West Newport, Wisconsin
Although West Newport does not exist on any map, it is directly inspired by the city of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, where I attended high school. Located about 34 miles west of Milwaukee, Wisconsin—a city that is also mentioned throughout the books—Oconomowoc is known for its beautiful lakes, tree-lined neighborhoods, historic homes, and strong sense of community. During the late nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, it became a popular summer destination for many of America's wealthiest families, earning it the nickname "The Newport of the West," a reference to the famous resort city of Newport, Rhode Island.
When developing the world of the Galactic Star Union, I wanted to honor the place that helped shape me. However, I also realized that many readers might struggle to pronounce "Oconomowoc" correctly. Rather than using the actual name, I adopted its historic nickname and simply reversed it, creating West Newport. The name immediately evokes the same atmosphere while being easier for readers to recognize and remember.
In the Galactic Star Command Saga, West Newport retains many of the qualities that make its real-world inspiration so memorable. It is a prosperous lakeside community where neighborhoods are close-knit, children grow up knowing one another, and values such as honesty, service, hard work, and compassion are passed from one generation to the next. The quiet streets, changing seasons, community events, and scenic lakes provide an ideal backdrop for families whose lives will eventually influence the fate of an entire civilization.
It is here that the Hawkins family put down their roots. Alex Hawkins grew up learning that leadership begins with serving others, that integrity matters more than recognition, and that strength is inseparable from compassion. Those lessons remained with him throughout his distinguished military career and shaped the commander he would become. Long before he was directing fleets across interstellar battlefields, he was simply a young man from Wisconsin whose character was formed by family, neighbors, and community.
Just across town lived another family whose future would become forever intertwined with the Hawkinses—the McKnights. Daniel McKnight and Alex Hawkins grew up together, developing a friendship built upon loyalty, trust, and shared dreams of exploration and service. Their bond would later carry them into Galactic Star Command, where together they would help lead the Union through its darkest hours during the Nótâxeo’o War.
The connection between these two families is also deeply personal. Alex Hawkins is, in many respects, based upon my own personality, values, and life experiences. Daniel McKnight draws much of his inspiration from my longtime best friend, Carl. While both characters have grown far beyond their real-world inspirations, their friendship reflects the loyalty, humor, and trust that genuine lifelong friendships often possess.
There is an old piece of advice for writers: write what you know. I chose to take that advice quite literally. Rather than inventing every detail from scratch, I wove pieces of my own life into the fabric of the Galactic Star Command Saga. Familiar places became future cities. Lifelong friendships became legendary commanders. Personal values became the moral foundation of the Galactic Star Union itself.
Although the saga spans hundreds of light-years, alien civilizations, and galaxy-shaping wars, its heart remains surprisingly close to home. Beneath the starships, distant worlds, and epic battles lies the story of ordinary people from a small Wisconsin community who learned that courage, friendship, integrity, and compassion can change not only individual lives, but the course of history itself.
Thanks for reading,
Author's Note:
Oconomowoc is pronounced uh-KON-uh-muh-wok (or /əˈkɒnəməˌwɒk/ in phonetic spelling).
- O: Sounds like "uh" (a schwa sound).
- con: Pronounced "KAHN".
- o: Sounds like "uh".
- mo: Pronounced "muh".
- woc: Pronounced "WOCK" (rhymes with clock).
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