Good News!
Hello CK Westbrook readers,
Butch and Suni have safely returned to Earth!
On March 18, the SpaceX Dragon spacecraft did a photo-perfect landing that even included dolphins. The astronauts spent more than nine months in space for a trip that was supposed to last a week. Does anyone else hear the Gilligan’s Island theme song play when they think about this adventure? You know, “Five passengers set sail that day for a three-hour tour, a three-hour tour…” We can joke now that they are safely home!
Life is interesting and complicated. SpaceX contributes to dangerous space debris (the most significant contributor) and pollution on Earth. The pollution puts lives in danger and Elon has been more inclined to weaken regulations and rules than to improve the situation. Yet his innovations saved Butch and Suni and have contributed to improved global communication. There is a similar dichotomy at Tesla. The Tesla car has made EVs cool and inspired a desperately needed industry to reduce global warming gases, yet, his racist, fascist, and antisemitic, comments and blatant lies about environmental protection make it impossible to support Tesla. Not to mention his arbitrary firings in the federal government. I wish he was a better human, his hate, lies, and aggression are unnecessary.
As an environmentalist, I know everything is connected to everything else and here is yet another example. MIT recently published a study that found that climate change will reduce the number of satellites that can safely orbit in space. Specifically, increasing greenhouse gas emissions will reduce the atmosphere's ability to burn up space junk and debris. This will make space and Earth more dangerous by increasing the chances of collisions. I hope Elon puts these two things together and aggressively promotes EVs and other actions to reduce global warming to keep his satellites and other payloads safe. Becoming a thoughtful, kind, and just human could help all his endeavors.
https://news.mit.edu/2025/study-climate-change-will-reduce-number-satellites-safely-orbit-space-0310
FUN NEWS
We are approaching a celebration of nature in D.C., the cherry trees will blossom soon. Not only do the blossoms beautify the city, but they mean spring has arrived!
And speaking of glorious trees –
BOOK REVIEW
The Overstory, a novel, by Richard Powers, is one of the best books I have ever read. I will never look at trees the same again. This book intertwines science, fantastic characters, activism, and beautiful prose in a heartbreaking and inspiring way. I love his character's commitment to nature and trees and Powers’ understanding of why people feel compelled to partake in dangerous activism. As John Lewis would say, “Good trouble, necessary trouble.” The Overstory was published in 2018 and has won numerous awards. I highly recommend this book!
The Overstory - Richard Powers
EVENTS
I will moderate and speak on a panel at Awesome Con, Washington, D.C.’s Comic-Con on Friday, April 4!
Program Title: History And Science In Science Fiction
Program Description: How important are historical events and science in the real world when creating fiction? How do we use them in storytelling? What research (or lack of research) goes into adding elements of real history and science to our stories? Are there times when it turns out truth is stranger than fiction?
Hear from science fiction authors CK Westbrook (local D.C. author of The Impact Series), J.R. Traas (author of The Aelfraver Series), and Avrah C Baren (local D.C. author of First Comes Death) as they share their experiences and tips for incorporating these elements into their work.
Date: Friday, April 4
Time: 1:45 PM - 2:30 PM
Location: Room 206
Awesome Con - Washington DC's Comic Con!
Programming Schedule - Awesome Con
It’s a great convention and there will be games, panels, photo-ops, comic books, and celebrities including Liv Tyler, Orlando Bloom, Sean Astin, Simon Pegg, Steve Burns, Nick Frost, Ming-Na Wen, Morena Baccarin, John Rhys-Davies, and several Goonies!
Make It Mt. Pleasant Spring Art Market
I will sign and sell “The Impact Series” on Sunday, April 27 in Lamont Plaza in Mt. Pleasant, Washington, D.C. Come by and say hi!
Until next time, stay safe my friends.
I can’t express my deep gratitude to my readers enough. Thank you for sharing this fantastic adventure with me!
CK
Sign up for my monthly newsletter through my website: CK Westbrook
Reviews
I need more book reviews!
Reviews on Amazon - Amazon.com: The Shooting (Impact): 9781644504970: Westbrook, Ck: Books
Amazon.com: The Aftermath: 9798823203586: Westbrook, Ck: Books
Reviews on Goodreads - The Shooting (The Impact Series Book 1) by CK Westbrook | Goodreads
The Aftermath (The Impact Series Book 4) by CK Westbrook | Goodreads
Contact Me
Feel free to email me with any comments or questions about the series. I would love to hear from you! Ckwestbrook.author@gmail.com
Dolphins welcomed Suni and Butch home! Earth is awesome. Personally, I don’t want to live anywhere that does not have dolphins and other animals!
Amazing book! From the story - “Our home has been broken into. Our lives are being endangered. The law allows for all necessary force against unlawful and imminent harm.”
Please keep participating in the economic blackouts. Resist. Share this on your social media. Thank you!
Family fun during these dark days.
Come by and support local artists!
Bruichladdich waits for his turn in the coveted box.
