Author Karina May was lying in a hospital bed, recovering from the first of several brain surgeries for a benign tumour when she had an idea for a book.
Going into the surgery and post surgery, she became obsessed with the idea that she might wake up a different person — an idea that she describes as “super cliche”, but one that made her realise self-love.
Fast forward three years, and today, she is the published author of Duck a l’Orange for Breakfast — a culinary rom com, set in Sydney and France, published by Pan Macmillan.
“I wanted to write a book that explored the idea of how facing something big and scary like that (health-wise or otherwise) helps sharpen purpose and priorities,” May told Women’s Agenda.
“I then had the idea for the “Fork Him” cooking project as a way for Max (the protagonist) to get over her heart break and while away the time before her surgery.”
May sat down to chat to us about her writing process, her inspirations, and offer some advice for budding authors.
Duck a l’Orange for Breakfast is published by Pan Macmillan and available in all good bookstores and here.
This is your debut book. What was the process like? Did it turn out the way you expected?
This was my first print book and the process of publication certainly exceeded my expectations. I have been writing creatively for approx. 8 years and have completed many writing courses to hone my craft, but nothing beats working with the experts!
The team at Pan Macmillan (my publisher) were an absolute delight to work with – from the very beginning stage of the manuscript being acquired by my publisher I felt like we were aligned in our vision for the book.
Duck a l’Orange for Breakfast is more than a rom com to me – it’s a story about self worth and explores important issues around accepting less than what we deserve.
The story is also coloured by my own personal experience i.e brain surgeries I underwent in 2019 and 2020. I always felt like parts of the story that felt deeply personal to me were in safe hands. From the cover design, to the editing process, to publicity and beyond, this experience exceed all my expectations and I am so proud of the final product that is Duck a l’Orange for Breakfast.
What have you learned about yourself now that you’ve finished writing a book? Was there anything surprising about yourself you learned?
I have learned so much! I work as a digital marketer, so I thought the marketing aspect of promoting a book would come quite easily to me. But I failed to think about how I’d feel about promoting something I created!
I have definitely had moments where I’ve felt incredibly vulnerable about sharing this “thing that I made up in my brain.” I think it’s becoming a little easier as time passes and I can better separate myself from the “product.”
I have learned to give myself some more grace as I experience all the “firsts” of putting a book out there for others to effectively judge (even though it’s had the loveliest response) for the first time. It’s a brand new world and it’s ok if I have some shaky moments along the way!
Why did you want to write a rom com?
I LOVE rom coms. I love reading them, I love watching them. I’ve always enjoyed escaping into what effectively is a fantasy world.
I know the joy they bring me, and I experienced that same joy (mostly!) while writing “Duck” and was hopeful that I could pass that through the pages to readers. I want them to finish the book with a goofy smile plastered on their face and warm and fuzzies in their heart! The “com” part of rom com also super appeals to me, I love how silly you get to be and have SO much fun writing witty banter.
Do you have a favourite rom com?
I love all Nora Ephrom films and the whimsical worlds she creates. I make mention of Julie & Julia in Duck as I definitely drew inspiration from that movie. I also drew on 500 Days of Summer for the quirky IKEA rendezvous scenes. When it comes to books, my faves are Jessica Dettmann and Ali Berg & Michelle Kalus’ rom coms, and of course queen Emily Henry.
Do you have a writing process?
I’m getting closer to understanding my writing process, the more confidence I gain in my ability. In the past I perhaps crowd sourced too many writing tips from podcasts and craft books, so it took a while to settle into what “worked for me.”
I work as a freelance digital marketer so I’m lucky to have some flexibility in my hours. I find that as I get some words down at the beginning of the week it gives me the motivation to continue in shorter bursts throughout the week. I used to be a nighttime writer but have found I work best now in early morning so my process is ever-changing and evolving.
When you’re not reading, what other forms of entertainment or art are you inspired by?
Not so much entertainment, but travel remains my main source of inspiration. I say that I write “lively love stories for wanderlusters” as I always try to incorporate an element of travel (the best way to avoid a “saggy” middle is to put your characters on a plane!). It’s where I’m the most observational and feel the most alive.
Obviously over the last few years it’s been more armchair travel (I wrote the bulk of this book while we were in and out of lockdown) so I’m excited to get back out there again.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to budding authors about publishing a book?
I think the biggest piece of advice is just to keep going! Duck was the third manuscript I’ve written, so if your goal is to be traditionally published it can take some time.
I found that surrounding myself with like-minded writers and readers helped me stay motivated and excited by story, even if I wasn’t always receiving the feedback from publishers and agents that I wanted. I think if you try to quit (like I have, many times!) and can’t then you’re meant to do this and your stories will eventually find the right home.