I remember, so clearly, the first time I articulated the desire to be a science fiction / fantasy writer. I was in Grade 6, and the question had been put to us by our pretty, young, and sometimes-strict teacher Ms. Naher. I really liked her. I think we all did. I’m quite sure I used to act out for attention in class. I was always trying to impress her, or make her laugh.

When it was my turn to stand and answer, I said, “I want to write sci fi.” Whereupon Ms. Naher asked me, write what?

“Sci...