Author Guest Blog: Dargo - Eco-Hero! The Classic Tale by Karina McRoberts
The Bigger Picture — How I came to write Dargo - Eco Hero! The Classic Tale.
I am a conservation scientist and long-time advocate for nature. I wanted to write a story that would bring home the message that we must save our planet, but I wanted to do so in a light-hearted way. Thinking, maybe people are sick of hearing the gloom and doom. It is absolutely real, but, I just thought a different approach might be worthwhile. I knew I needed something unique, but it took a while to get the right inspiration and feel. One day, I was home alone and the wind began to pick up outside my bedroom. That started off the whole personification-of-nature thing, and it just went on from there.
I wanted a story that could be enjoyed by both adults and children.
I’ve achieved what I set out to do, winning some awards and hearing from parents who shared the story with their kids. Here’s a line from my favorite reviews: “I just read this story to my 9 yr old son who always wants to make the world a better place. He fell in love with the characters and has decided to become an environmental scientist.”
What I haven’t done is found enough readers for Dargo. There can never be enough!
In this unique and enticing modern fairytale, a lonely young man suffers a massive defeat . When he believes all is lost, he meets with fiery fortune teller, Flame. Her plea for help sends Dargo on a crucial mission; but can he re-invent himself as a hero?
Light-hearted, but poignant, Dargo is a humorous fairy tale for adults. You can also share it with your children who care about Earth. And if they don't, Dargo will help them do so!
This hilarious and heartwarming tale has been likened to the Wizard of Oz, and will appeal to the magic in all of us.
Dargo - Eco Hero! is a Literary Titan Gold Book Award winner and has been shortlisted for a Chanticleer Fantasy OZMA.
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.
About the Author:
Karina is an American-Australian author, illustrator, musician, scientist and theatre producer. She considers herself to be a true Renaissance woman and strives to help other women achieve the same. She states, "After all, ladies, we didn't get a chance last time!!!!"
She has written several novels in a variety of genres, her fiction is character rich and emotionally engaging, and her stories have won several awards.
Previously working as a conservation scientist, Karina was struck down by a mosquito-borne virus. No longer able to work, she turned her attention to writing fiction; aiming to inspire, encourage, enlighten and entertain—especially those readers active in social justice, humanitarian work, and protection of the Earth. A fervent believer in the value of human creativity, Karina writes without input from artificial intelligence, and works so that her readers can “Escape to the Heights of Their Hearts and the Depths of Their Souls.”
Karina also writes self-instruction books and gives workshops in illustration, music, and creative writing. She lives with her husband William and dog Tahshi, near the heritage town of York, Western Australia (said to be one of Australia’s most haunted) where they’re busy re-wilding degraded farmland.
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