Featured Interview With Karina McRoberts
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
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I was born in the USA (hey, isn’t there a song about that?), but emigrated to Australia as an adult. For love, no less.
I live with my wonderul husband and extrememly clever border collie/kelpie cross supererdog on a rural property in Western Australia near York, the state’s first inland town and purportedly the nation’s most-haunted. Fascinagting spot.
I worked as a conservation biologist and completed a PhD in wildife disease ecology. Obviously, I CARE for Earth. You bet. We are converting this degraded farmland in forest/wildlife habitat. My novella, Dargo Eco- Hero also attests to that.
Creatures visit us daily. Love it!
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
I started reading as a young child. Cannot lilve without my nightly sojourn!
Writing came later. I was working at an EXTREMELY boring job, so my mind started creating alternative universes to keep me sane. Thank goodness! And on from there to 17 books in 8 genres, and counting!
I write fiction that is character rich and emotionally gorgeous; I want to provide readers with escape, to the heights of their hearts and the depths of their souls! With all these genres, there’s truly something for everyone. Please have a look.
I am now working on an occult suspense thriller.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I like character-driven fiction. All thse authors are ace at it!
Terry Pratchett. Love his humor and warmth. He had such a connection with humanity. His work is truly unique.
Janet Evanovich – the Stephanie Plum novels for a really good laugh.
Douglas Preston ane Lincoln Child for gothic-themed suspense.
And when I’m feeling brave – Shakespeare. If you can get through the language barrier, no body has ever written anything more beautiful or insightful.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
The Ladies of Karma is my first foray into Women’s Humorous Fiction. I was inspired by the Janet Evanovich’s Stephanie Plum novels, but I wanted to add some warmth and depth, which I find lacking in those books. I kept the comedy, so, if you like Stephanie Plum and Co., you will surely enjoy The Ladies of Karma.
This novel is a response the injustices of poverty and homelessness I see around me. And the disempowerment that brings. I use literature to address the heartache we feel when encountering the horrendous reality of what some people have to live with. I have other books dealing with social issues such environmental destruction, bullying, and age abuse, where I tell stories through characters that readers can relate to. I also add comedy to the story telling. When at all possible, I think we need humor to lighten the load, so to speak.
The story is based on many of my own experiences. Take the opening scene, for instance – that was me! I really did that! OMG! Although I now live in Australia, I grew up in America, and have lived there off and on, so the character types are very familiar to me.
Anyone who’s been bullied or harassed. Ever wanted to get some of your own back?
This book is a fun, entertaining, thoughtful read. It’s pretty light (except for some darker realities) so great to read in one evening. There’s a happy ending, too. You could say it’s somewhat cozy, but definitely intelligent stuff.
I hope the book projects the idea of hope, even when things look hopeless. It’s about thinking for yourself, not being dictated to by the strictures of others, and finding a way forward. Add in compassion, camaraderie and courage to try something new, and there you have it!
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