On Nov. 16. James Zarzana, a former SMSU professor, will return to Marshall to read excerpts from his new book, Marsco Triumphant, and meet with readers at the Marshall Lyon County Library at noon and in CH 201 at 7 p.m.

Zarzana spent 26 of his total 41 teaching years at SMSU. He retired May 2015 and now spends all of his time writing. His wife, Marianne Zarzana, still teaches in the English department.

Though the Marsco saga is labeled as science fiction, Zarzana says that anyone who is interested in fiction would enjoy the books. The saga explores what the future could look like if a single corporation has taken absolute control of society. It has been compared to the novel 1984 in the way it explores all too real political possibilities.

After the novel reading, Zarzana will answer general and writing questions. He has plenty of advice for aspiring writers between his experience as an educator and an author.

“It’s after the first draft that all the work takes place,” says Zarzana. “When anybody writes something, it’s significant. The real work is the crafting and the editing.”