Glenn Bean’s journey into the world of science fiction is as remarkable as the stories he crafts. At 75, Glenn didn’t just create a novel; he created a lens through which readers can explore the boundaries of connection, curiosity, and the cosmos. His debut book, Tiala, is more than just a science fiction tale; it is a deeply human story that emerges from Glenn’s personal battles and his boundless imagination.
For Glenn, writing became a way to process years of chronic pain and hardship. “I would fall into fantasies to distract myself,” he recalls. These daydreams not only helped him cope with physical suffering but also became the foundation of a world he would later share with readers. His story reminds us that creativity often emerges strongest in the face of adversity.
At the heart of Glenn’s debut novel lies a compelling premise. An ordinary man with a metal detector stumbles upon an alien spacecraft hidden deep in a forest, changing his life forever. Inside the ship, he meets Tiala, an extraterrestrial woman stranded on Earth for over 11,000 years. What follows is not the usual tale of interstellar war or political intrigue but an introspective journey of discovery and connection.
“Tiala is as curious about the protagonist as he is about her,” Glenn explains, describing how their relationship evolves through gestures, curiosity, and mutual understanding. This theme reflects Glenn’s belief in the power of connection, even across vast divides; an idea that runs deeply through his work. By avoiding the traditional tropes of space battles and galactic empires, Glenn focuses instead on the quieter, more personal aspects of what an encounter with alien life might mean.
Glenn’s lifelong love of science and technology infuses Tiala with a sense of realism. “I had to invent my own theories for alien propulsion systems and describe how a spaceship might look and function,” he says. Drawing from decades of reading and research on space exploration, Glenn developed detailed explanations that feel plausible and grounded in science. Yet, his narrative doesn’t drown in technicalities; instead, it uses these elements to enhance the wonder and mystery of discovery.
The protagonist’s exploration of Tiala’s spaceship is a key example of Glenn’s attention to detail. From reflective interiors to alien artifacts, every description pulls readers deeper into the world he has built. The titular character herself is a marvel; her metallic, humanlike appearance and expressive personality challenge both the protagonist and readers to rethink their assumptions about life and humanity.
While Tiala explores the unknown, its core message is deeply human. Glenn emphasizes themes of unity, compassion, and the rejection of prejudice. “Hate isn’t natural; it’s taught,” he says, reflecting a worldview shaped by his own experiences, including his time as a soldier in Vietnam. There, he witnessed firsthand how camaraderie transcends differences. “You didn’t think about who was behind you; you just knew they had your back.”
These lessons are evident in Glenn’s depiction of the relationship between the protagonist and Tiala. Despite their physical and cultural differences, they form a bond that highlights the possibilities of understanding and coexistence. The book asks readers to imagine how humanity might react to life beyond Earth; and what such encounters could teach us about ourselves.
Glenn’s approach to storytelling has struck a chord with readers looking for something different in science fiction. “I wanted to create a story that wasn’t about conflict,” he says. Instead, Tiala offers a peaceful, introspective narrative that invites readers to ponder the greater cosmos and humanity’s place within it. It’s a fresh perspective in a genre often dominated by action and spectacle.
This thoughtful approach extends to the characters, whom Glenn describes as deeply personal. The titular Tiala isn’t just an alien; she’s a reflection of Glenn’s optimism and belief in the potential for connection. Likewise, the protagonist embodies the wonder and curiosity Glenn hopes to inspire in his readers.
With the success of Tiala, Glenn is already working on his next project. While it takes a different narrative direction, it still retains his hallmark blend of realism and fantasy. This upcoming story starts with familiar, earthly themes before introducing extraterrestrial elements, providing a “soap-opera-like” experience that broadens the emotional scope of his work.
For Glenn, writing is more than a creative pursuit; it’s a way to share his perspective on the universe. “Exploration and curiosity should have no limits,” he says, a philosophy that continues to guide his storytelling.
Glenn Bean’s journey from pain to imagination, from fantasy to authorship, exemplifies the power of creativity. Tiala invites readers to escape into a world where discovery replaces fear and unity overcomes division. Through vivid storytelling and a hopeful vision of the cosmos, Glenn offers not just a story, but a perspective on life’s possibilities.
As Glenn himself puts it, “Positivity doesn’t mean a lack of adventure. It’s about showing what’s possible when we come together.” And that’s a message as timeless as the stars.