Author’s first novel an interplanetary thriller
Sayreville writer says the story has been in his head for years
BY JOHN DUNPHY
Staff Writer

Daniel Holderman

SAYREVILLE — His book is literally out of this world.

Daniel Holderman, who has lived here since he was 11, has had the idea of his new science fiction novel, “The Heritage of Terra: The Endeavor,” in his head for years. Now, at 28, that idea has sprung from the mind to the page.

“The story kind of wrote itself,” he said of his debut novel, which was released in December. “I’ve always had the story in my head, and it needed to come out.”

“The Endeavor,” the first in a projected three-book series, tells the story of Ambassador Cason Del’Ambora, the Interplanetary Congressional Association’s top negotiator, and his effort to “arbitrate a peaceful agreement between the Cainons and the ICA Colonists.”

Because of outside forces, the starship, the ICA Endeavor, finds itself stranded in space and must ultimately work to find a new home planet, Terra, a planet much like Earth, which holds innumerable mysteries as well as the ability to turn the crew of the ICA Endeavor against itself.

For Holderman, who previously published works in college and was the chief editor of Open, Mercer County College’s literary magazine, science fiction and fantasy have been his genres of choice.

“There’s no boundaries,” he said. “You’re not limited to what is going on in the time period.”

Holderman, who cites “Harry Potter” novelist J.K. Rowling, George Bernard Shaw, William Shakespeare, as well as “Star Wars” creator George Lucas and “Star Trek” creator Gene Roddenberry as influences, said even modern fiction holds inherent boundaries because of its roots in a current time.

“But with science fiction, you can just write,” he said.

Holderman also mentions James Redfield as an influence. A doctor of sociology, Redfield has studied the field of energy dynamics, which deals with the flow of energy between people when they interact.

After finishing the novel, Holderman said, it took nearly two years to publish, as he shopped it to various publishing houses.

Holderman eventually chose to publish The Endeavor through AuthorHouse, a print-on-demand company based in Bloomington, Ind.

Holderman is currently at work on his second novel, “The Heritage of Terra: The Obligation,” which he said will incorporate more fantasy elements into the story.

He said in just getting the book published, he has achieved his biggest goal.

Now, Holderman said his next main task is to get the novel in retail shops. “The Endeavor” can currently only be purchased online through bn.com, Borders.com, AuthorHouse.com and Walmartbooks.com.

So far, sales of “The Endeavor” have been good, he said.

“But you’d always like more,” he said.

In the novel’s dedication section, Holderman thanks his family and friends “who have given me the life experiences and the confidence.”