Beachcomber
by Kate Clarke
Released: May 02, 2026
Genre: Science Fiction Romance
Why this book and why now?
Kate Clarke is a pen name. We met when we were 15 years old and I fell so deeply in love with her that I still carry her in my heart 45 years later. This year is the 40th anniversary of her death, and I wanted to write a love story that honoured Kate, and so Beachcomber was born.
What is a significant way your book has changed since either the first draft or the way you thought it would turn out when you first had the inspiration?
There are parts of Beachcomber that very much stayed on plan from the first thought to the last page, especially the beginning paragraph and the ending, but there were characters that arrived as bit parts who decided their contribution needed to be bigger. Rose is the perfect example. She was only meant to deliver a message but told me she wanted to stay, so I let her.
Would you and your main character(s) get along?
There are a lot of reasons why Alexis and I would get along. In many ways she’s me, although a much more capable woman. She’s measured in her view of the world, yet loves deeply and has strongly developed protective instincts for the people she cares about. Similarly, Sage and I would definitely have a good relationship. Kate is very much present in her, especially in her warmth and her empathy.
Did any real-life events or personal experiences influence the story?
The 5 years I had with Kate taught me that love doesn’t need to be complicated and can find you in an instant. The first time she spoke to me I fell hard, and never stopped falling to this day. That’s why I needed to write a story about a profound and destined love, because it’s what I was fortunate enough to find.
How does it feel to finally share this book with readers?
Writing Beachcomber has been an act of love for me. It’s a chance to put Kate back into the world so her name can be remembered. It’s a little scary to share that, because it’s been so personal for me to write, but it’s also a source of happiness
What TV show would your main character(s) most likely binge watch and why?
Firefly. It’s a fabulous found family show set on a space freighter. What’s not to love.
What’s your main character(s)’s favorite book and why?
For Alexis, it would be “The Left Hand Of Darkness” by Ursula K LeGuin. It’s the essential science fiction book about otherness, identity and connection between people from very different worlds.
For Sage, it would be “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austin. Elizabeth Bennet’s direct and perceptive nature are things that she would see reflected back at her.
One of your main characters is planning a romantic night. Tell us about it.
Alexis would find an excuse to get Sage off the ship, and while she was gone, Alexis would cook something she’s been practicing for weeks because it’s a dish that Sage mentioned in passing, something her father used to make. She would greet Sage when she returns to the ship with a soundtrack of old Terran ballads that Sage loves.
With the cargo hatch down to allow the setting sun to frame it and the ship lights set down low, dinner would be waiting on a portable table and chairs to let them watch the sun set. She would greet Sage by saying “I wanted you to know I see you.”
Which character do you relate to the most, and why?
Alexis. There’s a lot of me in her.
Were there any scenes or characters that surprised you as you wrote?
Yes, Rose in particular. She was only meant to be a cameo but became a full member of the family.
Which character was the most fun to write, and which was the hardest?
The most fun was a minor character, Jean Purdue, the dressmaker. The most difficult was Cyrus Vance.
If your book were to be adapted into a movie or TV show, who would be your dream cast?
For Alexis it would be Evan Rachel Wood. She has that commanding presence that I think would be necessary for the part.
For Sage, Karen Gillan. She could easily capture Sage’s ability to see through to the heart of the thing and name it clearly.
Did any of your characters surprise you by developing in unexpected ways?
All of them. They started out in my head as bundles of physical features and character traits but they resisted my efforts to keep them contained and went into the world ahead of me. All they let me do was write down their story.
If you could spend a day with one character from the book, who would it be and why?
Sage, I think you know why by now.
Publishing a book is a huge accomplishment and it’s time to party! Choose a celebratory beverage for one of your main characters to toast the release of your new book.
Tea, It’s a theme all throughout Beachcomber. It was Kate’s favourite drink.
What song does your character put on to start your book launch party?
Billy Eilish – Birds Of A Feather
If your book had a scent, what would it smell like?
Machine oil and cookies
Do you outline your books in detail, or do you prefer to discover the story as you write?
I have a loose outline in my head of where the story starts and ends, then let the narrator take over. In this book, Alexis was telling me her story and I just had to write it down.
Do you have any writing rituals or habits?
When I’m writing I try to get a chapter a day done, then reread it backwards.
Who are your biggest literary influences?
Jane Austin, Ursula K LeGuin, Iain M Banks
What are you currently reading?
That’s a hard question to answer. I’m going through a book a day at the moment, all sapphic romance. Jae and Markinson/Macleod are favourites. I also recently read The Second Draft by Carrie Byrd which was an utter joy from start to finish.
If you could have dinner with any author, living or dead, who would it be?
Jane Austen
