The author

About Dani Hart

Dani Hart has spent a long time writing words that went out under other people's names, and in other kinds of print. Now she writes science fiction under a name of her own. She works from a house run by cats. She crochets them hats, and the patient ones let her put sweaters on them. She has always wanted foxes and can't keep them, so she crochets fox ears instead. Her favourite cat lets her put them on. She won't say which cat, though it is definitely not not the orange one. Despite a bad ski incident, she still tries to ski every winter. The rest she keeps to herself.

Author’s notes

Why science fiction?: I spent years writing in other people's voices. I wanted big, strange places where small loyalties decide everything.
What does a writing day look like?: Early. Notebook, tea, a record on. Then the cats want breakfast and the day is theirs.
Which cat is your favourite?: I'm not telling. It is definitely not not the orange one.
Plotter or not?: I plot while I crochet. By the time the hat is done, so is the chapter plan.
Where can readers find you?: In the newsletter. The rest of the time I'm writing, skiing, or untangling yarn from a cat.
Do your cats help you write?: The black one sleeps on the notebook. It slows me down. I do not mind.
What is your favorite part of the writing process?: The last page. I close the notebook. I light the wood stove. The story is done.
How do you handle a stuck plot?: I put on a film score. I pick up my crochet hook. The hands move. The brain follows.
Why do your spaceships feel so lived-in?: Space is cold. Ships need to be warm. I give my crews thick socks and hot tea. It makes sense to me.

Contact

Write to [email protected], or send Dani a message on the feedback page.