A 2003 Godley High School graduate will be back at school on Oct. 9 for a book signing of the first novel in his new series.
Jonathan Henry, who worked on the first science fiction novel “First Contact” in his series, “Revelation of Earth,” for several years, said he is looking forward to the opportunity to sell his work and to encourage other students who may want to write a book one day.
“I had always thought of writing a book,” Henry said. “It wasn’t something I ever intended to do as a profession; I intended to do something like my brother with computer design.”
Henry and his brother, William Henry, who has since joined the Navy, worked on a computer game together and ideas began to grow for the plot line, said their mother, GHS art teacher Nancy Henry. Jonathan Henry said at least one of his characters is from the game.
After realizing college wasn’t for him and being in a near-fatal car accident in 2009, Henry said he found more time to write.
“I had more time to work on the book, instead of going to work all day with the stress, and having to come home and be creative,” he said.
The accident caused Henry to lose the use of his right hand for several months and he still suffers word-loss from time to time when having conversations. However, he said, that doesn’t stop him.
“People who don’t know me may think there is something wrong with me, but I operate fully and don’t have any missing limbs,” he said. “As long as I’ve slept and eaten properly and my energy levels are up, I don’t have a problem.”
Henry said that he developed most of the characters before the wreck, which helped the process. The book takes place in the 2300s on another planet, with the young Capt. Virgil Artus leading a top-rate crew with the task of supplying the human colony that lives there.
“Without giving too much away, once [the captain] gets there, he meets some shadowy figures,” Henry said.
The book is available in a digital format for $4, but physical copies can be purchased at the signing, which runs from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Hardcover books cost $24.99 and paperback books cost $15, including tax.
For more information on the event call the GHS library at 817-389-3191.
