Interview with Colleen M. Story, Author of The Curse of King Midas

What’s the story behind the story? What inspired you to write The Curse of King Midas?

I never would have imagined I’d write a historical fantasy. But a friend of mine who is a very talented musician and composer asked me if I might want to write a book about the mythological King Midas. He had tossed around the idea of composing a musical based on the story, but he needed a book to get started. I told him I’d look into it. As I researched this character, I was surprised and delighted to find out he was a real person! After that, I was off and running with the story, combining key elements of King Midas’ true history with the important aspects of the myth. I had a lot of fun writing it and I’m excited to explore this genre further in the future.

If you had to pick theme songs for the main characters of The Curse of King Midas, what would they be?

For King Midas, I’d choose “In the Air Tonight” by Phil Collins. Midas is driven by revenge, not greed, in my story. He suffered a horrible trauma in his childhood that has haunted him his whole life. For the goddess Katiah, who is the main antagonist in the story, “The Thunder Rolls,” co-written by Garth Brooks. She is a powerful goddess who, when she believes she’s been crossed, rains down holy you-know-what on whoever she feels wronged her—in this case, King Midas. For King Sargon II, who is the focus of Midas’ rage and a confident, ruthless leader, “It’s Hard to be Humble” by Mac Davis. In Sargon’s mind, he’s perfect in every way!

What’s your favorite genre to read? Is it the same as your favorite genre to write?

I read widely, so I have a few genres I enjoy rather than just one. I like fantasy, literary fiction, some supernatural, some women’s fiction, some science fiction—I’m open to any good story!

What books are on your TBR pile right now?

I just started “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides and I’m loving it so far. On my TBR pile are “The Road,” by Cormac McCarthy, “The Night Tiger” by Yangsze Choo, “The Clash of Kings” by George R. R. Martin, “Such Kindness” by Andre Dubus III, “The Secret History” by Donna Tartt, and “Trees of the Emerald Sea” by Brandon Sanderson.

What scene in your book was your favorite to write?

This is a hard question to answer. I enjoyed writing the entire book so I can’t pinpoint one particular scene.

Do you have any quirky writing habits? (lucky mugs, cats on laps, etc.)

Not that I can think of. I sit in my favorite chair with my laptop and write!

Do you have a motto, quote, or philosophy you live by?

I’m constantly seeking out new learnings and wisdom to live by, so this is ever-changing for me. Right now, I’m focused on rooting out negative thinking and noticing the good things in life.

If you could choose one thing for readers to remember after reading your book, what would it be?

I just hope readers enjoy the experience of the story. If they come away from it glad they read it, I’ll be thrilled!