Author Interview: Karen Metcalf (In The Storm) & Giveaway!!

Today we are pleased to host an author interview with Karen Metcalf, author of In The Storm. 

Jessica:  What inspired you to create this storm world limbo?

Karen: The storm world is a combination of some of my favorite places. I love thunderstorms and the ocean. I grew up in a town with lots of woods, and used to do a lot of exploring; making up crazy journeys as I went. I combined those things into one world, and let Carly have free reign.


Jessica: Carly has such a strong voice, what kind of planning was there to create who she is?

Karen: Carly, like me, is a pretty opinionated person. She has a strong idea of right and wrong, but doesn’t see justice in the world around her. I could not imagine her any other way. She merely reacted to the circumstances I put her in. I did not feel like I could control her; only the situations and environment with which she would grow.


Jessica: Who was the hardest character to write?

Karen: Definitely Richard. I know people like him exist in this world, and I have been fortunate enough not to know any of them first hand. I did not want him to do the things he did, but I felt I was only a bystander; not able to intercede. It was tough to write those things.

Jessica: What influences your writing most?

Karen: I consider myself inquisitive. I ask a lot (maybe too many) questions, and am rarely satisfied with a simple answer. I love to learn, and am open to new ideas. I have always been interested in science and psychology, two areas that grow at a phenomenal rate. Also, as a reader, I love books that affect my emotions, and try to do the same in my own writing.

Jessica: Did you draw any personal experience for this?

Karen: Luckily, my step-parents were nothing like Richard! Carly and Morgan share some of my beliefs. My anger was pretty intense as a kid, which is something I drew from.

Jessica: How long did it take you to work out all the details of the storm world?

Karen: I am not a brainstormer and do not like to plan ahead. I don’t know more about the world than what my characters explore. They simply asked questions, and I made up some answers that felt right. I wrote whatever popped in my head, and a great majority is still in its original form.

Jessica: Who was your all time favorite character and why?

Karen: I really enjoyed reading The Hatchet by Gary Paulsen. It was my first taste of a young but very strong and independent character. I was about the MC’s age when I read it, and was amazed by his journey.

Jessica: Is there going to be more for Carly and J.L.?

Karen: I don’t have anything planned, but it has been in the back of mind. I honestly don’t know if there will be a sequel, but I have learned to never say never. Personally, I’m just honored someone would request it!







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