Space archaeology! Okay, maybe the not-so-space-y variety
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There was a time where I wanted to be an archaeologist. Then I thought that it might be hard to make a living. So I shifted my studies to teaching. Then I realized I did not want to be in charge of a room full of children. So I shifted to English and PoliSci. Yeah, there’s no way to make a living from that. I ended up in editing and then teaching English in Korea … to a room full of children.
But that fascination with the past, especially the ancient past, has never left me. One of those facts that blows my mind is that Cleopatra actually lived closer to our time than when the pyramids at Giza were build — if my math is correct, that’s the case for another few centuries.
In reading and watching programs on archaeology and ancient civilizations, I’m frequently amazed by what we’re finding with the advancements in technology. In Lost Treasure of the Maya on Disney+, Andrew Lin and team use LiDAR to reveal structures consumed by the jungle, and share that wonder with us masses. Similar technology is being used to reveal ancient cities in the Amazon.
I recognize that archaeology has a fraught history; some bad things have been done in its name. However, for me, I hope we can learn from that and work to continue to weave the tapestry of human history, of our creativity and our frailty (and, unfortunately but just as importantly, our inhumanity).
What the heck does this all have to do with space archaeology?
Not much, I guess. However, it may explain why I have a handful of archaeologists in The Lyra Cycle, my current sci-fi series. The series also has an uber title of “The Dominion Chronicles” because I realized early on that I might want write more in that universe — including stories starring space archaeologists.
Speaking of, there’s a new story running over on Armchair Alien, that is kind of the back story for Grim, the ship’s cat. And an archaeological dig plays a small part in that story.
Writing update
Well, besides Grim’s Tale (which is only a little bit about the cat), I’ve been puttering with updating an unrelated story that I started but didn’t finish. However, I really need to get onto book 4 in The Lyra Cycle so I can finish up this … cycle. Of course, now I have a shiny new idea that’s not related to any of it. It’s not even sci-fi or urban fantasy — though it is still fantasy.
What I’m reading
I haven’t been reading a whole lot, I have to say. I’ve been so sick the past few weeks and my focus has tanked. So I watched my way through The Imperfects on Netflix. It was totally unserious and didn’t require much of me. But I loved one of the bad guys — as crisp and biting as a Granny Smith.
Books for your TBR Shelf
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Happy reading!
— CR
Where to find my books
If you’d like to read any of my sci-fi or urban fantasy books, you can find them at your favourite online retailers. Or you can buy them direct from me on the Armchair Alien store (and get special offers and discounts).
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