Personal Space
by Yadira Douglas
Released: Oct 13, 2024
Genre: Science Fiction Romance
Why this book and why now?
I think spaceflight is the ultimate journey of leaving your comfort zone and safe home. Getting on a rocket to chase danger and wonder is, in itself, a romantic endeavor.
I had a lot of fun approaching it from two perspectives: a first-time, accidental spacefarer and an astronaut so used to zero-G that it has almost become mundane. Their trek to Mars lets both Asra and Luna experience something stellar together. It’s all so convenient, isn’t it?
And, on a personal note, I hope the story will remind people that a small gesture can go a long way.
Would you and your main character(s) get along?
Space is limited even on a starship as big as Paladin, so you either make friends fast or suffer a slow journey. Sadly, I’m the kind of person you have to tell to leave when the party’s over (and has been for a few hours), so there might be some friction when I keep harassing them to hang out. Being the third wheel would be awkward, especially since I wrote their relationship.
Also, I have a tough time seeing past first impressions, and Luna is a little too full of herself, courtesy of her writer wanting the absolute best for her. Oops, that’s me, that’s my fault! She’s living the dream, so it’s hard not to envy her. Asra’s more down-to-earth, pun intended! She doesn’t let her fame and accomplishments get to her head, but she won’t seek out strangers, either.
What TV show would your main character(s) most likely binge watch and why?
For All Mankind is an obvious pick for both of them. Most people like to escape their daily lives from time to time, but Luna and Asra are all-in when it comes to spaceflight. Though their world doesn’t go as far back or as deep with the alternate history, there are some parallels that would have them talking. Especially if they’d somehow, magically, also know about our history of rocketry. Wait, now it’s getting confusing!
What’s your main character(s)’s favorite book and why?
Asra goes through books like candy, or at least she did on her solo mission. She likes stories about survival and odds-defying outcomes, and if you add the love for spaceflight, I’d say you’ll end up with The Martian. Cliché? You know it!
Luna has probably memorized the instruction manual of Nakamura-Clarke’s starship Paladin.
Publishing a book is a huge accomplishment and it’s time to party! Choose a celebratory beverage for one of your main characters to toast the release of your new book.
I trust Luna can make moonshine from rocket fuel. It might be wise to take the offer if you’re about to land a towering spaceship! Her friend Lindsey will bring some fine wine to Mars for those less adventurous. With some luck, it’ll arrive before I finish my next book.
Party or not, Asra prefers simplicity and loves a good old Earl Grey tea. Sadly, Paladin’s water heater never quite makes it hot, and those blasted mechanics still haven’t fixed that! What are they even doing?
What song does your character put on to start your book launch party?
For Luna, no strong bass can compete with a roaring rocket, so don’t be surprised if she fires up Paladin’s engines just to get some vibrations going.
If it’s up to Asra, expect astronaut Chris Hadfield’s zero-G version of Space Oddity.
