Today we welcome Karina McRoberts to the page.
Supernatural Central Short and Quick Interview with Karina McRoberts
Thank you Supernatural Central for interviewing me today.
Tell me a little bit about your main character of this book
.
Dargo Fernandez is an unusual guy who does not fit in. Not necessarily a nerd, just different. He loves strange things — masks, monster movie posters, wax museums, houses of horror, etc. He’s friendly, very creative, has a charming nature and a wonderful sense of humour; despite this or perhaps because of it, he is ridiculed by his office colleagues and is unable to compete for the affections of Belinda, who is smitten by the office hottie, Jake. When all goes horribly wrong for Dargo, he is contacted by spirits who beg for his help. At first he does not believe in them; he’s helped to do when he falls for a fortune telling machine that comes to life.
Here's a link to the book’s trailer fi readers would like to view it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZKc6lv3I8s
Do you believe in the paranormal and if so, do you have an experience you can share?
Yes.
To me, ‘paranormal’ is part of normality. We are conditioned not to believe in it, but that doesn’t mean it’s not there! Absence of evidence does not equate to evidence of absence.
When I first realised the existence of “something more” I was sitting near a cliff edge, watching a large flock of birds fly over a river below me. Suddenly, I was one of those birds. I felt myself in the body of the bird. The experience of flying was astounding!
I had no idea of time passing, but somehow I had the sense that I should move my human self away from the edge of the cliff. I came back to myself and moved back. I don’t know where that particular bird got to, but I thanked it for the ride.
Since then, I am able to “visit” other living things at will. It’s exhilarating and energising. But I don’t do it often — I don’t know what effect I might have on the animal or tree. I don’t want to cause harm. I never do it with people — too scary.
Since this occurred, I have an extremely heightened sense of nature. There is an energy in it — I feel it wherever I go, if I can find any nature! We are destroying our most precious resource!
If this seems unbelievable, think of ancient cultures, some of which survive to this day. Attuned to nature, they know about this transference. Keats knew about it — in his poem The Lake Isle of Inishfree, he says “I feel it in the deep heart’s core.” I trained a scientist, to doctorate level, but I believe the two can and should coexist. Even Einstein knew about the “paranormal”. I think it’s incredibly sad our modern culture tires to erase the “magic” in the world. I happen to be a scientist. But I know, as great as science is, it’s not all there is. This is one of the reasons I wrote Dargo — Eco Hero! The Classic Tale. We need magic. And we certainly need to care for nature!
What titles are you working on now that you can tell us about?
I am currently writing in what for me is a new genre — gothic fiction. I love the tales of old — the classic gothic story of a young woman going to live or work in an old house. The best example I know of is Rebecca, by Daphne DuMaurier. We are left questioning — is Rebecca’s ghost haunting the new Mrs. DeWinter, or is this a case of building insanity in a lonely, frightened woman? It is so well written. I aspire to create something of this quality. Wow! What a tall order!
The other inspiration for my story is The Beckoning Fair One, by Oliver Onions. It must be one of the best ghost stories ever written — a true masterpiece. Again, is Paul Oleron being haunted by the “lady of the house”, is he flirting with a ghost ,or is he steadily losing it?
I love these stories because you can really put yourself in the place of these characters. I mean, what would it be like to continually face the question — ‘Am I losing my mind or is she really here?’
My novel takes place in the present day, but keeps all the qualities of the classic spookers. I’m making sure it’s unique; inspired by the greats, but something completely different. No easy task, so I’m taking my time. Or rather, it’s taking its time.
I have also started a second collection of ghost stories from my hometown — York, Western Australia. York is considered to be one of Australia’s most haunted locales. I have published volume one, entitled The Haunting of York, a Ghostly Anthology.
Thanks so much, Supernatural Central. I wish everyone happy reading. Pleased to answer any questions.
Book Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7ZKc6lv3I8s
Reviewed by Natalie Soine for Readers’ Favorite:
Dargo, Eco Hero! by Karina McRoberts is by far one of the best and most unique books I have ever read, with a vitally important message.
Reviewed by Thomas Anderson for Literary Titan:
Dargo, Eco Hero! by Karina McRoberts gives me the best kind of Wizard of Oz vibes. The author has nailed the same type of warmth as L. Frank Baum but puts her own unique spin on main character Dargo and his band of merry cohorts. I was especially impressed with the mixture of personification and metaphors found throughout the writing. The imagery she creates leaves readers breathless at times. Her writing is timely and gives voice to the environment in a way no other writer I have seen has been able to do.
Excerpt:
She threw Dargo more scowls and turned to go, when she was met by the office alpha male; he of the hot and handsome variety.
"There you are, Lucinda,” the man said; his baritone deeper than the Grand Canyon. "C'mon, let's get back to work on this layout."
Her frown did a rapid 180. "Give me a minute, Jake. I'll be right back."
Jake leaned languidly on Dargo's cubicle wall, staring after Lucinda as she made her way to the ladies' room.
"Hi, Jake," Dargo greeted brightly.
Startled, Jake turned around. His face cinched as he took in the Mad poster, now complete with tear.
"You need some new décor, pal."
"Guess so," Dargo replied weakly, not catching the ridicule in Jake’s tone; Dargo was most unhappy about the damage to his cherished Alfred E Neuman poster.
"What's your name again?"
"Dargo."
"Oh yeah. How could I forget? Hey, why weren't you with the guys last night at paintball?"
"Well, I had something to do. But thanks for inviting me."
"I don't think we'll bother anymore. You never come. Just as well. You'd probably get wiped out pronto."
"Really?"
God, this guy is a dweeb, Jake mused. Aloud, he replied, "It's supposed to be a challenge, you know? Real man's stuff." Jake inhaled deeply, his fine physique expanding.
"OK, I'm back," Lucinda said cheerily. She had very obviously 'freshened' her makeup. "I'm ready."
Jake whispered something in Lucinda's ear. Her face reddened to match her lipstick, then she sauntered back to her cubicle; Mister 'tall, dark, and extremely handsome' in tow.
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