Holmes Authorship

FAQS

Reading The Zara Project with a Group?

Answers to questions readers and media ask most often about The Zara Project and the author.

Q: What is cozy science fiction?

Cozy fiction is a style of storytelling that prioritizes character, community, and warmth over action, violence, and darkness. It originated as a subgenre of mystery writing, but its sensibility can be applied to any genre, including science fiction. Cozy science fiction takes place in a speculative or technological setting but centers its story on people: how they relate to each other, how they build trust, and how they grow. The technology provides the backdrop. The human connections drive the story.

No. Readers who typically stick to cozy mysteries, literary fiction, or women’s fiction have reported enjoying The Zara Project without any prior attachment to science fiction. The novel does not require technical knowledge, and the speculative elements are explained naturally within the story. If you enjoy character-driven fiction with a warm tone and a satisfying ending, this book was written with you in mind.
The Zara Project was written for Dell’s late wife, Pat, who passed away in 2018 after a battle with melanoma. Pat volunteered at the Texas County Public Library for thirty-seven years. She loved cozy mysteries and spent years teasing Dell about science fiction, which she considered soulless. Before she died, Dell promised her he would write a cozy science fiction novel. This is that novel.

No. Dell Holmes wrote The Zara Project. He used Microsoft Copilot as an editing tool and to generate an early reference image of his protagonist, but all characters, world-building, plot development, dialogue, and narrative decisions were entirely his own. AI assisted the way any good editor or creative collaborator assists: by catching errors, offering suggestions, and providing encouragement. The book is the product of Dell’s imagination, years of developing the character of Zara, and months of nightly writing sessions.

The Zara Project stands on its own as a complete novel with a satisfying ending. Dell is currently working on two additional projects, and at least one of them builds on the world and characters introduced in this book. More details will be announced as those projects develop.

The Zara Project is available on Amazon in both Kindle and paperback editions, and in hardcover through Amazon. You can find the book by searching “The Zara Project Dell Holmes” on Amazon, or by using the direct purchase links on this website.

Yes. Dell welcomes invitations from book clubs and is happy to join discussions, whether in person in the Dallas area or virtually. Please use the contact form on this site to reach out, and select “Book Club Inquiry” as your subject. Dell particularly enjoys talking about the writing process, the character of Zara, and how the cozy science fiction genre works.

The character at the center of the book, originally just called D, developed in Dell’s imagination over several years starting in 2019. Active writing on what became The Zara Project began in earnest in 2024 after an AI-generated image of the protagonist made her feel real enough to commit to paper. The manuscript went through professional editing and production with Authors Publishing House before its release on March 8, 2026.

Reviews help independent authors reach new readers. If you read The Zara Project, Dell would be grateful for a review on Amazon or Goodreads. Even a few sentences describing your experience with the book makes a real difference. You can access the Amazon page directly from this website.

Yes. Dell is currently developing two additional projects. He stepped down from his role as president of the Friends of the Texas County Public Library specifically to focus on his writing. Details about upcoming books will be shared on this website and through the mailing list as they become available.

Scroll to Top