Why I Created Y Naught Books

I hear Irene playing the piano in the background. That explains the smile!

The genesis of Y Naught Books emerged from a confluence of academic inquiry, creative exploration, and an enduring desire to engage in meaningful dialogue. While my professional and intellectual pursuits have long centered on mathematics—particularly in making its abstract elegance accessible to those without an extensive background in calculus—I have also found immense satisfaction in the craft of storytelling. This site is an extension of those interests, a space where I can share ideas, writing exercises, and insights across a spectrum of disciplines, from mathematics and technology to history, literature, and the arts.

From Linear Algebra to Fiction: A Shift in Focus

My initial foray into publishing was a textbook on Linear Algebra, a subject rich in both theoretical beauty and practical application. While linear algebra underpins vast domains of modern technology—from machine learning and quantum mechanics to computer graphics and cryptography—it remains a subject often relegated to college coursework. My objective was to create a book that would serve high school students who had completed algebra and geometry but were not necessarily inclined toward calculus. The challenge was not merely to present the material, but to do so in a way that made complex concepts—such as eigenvectors and eigenvalues—both intuitive and engaging.

At a certain juncture, I realized that I needed a creative intermission to refine my pedagogical approach. Sometimes, stepping away from a problem provides the clarity needed to solve it. What I did not anticipate, however, was that this detour would lead to an entirely different kind of book: a novel.

Genesis of a Novel: A Chesapeake Nightmare

During my self-imposed break from the textbook, I revisited an old piece of writing that had been sitting dormant for years. Inspired by its premise, I decided to expand it, develop compelling characters, and construct a narrative that would engage readers beyond the confines of academia. The result was my first novel, A Chesapeake Nightmare, published in January and available through the Amazon Kindle page.

The response to this creative endeavor has been encouraging—not necessarily in the sense of widespread acclaim, but in the gratifying feedback that suggests readers found the story engaging and the characters compelling. What began as a temporary reprieve from mathematical exposition became a source of creative energy, reinforcing my belief in the interdisciplinary nature of intellectual pursuits.

The Purpose of This Blog

With Y Naught Books, I aim to create a platform where I can share a variety of thoughts and writings—some structured, others exploratory. While I am not interested in courting controversy for its own sake, I do hope to write about subjects that intrigue me, whether they stem from history, the arts, technology, or mathematics.

This blog is also an opportunity to include the voices of others, fostering dialogue and highlighting ideas that I find significant. I firmly believe that intellectual growth is a continuous process, and despite having accumulated the perspective that comes with being a septuagenarian, I remain keenly aware that I still have much to learn.

A Request to Readers

I invite you to engage—share your thoughts, challenge my ideas, or simply enjoy the content. Whether you are drawn to discussions of mathematical theory, historical analysis, or the nuances of storytelling, I hope you find something here that resonates with you.

So, why "Y Naught" Books? Because the pursuit of knowledge, creativity, and dialogue should never be constrained by rigid boundaries—academic or otherwise. Why not explore? Why not create? Why not engage?

Welcome to Y Naught Books. I look forward to the journey ahead.