Daily Nebraskan

Issue date: 9/8/00 Section: Arts

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Science fiction author Robert Reed disclosed his secret on what traits have helped him achieve great science-fiction writing.

"I'm wired, a little funny maybe, maybe a little goofy," Reed said.

Whatever it is he's got, take a sip of what Reed's having because the 43-year-old Lincoln resident is carving a name for himself among the elite writers of science fiction.

Fans of Reed will have the chance to see the author when he autographs copies of his new novel, "Marrow," at the University Bookstore on Saturday.

The John Hancocks will start at noon and continue until 2 p.m.

Reed doesn't make many autograph appearances, and the Lincoln native is always cautious about being in the limelight.

"They can be fun," Reed said of his autographing days. "But you see how many fans you really have. But it is nice to be appreciated."

University Bookstore General Book Manager Stephanie Budell is appreciative and hopes to bring in more authors like Reed.

"He's a local author who is very well thought of," Budell said. "We're always looking to increase the number of authors we have, and it helps to have some diversity."

None may be more interesting than Reed, whose latest book, "Marrow," lets the imagination fly.

In Reed's book, a planet is discovered in which secrets have been hidden for millions of years.

It has been wandering the universe in a ship with an immortal crew at the helm.

The ship sends down a team of its finest to check out this planet and see what it's all about. It is there that the drama unfolds.

"I like science, and I like to use my imagination for stories," Reed said of his ability to conceive such ideas. "I just put the two things together."

Reed hopes that "Marrow" will prove as successful as some of his past writings have.

Reed was the first Grand Prize winner of the Writers of the Future contest and has also been a finalist for the Hugo & Nebula Awards.

He also was recognized by the New York Times Book Review, with his novel "Beyond the Veil of Stars" achieving Notable Book status.

"It is gratifying to see your name in print and mystifying. I have worked for a long time to get here, but I have a lot of work left to do."

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