Ideas for a science fiction novel swirled through Michael T. Gracey’s head during the 36 years he worked as a mechanical engineer in the waterjetting industry.

Gracey, a resident of Houston, Texas, worked as an equipment design engineer for such companies as NLB Corp, Tracor Hydro-Services, Hydro-Chem, Freemyer Industrial Pressure LP, Butterworth Inc., and JETECH Inc. In industry circles, he is best known for his book, High Pressure Pumps, and more than 40 technical papers.

After retiring in January 2009, Gracey shifted gears and wrote The Time Shift, the story of a young man who tries to go back in time to change the course of his life and the lives of others. Finding a publisher willing to accept a first-time novelist was the most difficult part for Gracey, who worked directly with the editors at Tate Publishing & Enterprises LLC in Mustang, Okla.

“They did a lot of work,” says Gracey. “I originally submitted two manuscripts, but after the editors were done, part of the second book wound up in the back of the first one.” Gracey’s next effort, Time Detour, continues the story through the grandchildren of the original characters. Although Gracey isn’t planning a trilogy, he already has ideas for a third book.

Gracey also finished a children’s adventure book, Invisible Islands, which he wanted to write for years. “Parents can read it to their youngsters or eight-year-olds can read it themselves,” he says. The attitudes and personalities of his five little granddaughters helped write the book, due out later this year.

The 248-page paperback of The Time Shift, the eBook, or audio CD is available at Amazon.com, Tatepublishing.com, and in retail outlets.