Interview With Author Kate Rauner
Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve loved science and science fiction since I was a kid. Now I’m creating my own worlds based on what’s really known about our solar system. I’ve written a five book series on a near-future Mars colony, and a trilogy about a colony on Saturn’s moon, Titan. Sometimes my imagination strays farther into fantasy and poetry, so I’ve also released short stories and poetry-for-nerds collections.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest work is a trilogy, Titan – Colonizing Saturn’s Moon. I was inspired by two things: NASA’s recent exploration of the weird moon Titan, and comments from real-life scientists that this may be the best place in the solar system for a human colony. Who would leave Earth for such a dismal, frozen place? And why would they go? I answered those questions with a cult seeking to create a perfect world under a leader with some deadly ideas about their destiny.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not unusual to me. I set up my computer in a quiet place at home, on a desk long enough for my cat to sprawl out without pushing my keyboard off the edge, and a cushion for my dog at my feet. I begin each writing day a couple thousand words into what I’ve already got down, improving the draft (I hope!) and launching myself into new scenes.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I’ve read the classics from Tolkien, Asimov, McCaffrey, and Wells. Lately I discovered that I missed Philip K. Dick. How did that happen? I’m catching up. From today’s authors, I read widely. I’m lucky enough to belong to a small writers group in my town, Silver City, New Mexico, USA, and their help reading and commenting on my work is invaluable. They’re also great authors themselves: Alethea Eason, Kris Neri, and EJ Randolph.
What are you working on now?
I’m into the third book of a new trilogy: Winnie Bravo, Space Pilot. Based on the moon, Winnie and her friends are clearing junk out of Earth orbit so humanity isn’t trapped in its own pile of space debris. And, yes, this is a growing real-life problem too. She discovers a mysterious killer satellite, and someone is willing to kill to preserve its secrets. I plan to release all three books summer or fall of 2022.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Amazon. It’s the Big Dog in book sales.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Be gentle with yourself. Whatever you’re writing will take longer and be harder to complete than you expect.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
There are no rules, only guidance.
What are you reading now?
I just finished How to Buy a Planet by D. A. Holdsworth. A scifi story with very British humor and eccentric characters. I don’t think it’s much of a spoiler to say… you shouldn’t sell your planet to aliens.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I aim to complete my Winnie Bravo trilogy. That’s enough of a goal for now.
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?
Oh my! I bet my answer would change every day, but… The Hobbit, Wonderful Life by Stephen Jay Gould, and my childhood copy of Living off the Country by Bradford Angier, because, I’ll need advice to survive on that desert island.
Author Websites and Profiles
Kate Rauner Author Profile on Smashwords
Kate Rauner’s Social Media Links