Those in the college know Marie Vibbert for her software solutions and website support—but did you know she’s also an established science fiction writer?
Vibbert (CWR ‘98, English) is promoting her sequel to her 2021 science fiction novel, Galactic Hellcats, which will be published this coming July by Lethe Press. Of her first novel one reviewer called the characters “exciting, entertaining and a heck of a roller coaster ride of galactic proportions.”
A 2023 Hugo & Nebula Award nominee, Vibbert has written over 90 short stories in top magazines like Nature, Amazing Stories and Fantasy & Science Fiction Magazine.
We spoke to her about her role within the college, the Galactic Hellcats sequel and what she is planning next as an author.
What does your role as web services manager at CWRU entail?
As webmaster, I keep over 120 of the college’s websites functioning. I also work closely with University Marketing and Communications to keep us compliant with branding and best practices.
What do you like most about your role?
I really enjoy the opportunity to keep abreast of all our departments and the fascinating things they are doing.
As an alumna of the College of Arts and Sciences, I enjoy learning about talks and research projects as I update websites. There’s always something going on, and the people are really great. Some of the brightest minds of our generation are department admins!
How long have you been with CWRU and why did you choose to work here?
After I graduated, my first “real” job was on the campus help desk, which was brand new at the time! I then worked my way up to network technician and unix support specialist, until the unix support program was discontinued in 2003. I then worked in private industry and for the Veterans Administration.
Since returning in 2006, I’ve been a system administrator, database administrator, programmer and webmaster. I’ve always enjoyed the community in the IT department here, and the academic environment in general.
You have a new book of fiction called Galactic Hellcats out, what is it about?
I wanted to write something fun, like the “pulpy” books I devoured relentlessly as a teenager—paperbacks with titles in chrome and starscapes, explosions and airbrush heroes.
I wanted it to be inclusive and to portray female heroes working as a team. I placed a handsome prince in distress, but didn’t want romance. So I made the prince gay. Then I made one of the women gay, for balance. I wanted characters who become a family and experience hope and adventure. They have very little respect for property rights.
I wanted a space motorcycle. Come to think of it, I still do.
In what way do you hope that your book inspires readers?
My favorite review was a random tweet that said they found the book “cathartically healing.” I wanted to show people from diverse backgrounds working together, learning to separate their wants from needs. I hope it inspires people to be more empathetic and shows a future we can survive in.
What’s next for you as an author?
The sequel to Galactic Hellcats, Andrei and the Hellcats comes out in July 2025! I am also working on a video game, a “dating simulator” with the characters from Galactic Hellcats as a promotional tie-in. I hope to finish the game before the sequel comes out!