A Slice of Cake With... Bob Goddard

This week I am delighted to be having a slice of cake with fellow indie author Bob Goddard.

Bob Goddard is an author, journalist, publisher and very occasionally a poet. He has interviewed Barry Sheene, ridden the Isle of Man TT circuit and the old gold-miner trails of New Zealand. He has blogged and lectured on Moon colonies and been guest speaker at the National University of Science and Technology in Moscow. His books have been read in nineteen countries, including most of the largest and some of the smallest on the planet. According to his critics, his writing has ‘a cinematic quality with complex characters, sparkling dialogue and breath-taking action.’ Bob lives with his wife Viv in Norwich, UK, and in Paphos, Cyprus. 

What kind of books do you write?

Two adventure travel books recounting hair-raising and hilarious rides with my wife on a pair of motorcycles. The first through the wilderness of New Zealand and the second across Europe to the Black Sea. 

Plus two (soon to be three) epic space adventure novels with twin storylines. They are set on Earth aboard a wooden sailing ship in 1504 and on the Moon in the near future.

Plus – coming soon – a collection of 12 short stories featuring unusual twists of fate.

Can you describe your writing why?

I have a passion for storytelling. Once the characters start chattering in my head, I have to let them tell their stories or they’d drive me nuts. Woven between the lines are important issues affecting the future of humanity, so I feel obliged to air them in print. 

Share with us your favourite passage from the book you enjoyed writing the most

They arrived at the departure gate and a bored middle-aged woman held her hand out for Ktrina’s papers. 

“You the one that crashed yesterday?” She barely glanced at Ktrina’s black and blue face, bandaged wrist or walking stick.

“No, I always look this good.” Ktrina couldn’t help herself. The grin hurt her face.

“Bwahahaha.” Darryl doubled over with laughter. When he straightened up he said, “Maisie, I heard you ask some dumb questions, but that one takes the biscuit.”

The woman was smiling now. She handed Ktrina’s papers back. “Well, I hope you have a better flight today.”

“Thanks! I hope so too.” 

Tell us about your latest project

The Dark Side Of Mother Moon, sequel to Mother Moon, reveals a whole new aspect of our nearest neighbour and the people who live there. While our heroine, Ktrina, is battling outrageous odds to uncover a vital truth and avenge the death of her husband, on Earth a teenage lad is wooing a young mermaid and helping to salvage a sunken sailing ship. Their radically different paths will cross, with unforeseen consequences for all of humanity.

This latest in the Mother Moon trilogy is available in paperback direct from the publisher and as an Amazon kindle ebook.

What is your favourite cake?

My wife, Viv, makes a delicious fruit cake, using an ancient New Zealand recipe. It uses corn flour (amongst others) which gives a sublime texture, plus dried fruits, cherries, cranberries and walnuts. Mmm, I’m drooling at the thought of it. Here’s the recipe: 

Ingredients: 1½ tablespoons cornflour, 230ml water, 450grm fruit (sultanas, cherries, cranberries, nuts), 225grm butter, 250grm sugar, 3 eggs, 375grm self-raising flour, ½ teaspoon salt, 1 teaspoon ground mixed spice.

Boil cornflour and water, then cool. Cream butter and sugar, add the eggs, beating well, then cornflour mixture. Stir in the remaining ingredients. Turn into 9 inch round tin lined with greaseproof paper. Bake at 160 degrees C (320 F) for approx. 1hr 15 mins or until test skewer comes out clean. When cool, this cake not only tastes divine, it slices perfectly too! 😊 

Oooh thank you for the recipe Bob! You can't beat a nice slice of fruit cake.

Keep up to date with Bob's writing at his website - Timbuktu Publishing.

Join me next week when I'll be having a slice of cake with Richard Stephens.

If you would like to take part in A Slice of Cake With... please fill in the form found here. I'd be delighted to have you.

You can also support my writing endeavours and buy me tea & cake - it's what makes the world go round!

Claire Buss is a multi-genre author and poet, completely addicted to cake. Find all her books on Amazon. Join the discussion in her Facebook group Buss's Book Stop.