Science fiction has captured reader’s imaginations for as long as we have wondered about the future. From H.G. Wells’ and Jules Verne’s early escapades to the far future via time machine and to the moon by way of a cannon, came a fascination as to what we could do and where we could go with the powers of science. Immerse yourself in the aspirational themes of today’s science fiction, with a corresponding dose of science fact to deepen your understanding and increase your excitement for tomorrow’s world.
What would a human’s life on Mars look like? Can we survive and thrive in its rust-red desert, or can we change the planet to fit us? One of science fiction’s preeminent preoccupations, the settlement, and eventual terraforming, of Mars has been a part of the futurist outlook since Ray Bradbury’s novel on the idea in the 1950s. Kim Stanley Robinson’s “Red Mars” dives deep into the technology and techniques that would be needed to build a sustainable colony on Mars, as well as the political, social and relationship struggles of the first hundred humans to settle on the Red Planet. Continue reading “Literary Links: Science Fiction and Science Fact”
Two simple activities can help your personal pursuit of wellness: journaling and walking. Journaling allows us to explore our thoughts and emotions while walking rejuvenates us physically and mentally. Together, they offer transformative experiences and improved well-being.
Journaling serves as a tool for introspection and provides a space to untangle emotions, understand ourselves better and track personal growth. Whether through free writing or structured prompts, journaling helps us make sense of our experiences and navigate life’s complexities. It can aid in goal-setting and problem-solving, clarifying priorities and devising action plans. Journaling empowers us to turn dreams into reality by tracking progress and envisioning our desired future.
During the six-week process of “Living the Artist’s Way,” participants learn to trust a higher power through daily writing for guidance. In previous works, Julia Cameron taught us to start the day by writing three “morning pages.” In this work, readers learn how to ask for guidance and to trust the answers they receive. Continue reading “Literary Links: Journaling Your Journey”
Ginger Schweikert is a Columbia, MO author whose debut book is “Columbia Trails: Over 300 miles of Hiking, Biking, and Horsing Around in Mid-Missouri.” It’s a guidebook for hikers, trail runners, bicyclists and equestrians in Mid-Missouri featuring over 300 miles of trails within 30 minutes of Columbia. Born and raised in Columbia, Schweikert has had many jobs and hobbies, including registered nurse, seamstress, circus performer and clothing designer. She was kind enough to take the time to be interviewed via email. Continue reading “Q&A With Ginger Schweikert, Author of “Columbia Trails””
Sean R. Frazier is a Columbia, MO author whose latest book is “The Last Available.” This stand alone comedic fantasy novel follows the bumbling adventures of six unlikely heroes as they attempt to quest their way into defeating an ancient creature that has awakened. Frazier is a father, a husband, a gamer, a runner and a total dork. His other work includes two fantasy book series, the completed Forgotten Years Saga and the newly started Mage Breaker Saga. He was kind enough to take the time to be interviewed via email. Continue reading “Q&A With Sean R. Frazier, Author of “The Last Available””
This is the ninth Unbound Book Festival that Columbia has hosted and the festival keeps getting better and better. Emily St. John Mandel will be this year’s keynote speaker Friday, April 19, 2024 at The Missouri Theatre at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are available through Unbound’s website and are, thankfully, free — as is the entire festival. Mandel is the author of our past 2015 One Read title, “Station Eleven” which was a finalist for a National Book award and a Pen/Faulkner award and won the 2015 Arthur C. Clarke Award, the Toronto Book Award, and the Morning News Tournament of Books. It has also been made into an HBO mini-series. Mandel’s newest book is “Sea of Tranquility” which will take you on a journey across the Atlantic by steamship, across the Canadian wilderness, around the world, and to the moon. Continue reading “Unbound Book Festival: April 18-21, 2024”
Lisa Kinser is a Columbia, MO author whose debut book is “I Am the Night.” It’s a poetry book written over a 15 year period that chronicles a younger, more free time in her life — a past of longing and searching for both adventure and true love. Kinser is an Integrative Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach and End of Life Planner. She was kind enough to take the time to be interviewed via email. Continue reading “Q&A With Lisa Kinser, Author of “I Am the Night””
Kennon Sheldon is a Columbia, MO author whose latest book is “Freely Determined: What the New Psychology of the Self Teaches Us About How to Live.” In the book he argues the case for free will from a psychological perspective, and also draws on research into motivation and goal setting as a guide to how we might use our freedom wisely. Sheldon is professor of psychology at the University of Missouri. One of the founding researchers of positive psychology, he researches in the areas of well-being, motivation, self-determination theory, personality and positive psychology. He was kind enough to take the time to be interviewed via email.
Continue reading “Q&A With Kennon Sheldon, Author of “Freely Determined””
Alex Demczak is a Columbia, MO author and speaker who has co-authored a book with Jon Gordon called “The Sale.” The book is a fictional business fable that teaches four lessons about integrity to create lasting success. Demczak is a former quarterback for the Missouri Tigers who has gone on to be a keynote speaker and entrepreneur, most recently co-founding Streamline Books. His first book, “Thrive U,” is an inspirational collection of stories from 100 collegiate and professional athletes from across the country. He was kind enough to take the time to be interviewed via email. Continue reading “Q&A With Alex Demczak, Co-author of “The Sale””
I don’t know who first characterized books as “windows and mirrors,” but that is exactly what they are, especially memoirs. Memoirs teach about real worlds and experiences that can be far from our daily realities and thereby expand our lives. Memoirs can also show how someone else has managed a challenge or crisis and allow us to learn what to do — or what not to do. They can show us resilience and perseverance that inspire and empower or give us snapshots of historical perspectives we might’ve otherwise missed. Perhaps most importantly, memoirs can teach empathy, humility, compassion and grace — for others, but also for ourselves. Continue reading “Literary Links: Windows and Mirrors”
Wanita Humphrey is a mid-Missouri author whose debut book is “
Only A Moment Ago” The book is a fictional romance starring two people who fall in love in rural France, with a time travel twist of one person living in 1952 and the other in 2006. Will they be able to bridge the gap of time or will the years between them separate them forever?
The book was named one of the finalists for the Daphne du Maurier Awards for Mystery/Suspense – Published Division, Paranormal Category in 2022. Humphrey is a retired teacher who taught for over 30 years in Missouri’s Public Schools. She was kind enough to take the time to be interviewed via email.
Continue reading “Q&A With Wanita Humphrey, Author of “Only a Moment Ago””
