By Julius Ewudo, ASEAN Region Representatives

In an event that sounds like the plot of a sci-fi novel, local Adelaide author Jane Hinchey has taken her storytelling to new heights, quite literally to the moon! Her book, “Ghost Mortem,” a gripping cozy mystery and an Amazon bestseller, is now part of the Writers on the Moon project, a lunar time capsule initiative that launched on January 8, 2024.

The Writers on the Moon project, spearheaded by speculative fiction author Susan Kaye Quinn, is a groundbreaking venture that has sent a digital collection of 125 self-published authors’ works to the moon aboard Astrobotic’s Peregrine Lander. The project, from its inception, has aimed to create a symbol of hope and a reminder that amidst darkness, there is light. It stands as a testament to the fact that great achievements require hard work, dedication, and a relentless pursuit of what seems impossible.

Jane Hinchey, an established author based in Adelaide, chose “Ghost Mortem” for this celestial journey. This book, a standout in her repertoire, showcases her skill in blending suspense and humor with a dash of the supernatural, creating a light-hearted cozy mystery that keeps readers both intrigued and chuckling. The inclusion of “Ghost Mortem” in this lunar mission is not just a personal milestone for Jane but also a significant moment for indie authors globally, showcasing the vast and varied talent existing outside traditional publishing avenues.

“The Writers on the Moon thing? It’s way more than just sending my book to the moon. It’s about us, as a bunch of writers, doing something really out-of-the-box. We’re showing that to make cool things happen, you’ve got to stick to it, even when it gets tough,” Jane said. “This project? It’s all about creativity, adventure, and the stories we love to tell. It’s pretty amazing to be a part of something this big.”

NASA Update on the Peregrine Mission:

Recent information from NASA has revealed a significant setback. The first NASA-financed commercial mission to send a robotic spacecraft to the surface of the moon, carrying “Ghost Mortem” among other works, will most likely not be able to make it there. The Peregrine lunar lander, built by Astrobotic Technology of Pittsburgh, encountered propulsion system failures after its launch from Cape Canaveral, Fla. This malfunction, resulting in the depletion of the lander’s propellant, has likely ended the mission’s original lunar ambitions.

Despite this development, Jane is available for interviews to discuss her participation in the Writers on the Moon project, her book “Ghost Mortem,” and her journey as an author.

The Writers on the Moon project, though faced with challenges, remains a remarkable testament to the spirit of exploration and the enduring power of storytelling. https://www.writersonthemoon.com