Even after 5 books it’s hard launching this one out into the world. Each of theRecycling Humanity books has personal meaning for me. I know some authors say we shouldn’t treat our books like our babies – it makes it too personal for us and we are too sensitive to criticism. This can be true.

But that’s not what I mean by these books have personal meaning to me. I was once interviewed for a magazine article and they asked me if I put any part of myself into these books. I didn’t hesitate when I answered yes. All authors put some part of themselves into their books – either their experiences, personal traits, their wishes and dreams, or even their fears. I think I have a bit of each scattered throughout the Recycling Humanity series.

The first book that started all this, Recycling Humanity, will always mean a lot to me because it showed me I could write a whole novel. For this one I did draw some characteristics from family members. And my nephew’s middle name. *Thanks Vince!*

Starlight Max came from working with juveniles incarcerated at the state corrections department. Although I use real life experiences and ideas for my books, I then develop them into what it would like in my Sci-fi world.

Biolab Zeg came from research I had done on Biosphere 2 in Arizona. I grew up believing that experiment would get us living in space before I was out of college. And now we have all sorts of experiments happening on the United Space Station that gives me chills every time I watch videos of the amazing astronauts up there.

Midpoint Station and Talia’s Planet came after a close call with my eyesight. One of the side effects of my Lupus meds are blindness. After a not-so-good eye appointment I decided to research my options. I work downtown in our state’s capital and my office is a few blocks away from the main office for the Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired. The Director of that office often stops by my office to talk to our staff. I asked for a few minutes of his time and asked him many questions that not only made me feel better about my situation, but helped develop Talia’s abilities and confidence.

The other theme that weaves throughout the Recycling Humanity series is mental illnesses and disabilities of different kinds – seen and unseen. Many of these I’ve experienced first hand through my own battle with Lupus, or family members with physical and mental disabilities. I’ve also learned a lot working with the social workers in my job.

So, yes these books will always be personal in some small way. And I’m sure my future ones will too. But I put my books out there to entertain, so I hope all my readers enjoy my adventures!

And I hope this small peek behind the scenes of my Recycling Humanity series inspires everyone reading this to write everyday! You never know where that out-of-the-blue idea will take you!

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-Heather