Welcome to Lightspeed Magazine! Can you tell us a little bit about what inspired you to write “The Hub Living Among the Stars”?

I’ve always been fascinated by stories about adventures, migration, environments, and documentaries, most especially those that are unique with a rich blend of history and culture.

I thought for a moment, what if a place existed outside of earth where people can travel, lodge, and enjoy comfort and activities different from what they are commonly used to. This was the crux that birthed this story.

What was the biggest challenge in writing a piece such as this?

The biggest challenge was writing all of it without dialogue, ensuring the narrative flow so readers won’t be confused about whose voice they are hearing. Also, I had done some research in order to understand space terms and some aquatic creatures’ behavioural activity.

The choice to tell this story in first-person from the perspective of those beings running the Hexagon, creates an interesting sensation for the reader—that of being a tourist, a passenger complicit in the story rather than apart from it. Why was this important to you in the telling of this tale?

About eight years ago, my friends and I went to a resort where the resort educator took us to a museum, narrating the history of that place, and its significance. This experience had an effect on the chosen narrative for this story.

I chose to use this POV because who else can better tell the tourists about Hexagon if not someone vast in the knowledge of it. It was also important to let the guide be a part of it while reliving the experience over and over again.

What is your opinion on ethical tourism? Can an ethical tourist exist?

Absolutely! An ethical tourist can exist. I, for example, like to understand, explore, learn, and make a conscious effort to live in accordance to communities I visit and live in, however short my time is there. It’s important to add positive impact in new places you visit, ensuring that your footprint there does not leave negative markings on the environment.

Is there a project you are currently working on? And if not, are there any themes, objects, or news that might be tickling your fingers?

I have a number of unfinished SF and fantasy stories I hope to close out before the end of the year. Particularly, I’ve taken a lot of interest in space-opera and steampunk themes. Most of my stories that will get published going forward will anchor on these themes.