Get ready to learn more about the book Come Dream with Me in this discussion with sapphic author Karen Klyne.
Join us for an exclusive peek behind the scenes as we quiz Karen Klyne about Come Dream with Me, writing, reading, and more.
This book is part of the Growing Older category in the 2025 IHS Reading Challenge.
Why did you write Come Dream with Me?
Certain moments from my past have lingered in my thoughts, resurfacing time and again. Let’s just say I once crossed paths with someone uncannily like one of my characters. I suspect, like many writers, that our stories are often stitched together from fragments of reality, whether we admit it or not. In this case, the timing was serendipitous, and the experience of weaving truth into fiction proved unexpectedly cathartic.
Who is your favorite character in the book?
Oh, it has to be Angel! She’s bold, untamed, and deliciously reckless—wicked in all the best ways. She thrives on adventure, wears her confidence like a second skin, and owns every inch of herself without hesitation. In many ways, she’s everything I’m not… which might be exactly why I love her so much!
What inspired the idea for Come Dream with Me?
The spark for this book came from a whirlwind of fascinating personalities I’ve known—each with their own quirks, secrets, and stories. The real challenge? Finding a way to toss them all together, let the sparks fly, and watch the magic unfold!
What part of Come Dream with Me was the most fun to write?
The most exhilarating part was reliving my adventures sailing around the Greek Islands. Drawing from real experiences, I found myself transported back to sun-drenched days, the scent of salt in the air, and the thrill of the open sea. It wasn’t just writing—it was rediscovering a treasure trove of cherished memories.
How much research did you need to do for Come Dream with Me?
I had to dive deep into research for this one! Although I spent a few years as a psychiatric nurse working with dementia patients, I’d never actually set foot in a Care Home in a professional capacity. And as for mushrooms? Let’s just say I started with zero knowledge—beyond what ends up on a plate! It was a fascinating journey of discovery, unearthing details I never expected to need.
If you could spend a day with another popular author, whom would you choose?
Catherine M. Wilson would be my top choice without hesitation. Her When Women Were Warriors trilogy completely captivated me—I can still recall the thrill of turning each page, utterly engrossed in her storytelling. Meeting her in person would be surreal; I’d probably be too starstruck to say much, just sitting there in awe, hanging on to her every word.
What’s your favorite writing snack or drink?
Tip a packet of chocolate raisins into a glass bowl, letting them tumble in like little nuggets of indulgence. Select your finest wine glass—the one that feels just right in your hand—and set it beside the bowl like an old friend. Pour precisely 125ml of velvety Merlot, watching as it swirls and settles. Let it breathe for ten minutes, allowing the chocolate’s rich aroma to mingle with the wine’s deep, berry notes. Then, top up the glass to a generous 250ml and repeat the ritual. Sip luxuriously, savour each raisin, and if the moment calls for it—well, you know what to do.
Have you ever cried when writing an emotional scene?
I cried buckets writing a particularly emotional scene—there was no stopping it. One of the characters in Come Dream With Me was my first love, and reliving those memories through fiction was more intense than I ever expected. At the time, I wasn’t ready to face my feelings and had convinced myself they didn’t exist. Then she moved away, and just like that, she was gone. By the time I grew up enough to understand what she truly meant to me, it was too late. Writing that scene felt like unlocking a door I’d kept shut for years, and the flood of emotions was overwhelming.
Have you ever fallen in love with one of your characters?
I’ll never forget the moment I realised I’d fallen truly, madly, and deeply in love—with my own character. In Parallel Lives, Berran stole my heart completely. She was fun, mischievous, and impossibly sexy, the kind of woman who could turn the dullest day into an adventure with just a smirk. Writing her felt like magic, as if she were whispering her story directly into my ear. And ever since, I’ve been searching for her in the real world, hoping—just maybe—to find a glimpse of her in someone’s eyes.
What type of books do you enjoy reading the most?
I used to devour psychological thrillers, drawn to their twists and dark complexities. But ever since I started living on my own, my tastes have taken an unexpected turn. These days, I find myself reaching for The Famous Five instead—perhaps for the comfort of childhood adventures, the nostalgia of simpler times, or just the sheer joy of escaping into a world where the biggest mystery is who stole the ginger beer!
Have you ever thought you’d hate a book, but ended up loving it?
Since my cycling accident and ongoing struggles with sleep, I’ve found myself gravitating towards lighter reads. Then, a group of friends kept insisting—You have to read The Seven Sisters series by Lucinda Riley! I scoffed at the idea. Absolutely not—so not my thing. But in a moment of desperation, I gave the first book a try…and to my surprise, I was completely hooked. The rich historical detail drew me in, and suddenly, I couldn’t stop turning the pages.
