Writing About The Right Stuff

摘要

I am often asked where the inspiration for a new book comes from; particularly in the wellchronicled field of human space exploration, which is overflowing with biographies, autobiographies, technical and general books on just about every conceivable angle of every space programme. As the Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu (better known as Confucius) once wrote: 'A journey of a thousand miles begins with a single step,' and the same applies to a book. It usually begins with an idea sparked by a conversation or a suggestion made by a friend. The only trick is in recegnising and acting on that suggestion. To add yet another metaphor, the seed has now been planted.