From Science to Fiction: Two Novels, Two Very Different Adventures

After spending most of my professional life as a scientist, I’ve discovered that writing fiction offers a rather different kind of freedom. In science, imagination must ultimately answer to evidence. In fiction, imagination can venture considerably further—although I still prefer to keep one foot firmly planted in science.

That approach has so far led me to write two science-fiction novels that, on the surface, have very little in common.

Genes of the Past is a science-based story that begins with an extraordinary discovery: a half-million-year-old hominin fossil unearthed in the Moroccan desert, carrying the genetic information for a sensory ability lost to modern humans. When scientists discover that gene editing might resurrect this ancient faculty, a groundbreaking scientific investigation becomes a matter of national security. As the implications of the discovery unfold, the line between scientific progress and dangerous ambition begins to blur—with consequences that could change the course of human history.

During my tenure as Chief Scientist at the Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, I became interested in the importance and power of chemical signaling across organisms, from microbes to plants to humans. Realizing how much we still don’t understand about these molecular pathways gave me the premise for Genes of the Past.

The Prairie Dogs and the Alien takes a rather different approach. Rupert, the mayor of a Colorado prairie dog town, faces an existential threat to his community. When he sends out a desperate plea for help, the response comes from an unexpected source—an extraterrestrial civilization. What follows is a humorous first-contact adventure involving prairie dogs, humans, aliens, and some uncomfortable questions about how we treat our planet.

The inspiration for this story came from a prairie dog town in Berthoud, Colorado, that I pass by regularly. When I noticed a sign announcing that the land was slated for commercial development, I decided to help the little fellows, if not in real life, so at least in fiction.

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

No-Bake Chocolate Peanut Butter Bars

Indulge in these no-bake chocolate peanut butter bars that are both easy to make and irresistibly delicious.


Ingredients

  • 1 cup peanut butter
  • 1.5 cups powdered sugar
  • 1.5 cups graham cracker crumbs
  • 1/2 cup melted butter
  • 1.5 cups chocolate chips

Directions

  1. In a bowl, mix the peanut butter, powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and melted butter until well combined.
  2. Press the mixture into a lined 9×9 inch pan, creating an even layer.
  3. Melt the chocolate chips in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every 30 seconds until smooth.
  4. Pour the melted chocolate over the peanut butter layer, spreading it out evenly.
  5. Chill in the refrigerator for 2-3 hours, or until set, and then cut into squares before serving.

5-Ingredient Sourdough Bread

5-Ingredient Sourdough Bread

A simple sourdough bread recipe that brings the joy of homemade bread with just a few ingredients.


Ingredients

  • 1 cup sourdough starter
  • 1.5 cups water
  • 4 cups bread flour
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt

Directions

  1. In a large bowl, mix the sourdough starter, water, and 3 cups of the flour, creating a sticky dough.
  2. Add the salt and the remaining flour, half a cup at a time, until fully incorporated.
  3. Cover the dough and let it rise for 4-8 hours, or until doubled in size.
  4. Preheat your oven to 450°F (230°C). Shape the dough into a loaf and place it in a greased and floured loaf tin.
  5. Bake for 30-35 minutes, or until the bread has a golden crust and sounds hollow when tapped on the bottom. Cool before slicing.

Easy Vegetarian Stir-fry

Easy Vegetarian Stir-fry

A quick and healthy stir-fry, perfect for a weeknight dinner, loaded with vibrant vegetables and packed with flavor.


Ingredients

  • 2 cups of mixed vegetables (like bell peppers, carrots, and snap peas)
  • 2 tablespoons of soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon of olive oil
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 teaspoon of grated ginger

Directions

  1. Heat the olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  2. Add the minced garlic and grated ginger, sautéing for 30 seconds.
  3. Add the mixed vegetables to the pan and stir-fry for 5-7 minutes, or until tender yet crisp.
  4. Stir in the soy sauce and cook for another 2 minutes.
  5. Serve hot over rice or noodles.

The Genesis of “Genes of the Past”

In penning my debut novel, “Genes of the Past,” I found myself delving into a rich tapestry woven from decades of experience in genomics and molecular sciences. I drew inspiration from my tenure as Chief Scientist at both Lawrence Berkeley National Lab and the Pacific Northwest National Lab, crafting a narrative that, much like my research, explores the enigmatic realms of science that lay just beyond our grasp. Every character, every plot twist, carries with it a fragment of the knowledge I’ve gathered over a vibrant career, a nod to the mysteries I have pursued in the laboratory. And as I venture into this new world of fiction, I carry the excitement and curiosity that has driven my scientific journey, eager to share “Genes of the Past” with fellow enthusiasts of mystery, science fiction, and humor, as we embark on a literary exploration of the potentials that lie in our very DNA.

Discovering New Worlds through Reading

As an enthusiastic reader constantly in search of fresh narratives rich in mystery, science fiction, and humor, my anticipation grows daily for the release of the 7th Cormoran Strike series installment by Robert Galbraith, also known as J.K. Rowling. This series has been a beacon of intricate plotting, deep characterization, and immersive world-building. It resonates deeply with me, echoing the fascination and meticulous attention to detail that I’ve nurtured through years of scientific research. As I turn each page, I am reminded of the boundless realms of imagination, the intricate dance of molecules in a DNA strand, the infinite stories that wait to be discovered both in the lab and in the world of fiction. The depth and complexity of Rowling’s narratives encourage me not only to be a discerning reader but also to strive for a similar richness in my writing, weaving tales that invite readers to embark on journeys into the unknown, guided by curiosity and wonder.

Navigating the World of Publishing

As I stand on the threshold of publishing my very first book, “Genes of the Past,” I find myself navigating a path adorned with both anticipation and introspection. The world of publishing is as complex and intricate as the narratives I have scribed on the pages of my manuscript. Each step forward is a lesson learned, an insight gained into the dance between writer and reader, a delicate balance of presenting one’s innermost musings to the world and maintaining the essence of the story that begged to be told. My journey through the genomics and molecular sciences landscape has indeed prepared me for this moment, equipping me with the perseverance to forge ahead, and the patience to appreciate the intricate process of bringing a book to life. As I inch closer to introducing “Genes of the Past” to fellow bibliophiles, I hold dear the beautiful complexities of this journey, cherishing each milestone as a testament to the vibrant tapestry of experiences and imagination that fuels the world of literary pursuits.