Where did the initial idea for this book, Astronomer Helen Sawyer Hogg: One Woman’s Journey with the Stars, originate? What inspired you?

1. It began as a dissertation project. But after completing that academic project, I knew Helen’s story would resonate with a broader public audience. She was both a mom and an academic. Helen achieved success in astronomy when few women had careers. Personally, I found her story relatable and inspiring.

Although this book is nonfiction, did you find yourself connecting with the subject herself, Helen Hogg?

1. 100%! I'm also an academic, though in a completely different field and from a different generation. As a professional, a mom, a daughter, a wife – so many of Helen’s struggles and successes resonated strongly with me. I found her life identifiable and, actually, reassuring. She became a mentor, in a sense.

How is your book’s subject, an historical female astronomer, relevant to readers today?

1. Readers can see themselves in Helen’s life, her joys and struggles. Some readers may resonate more with her professional life, and others with her personal life. In our fast-paced world, there is a “Helen” for everyone. 

Are there specific authors or books that influenced your approach to the subject or writing style? 

1. I read and reviewed books by science writer Dava Sobel (who included some of my research on Helen Hogg in a recent book). I also reviewed biographical texts on other women astronomers, such as Maria Mitchell, and reviewed the works of Rachel Carson, Carl Sagan, Harlow Shapley, and Loren Eiseley.

Do you have a primary take-away for readers?

1. Sometimes Helen felt defeated and wanted to give up her career, but she did not. She did not wait for permission to accomplish her goals. She went forward, one step at a time. And no matter our circumstances, we can, too.

Do you have suggestions for writers interested in pursuing a nonfiction book project?

1. I have many! But here are a few points: 

   1. Be patient with yourself and understand that a book project may take longer than you first anticipate. And that is ok.

   2. If possible, find a writing group or a few friends who will support you as a writer and not put undue and unwanted expectations on yourself.

   3. Take time to figure out a writing schedule that works for your life, not an idealized schedule that is impossible.

   4. Sometimes “writing” is taking a walk in the forest, riding a bike, or even rewatching a favorite film.

   5. Listen carefully to negative responses to your writing. Do not initially react. Reflect and check comments on your work. THEN decide what is helpful (if anything) and what is not. Trust yourself.

   6. Writers are welcome to reach out to me. I enjoy talking to writers – no judgment. I’m here to support you.

What is the next project that you are working on?

1. I’ve begun an editing project on artist Anne Ryan (1889-1954). I am co-editing a book (author Philip W. Jacobs) that Ryan’s daughter penned years ago but was never published. It’s important to uncover and share the lives of little-known women who accomplished so much during times that were not particularly favorable to women. Their lives are a part of our shared history; let’s include them!

2. I have a novel in the works, too. The working title is Love in Shakespeare’s Garden. It’s been a joy to move forward in this direction.