Narrative Nonfiction/Inspirational
Date Published: August 4th, 2026
Publisher: Acorn Publishing
On the beaches of Southern California, Ken Kisco learned that preparation saves lives. From rip-current rescues to split-second emergencies, he discovered that courage is not the absence of fear, but the decision to act in spite of it. Those early lessons in resilience and composure pushed Ken to believe he could accomplish anything . . . including his lifelong dream of reaching the stars.
Through relentless perseverance and unwavering faith, Ken rose into the heart of America’s most advanced space and defense programs, contributing to human spaceflight initiatives and supporting groundbreaking technologies. His unusual start as a lifeguard helped advance his career, distinguishing him from his Air Force and Navy peers. Yet, his toughest challenges were personal—he faced deep disappointment when a space mission was canceled and learned lessons about trust and integrity from a romance-turned-ruse.
Ken’s journey reveals that success is rarely linear. Setbacks became launchpads, adversity became refinement, and purpose became a compass. Part memoir, part inspiration, and part behind-the-scenes look at America’s quest for the stars, this is the unforgettable story of a man who proves that bold dreams, combined with grit and heart, can launch an ordinary life into an extraordinary one.
I'm a California native whose journey has taken me from serving as a California Ocean Lifeguard to supporting America's space program as an engineer. Along the way, I've been fortunate to combine my passions for science, leadership, and helping others. No Straight Lines to the Stars is the story of that journey—one shaped by unexpected opportunities, remarkable mentors, and the belief that perseverance can lead to destinations we never imagined.
Swimming and water polo have always been my favorite sports. They taught me discipline, teamwork, resilience, and how to remain calm under pressure—qualities that shaped not only my years as a California Ocean Lifeguard but also my engineering career supporting America's space program.
Because No Straight Lines to the Stars is a memoir, I began with the experiences that had the greatest impact on my life. From there, I organized them into a journey rather than a simple timeline, making sure each chapter offered a lesson or insight readers could apply to their own lives. My goal wasn't just to tell my story—it was to inspire others through it.
Start writing before you think you're ready. Don't wait for the perfect first sentence or the perfect outline. Your first draft won't be perfect—and it isn't supposed to be. Write honestly, revise patiently, and remember that readers connect with authenticity far more than perfection. Most importantly, tell the story only you can tell.
A typical writing day begins by revisiting what I wrote the day before. I spend as much time editing as I do writing because every chapter needs to feel authentic and meaningful. Some days I write several pages; other days I refine a single paragraph. For me, the goal has always been quality over quantity.
As an aerospace systems engineer for NASA, Rockwell International, and Boeing, he developed new technologies and earned recognition as an American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) Fellow.
Ken now shares his passion by mentoring USC engineering students, inspiring them to dream boldly. When not traveling, he and his wife enjoy San Diego's beaches, where they live.
Instagram: @Kennasaman
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