Westbrook is home to many creative talents, and this month we’re thrilled to shine a spotlight on Michael Mammay, our Artist of the Month, whose imagination quite literally stretches beyond this world.

Michael and his wife, Melody, have lived in Westbrook for just over a year, but his career as a science fiction author has been decades in the making. Originally from New Hampshire, Michael spent 27 years serving in the U.S. Army before transitioning into writing full time—an experience that deeply shaped both his discipline and his storytelling.

Michael’s first novel, Planetside, was published in 2018 by HarperCollins, launching a successful science fiction career. Since then, he has published six additional novels, earning a dedicated readership drawn to his immersive worlds and thoughtful characters. His next book, Blindside, is set to release this spring, with two more novels in the series already in progress for publication in 2027 and 2028.

While science fiction often conjures images of sudden inspiration and flashes of brilliance, Michael is refreshingly honest about the reality of his creative process. “Ideas come when they come,” he says, “but as a working writer, I’ve got to do the work regardless of the inspiration.” He compares writing a novel to running a marathon—less about speed, more about endurance.

Borrowing wisdom from Stephen King’s On Writing, Michael commits to writing 2,000 words a day, whether it takes an hour or an entire afternoon. Not every page is perfect, and that’s intentional. His process is deeply iterative: draft, revise, rewrite, and refine. Trusted first readers offer feedback, followed by guidance from his HarperCollins editor, before a story reaches its final form.

For Michael, the most meaningful achievements aren’t tied to awards or publication dates, but to moments of problem-solving and perseverance. Finishing a draft, completing a final edit, or finally unlocking a stubborn plot point—those are the victories that keep him going.

Westbrook residents looking to support Michael’s work can find his books in print, digital, and audio formats anywhere books are sold. Many of his titles are also available through libraries, and readers can often request them through interlibrary digital lending if a local copy isn’t immediately available.

With a steady work ethic, a passion for storytelling, and a career that bridges service and creativity, Michael Mammay is a wonderful example of the diverse artistic talent within our community. We’re proud to celebrate him as Westbrook’s Artist of the Month—and excited to see where his stories take us next.