I’m in the midst of doing what I love. Writing. Working on the third book in the Miller’s Island Mysteries series, or MIMS, which is published by Vulpine Press.

Cindy Cipriano

Cindy Cipriano

MIMS follows the time-traveling adventures of Grace and Jack, two 8th grade friends who live on the mysterious Miller’s Island.

Wait.

Time-travel?

High school science educator by day, my inspirations generally come from what I teach. Sometimes, however, inspiration strikes involving science concepts in which I have no expertise. I’m no physicist. Not even a physics teacher. So how can I possibly write about time-travel and write in such a way that it makes sense to both physics hounds and laymen?

Research. Yeah, I know that’s the obvious answer and it is something I do quite often. But, I don’t just do old-school research on the internet or pour over ancient crusty textbooks. Although I do that from time to time as well. I can’t help it. I’m a nerd! I love old science texts.

I also belong to several forums in which members are highly regarded science teachers. One of my most heavily used sources is a physics teacher friend. I’ve run more than a few ideas past him just to be sure what I’m writing is actually plausible. When he gives me the nod, I know I’m good to go as far as I want within the said concept. It’s a freeing feeling being able to fly without a net, knowing someone will be there if I go too far off course as I write about something that’s outside of my comfort zone.

Most of the time, I go with my own observations or ponderings. For example, I’m currently writing a piece in which the veins of the leaf of a tree are a serious consideration. Sorry! No spoilers. The point being I found inspiration as I walked my dog through the neighborhood. It was late summer and a few leaves had already fallen. One landed at the toe of my shoe and although I’ve seen hundreds of leaves, this one was particularly interesting. Half of the leaf was deep bronze, the other still green. Each color divided by the center line of the leaf. Upon closer examination, I saw the veins were also split. One half light the other dark. This simple observation found its way into one of my stories. Stay tuned!

Yes. I have a science teacher’s background, several science certifications and teaching recognitions. But none of that has served me better than getting out in the world and making simple observations. Take a stroll and try it. Notice things that are found in nature and build on the concepts in front of you. See that star in the sky? What if it’s something more? What if each twinkle corresponds to the beating of your own heart? Are they heartbeats of your past or future? Investigate the life-cycles of stars and find a way to connect science to the fantasy to change things you’ve done in your past. Or maybe another star corresponds to the heart beat of your soul mate.

Don’t let your lack of formal science training stop you. If you are interested in science, jump in. You may be surprised by how well qualified you are to write about it.

Author bio

Cindy Cipriano lives in North Carolina with her husband, son, three dogs who think they are children, and three cats who think they are raccoons. 

When Cindy isn't writing, she enjoys spending time with her family and the avoidance of cooking.

Cindy is an award-winning children’s author. Her latest book Miller’s Island Mysteries: The Case of the Toxic River is the first book of her new series, recently released with Vulpine Press. https://www.vulpine-press.com/millers-island-mysteries