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Meet Behind Mars: A Made in Michigan Writers Series Exploring the Red Planet

Darrell Powell

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Mars, the enigmatic neighbor of Earth, has long captured the imagination of humankind. From ancient astronomers to modern-day scientists, the allure of the Red Planet continues to inspire awe and wonder. And now, a group of talented Michigan writers has embarked on a literary journey to explore Mars from their unique perspectives.

Meet Behind Mars is a writers series that brings together Michigan authors who share a passion for space exploration and storytelling. Over the course of several events, these writers will share their works-in-progress, insights into their creative process, and engage in lively discussions about Mars and its place in human imagination.

In this article, we delve into the Meet Behind Mars series, featuring interviews with authors, exclusive excerpts from their works, and a behind-the-scenes look at the creative process. Join us as we explore the captivating world of Mars through the eyes of Michigan's most imaginative writers.

Meet Behind Mars (Made in Michigan Writers Series)

by William W. Johnstone

5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	1573 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	140 pages

The Meet Behind Mars writers series features a diverse group of authors, each with their own unique voice and perspective on Mars. Here's a closer look at the talented individuals behind the series:

Sarah Stewart is a speculative fiction writer whose work has appeared in numerous publications, including Asimov's Science Fiction and The Magazine of Fantasy & Science Fiction. Her current project is a novel set on Mars, exploring the challenges and opportunities of human life on the Red Planet.
James Patrick Kelly is an award-winning science fiction author and editor. His work has appeared in The New Yorker, The Atlantic, and Best American Science Fiction and Fantasy. Kelly is also a professor of creative writing at the University of Massachusetts Amherst.
Cory Doctorow is a Canadian-British science fiction author, blogger, and activist. His work has been translated into more than 40 languages and has won numerous awards, including the Nebula Award and the Hugo Award. Doctorow's latest novel, Attack Surface, explores the intersection of technology and society in a near-future world.
Annalee Newitz is a science fiction author, journalist, and scholar. Their work has appeared in The New York Times, The Atlantic, and Slate. Newitz is also a co-founder of the science fiction magazine io9. Their latest novel, Four Thousand, Seven Hundred, and Forty Days, imagines a future where humans have colonized Mars and are struggling to survive.

The Meet Behind Mars writers series is a unique opportunity to explore Mars through the lens of literature. These talented authors offer diverse perspectives on the Red Planet, from the challenges of human survival to the boundless possibilities of space exploration.

In an exclusive excerpt from her novel, Sarah Stewart paints a vivid picture of the Martian landscape:

"The sky was a deep, reddish-orange, the color of rust. The sun, a small, pale orb, hung low on the horizon. The air was thin and cold, and the wind whipped up dust devils that danced across the barren plain.

Jenna stood on a hilltop, looking out over the Martian landscape. She had been on Mars for less than a week, but she already felt a strange connection to the planet. It was a harsh and unforgiving world, but it was also beautiful in its own way."

James Patrick Kelly's work explores the psychological challenges of human life on Mars. In an interview, he discussed the importance of authenticity in writing about space exploration:

"When you're writing about space exploration, it's important to remember that it's not just about the technology. It's about the people. What are they like? What are their motivations? What are their fears? If you can get inside the heads of your characters, then you can write a story that's both believable and emotionally resonant."

Cory Doctorow's work often tackles the intersection of technology and society. In his novel Attack Surface, he imagines a future where humans have colonized Mars and are using technology to create a new society.

"Mars is a symbol of both our hopes and our fears," Doctorow said. "It's a place where we can start over, but it's also a place where we could easily make the same mistakes we've made on Earth. My novel is about the choices we make as we explore Mars, and the consequences of those choices."

Annalee Newitz's work explores the complexities of gender and identity. In their novel Four Thousand, Seven Hundred, and Forty Days, they imagine a future where humans have colonized Mars and are struggling to survive.

"I wanted to write a story about Mars that wasn't just about the technology or the challenges of survival," Newitz said. "I wanted to write a story about the people who live on Mars, and how they navigate the complexities of gender, identity, and power."

The Meet Behind Mars writers series offers a unique glimpse into the creative process of some of Michigan's most talented authors. In interviews and behind-the-scenes discussions, these writers share their inspirations, their writing habits, and their hopes for the future of space exploration.

Sarah Stewart on her inspiration for writing about Mars:

"I've always been fascinated by space exploration. When I was a kid, I wanted to be an astronaut. But I also knew that I wasn't cut out for the physical rigors of space travel. So I decided to become a writer instead. I figured that if I couldn't go to Mars in person, I could at least write about it."

James Patrick Kelly on his writing habits:

"I'm a morning writer. I get up early, make a cup of coffee, and start writing. I usually write for a few hours, then take a break for lunch. After lunch, I'll often go for a walk or do some research. Then I'll come back and write for another few hours. I find that I'm most productive when I have a regular writing routine."

Cory Doctorow on his hopes for the future of space exploration:

"I hope that we'll continue to explore Mars and other planets. I think it's important for us to understand our place in the universe. And I think that space exploration can inspire us to do great things here on Earth."

Annalee Newitz on their hopes for the future of space exploration:

"I hope that we'll eventually be able to establish a permanent human presence on Mars. I think it would be a major achievement for humanity. And I think it would open up new possibilities for science, exploration, and human civilization."

The Meet Behind Mars writers series is a captivating exploration of the Red Planet through the eyes of Michigan's most imaginative writers. These authors offer diverse perspectives on Mars, from the challenges of human survival to the boundless possibilities of space exploration. Their work is a testament to the power of literature to inspire, educate, and entertain.

As the Meet Behind Mars series continues, these authors will continue to share their work, their insights, and their hopes for the future of space exploration. Join us for this exciting literary journey as we explore the enigmatic world of Mars and imagine the boundless possibilities that await us among the stars.

Meet Behind Mars (Made in Michigan Writers Series)

by William W. Johnstone

5 out of 5