Gillian Anderson authors EarthEnd Saga sci-fi series

Known for her time as paranormal sceptic Dana Scully in The X-Files and praised for cinematic roles in The House of Mirth and Bleak House Gillian Anderson is now co-authoring a sci-fi series for new imprint Simon451.

Known for her time as paranormal sceptic Dana Scully in The X-Files and praised for cinematic roles in The House of Mirth and Bleak House Gillian Anderson is now co-authoring a sci-fi series for new imprint Simon451.

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The label, named in homage to Ray Bradbury's Fahrenheit 451, is a new venture from New York publisher Simon & Schuster and puts first in the series, A Vision of Fire, on track for October release.

She's partnered on the project by co-author Jeff Rovin, who wrote the Tom Clancy's Op-Center series and encouraged her to try her hand at a sci-fi story, she told Entertainment Weekly.

"I don't think I'd ever think to write something in this genre without the prodding of someone like Jeff," she said. "But I realized I had ideas hidden within me for a series and a lead character, in this case, a heroine."

It's child psychiatrist Caitlin O'Hara who takes center stage in A Vision of Fire, but her time with a particular girl prods her into action -- "the girl's behavior is tied to much greater forces in the universe, and as the story unfolds, [Caitlin] must prevent destruction on a grand scale."

As for her own motivations, Anderson mentioned her desire to see a strong female lead, around her own age, and believes that not only is A Vision of Fire something that both she and other women would like to read, but that the Saga is well positioned for an eventual cinematic adaptation.