Interview With Author Claire Barner
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’m Claire Barner. I’m a sci-fi romance writer living in Chicago. My debut novel Moonrising comes out on July 8 from Diversion Books.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Moonrising is a near future romance set on the first Moon colony. I was originally inspired by reading about NASA growing red romaine lettuce on the International Space Station. I’m a vegetable gardener, and I started imagining what it would be like to grow vegetables in space. From there, I created Dr. Alex Cole, a University of Chicago agronomist, who likes plants more than people. She is recruited by NASA to build a greenhouse on the Moon colony.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
My most productive writing time is after I get my three kids to sleep. My typical routine is to have a 4 pm coffee and write from 9 pm until 11 pm.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Lois McMaster Bujold is an important influence. She is best known for her sprawling sci-fi series the Vorkosigan Saga. One of my favorite aspects of her books is how she’s used a technology called a uterine replicator (an artificial womb) to explore how the role of women shifts when they no longer need to physically carry children. Her books are rooted in characters and relationships with fun dialogue, pulse pounding action, and fascinating science.
What are you working on now?
I’m currently halfway through drafting a speculative thriller romance about a missing husband and a marriage based on lies.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I find Instagram to be a wonderful place to connect with readers and fellow writers. I’ve also enjoyed the writing community growing on Threads.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Embrace rejection! It’s part of the process. And stay open to feedback.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
I love this writing advice from one of my favorite sci-fi authors Octavia Butler: “You don’t start out writing good stuff. You start out writing crap and thinking it’s good stuff, and then gradually you get better at it. That’s why I say one of the most valuable traits is persistence.”
What are you reading now?
I’m currently reading the ARC for The Chosen Queen by Sam Davey, a historical fantasy about King Arthur’s mother. I’m really enjoying it so far!
What’s next for you as a writer?
My second book, The Red Woman of Mars, is tentatively planned for publication with Diversion Books in summer 2026. It’s a Pride and Prejudice inspired feminist sci-fi romance set on Mars.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
My favorite re-reads, of course! Kushiel’s Dart by Jacqueline Carey, Komarr by Lois McMaster Bujold, and Red, White, and Royal Blue by Casey McQuiston. And maybe I could use the time to study Gideon the Ninth by Tamsyn Muir and scribble down all my theories before Alecto the Ninth comes out.
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