What inspires an aviation safety auditor to become a successful author of techno-thrillers? Sit down with us as Patrick Childs shares his incredible journey from a young boy fascinated by rockets and aircraft to an acclaimed author and aviation safety auditor. We explore Patrick’s unique educational background as an English major at the Citadel, his ongoing hobby of launching rockets, and the family influences that nurtured his storytelling talents. Patrick recounts how his love for Cold War techno-thrillers and practical space travel shaped his career, and he shares surprising anecdotes from his youth that paved the way for his dual passions.

Ever wondered about the challenges of transitioning from writing factual articles to crafting compelling novels? Patrick walks us through the inspiration and creation of his first novel, "Perigee," highlighting the trials and triumphs of self-publishing on Amazon in its early days. Listen as he describes the invaluable feedback from established authors and the rewarding process of getting his book into a publishable format. Patrick also delves into how his self-published works caught the attention of Baen Books, leading to a fruitful partnership and the eventual success of his novel "Frozen Orbit."

Discover the fascinating blend of intelligent design, science, and storytelling that characterizes Patrick's writing. Inspired by Tom Clancy's approach to hard science fiction with a techno-thriller mindset, Patrick discusses the intriguing premise of "Frozen Orbit," centered on a NASA mission to Pluto driven by Cold War-era technological competition. Learn how he weaves real scientific theories and technologies into his narratives to create stories featuring ordinary people doing extraordinary things. This episode is a testament to the importance of keeping the art in your heart and staying engaged with your creative passions.