Short Stories from Life in the Milky Way 

1. What inspired you to begin your publishing journey?

I have written two science fiction books and felt I wanted to write another sci-fi book that could be read on a smart phone. My new book Short Stories from Life in the Milky Way features thirty different cosmic stories that can be read at random and the reader can pick a short or longer story depending on how much time is available. The different storylines celebrate life and family and I believe many extraterrestrials may be more similar to us humans than we expect and I wanted to share my interpretation of life in space with the reader.

2. What led you to choose the self-publishing route vs. traditional publishing?

Less costly and more convenience. The traditional way using a book agent was out of the question for me as I have no experience with traditional publishing and I also believe there is a certain amount of unfairness in this way of book publishing. Self-publishing ensures that all authors can bring forth a book.

3. How did you select Gatekeeper Press as your publishing family?

I have published twice with Gatekeeper Press and never been disappointed or regretted my choice of publisher. The process works well and the cost of publishing is affordable.

4. Were there any moments during your publishing journey where your expectations differed from the actual process?

My book cover. I started out asking the designer to produce an unrealistic version which flopped. It was not her fault obviously. As we worked together, she came through with the right image and produced a cover we both felt was just right. She was willing to listen and great to work with.

5. What aspects of the process did you find most enjoyable?

The research behind the book taking me on a wild ride into the heavens. Perhaps a detail here and there is not scientifically correct, but I tried my best to read about any cosmic topic to ensure accuracy. This is, of course, a book of fiction so I expect the reader will treat the stories as such.

6. What challenges did you encounter during your publishing journey?

I am European and English is not my native language. Hopefully, the written text is without mistakes, but I have to pay attention to proper grammar and punctuation when I write. The second challenge is that my writing is a solo journey as my husband is not encouraging my writing at all. I have concluded I do just fine without support and find inspiration from within to write my books.

7. Would you change anything if you could do it all over again?

No, I am at peace with the way I wrote the book. Since none of us know for sure how cosmic beings live on other planets, common sense must be part of the equation when a sci-fi story is created. Research will supply some accuracy, but the author’s imagination has to complete the storyline.

8. What were the most surprising aspects of self-publishing with Gatekeeper Press?

Peace of mind. Gatekeeper Press took the stress out of the process.

9. Would you recommend fellow authors self-publish with Gatekeeper Press?

Definitely. They also offer many services related to the publishing of the book so they provide “everything under one roof”.

10. With your dream book a reality, what goals do you aspire to achieve with your story?

To open the reader’s mind that life is not rare but abundant in the universe. To believe Earth alone has intelligent life indicates a closed mind, perhaps driven by fear of extraterrestrials. A young person alive today may encounter an ET in his/her lifetime and to automatically conclude they are all a threat to us humans would be a sad viewpoint. There may be cosmic criminals and conquerors roaming in space, but overall, I believe in the goodness of extraterrestrial life forms. How they look is irrelevant; what matters is their conduct and how they decide to interact with humans. ET may appear as beings in bodily form or as energy beings invisible to humans. Ideally, cooperation rather than competition would be the unifying force and the underdog may actually have something to teach the more evolved of the two. A merger between humans and ET may bring forth beings with an advanced intellect combined with the gifts of the heart, a person we all would want to meet.

Discover more about Short Stories from Life in the Milky Way and purchase a copy here.

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