Here we go… my first attempt at a blog post! This might have some rough edges, so please leave feedback via the ‘Contact Me’ form on what works for you (or doesn’t).
A reader recently asked why I named this series “The Velocity Saga” when the stories are mainly about Mars exploration. Couldn’t I come up with something a little more… Marsy?
The main answer is simple, but it would require some spoilers. So instead, I’ll drop a few hints about the concept of “velocity” in future posts and let you speculate. Consider this a little game, a mystery within a mystery. Let’s make it fun!
For now, you’ll just have to trust me: “velocity” is central to the greater story. But what else went into the name?
Honestly? A lot of it came down to practicality. I wanted something cool-sounding and easy to remember. I was genuinely surprised when my search through decades of science fiction novels came up empty. To the best of my knowledge, “The Velocity Saga” is unique.
I also wanted to steer clear of overused words like “Medusa,” “Shadows,” or “Rising.” (There’s even another Mars sci-fi novel called Shadows of Medusa. Can you freakin’ believe it?) As Ecclesiastes reminds us, there’s “nothing new under the sun.” King Solomon was right… but that doesn’t mean we have to like it.
So here we are with a concept that shows up in practically every science fiction story ever written, yet almost never appears in titles. That combination was just too good to pass up — especially for someone who loves puzzles within puzzles. (Confession: somewhere deep inside I still have a soft spot for Asimov’s shaggy-dog story “Shah Guido G,” even if I’ll probably never write anything like it.)
Am I wrong? Did a good “Velocity” science fiction story slip past my search? If so, let me know, via the ‘Contact Me’ page! First prize for the best story is bragging rights… plus you can force me to write a future blog post on any series-related topic you choose (spoilers and all).
Good lord, what have I done? This blogging thing is dangerous. I’d better stop this message here before I get myself into more trouble.
Until next time, dear friends of the future…
Brian