Interview with Karen Metcalf & International Giveaway!

Today, I have a special guest, the author of the novella, In the Storm which I absolutely loved – Karen Metcalf! If you’ve read my In the Storm review, you would know I really enjoyed it.

On to the blog tour… I asked Karen a few questions for the tour. Stick around for a giveaway!

What's your version of limbo. How is it different from other versions?

I suppose the easiest way to put it is that I believe in a type of reincarnation. I don’t know that there are any specific religious beliefs tied into this, instead, I view it as a theory I have. If reincarnation were true, I don’t think we would just jump into a new life, and start over from scratch. I like to think maybe there is somewhere we can go and think it all over. Some place where there aren’t the demands of everyday life. Maybe that place is whatever makes you happiest. For me, that is thunderstorms. Unlike most people, I find them extremely comforting. Proof that nature gets just as emotional as we do.

Though Carly wasn’t dead, she was experiencing some pretty significant things in her life, and I felt she was entitled to a place while things worked their way out over in this world. I certainly wished I had a place like this during my struggles.  As Carly is partly based on me, I transferred my preferences to her.  I hope that makes sense!

What/who inspired you to create the storm world?  

A thunderstorm was the first spark of inspiration. I then created a home environment worthy of escape to that world.  Chapter one actually describes my personal draw towards storms.  When they roll through, I put everything on hold, and just get lost in them. Carly does the same, to a much larger degree.

What factors of your life and of your character's life merged to create this world?

I am very much a daydreamer. I took my own little fantasy, and gave her a reason to go to it.  Fortunately, I have never had to experience some of the horrible things that she does. Then again, unfortunately, I have never got to go on such a journey, either. In that way, I envy her.

What part did you like best in writing this novel: beginning, middle or end? Why?

Wow, that’s a tough one! In all reality, I am probably the happiest with the epilogue. I did not have it planned until I wrote it, but I knew it was right.  However, I enjoy re-reading the first chapter after finishing the full novella.  

Usually in stories like this, we get surprising endings that may or may not satisfy readers. How did you deal with writing the ending?

I don’t know that authors get to choose their endings. I really felt like I was just a medium for a story that was already written, just waiting for me to put it on paper. I could have changed it, but it would have cheapened what I felt was the truth. It’s not always easy to accept this as the author, and it’s even harder to explain.

Were you telling a 'message' to readers through this novella? If yes, what is it? If not, what would you want them to pick up?

If there is a message, it was not a conscious act. But I guess The Rolling Stones said it best: “You can’t always get what you want, but if you try sometimes, you just might find, you get what you need”.

Giveaway: In the Storm by Karen Metcalf

*CLOSED*

 

Abandoned by the world around her, Carly believes she is fated to a life of torment at the hands of her stepfather and is desperate for an escape. When she can bear the abuse no longer and gives in to a thunderous rage, she suddenly finds herself in an unfamiliar, yet beautiful, storm world. This limbo between dimensions appears to be her private sanctuary, but it may just be her purgatory.

No one escapes fate without sacrifice, but is the price more than Carly is willing to pay?(

Thanks to Karen & Vagabondage Press, there will be three winners of In the Storm!

Rules:

Be a follower and leave your email address so I can contact you!

Open Internationally!