Interview with Daniel D. Bate, Author of Stepping Stones to Space

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write Stepping Stones to Space?

Before I lost my eyesight, I used to stare at the night sky and imagine human beings out there among the stars. I’ve always wanted us to get back out into space and I think the first stepping stone to that is creating a colony on the moon. I’ve always wanted to write a book about people colonizing space.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of Stepping Stones to Space, what would they be?

Doctor Elizabeth Reacher’s theme tune would be A Spaceman Came Travelling by Chris de Burgh.

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

Science fiction and fantasy are the ones I like to read. I have written and published a book in science fiction, so far, and I plan on doing more in fantasy soon.

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

Writing the Shadow: Turn Your Inner Darkness Into Words by Joanna Penn. The Primal Hunter He who fights, and Defiance of the Fall.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

My favourite is the very last scene in the whole book, where they stood in the control room of the ship, the northern star, and are watching the countdown to launch.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

I write through dictation because of my disabilities and do it most of the time while I’m taking my medications or something else, so I can use my time as efficiently as possible.

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

I have eight. One.) If it’s going to be it is up to me. Two.) Keep on keeping on. Three.) Efficiency efficiency efficiency. Four.) Slow and steady wins the race. Five.) How to eat an elephant – one bite at a time. Six.) The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago. The second best time is today. Seven.) Do what I can, where I can, how I can, and as much of it as I can. Eight.) Balance and moderation in everything.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

You can always reach for the stars, but you might not get there, however, at least you still might get to the moon.

Daniel D. Bate is the author of the new book Stepping Stones to Space (The Humanities Expansion Series Book 1)

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