Over the past few days, I’ve been asked a few times whether Philip Anders, the main character in Galaxy’s Child, is based on me. The honest answer? Not exactly… but he is very much a part of me.
Philip was born from the imagination of a kid who used to spend countless hours lost in daydreams. Whether I was on the long bus ride to high school or lying in bed before falling asleep, I would picture myself as a hero exploring the stars, fighting for something greater than myself. In my mind, I was part of adventures that mirrored the spirit of Star Trek, Star Wars, even Transformers. These weren’t just fantasies, they were emotional escape hatches, and over time, they became deeply embedded in who I was.
I didn’t know it back then, but those imaginary journeys were laying the groundwork for something real. Decades later, that unnamed hero from my youth would evolve into Philip Anders, a young man shaped by personal loss and inner doubt, yet capable of greatness. Through him, I’ve been able to channel the dreams of my younger self into a story that explores space, humanity, and the choices that define us.
So, while Philip isn’t me in a literal sense, he’s undeniably connected to the part of me that always looked up at the stars and imagined what might be out there. He’s the realization of a lifelong dream, one that started quietly in the back of my mind and eventually made its way to the page.
David P. Lloyd 