Media
Television Interview on Annie's War and the Prince of the City series
on Bay TV's Arts Alive Show (December 2015)
on Bay TV's Arts Alive Show (December 2015)
Radio Interview for Annie's War with Liverpool Historian
Frank Carlyle on MerseyRadio (December 2014)
Frank Carlyle on MerseyRadio (December 2014)
Interview with Eden Baylee for Eden's Exchange (October 2014)
Author Mackenzie Brown and I met sometime ago on Twitter and Facebook. He was genuinely sweet, so I invited him for an interview. I’ve also learned since then he’s extremely patient. He had to fill out the responses for my interview twice as the first document disappeared into the ether. Darn Internet!
It’s all the more reason I am happy to give Mack space on my blog to talk about himself and his books.
Please learn more about this lovely author and connect to him.
* * * *
Welcome Mack! As an introduction, tell readers how your best friend would describe you in 20 words or less.
So laid back he’s almost horizontal!
Good one! Are you a full time writer or do you have a day job?
I work as a self employed contractor during the day and write evenings and weekends.
That’s dedication. Do you have any great extravagances?
I love Lido Di Jesolo in Italy, (near Venice) and visit as often as I can. It’s like a second home to me.
Nice, I’ve never been to Italy. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I hate my crooked teeth and I’d have them capped if I could afford it.
What profession other than your own would you like to try?
Singer… I sound okay in the shower… but then again….
:D What is one thing you want to do before you die?
Easy answer… have an international bestseller.
That could very well happen, and I hope it does! What are some of your favorite curse words?
Bar-steward.
That’s a new one for me. Do you have a motto you live by?
I try to enjoy the little things in life.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
Rearing two healthy, happy, teenage daughters.
What makes you laugh, and I mean, REALLY laugh?
Billy Connolly… simply the funniest man alive.
I think he’s terrific too, let’s talk a little about your writing. What motivates you to write?
The idea of writing one perfect passage.
What are your favorite and least favorite parts of being a writer?
Favourite part is the first rewrite, when the real work starts. Least favourite formatting for Kindle etc. (Argh! Can be quite frustrating and time-consuming).
I know about that and agree. How would you define your style of writing?
Fast paced, multi-genre.
Do you outline, plot and structure, or do you just sit down and write?
Outline notes for each chapter, but plenty of flexibility allowed for inspiration and creativity on the hoof.
Are you working on another book now?
My next release Annie’s War is with my proof reader now. This is the true story of my grandparents’ lives, set between 1914 & 1945. My plan is then to complete the five part Prince of the City Series of five short books. Book one and two are already published.
What is your best advice for new authors?
If you start a project, always finish it. Even if you feel it is the biggest pile of crap you’ve ever written. When completed, walk away and leave it to simmer for a few weeks. Then go back to it with a fresh pair of eyes and begin the first rewrite, the most important part of the process for me.
Great advice and difficult to do. What is the genre of your upcoming book, Annie’s War?
Love story/biographical novel about my grandparents’ dramatic lives, set between two world wars.
Why should people read it?
This book is an extremely poignant story and anybody who likes a passionate drama should enjoy it.
What inspired you to write it?
My Grandfather told me his part of the story before he died, but my Grandmother’s stories were virtual family folklore and spoken about often at family gatherings.
What is the best way for someone to support your book, aside from buying it?
Retweet or reblog any postings about the book.
Yes, sharing on any of the platforms is always helpful. Let’s have a quick lightning round to finish off.
Aside from people/pets, what is the ONE item you would save if your house was on fire?
Easy answer…my laptop!
Me too! Favorite place you’ve traveled to or would like to travel to?
I’d love to one day embark upon a grand tour of Europe.
Name a food you can eat every day.
Pasta.
Salty or sweet?
Salty.
Cat/dog/other pet?
Oh cat for me. I have a female black cat, called Snoz. She wraps us all around her little paws.
Favorite style of music?
Jazz.
The best gift you’ve ever received?
A bicycle when I was ten years of age, my parents assured me they couldn’t possibly afford.
Favorite season.
Spring, when the ground beneath our feet is alive with new life.
That’s beautiful, Mack. Is there anything else you would like to share with my readers?
I feel honoured to have so many friends within the literary community and love how we all help each other, which is as it should be. Long may it continue!
I’m with you there, Mack. Thanks so much for coming by Eden’s Exchange and answering each question—twice. You’re ace!
Readers, please visit Mack at all his virtual homes and buy his books on Amazon UK and Amazon US.
It’s all the more reason I am happy to give Mack space on my blog to talk about himself and his books.
Please learn more about this lovely author and connect to him.
* * * *
Welcome Mack! As an introduction, tell readers how your best friend would describe you in 20 words or less.
So laid back he’s almost horizontal!
Good one! Are you a full time writer or do you have a day job?
I work as a self employed contractor during the day and write evenings and weekends.
That’s dedication. Do you have any great extravagances?
I love Lido Di Jesolo in Italy, (near Venice) and visit as often as I can. It’s like a second home to me.
