Robert Moore is a man of many talents. He is currently UND’s General Physical Lab Supervisor, co-host of the Cosmic Pi podcast (tune in on Tuesdays from 5-6 p.m.), and now a published author. His novel, “mortal.exe (Goddess in the Code)” was released on Jan. 1 and is available for purchase online and in local stores like Silver Dawn Books. While Moore is keeping himself very busy with work, podcasting and typing away at a sequel to his debut novel, he was able to find time to speak with the Dakota Student about his work.
As needed, this interview has been edited for both clarity and brevity.
What does publishing a book mean to you?
Publishing a book means the culmination of a lot of hard work. It took me around eight years and a lot of encouragement from sources such as family, friends, and groups like the UND Writing Center and writing groups I’m a member of. Now there’s a sense of pride, and yes, a sense of relief and terror. I mean, in the end, as with any artistic endeavor, you’ve put part of your heart and soul out into the world and invited public critique. Still, I’d do it all over again and have every plan to do so.
To what do you attribute your success in writing and publishing?
Encouragement. There’s no doubt about it. I took a year-and-a-half off from writing my book because I became certain I was kidding myself. No one would read it, and even if they did, they’d think it was terrible. Sure, I had the support of family and friends, but they were just humoring me, right? Then I met some published authors, got some mentors and guides, and realized I was letting those awful voices in my head win, so I buckled down and set about getting it done. I could write for days about the people that said, “You can do this!” and each of their contributions. Instead, I’ll just say to anyone thinking about doing this: find your people. Find people who’ve made this journey. Find people who will cheer you on and tell you where you’re messing up…but gently. It will seriously make all the difference in the world.
Any tips for aspiring writers?
This is a whole essay in itself. As I said above, find your people. Come talk to me; talk to folks like Dr. Patrick Henry or Dr. Courtney Kirsten in the English Department; come by the UND Writing Club; join a writing group. You don’t have to do this alone. Next, keep writing. Even when you don’t feel like it, sit at the keyboard or pick up a pen and write. Write about how you can’t think of anything to write. Write about your dreams or wishes. In the end, just write. You can edit a bad page, but you can’t edit a blank one.
Look for inspiration everywhere. My book started with me laughing at a meme on Facebook. Then it wasn’t funny. You know, I could write this as a short story, so I did. I sent it out to several magazines and got feedback from one editor: “I started skimming on page eight. You rely too much on exposition.” Well, the exposition was there because of how much I’d cut out trying to make it a short story! I’ll make it a novel. Finally, don’t quit. Whatever you do, keep going. There’s a saying that goes around the writing community, so I’ll pass it along here: “Wanting to be a writer without getting rejected is like wanting to be a boxer without getting punched.” I don’t think I’ve heard truer words.
Anyone you would like to shout out who supported you along the journey?
Absolutely, and I’ll try to keep the list short. My wife who was my first fan. A long-time friend, Mic Chow who stayed up late many times and helped me work out plot and theme elements. Maria Matsakis at the UND Writing Center who would start every session we had with, “What’s happened to my girl Mel?” My friends in Northern Ink and Moorhead Friends Writing groups. Finally, my aunt, who bankrolled a lot of the costs of finding editors and cover artists.
When can people expect book two?
Book two is drafted, so the wait won’t be too long. I’m in the process of re-drafting it, then my editor and I will start going back-and-forth with final changes. I’m hoping book two will be ready to publish by the end of 2026 or the early part—January or February—of 2027. Sorry it can’t be sooner, but I want to make sure it’s done right.
Ed Tortorelli is a Dakota Student General Reporter. He can be reached at [email protected].
