Of Space & Time is a collection of thought-provoking short stories about humans’ colonization of space and the challenges that come with this adventure. What was the inspiration for this collection of stories?

“Invasion” was one of a few early shorts I wrote that would become Future Destiny, the first book in the YA Torn Timeline series. This piece of flash fiction was initially part of a twenty-page treatment dreamed up on a drive home from a friend’s house, where the character HAMIL-E was born as an homage to my friend. A classroom teacher at the time, the character of Rustam was loosely based on me and HAMIL-E was his mentor.  I was having some fun because my friend was waiting for a story where he was a main character. After the seed was planted, the story then evolved from a fun playful exercise into a full-fledged sci-fi adventure.

“Tabitha” came out of COVID. “Rogue Moon” examines innovation that could be achieved a la Gene Roddenberry’s vision. That is, when all of society is brought together for a common purpose. Instead of the aftermath of war, however, it’s a threat from space that unites everyone.

“Batarakala” and “Goliath IX” were not composed as science fiction tales originally. “Goliath IX” was based on a beginning teacher’s first day of school and “Batarakala” was based on a couple facing marital problems. Adding science fiction elements to these two stories provided depth that didn’t exist initially.

Is there any moral or idea that you hope readers take away from this collection?

Rising to the occasion when the moment calls for it is one of the ideas I hope readers take away from “Invasion,” the first in the collection. But there’s also the idea that we don’t always know what we’re capable of until tested and we may not truly know people as much as we think we do.

“Rogue Moon” posits human evolution to possibly be the product of some extraterrestrial string pulling. The way the concept plays out is unlike anything I’ve read or seen before.

“Goliath IX,” though a space epic, challenges the notion of equality. Sort of a reflection of today. Can these ideals be upheld, or do they inevitably break down? What does that reveal about human nature?

“Tabitha” is meant to underscore the need to maintain hope even when it seems all hope is lost. 

“Batarakala” explores multiple ideas, from spouse loyalty and support to the loss of dreams to the definition of success and failure to the question of whether our lives are defined by where we come from.

What experience in your life has had the biggest impact on your writing?

When I was a child, I remember being obsessed with looking through a collection of short illustrated books of the planets that belonged to my father.  As I grew older, my fascination with science fiction only grew. Even today, I am drawn to anything released regarding the satellites and telescopes that take images of space phenomenon. When it comes to writing science fiction, I think Star Trek, the original series, and the six movies with the original cast have had the biggest impact. The reimagined Battlestar Galactica series and the Stargate SG-1 series were also impactful. But I always return to classic trek. The common thread in all of these is the elevation of story telling thanks to the genre. 

What is the next book that you are working on, and when will it be available?

After a busy 2022, I’ve shifted from writing to promoting two nonfiction titles that were released in November and December. One is a study skills workbook for young learners ( Essential Study Skills: A Holistic Guide to Learning). The other is a coaching book for those looking to transform their lives ( Who Are You, Really? The Search for Authenticity ).

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