Before I became a scientist-in-training, I thought I’d be a fiction writer. I wrote poetry and studied creative writing in high school and early in college. But when I moved toward the sciences, the fiction fell away. As I moved through my science studies in college and grad school, I’d constantly have ideas for science fiction stories.
Well, I’ve finally decided to combine the two in a big way—I’m writing a novel! It’s about a runaway space-junk pilot named Jac who’s been running from her past and her identity. Jac was born into a shunned yet powerful society of people who’ve genetically engineered themselves to dampen emotions, or at least that’s the story she’s been told. Jac, who had always felt things more strongly than she thought anyone in her society did, fled her home after tragedy 10 years before the story begins. Now, an artifact from her past is drawing her back, forcing her to confront the budding revolution she abandoned and the complicated feelings she has about herself and her place in the world. Her biggest fear is facing the mother who raised her to hide everything, even as she learns there’s more to that story as well. The book is both a reflection on how societies often undervalue emotional intelligence and a subtle lens into how technology can impact societies, even when they start out as well meaning.
I started the book during Kathy Dunhoff’s Novel Writing class in November 2024 during my first parental leave. It’s two-thirds written and, at the time of this writing in 2026, my hope is to finish the first draft this year. I’ve had so many folks help and encourage me along the way so far, and I can’t wait to hold the final draft in my hands.
The way I like to move through my writing is the way I like to move through life—in community. If you are a writer in Northwest Montana, reach out! I’d love to meet you. I also recommend joining the Authors of the Flathead community. They’re supportive and kind. Plus, they have a killer potluck every year.
Kimberly McCoy 