find constellations in the night sky, marvelling at the Milky Way and all its untold, undiscovered wonders.

I was deeply into being a fan (before I could even articulate this choice) of space.

Is it any wonder then that when my career pivoted from graphic design to writing, I penned a science fiction novel as my debut book? One could argue that We Are Mars is more military/political thriller than science fiction, but as its set primarily on Mars, I like to think of it as falling into the genre alongside other stories of similar intrigue.

And, boy! Did I have fun with all the research for that first book (and series). That debut story gave me the opportunity to jump with both feet down a rabbit hole of such marvellous discovery. I believe that with all I learned about Mars, I’d be able to lead a museum exhibit tour with no notes!

I also developed an almost obsessive attachment to the Mars-based science missions that seemed to be so abundant at the time when I was creating my Rubicon Saga novels (2016-2022). NASA’s Curiosity Rover was doing great science (discovering surface water, etc.), Opportunity Rover was struggling through its last days on Mars (Oppy’s demise hurt my heart because, like so many, I anthropomorphized that little rover), and the Insight explorer landed on Mars, discovering so much about the Red Planet’s deep workings from its stationary position at Elysium Planitia. Then, with much excitement, I added my name to the Perseverance rover’s mission disk (the downloadable boarding passes are a fun way to involve the general public!). Percy, as the rover is known, is doing great science, exploring and adding to the depth of Mars knowledge that will enable future crewed missions to set up camp on that distant neighbour. Plus, this fan girl has her name ON MARS!

I have done a fair bit of “fan art” over the years that includes rocket launches, Buzz Aldrin on the moon (as photographed by Neil Armstrong), photographed static displays such as the Endeavor shuttle in Los Angeles (California Sciencenter), and my dream is to one day watch a live rocket launch. Kid-me would squeal with pure delight to see how her love of space has evolved into meaningful connection, thoughtful work, and the main theme of her days.