Starfarer’s Cafe recently sat down to talk with science fiction author Mary Jo Rabe, whose short story The Martian Microbes of Menzenschwand is among the first to appear in our digital magazine. Mary Jo is originally from rural eastern Iowa and earned her first degree from Michigan State University. She worked as a librarian in Germany’s Black Forest for 41 years. She enjoys writing science fiction, modern fantasy, historical fiction, crime, and mystery stories.

Q: When did you first get interested in science fiction – and then in writing it? 
I’m a late bloomer as far as science fiction is concerned. I started reading it while working on my masters in library science back in 1974. I wrote off and on but didn’t get serious about writing science fiction until encouraged by a workshop in Lincoln City, Oregon, back in 2011.

Q: How do you come up with ideas for your science fiction stories?  
Often some newly published fact or observation starts me wondering …

Q: What authors or books (science fiction or otherwise) have influenced your writing the most? 
The old “founders” of the genre, Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, Ray Bradbury, Robert Heinlein, but also Ursula K. LeGuin, James Tiptree Jr. (Alice Hastings Bradley), Carl Sagan, and  Greg Bear.

Q: Science fiction often explores big questions about humanity, technology, and the future. Are there particular themes or messages you hope readers take away from your work? 
If anything, an appreciation of tolerance, persistence, and open-mindedness, but each reader will take away an individual reaction to my stories.

Q: How important is a knowledge of science, for you personally, when writing science fiction? 
I try to keep up with a general knowledge of astronomy and physics.

Q: What is one common science fiction trope that you think is more fantasy than possible science? 
Time travel.

Q: Have you noticed any particular trends in science fiction literature that excite or concern you? 
It’s difficult to keep up with all the trends now that so many more people can and do write science fiction. 

Q: What’s your favorite science fiction novel? 
Moving Mars by Greg Bear.

Q: What’s the best piece of writing advice you’ve ever received? 
Get into the head of your main character and write from that perspective.

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring science fiction authors? 
Write! There are so many stories only you can write.