About Genevieve Mckay:
Genevieve Mckay is a freelance writer, short story author, and first time novelist. She lives on sunny Vancouver Island with her two and four-legged family in the wilderness. When she isn’t busy creating new worlds she enjoys playing outside, riding horses and preparing for the zombie apocalypse.
What inspires you to write?
The stories themselves inspire me. An idea springs into my head half-formed (usually when I’m outside cleaning horse paddocks or far from my laptop) and then it grows and grows until I have to write it down. I usually have a back-log of stories waiting to get out.
Tell us about your writing process.
I wish I was an Outliner but, really, I am just hit with an idea, a scene, or a character and I start writing it down as fast as possible before I lose it. I usually have a rough idea of where the novel is going but my characters still like to do their own thing when I’m not paying attention. All of a sudden I’ll be like, “Ohhhh, so that’s where that plot is headed. I can’t wait to see what happens!” It’s pretty exciting.
For Fiction Writers: Do you listen (or talk to) to your characters?
I definitely listen to them. My characters are pretty self-driven. I’m just there to give them a voice and finesse their stories as much as possible. Sometimes it’s like herding cats. I’ll suggest they go a certain direction but they mainly ignore me.
What advice would you give other writers?
Write as much as you can; create that book and get it published. Keep your skills sharp by taking writing classes or joining a critique group. Surround yourself with a solid team. You should have at least one writing support group, a minimum of two good editors plus your cover artist and someone to format your book. Educate yourself constantly on how to be a better writer, marketer, and promoter.
I would also say to settle back and enjoy the entire process, even the gritty, embarrassing, painful parts. Even the extremely boring, frustrating parts. It can be bit of a roller-coaster but f you’re in it for the long haul then you might as well enjoy the ride.
How did you decide how to publish your books?
The members of my Writers Group really inspired me to avoid the route of traditional publishing and to try Indie publishing first. I actually love the marketing and promotions part and I like the idea of being able to control my own cover art and formatting. Going Indie allowed me to get my hands dirty and to learn the ropes from the bottom up.
What do you think about the future of book publishing?
I don’t know how it will evolve, honestly. What I do know is that people will always need someone to tell stories and that writers will figure out a way to get their tales out there one way or another. The need for knowledge and entertainment is hard-wired into our subconscious. One way or another those stories will get told.
What do you use?: Professional Editor, Professional Cover Designer
What genres do you write?: Young Adult/Urban Fantasy
What formats are your books in?: eBook
Website(s)
Genevieve Mckay Home Page Link
Link To Genevieve Mckay Page On Amazon
