78 | Surviving brain surgery with Karina May, author of 'Duck à l’Orange for Breakfast'

James and Ashley Stay at Home

The idea for Karina May's novel came to her while she was in the ICU, recovering from brain surgery. In this open-hearted interview, Karina shares the experience of living with a brain tumour for two decades before undergoing multiple surgeries to have it removed, and the resulting anxiety and creative inspiration she experienced.

Despite now being the author of the popular romcom 'Duck à l’Orange for Breakfast,' Karina admits there was a time in her life when she didn't believe she was creative. We discuss the connection between her writing and health experiences, and what she's learned from both.

Karina May is a Sydney-based former magazine journalist turned digital marketer, avid reader and writer of lively love stories that span the globe. 'Duck à l’Orange for Breakfast' is her debut novel in print.

Get your copy of Duck à l’Orange for Breakfast from Booktopia or your local bookshop.

Note: Nothing in this podcast is intended as medical advice. If you have concerns about your mental health, speak to your GP.

Books and authors discussed in this episode:

• Crushing by Genevieve Novak
• No Hard Feelings by Genevieve Novak
• The Shot by Naima Brown
• The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida by Shehan Karunatilaka
• The Road by Cormac McCarthy
• The Passenger by Cormac McCarthy
• Stella Maris by Cormac McCarthy
• The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Upcoming events with Ashley:

• Enter the Dark Web – in conversation at Sydney Mechanics' School of Arts, Tuesday 30 May, 12.30-1.30 pm, free
• Words on the Waves Festival Shaping Australia panel – Sunday 4 June, 11.30 am-12.30 pm, day or weekend pass
• The Joy of Creative Writing – Ashley's online writing workshop, Tuesday 6 June, 7.45-9pm, $14

Upcoming events with James:

• Sydney Writers Festival presents James McKenzie Watson – Wednesday 24 May, 6.30-7.30 pm, Penrith City Library ($5 – book here)
• Sydney Writers Festival Life in the Landscape – Thursday 25 May, 11 am to 12 pm, Carriageworks ($15-$25 – book here)
• Yarrum Storyfest – 1-2 July, Yarrum Regional Theatre, Yarrum, VIC ($25-$40 book here)

Ashley's psychological thriller 'Dark Mode' is out now! Learn more about it and get your copy.

James' novel 'Denizen' is out now! Learn more about it and get your copy.

Get in touch!

• ashleykalagianblunt.com
• jamesmckenziewatson.com
• Twitter: @AKalagianBlunt + @JamesMcWatson
• Instagram: @akalagianblunt + @jamesmcwatson