Science round-up inspiration - 12

Here is my latest my round-up from the world of science.  As always I attach no measure of relative importance to what I include.  They are simply items that have caught my eye as they flow through my social media stream.  This time it’s a little more space based, perhaps because I’m a science fiction author and I’ve been revising a book based way out there in the future.

The journey to Mars – its not all about Mars

William Gurstenmaier (NASA’s associate administrator for human exploration and operations) has been talking about NASAs ambitions for a Mars mission.  What was interesting for me is that for me it’s the first time I’ve read an article that isn’t solely focused on Mars.  A Mars mission is just part of broader mission for the human exploration of the solar system.  They will use robots to build the base and they see robots and humans working together to conquer all the issues that humans will face in that wider exploration.

For the complete blog follow the link

Pluck up courage - it's time for a relaunch

In some ways I’m not sure why it’s taken me so long to make the decision to invest in a book relaunch.  I launched Bleak last November and lots of people (and not just friends) have told me they really enjoyed the book.  And yet, I admit sales have been disappointing, to the point where they have dwindled to almost nothing.  I know basically that could be due to three things: a) the book simply doesn’t appeal. b) the cover, blurb etc. are putting people off. c) marketing.

Now given what I said in the beginning I believe the book is good enough and although science fiction is not everyone’s favourite genre, there is an audience for my book, if I can just get them to take a look at it.

So that means I need to work on b) and c).

For the full blog follow this link

Science round-up Inspiration - 11

It’s been a while since I produced one of my end of the month science round-ups.  However, recently a few items have grabbed my attention as a science fiction writer.  As always these are not in any order of scientific importance.  However, as any writer knows it’s these sort of things that start you asking questions that lead to… well who knows where.

For the full blog follow the link