Narrative Nonfiction/Inspirational
Date Published: August 4th, 2026
Publisher: Acorn Publishing
On the beaches of Southern California, Ken Kisco learned that preparation saves lives. From rip-current rescues to split-second emergencies, he discovered that courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision to act in spite of it. Those early lessons in resilience and composure pushed Ken to believe he could accomplish anything . . . including his lifelong dream of reaching the stars.
Through relentless perseverance and unwavering faith, Ken rose into the heart of America’s most advanced space and defense programs, contributing to human spaceflight initiatives and supporting groundbreaking technologies. His unusual start as a lifeguard helped advance his career, distinguishing him from his Air Force and Navy peers. Yet, his toughest challenges were personal—he faced deep disappointment when a space mission was canceled and learned lessons about trust and integrity from a romance-turned-ruse.
Ken’s journey reveals that success is rarely linear. Setbacks became launchpads, adversity became refinement, and purpose became a compass. Part memoir, part inspiration, and part behind-the-scenes look at America’s quest for the stars, this is the unforgettable story of a man who proves that bold dreams, combined with grit and heart, can launch an ordinary life into an extraordinary one.
Can you tell us a little about the process of getting
this book published? How did you come up with the idea and how did you start?
The idea for No Straight Lines to the Stars grew from
years of reflecting on an unlikely journey—from California Ocean Lifeguard to
supporting America's space program. Friends and colleagues often encouraged me
to write down the stories behind those experiences, believing others could
learn from them. What began as a collection of memories gradually evolved into
a memoir centered on perseverance, purpose, and embracing life's unexpected
opportunities. Working with my publisher transformed those memories into a book
that I hope will inspire readers to pursue their own extraordinary journeys.
What surprised you most about getting your book
published?
What surprised me most was how collaborative the publishing
process really is. Writing the manuscript is only the beginning. Professional
editors, designers, marketers, and publishers all contribute their expertise to
help shape the finished book. It truly takes a talented team to bring an
author's vision to life.
Tell us a little about what you do when you aren’t
writing
Outside of writing, I enjoy spending time with family,
mentoring young professionals and engineering students, staying active, and
continuing to learn. I've always believed that curiosity doesn't retire.
Whether I'm reading about history, leadership, science, or space exploration,
I'm always looking for ideas that broaden my perspective and inspire the next
challenge.
As a published author, what would you say was the most
pivotal point of your writing life?
The most pivotal moment came when I realized this memoir
wasn't really about me—it was about the lessons the journey could offer others.
Once I shifted my focus from simply telling my story to inspiring readers
through it, the writing became more meaningful and every chapter found its
purpose.
Where do you get your best ideas and why do you think
that is?
My best ideas come from real life. Looking back over decades
of experiences, I began to recognize patterns—how one unexpected opportunity
often led to another. Those moments reinforced a simple truth: life's greatest
journeys rarely follow a straight line. That realization became both the title
and the central message of the book.
What is the toughest criticism given to you as an author?
One of the biggest challenges was learning that every story
I loved didn't necessarily belong in the book. Early feedback encouraged me to
focus less on every detail and more on the moments that best supported the
overall message. That advice made the memoir stronger and more meaningful for
readers.
What has been your best accomplishment as a writer?
Without question, it's completing No Straight Lines to
the Stars. More than publishing a memoir, it's the opportunity to share a
message that I hope encourages readers to embrace uncertainty, persevere
through challenges, and believe that their own path—however unexpected—can lead
to extraordinary places.
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
This is my first book, so I don't have any unpublished or
half-finished manuscripts waiting in a drawer. I wanted to devote my full
attention to making No Straight Lines to the Stars the very best book it
could be. It has been an incredible journey, and it's opened the door to future
writing projects.
As an aerospace systems engineer for NASA, Rockwell International, and Boeing, he developed new technologies and earned recognition as an American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Fellow.
Ken now shares his passion by mentoring USC engineering students, inspiring them to dream boldly. When not traveling, he and his wife enjoy San Diego's beaches, where they live.
Instagram: @Kennasaman
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