I want to write books that have layers. I want them to be enjoyable reads with characters and relationships you get obsessed with, while also being meaty enough for a deep book club discussion.
Claire Barner – 11 July 2025
The Back Flap
In 2073, controversial agronomist Dr. Alex Cole has dedicated her life to mutagenetic food, the only solution to feeding a world torn apart by climate change. When fierce opposition from radical environmentalists wipes out her lab funding, a surprising lifeline appears in the form of Mansoor Al Kaabi, a charismatic Emirati businessman who needs a sustainable food supply for his guests on the Moon’s first hotel.
Alex moves to the Moon colony with Mansoor, and they immediately dive into the challenging work. As she smuggles in illegal chickens, fights a vexing tomato fungus, and dreams of olive groves on the Moon, Alex is surprised to find herself falling in love not just with the lunar colony, but with Mansoor, whose vision for the future of the Moon extends far beyond luxury hotels.
Back on Earth, eccentric genius Victor Beard and Mansoor’s younger brother Rashid fight to push the Homestead Act through Congress. Without the support of the US government, they’ll never be able to achieve their goal to relocate humanity to the Moon and secure a second chance for life on Earth.
When eco-terrorists threaten the lunar colony, Alex, Mansoor, Victor, and Rashid must choose what they’re willing to die for–and what they’re really living for. Is it their grandiose visions of saving the planet–or is it each other?
About the book
What is the book about?
Moonrising is about a University of Chicago researcher, Alex Cole, who likes plants more than people. When she is recruited to build a greenhouse on the fledgling lunar colony, she learns how to let people in and build community. Along the way, she falls in love with Mansoor Al Kaabi, a charming, self-contained Emirati businessman developing the first hotel on the Moon. Back on Earth, we follow self-taught physicist Victor Beard on his quest to build the world’s fastest rocket ship while obliviously falling in love with Mansoor’s brother Rashid.
When did you start writing the book?
I first started writing Moonrising way back in 2013.
How long did it take you to write it?
It took me ten years to finish the first draft of Moonrising. Between raising three kids, buying a fixer-upper bungalow, and holding down a full time job, I could never find the time to give the book my full attention. In 2023, I was lucky enough to earn a 10-week paid sabbatical from my job, and I spent that time as a full-time writer. After ten years of struggling to find the time, I finished drafting Moonrising in only eight weeks.
Where did you get the idea from?
Moonrising started with two ideas. NASA successfully grew red romaine lettuce on the International Space Station. As a vegetable gardener, I was interested in what growing vegetables in space might look like. I created my main character, Dr. Alex Cole, a UChicago agronomist who is recruited to develop a greenhouse on a Moon colony. At the same time, I saw an article about Virgin Galactic’s plans to build a spaceport in Abu Dhabi. From this idea, I developed my other two point of view characters, Mansoor Al Kaabi, an Emirati businessman opening a Moon hotel and Victor Beard, a rocket scientist building the ships that will launch the tourists to the Moon.
Were there any parts of the book where you struggled?
Because I spent ten years developing the first draft of Moonrising, I had a lot of ideas and research. I ended up having too many ideas! When I first started working with my agent, Jenna Satterthwaite, she encouraged me to change the ending to cut an antagonist that wasn’t closely tied to my main character Alex’s journey. I ended up drastically changing the last third of the book, and it turned out so much better.
What came easily?
I loved incorporating my research into the story. I read several astronaut memoirs and used their experiences when describing Alex’s first flight into space. I also have a few chapters set in Abu Dhabi that were richly informed by hours and hours of book research and a wonderful sensitivity reader.
Are your characters entirely fictitious or have you borrowed from real world people you know?
I have a lot in common with my main character, Alex. She’s a University of Chicago researcher, and I am a UChicago alumni. She’s an agronomist, and I’m a gardener. In many ways, at the beginning of the book, she’s the worst version of me. She’s quick to argue and dig in on her position. She thinks everyone around her isn’t following science and data and is frustrated by people with a different point of view than her own. These are all traits Alex and I share, though I’ve worked hard to soften my hard edges and have more self awareness. With Alex, I dialed up those traits, and I think it makes her character a unique and compelling protagonist.
