Episode 8

The romance of French cuisine with Karina May

Karina May is a Sydney-based former magazine journalist turned digital marketer, avid reader and writer of lively love stories that span the globe. When she's not dreaming up her next meet-cute, you'll likely find her rescuing her paperback from the bath, or out guzzling espresso martinis in the name of research. We're discussing her new novel, Duck á l'Orange for Breakfast.

Our interview begins at  21:00

We've got a Substack publication now! On the last day of the month, we share recommendations for two things we reckon you should read/watch/listen to. The beauty of Substack is you can revisit all our old editions and comment on our episode updates to share your thoughts. Come say hi!

It's been a real week for us reading-wise. Michelle's been abandoning books left, right and centre and we couldn't settle on a book club. We're both in a bit of a reading slump!

So, this intro is slightly chaotic with a moving-to-the-UK update from Michelle, plus book and TV recommendations from both.

Caitlin recommends: Happy Place by Emily Henry and Queen Charlotte (TV)

Michelle recommends: Double Booked by Lily Lindon and Blue Lights (TV)

In this interview, we chat about:

  • How Karina's own experience undergoing two brain surgeries inspired the novel
  • In contrast, how Karina wrote what she didn't know using the help of a French chef to create recipes for the novel
  • Why IKEA became such a focal point of Max's story
  • Karina's love of travel and how it helped shape the novel
  • The journey to publication and why Karina has a second book coming out this year

Books and other things mentioned:

  • The Fault in Our Stars by John Green
  • 500 Days of Summer (film)

Follow @karinamaywrite on Instagram

Duck á l'Orange for Breakfast is available now. Thank you to Pan Macmillan Australia for providing copies of the book in preparation for the interview.

Connect with us on Instagram: @betterwordspod

About the Podcast

Show artwork for Better Words
Better Words

About your hosts

Profile picture for Caitlin Toohey

Caitlin Toohey

Hi, I'm Caitlin! I've been on bookstagram since 2016, a podcaster since 2017, and worked in publishing since 2019. So books and reading are my entire life. When I'm not reading, I like listening to Taylor Swift, watching sitcoms, and going to aerial classes.
Profile picture for Michelle Gately

Michelle Gately

Hi, I'm Michelle! I write words and tell stories for a living as a journalist and marketer. So it makes sense that I'm devouring more words and talking about books in my spare time, right? I'm also an Aussie living in the UK. When I'm not thinking about words, I can be found cuddling my pug Percy, climbing or going on walks in the English countryside.