Michael McInnish, informatics junior, is a 20-year veteran in the process of releasing an e-book.
McInnish’s e-book is entitled “Der Ra Buf,” which means gem, found and polished.
“It is a science fiction novel about a person who has lived on this planet long before humans came along,” McInnish said.
The book is about a character named Arr, who struggles to get back to his mate that has been taken beyond Orion’s belt.
Throughout the book, Arr encounters multiple space battles and personal obstacles.
McInnish has gone through a self-publishing process in which “Der Ra Buf” will be released on the Nook.
“Most of the work done has been volunteer work,” McInnish said. “People have done my typing for me. These are people that love my work and just want to be a part of the project.”
McInnish is working on getting his cover art, and “Der Ra Buf” will be on the Nook by the end of spring.
In the meantime, his second book is being typed up by a friend, and they are progressing from there.
“This is has been the first time I’ve really sat down and dedicated a significant amount of time into one subject — my science fiction book,” McInnish said. “To build it, fulfill it and get it out there.”
McInnish said he has always been interested in art in different forms.
He has rendered things in wood and sculpted with clay. He has also completed some cement sculptures.
McInnish also dabbled in writing screen and stage plays. However, over the years of moving while in the Army, he lost some of his manuscripts.
McInnish said he fielded military equipment, trained the crew and wrote the manuals for military vehicles.
McInnish said he also had a special talent in his military career — he could simply touch a piece of equipment and figure out what was wrong with it.
“They would call me when no one else could fix something,” McInnish said. “I was their go-to guy. It felt good to be paid attention to as a voice of authority.”
McInnish said the military made a huge difference in the way he thinks about life and writing.
“I think the book reflects my imagination and deep philosophy in how truly interconnected everything is,” McInnish said.
McInnish said he also hopes to go into medical imaging after he graduates.
“I will be doing things such as giving X-rays, MRIs and managing the data bases they use,” McInnish said.
McInnish said the learning involved with majoring in informatics is also helping him with his book because it gives him a graphic arts component that he can use for art in his book.
McInnish said IU Southeast has also given him inspiration to write his book.
“I see people around here stepping out beyond their normal lives and doing things that I’ve always wanted to do myself,” McInnish said.
To a regular reader with an interest in science fiction, McInnish said they are going to have a great time reading the book.
“I write because I enjoy writing, not to become famous or popular,” McInnish said.
By AYSIA HOGLE
Staff
ahogle@umail.iu.edu