We all know how important it is for writers to read. Are there any particular authors that have influenced how you write and, if so, how have they influenced you?
My favorite sci-fi writer is Lois McMaster Bujold, who wrote the Vorkosigan Saga. Her stories are rooted in characters and relationships. She explores big themes like motherhood, reproductive freedom, disability rights, family loyalty, and honor inside of fun, hilarious, romantic adventures in space. There is a particular book of hers, Komarr, that on its surface is about an investigation into a mysterious accident on an occupied planet, but is really about the crushing weight of a loveless marriage and how a woman can lose her sense of self focusing on her duty to her husband and child. And it’s also funny, empowering, and romantic! I want to write books that have layers. I want them to be enjoyable reads with characters and relationships you get obsessed with, while also being meaty enough for a deep book club discussion.
Do you have a target reader?
I think Moonrising has crossover appeal. I am very interested in recruiting romance and romantasy readers to try sci-fi romance! Moonrising is grounded in the real world and isn’t full of unfamiliar jargon. Many of my early readers do not read much sci-fi and were drawn in by the relatable characters and situations.
At the same time, I do think sci-fi readers who love science heavy books like The Martian or sci-fi based in physics like The Expanse series will enjoy the well-researched and interesting science in Moonrising.
About Writing
Do you have a writing process? If so can you please describe it?
Whenever possible, I love to spend a few hours at my local coffee shops writing. With three kids and a full time job, I tend to do most of my writing late at night. My sweet spot is 9 pm to 11 pm. I try to write every single day.
Do you outline? If so, do you do so extensively or just chapter headings and a couple of sentences?
I only outline a little. I have a spreadsheet of chapters with the POV, timing, and a sentence.
Do you edit as you go or wait until you’ve finished?
I spend most of my writing time on editing. The hardest part for me is drafting something new. I’ve accepted that I prefer to edit from the beginning at least once a week, even though I know this is terribly inefficient. I tried to get out of the habit and found I didn’t enjoy the writing process as much when I wasn’t polishing as I went. I’d rather go slower and be proud of the words already on the page rather than have a complete, messy draft I’m not happy with.
Do you listen to music while you write? If yes, what gets the fingers tapping?
Mostly classical music like Bach and Mozart. I find anything with lyrics distracting.
About Publishing
Did you submit your work to Agents?
Yes, I have a wonderful agent, Jenna Satterthwaite from Storm Literary Agency
What made you decide to go Indie, whether self-publishing or with an indie publisher? Was it a particular event or a gradual process?
I’m excited to be part of re-launching Diversion Book’s fiction program this summer. I chose Diversion because my editor, Toni Kirkpatrick, clearly loved the characters and story. I was also thrilled to be offered a two-book deal. Their new distribution partnership with Simon & Schuster was also a factor in my decision.
Did you get your book cover professionally done or did you do it yourself?
Diversion took my cover ideas and designed a beautiful cover. I love it so much!
Do you have a marketing plan for the book or are you just winging it?
Diversion has a partnership with Books Forward for marketing. I also have my own plan in a spreadsheet.
Any advice that you would like to give to other newbies considering becoming Indie authors?
I encourage writers to follow the path that makes sense for them! There are so many wonderful options to get your book out there.
About You
Where did you grow up?
I grew up as the oldest of six kids in Park Ridge, IL, right outside of Chicago.
Where do you live now?
I live in the Portage Park neighborhood on Chicago’s northwest side with my husband and our three kids.
What would you like readers to know about you?
My book club is an important part of my life. We read from a variety of genres and always find ourselves having rich conversations that last for at least two hours. We also vacation together, support each other through hard times, and celebrate each other’s successes. Our favorite reads include All Fours by Miranda July, James by Percival Everett, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow, and Tomorrow by Gabrielle Zevin.
What are you working on now?
My second book with Diversion, The Red Woman of Mars, is tentatively planned for publication in summer 2026. It’s a Pride and Prejudice inspired feminist sci-fi romance set on Mars.
End of Interview:
For more from Claire Barner visit her website and Substack blog as well as following her on Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky.
Get your copy of Moonrising from Amazon US.