Behold – we have once again entered a fabled month of two blogs. Mayhaps this one is short and sweet.
SONG INSPIRATION
The first blog of this month is inspired by a throwback track from Cherish, ‘Do It To It’.
FIRST SEMESTER DOWN
I’ve completed my first semester of teaching my first course at a small liberal arts college. Never have I known 12 weeks to pass so quickly. Let’s start off with the good. Despite the exhausting effort that goes into teaching, I loved every moment. I had dedicated students, helpful teaching assistants, and supportive colleagues. I challenged myself to create in-class activities and provide topics of challenging discussion. Overall, the semester was very rewarding. There wasn’t any bad perse, however, there were surmountable obstacles. This was my first time teaching a Natural Hazards course, so I had to modify old lectures, learn some of the material myself, and ensure that my expectations matched the content covered in class. As a result, I have created a portfolio of lecture content that I can use when I teach the same course again next spring. Additionally, I will use the lessons learned to create a stellar upper-level physical volcanology course for this fall! That said, summer came just in time. I burned myself out more than I realized and I didn’t feel it until about a week after I’d submitted final grades. I look forward to using the summer to prep my fall course and conduct some much-needed writing and research.
SUMMER 2023
This summer will be a relatively modest endeavor compared to the whirlwind adventures of last year. The summer will occur in two parts: 2 months in N’Angland and 2 months in Texas. Most of my time this summer will go toward writing two papers, conducting research, and mentoring. In N’Angland, things are quiet now that the students have left campus. I’ve worked more efficiently and shortened my workdays as a result. In Texas, I have been selected as a mentor for a 2-month pilot program aimed at training and mentoring senior undergrads in science and research and providing an academic network of early career scientists. In addition to devoting several hours a week to mentorship, I am expected to continue my summer work during the program. After Texas, I’ll swing by Arizona to check in on the peeps who didn’t escape the heat. And then it’s back to the Northeast in time for the fall foliage and the start of the semester.
WHY FICTION?
Another reader suggested topic, this time on ‘how did I get into fiction writing given my physical science background?’ First, I’ve always had an overactive imagination (sometimes to my own detriment *cough* anxiety *cough*) which has always inspired me to create worlds from thin air. Second, I’ve loved fiction writing since I was in elementary school. Arts and crafts time (when I gained access to manila drawing paper or 11×17-inch copy paper) was my favorite time of the day. I used to write little ‘books’ and ‘comics’ and ‘newspapers’ in class and show them to friends or tape them to the teacher’s desk. Sure, I found science – the cosmos and other planets – fascinating from an early age as well. But one could argue that sci-fi and fantasy art and literature (e.g., The Chronicles of Narnia or The Tripod Trilogy) inspired me and ultimately led me to a career in science. Artist’s renditions of faraway galaxies or futuristic space ships or imaginary continents filled with magic and mythical beasts provided a wonderful escape from whatever trials occurring in my life.
As I’ve grown, my content has changed but my inspiration remains the same. Nature continues to inspire me from the destructive forces operating on our planet (e.g., volcanic eruptions) to the exotic planets in our own solar system. That said, my own life experiences have also shaped my writing. I no longer write faux comics or newspapers. I prefer writing novellas and novels. Short stories and poetry remain my least favorite forms of artistic expression because they’re difficult for me, BUT I do force myself to write short stories for contests (especially thanks to my insistent friend and writing partner). And although I prefer to write sci-fi, alternative history, and stories with more fantastic elements, I use my characters to delve into conversations around morality, interpersonal relationships, societal expectations, etc.
Fiction writing is one of my most powerful creative outlets. My mind is constantly abuzz with characters and plotlines of futuristic or faraway lands. I’m thankful that I have the privilege and ability to devote time towards this creative pursuit AND that I enjoy such heartwarming support. As a quick update, I’ve finished a short story for a contest deadline in mid-June; my novel is at ~48,000 words; and I’m preparing to write another short story for a contest deadline in September.
CURRENT BOOKS AND SHOWS
Recently finished watching: Hunters II; Physical 100; She-Hulk: Attorney at Law; The Great British Baking Show: Professionals
Currently watching: Ted Lasso (s3); The Venture Bros (s5)
Recently finished reading: Astrophysics for People in a Hurry; The Art of War; The Prince
Currently reading: A Modern History of Japan; Dune
Thank you for reading! The second June blog is scheduled for Thursday, June 29th. Until next time….
The Planetary Novelist 