Author Interview: Bob Goddard from Mother Moon

Title: Mother Moon
Author: Bob Goddard
Genre: Sci-Fi, Adult
Publisher: Timbuktu Publishing
Publication date: December 2nd 2015
Pages: 390 (Kindle)







2087 - A colony of scientists is stranded on the Moon as the Earth faces imminent disaster

1504 - A wooden sailing ship is navigating the dangerous waters of religious fundamentalism

Two events separated by space and time, yet destined to collide in a simple twist of fate. 

When a comet changes course and heads for Earth, the finger of blame is pointed at one country. The entire planet is thrown into chaos, while on the Moon a colony of scientists faces the bleak prospect of being stranded... forever. 

Will Cooper and Nadia Sokolova become unlikely allies in their struggle for survival. Can they make Armstrong Base self-sufficient before the food runs out? Will they ever see their families again? Can love conquer fear in one-sixth gravity?

And what does a 16th century sailing ship and its grizzled captain have to do with their plight? Can he stay alive long enough to uncover the origins of all humans on Earth? Is this the end of Man... or the rebirth of Mankind?

Only Mother Moon has the answers...

Goodreads

Interview

Q: Can you tell us a bit more about the storyline?

A: When a comet changes course and heads for Earth, the finger of blame is pointed at one country. The entire planet is thrown into chaos, while on the Moon a colony of scientists faces the bleak prospect of being stranded... forever.
Will Cooper and Nadia Sokolova become unlikely allies in their struggle for survival. Can they make Armstrong Base self-sufficient before the food runs out? Will they ever see their families again? Can love conquer fear in one-sixth gravity?
And what does a 16th century sailing ship and its grizzled sea captain have to do with their plight? Can he stay alive long enough to uncover the origins of all humans on Earth? Is this the end of Man… or the rebirth of Mankind?
Only Mother Moon has the answers...



Q: How did you come up with the idea for your book?

A: I’ve always been interested in space travel, but this was sparked by a UK radio presenter who said: “Perhaps we should all go and live on the Moon!” It was a meant to be a flippant comment in response to global warming predictions, but I thought, “Yeah… why not?”


Q: Whose work inspires you?

A: Many great authors, from Sebastian Faulks (Birdsong was stunning) to Bill Bryson, for his wit and whimsy. But I’m currently on my third David Mitchell book, having been swept away by Cloud Atlas. I love his writing style and imagination.


Q: Which scene in the book was the most fun to write?

A: The suicide scene out on the desolate Moon surface. Will Cooper is in a race against time to save Lian Song as her suit leaks its precious air from a self-inflicted puncture, and save himself too, as his oxygen runs out. I was gasping
for breath while writing it and still get sweaty palms when I think about that scene.


Q: How would you describe Mother Moon in three words?

A: Epic space drama


Q: Could you tell us one silly fact about yourself?

A: I do most of my writing in my dressing gown! Early morning is my most productive time so the world has to wait until my words run dry.


Q: Why should everybody read Mother Moon?

A: Because the future of Mankind depends on it! And because it is a deeply human story about tragic loss, unlikely love and, ultimately, survival.


Q: What are the words you live by?

A: Be yourself, always. Life’s too short to act out a play for the benefit of others.


Q: Do you already have another book you are working on?

A: Yes, a sequel to Mother Moon. Working title is, inevitably, Mother Earth. It features some of the same characters, but with a whole new set of life-threatening challenges for them to overcome.


Q: Is there anything you would like to tell your readers?

A: I spent nine years – part-time, admittedly – on research. Then four years writing and editing. So I’m fairly confident the science is right and the characters’ backgrounds are solid. Once the idea of the twin-timeline story had taken root, I was committed. So I ended up writing this epic story with some important messages for humanity woven in between the lines. I’m delighted that non sci-fi readers are enjoying it, as well as space buffs. I like to think there is something in Mother Moon for everyone.

Thank you so much Bob!

Elien