We chat with author Chanel Cleeton about An Infinite Love Story, which after an astronaut is lost in space, his wife relives their epic love as she attempts to unravel what truly happened to him, in this sweeping love story set against the backdrop of the 1960s Space Race.
Hi, Chanel! Welcome back! It’s been five years since we last spoke for The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba, so what have you been up to?
In the last five years since The Most Beautiful Girl in Cuba’s release, I’ve published four novels and a short story, and am now celebrating the release of my most recent book, An Infinite Love Story.
Your latest novel, An Infinite Love Story, is out now! If you could only describe it in five words, what would they be?
Historical. Romantic. Speculative. Emotional. Cosmic.
What can readers expect?
An epic love story set against the backdrop of the 1960s Space Race with a speculative twist.
Where did the inspiration for An Infinite Love Story come from?
I was inspired by the courage and strength of the early astronaut wives as they navigated their instant celebrity and faced the danger of their spouses venturing into space and the unknown. Through my fictional heroine Vivian, I wanted to honor that sacrifice through the lens of a woman who is thrust into extraordinary circumstances.
Can you share some insight into researching for An Infinite Love Story?
Because the early astronaut wives were celebrities at the time, I read and watched as much media coverage from the late 1950s to the late 1960s as possible including features, interviews, articles, and more. Autobiographies written by some of the astronaut wives were also wonderful resources There was a wealth of information available about the Space Race because it was such a topic of global interest at the time. I read a lot of non-fiction books published during the time period and watched documentaries about the 1960s and space travel. I also travelled to museums and Kennedy Space Center to learn more about the Space Race. I’ve published several books set during the 1960s so I was able to draw on some of my earlier research as well which was helpful.
Were there any moments or characters you really enjoyed writing or exploring?
I really loved writing the love story between Vivian and Joe. It’s one of the most emotional love stories I’ve ever written and I enjoyed exploring the early days of their relationship as they fell in love in 1961 against the backdrop of some of the pivotal moments in the Space Race.
Did you face any challenges whilst writing? How did you overcome them?
If I ever feel disconnected from the story or characters, I typically interpret that as a sign that I need to step back and reevaluate what I’m doing because something isn’t working. My characters usually “talk” to me so that really helps me get a good sense of the direction the story should take. If they’re silent, then I know there’s a problem I need to address.
What are some of the key lessons you’ve learned since your debut novel published?
The thing that has stuck with me most is the importance of perseverance. There are so many ups and downs in publishing, and the most important thing is to remember why we write and to have that passion for books carry you through the peaks and valleys of this career.
What’s next for you?
My next book, The Diplomats, will be out in the summer of 2027. It’s set during the Cold War and features a speculative element.
Lastly, what books are you looking forward to picking up? Any you’ve read so far this year that you’ve enjoyed?
I recently read and loved an ARC of Witches Three by Kristin Judd. It’s a new historical coming out in January 2027, and it’s a powerful story of magic and motherhood that interweaves three timelines in a poignant way.
Thank you so much for hosting me!
