Terp Writer's Corner - Bill Kennedy's 'Dark Side of the Moon'

Bill Kennedy ‘69, is the Sci-Fi author of three novels, “The Dark Side of the Moon” and “The Dark Side of the Moon: The Return (a duology), and “Angels in the Desert". He encourages new writers to simply write and let the story naturally flow from there. Read on to learn more about his novels and his inspirations!

Describe your book.

“The Dark Side of the Moon” and “The Dark Side of the Moon: The Return” are Sci-fi about the first human exploration of the back side of the moon and the interpersonal relationships between the explorers. The third book [titled] “Angels in the Desert" is a kind of crime and punishment/romance tale!

What, or who was your inspiration?

The inspiration for the "Dark Side of the Moon" duology was the ending of the film Space Cowboys, where after saving the Earth from nuclear Armageddon, a scene shows the hero, played by Tommy Lee Jones, sitting propped up against a lunar rock, admiring the "big blue marble" that is the Earth. The story simply flowed from there.

For the "Angels in the Desert", [the idea] may have begun with a dream, but I really don't know what the inspiration was. Again, it just flowed from the fingertips on the keyboard.

What is your favorite alumni event or experience?

My favorite two alumni events/experiences were the revealing of my name on the Life Member wall, and years later being recognized as a Golden Terp at the commencement ceremonies in 2019.

As a student, what was your favorite spot on campus?

As a student, my favorite place and fondest memories were of Cole Field House. As a P.E/Recreation major, many of my classes were held there, and I was fortunate to be able to play on that iconic floor, as well as to root for my classmate, Billy Jones, who now has his name on the refurbished building.

What is the #1 item you want people to take away from your story?

I simply want the reader to be entertained, with no messages or morals to think about. Just get lost in the story.

What advice would you give to a new writer?

New writers need to simply WRITE. Letters to the editor or op-ed columns. Keep a journal, and write an essay on a relative or other person in your life that had a major influence on your life.

What is your favorite book?

I'm partial to biographical books, mostly about favorite musicians and/or athletes. Probably my favorite book is "The Red Bandana" by Tom Rinaldi. Rinaldi is a former ESPN reporter who spotlighted the life and all too soon death of a former Boston College athlete who on 9-11-2001 saved hundreds of lives when the twin towers went down. The survivors that he helped remembered him by the red bandana that he used to cover his face from the smoke and dust.

What do you do in your non-writing free time?

When not writing, I actually read two newspapers every day, in print, not on the computer. I watch the news and sports on TV and listen to Classic Rock on the radio.

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