Even after more than half a century on this planet, I'm still not sure. And since "Reality is best seen from elsewhere" (my writing slogan), maybe others should describe how they perceive me. But I'll try.

I'm a husband and a father of three fine sons, all grown up or mostly so (they're all taller than me now, anyway). I'm an aspiring writer. And I'm an engineer in the R&D department of a major turbomachinery manufacturer, which not only pays the bills, but suits my somewhat nerdy personality well.

I'm a reasonable and practical person. Maybe I could afford to loosen up a little, but I'm proud of my practicality--it enables me to actually get things done instead of just dreaming about wonderful things. Pessimism and optimism constantly battle for control within me. In the big picture, I think things are not very good, but I always hold out hope that things, and especially people, can improve. I try to show examples of this in my writing.

Why, it's totally unique and exciting and not like anything else! Okay, we've gotten the fluffy, marketing answer out of the way; now let's get down to business.

I write high commercial science fiction. It includes themes and ideas for the thoughtful reader to consider, but interesting characters and plots come first--I want readers to enjoy my work. My writing tends to be somewhat optimistic. Not "gee-whiz-ain't-life-great" optimistic, but showing examples of believable (I hope) characters improving through their experiences.

I think readers who enjoy works by Timothy Zahn, John Scalzi, or Brandon Sanderson (even though he writes fantasy instead of science fiction) are likely to enjoy my writing. (And vice versa: if you haven't read these authors, you should go have a look!)

Science fiction, or any speculative fiction, gives us the opportunity to look at real life from a different perspective. That's the origin of my writing motto "Reality is best seen from Elsewhere." Bringing up issues and ideas in new ways can help us look at them anew and maybe gain some different insights.

Besides the deep, theme-related reasons, it's just fun. I like getting out of Reality and going Elsewhere for a while, just to experience something new, and I hope readers will enjoy coming along on the ride.

I've been an amateur musician and composer almost as long as I've been writing. I play mostly keyboard, usually solo, occasionally in a little band. I decided I might as well let my hobby help my avocation, so I put a few free songs with science fiction or fantasy themes on my website, www.jamesrhardin.com.