Kelly Krumrie, creative writing assistant professor at New Mexico State University, will publish her newest novel "Concentric Macroscope" on March 17, 2026.
"Concentric Macroscope" follows a linguist who is hired for project shrouded in secrecy. Stationed on a remote radio station at the top of a hill, the linguist must transmit a message through the radio towers in a language she has invented. Everything else – the context, the recipient and the message itself – is a complete mystery.
"The book is a lot about language, communication, transmissions and sound," Krumrie said. "It feels very secretive, and kind of suspicious."
Through the uncertainty and isolation, her book explores the fundamentals of communication.
"Because everything's secret in this space, and they can't really communicate with each other or say what's going on, the story becomes a lot about interpersonal communication," she said. "For example, how do I know what you're saying is what you mean, and how do I know what I'm saying is what you're understanding?"
Krumrie's writing often intertwines science and art. Her research for "Concentric Macroscope" covered everything from the Soviet radar systems near Chernobyl to the science of vibration and the way our ears function. She was inspired by the work of sound artists who incorporate sound into other mediums, and spent time going on "sound walks" of her own.
"In thinking about the isolation, the walking and the aloneness, I was paying a lot of attention to sound," she said. "Being out on the sidewalk or in the woods without headphones in, just being present in the auditory environment, really came through for me in writing this book. It was a huge part of my experience in researching and trying to capture what it's like to be more attuned to communication and the different parts of your environment that you might take for granted."
As an educator, Krumrie is particularly aware of the importance of intentional communication. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 lockdowns, she began incorporating guided icebreaker conversations and other exercises into the beginning of her class to help students develop stronger social bonds and communication skills in the classroom.
"I really make sure students get to know each other," she said. "Before class starts, it's super loud and friendly. It takes a few weeks to build to that point, but I think it is necessary for learning and our sense of community."
"Concentric Macroscope" is Krumrie's third novel, and is available for pre-order here. She is also the author of "No Measure" and "Math Class."
The full article can be seen at https://newsroom.nmsu.edu/news/nmsu-creative-writing-professor-to-publish-third-novel-march-17/s/544d8dc4-4a86-4718-9cfa-1e06fdf357df
