Exploring the Cosmos and Beyond
Tom Boles discusses his transition from astronomy to writing, the creation of his Brad Willis series, and how his scientific background influences his thrilling, globally-set novels.
Tom Boles is a name that resonates with both the scientific community and literary enthusiasts alike. As a Fellow of the Royal Astronomical Society and a past President of the British Astronomical Association, Boles has made unparalleled contributions to the field of astronomy, notably discovering more supernovae than any other individual in history. His remarkable achievements have been recognized with prestigious awards such as the Merlin Medal and the Walter Goodacre Award, and his legacy is immortalized in the cosmos with the naming of main belt asteroid 7648 Tomboles in his honor. However, Boles’s talents extend beyond the stars and into the realm of fiction, where he has captivated readers with his thrilling Brad Willis Adventure series. His debut novel, Dark Energy, published in 2021, was followed by the equally compelling *Shades of White* and *Murder Comes by Limo*. Each book showcases Boles’s unique ability to weave scientific intrigue with gripping narratives, earning him a well-deserved place among contemporary literary talents.
In this exclusive interview for Reader’s House Magazine, we delve into the mind of Tom Boles to explore the fascinating intersection of his astronomical expertise and his literary creativity. Boles shares insights into how his background in astronomy has influenced the development of his novels, particularly the Brad Willis Adventure series, where science and suspense collide. He discusses the inspiration behind his protagonist, Brad Willis, a scientist turned investigator and part-time spy, and how his own experiences shape the thrilling adventures that unfold across diverse global settings. Boles also reflects on the themes and messages woven into his stories, from the naivety of scientists to the moral dilemmas faced by his characters. Join us as we journey through the captivating worlds crafted by Tom Boles, where the mysteries of the universe and the complexities of human nature intertwine.
You’ve made significant contributions to astronomy, including discovering more supernovae than anyone in history. How has your background and expertise in astronomy influenced the development of the Brad Willis Adventure series?
I started to realise how easy it would be for an astronomer, with access to the world’s research establishments, to mingle with fellow scientists and acquire information without attracting attention to himself. So, I started to create situations where my own status and knowledge could be used to infiltrate large organisations. The more I thought about it, the more convinced I became that it would be very easy for an astronomer to achieve this.
Brad Willis is portrayed as a scientist turned investigator and part-time spy. What inspired you to create a character with this unique combination of skills, and how do you draw on your own experiences to shape his adventures?
As an astronomer I have access to the very same institutions that I get Brad Willis involved with. All I had to do was to create plots involving either scientific research or use my imagination to invent scientific discoveries that could be misused for ill-gotten gain. Sometimes I use science directly and on other occasions I use it as a cover for something else. Without creating any spoilers, I also use the tools and instruments present at the scientific sites to either aid the criminal or Brad Willis. This opened up a lot of opportunities to enhance the action and enthral the reader.
Your books take readers on thrilling journeys across various global locations. Can you share how you research these diverse settings, and how important is it for you to bring authenticity to the environments in your stories?
Only some of the settings are researched. Others come from personal experience either from visiting them in person or from my travels as a lecturer on cruise ships. The exception to this is that I have never visited Antarctica but would love to do so. I researched Antarctica for Shades of White. There is a vast amount of knowledge available about this continent of extremes – it is the driest, windiest, coldest continent on the planet. All the astronomical observatories and their research actually takes place. I also know several researches and maintenance staff who have stayed there over the winter. I picked their brains and full acknowledgement is given to their contributions in the book. The title Shades of White is how one researcher described his first impression on arriving there. When he looked at the snow and ice, he had never seen so many shades of white before in his life. But the thing that brought the story to life for me was the details of everyday events such as taking a shower – all of which I learned from cooperative colleagues.
Dark Energy introduces readers to a world where members of the scientific community are being systematically murdered. What message or themes were you hoping to explore with this plot, especially in relation to the secrecy and discoveries within the scientific community?
This is an opportunity to contrast the naivety of scientists with the lack of scruples of those intent to make profit above everything else. Science is done for the satisfaction of discovery and not (always) for gain.
5) In Shades of White, Brad Willis faces treacherous conditions in Antarctica. What challenges did you encounter in writing about such an extreme environment, and how did you ensure the accuracy and tension of the setting?
Imagining I was there was extremely difficult. While I could imagine the familiar working conditions the stress of day-to-day living was something completely different. Thankfully my colleagues who stayed there during the harsh winter months of darkness helped me tremendously. The astronomical setting was familiar to me although I had never been physically there. What I found tougher were the emotions of those who had to live in these conditions.
Murder Comes by Limo adds a personal dimension to Brad Willis’s journey, dealing with the murder of his wife and his quest for revenge. How did you approach writing this emotional storyline, and what do you hope readers take away from Brad’s struggles and determination?
Brad is torn between the need for revenge and the need to see justice done. The discovery of how her death happened confused his emotions. I would like readers to imagine themselves in his position and imagine how they might react. The result might surprise them.
