I wanted to share the Author’s Notes from the end of Lost Among the Stars. They explore why I felt called to write about Fred Noonan, the history that shaped the book, and the spiritual practices that guided its creation.
Author's Notes:
A book about Fred Noonan has lingered in the back of my mind for most of my life. I have memories from my 1970s childhood of watching an episode of "In Search Of," hosted by Leonard Nimoy, about the disappearance of Amelia Earhart. But her navigator, Fred Noonan, was barely mentioned, overshadowed by Amelia’s immense publicity machine. (Her husband and public relations manager was the publisher G.P. Putnam.)
Yet Amelia didn’t make the journey alone. Fred Noonan was by her side every step of the way. As her navigator, he charted the course for their attempt to circumnavigate the globe. In many ways, I believe his job was even more difficult.
Working in the cramped rear cabin of the Lockheed Electra 10E, stripped down for extra fuel, Fred’s station was uncomfortable and loud. Verbal communication with Earhart was nearly impossible. They passed handwritten notes and relied on hand signals.
To my knowledge, no biography has ever been written about Fred Noonan. His lack of recognition is, in my opinion, a disservice to his legacy. I cannot claim this book does him justice, but perhaps it is a first step toward shining a light on an aviation pioneer whose skill and bravery deserve to be remembered.
Fred’s early life, marked by the death of his mother and a childhood of instability, is drawn from historical record. His time aboard the Crompton, his service during World War I, and his pioneering aviation work are all grounded in fact. His two marriages are also part of the historical record, and I have aimed to portray both wives with care and respect. Although I have taken some fictional liberties, such as the creation of Captain Henshaw, these were included to help illuminate Fred’s story while remaining true to the essence of his life.
Even Amelia and Fred’s final flight follows the known facts. The U.S. Navy did search Gardner Island (now called Nikumaroro), but found no trace of wreckage. While I depicted the island as small, it is actually 3.7 miles long and 1.2 miles wide. The lagoon entrances are narrow and blocked by a reef at low tide.
Later, the island was briefly colonized by the British. Skeletal remains were discovered but never conclusively linked to Earhart or Noonan. In 2019, ocean explorer Robert Ballard (who found the Titanic) led an expedition to the island. But no wreckage was found.
Coconut crabs are very real. Weighing up to 9 pounds and spanning over 3 feet. They are the largest land crabs on Earth. They are opportunistic, powerful, and likely a vivid presence for anyone stranded on that island. Also, the island's lagoon serves as a nursery for blacktip reef sharks. There are currently even more sharks around Nikumaroro than I depicted.
Water’s arrival on Earth is one of the great mysteries of science, but the leading theory suggests much of it came from space. Around four billion years ago, during the Late Heavy Bombardment, Earth was struck by countless asteroids, many carrying water and organic molecules. These cosmic collisions may have delivered the water that now fills our oceans and with it, the seeds of life.
Between September 2023 and May 2024, I was honored to be one of the founding students in Rebecca Campbell’s Inner Temple Mystery School. Over nine transformative months, I learned to deepen my relationship with the unseen world. One of the practices I found most profound was Kything, from the Scottish word kythe, meaning “to make visible.” It is the art of entering into a conscious connection with the soul of another, such as a rose, a tree, or a drop of water.
Parts of this book were received through Kything with water, flowers, trees, and other living presences. This practice has forever changed how I see the world. It is alive with voice and presence, if we are willing to listen.
David Scott Coleman June 21, 2025
More information can be found at: https://about.me/dasenergi
