The Stars as a Stage

Yesterday, I met someone who teaches a leadership class based on Star Trek episodes. I think this is brilliant! I can't wait to take part in this class! I imagine Kirk, Picard, Sisko, Janeway, and Archer can teach a lot. Not to mention their various officers.

I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I am a sci-fi fan. I started to think about what we can learn from other sci-fi books, films, and television shows. There's so much for us to glean! Why?

Because even though these stories are set among the stars (and sometimes involve alien characters), they explore the human condition. They touch our hearts and fill our souls.

I have thought about removing the sci-fi aspect from my books and rewriting them as fantasy. (I have retained all the rights, so I could...if I wanted to.) The stars are merely the backdrop. I've placed my settings there because I am fascinated by space travel and other worlds. But honestly, I believe my stories could be placed in neighboring kingdoms, using some form of magic instead. (No offense to fantasy authors here. I know it takes a lot of work to build a world.)

Netflix has introduced me to a number of programs I would never have watched before. Grey's Anatomy and Desperate Housewives, for instance. I've been watching Downton Abbey on Amazon Prime. Are these programs nothing more than prime time soap operas? It's the drama that holds us. That speaks to us. The passionate dialogue, the unexpected plot twists, and the blissful escape. Look a little closer at Star Trek, Firely, Battlestar Galactica, and even Star Wars. Break them down, and I think you'll find the same basic idea. They are soap operas set in space (also known as my beloved space opera!) Sure, they appeal to a different demographic than your average soap opera, but the essence is the same.

So, I will continue to write in the space setting. The possibilities are limitless! Amazing sights to be hold, quests to discover, adventures to be had. Those beautiful stars twinkling above us hold our destiny. And I look forward to riding them with you!

---