Nice, I’ve never been to Italy. If you could change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I hate my crooked teeth and I’d have them capped if I could afford it.
What profession other than your own would you like to try?
Singer… I sound okay in the shower… but then again….
:D What is one thing you want to do before you die?
Easy answer… have an international bestseller.
That could very well happen, and I hope it does! What are some of your favorite curse words?
Bar-steward.
That’s a new one for me. Do you have a motto you live by?
I try to enjoy the little things in life.
What do you consider your greatest accomplishment?
Rearing two healthy, happy, teenage daughters.
What makes you laugh, and I mean, REALLY laugh?
Billy Connolly… simply the funniest man alive.
I think he’s terrific too, let’s talk a little about your writing. What motivates you to write?
The idea of writing one perfect passage.
What are your favorite and least favorite parts of being a writer?
Favourite part is the first rewrite, when the real work starts. Least favourite formatting for Kindle etc. (Argh! Can be quite frustrating and time-consuming).
I know about that and agree. How would you define your style of writing?
Fast paced, multi-genre.
Do you outline, plot and structure, or do you just sit down and write?
Outline notes for each chapter, but plenty of flexibility allowed for inspiration and creativity on the hoof.
Are you working on another book now?
My next release Annie’s War is with my proof reader now. This is the true story of my grandparents’ lives, set between 1914 & 1945. My plan is then to complete the five part Prince of the City Series of five short books. Book one and two are already published.
What is your best advice for new authors?
If you start a project, always finish it. Even if you feel it is the biggest pile of crap you’ve ever written. When completed, walk away and leave it to simmer for a few weeks. Then go back to it with a fresh pair of eyes and begin the first rewrite, the most important part of the process for me.
Great advice and difficult to do. What is the genre of your upcoming book, Annie’s War?
Love story/biographical novel about my grandparents’ dramatic lives, set between two world wars.
Why should people read it?
This book is an extremely poignant story and anybody who likes a passionate drama should enjoy it.
What inspired you to write it?
My Grandfather told me his part of the story before he died, but my Grandmother’s stories were virtual family folklore and spoken about often at family gatherings.
What is the best way for someone to support your book, aside from buying it?
Retweet or reblog any postings about the book.
Yes, sharing on any of the platforms is always helpful. Let’s have a quick lightning round to finish off.
Aside from people/pets, what is the ONE item you would save if your house was on fire?
Easy answer…my laptop!
Me too! Favorite place you’ve traveled to or would like to travel to?
I’d love to one day embark upon a grand tour of Europe.
Name a food you can eat every day.
Pasta.
Salty or sweet?
Salty.
Cat/dog/other pet?
Oh cat for me. I have a female black cat, called Snoz. She wraps us all around her little paws.
Favorite style of music?
Jazz.
The best gift you’ve ever received?
A bicycle when I was ten years of age, my parents assured me they couldn’t possibly afford.
Favorite season.
Spring, when the ground beneath our feet is alive with new life.
That’s beautiful, Mack. Is there anything else you would like to share with my readers?
I feel honoured to have so many friends within the literary community and love how we all help each other, which is as it should be. Long may it continue!
I’m with you there, Mack. Thanks so much for coming by Eden’s Exchange and answering each question—twice. You’re ace!
Readers, please visit Mack at all his virtual homes and buy his books on Amazon UK and Amazon US.
Interview with K.M. Francoeur for Meet The Author (March 2014)
Location?
Rainhill, Merseyside, UK
How long have you been writing?
Around twenty years for my own pleasure, but seriously for about five years.
What was the name of the first book you ever published, and when was it published?
My first book was, The Shifting, 2011.
Was this book published by a publisher; or did you self-publish?
I self-published.
Tell our readers about this very first book. (For example: What was the inspiration for writing it, and what was it about)?
It was an attempt to write a book I would personally like to read. Like most writers, I have many ideas, but for some reason this story stayed with me and those that do invariably demand to be written. I like the idea of keeping the reader in the dark for long periods and the book represented a challenge for me personally. Part of the story takes place in Victorian London and I knew I’d need to work hard to get the period right, but I wasn’t sure I could pull it off.
The story involves a missing boy who turns up at a disused farm and, although he’s been missing for almost a decade, he hasn’t aged one day. He has no memory of where he has been; he only knows his life is in grave danger.
Can a person still buy this book? If so, where?
The book can be bought for Kindle worldwide via this one link and also in paperback via Amazon. The book was recently re-released after I arranged to have it, edited, proof read and reformatted.
How many total books have you published?
Three in total, with a fourth due for release by the end of next month. But, by the end of the year I hope to have another two titles released.
List all of your titles (to date):
Any future writing projects in the works? If so, tell us about it, and any pertinent dates to go with it.
Prince of the City: The Cat's Whiskers, is due for release in August/September. My latest work involves 1940s detective Vic Prince, and is based in war torn Liverpool in Spring of 1940, and will be a five part series of ten chapters per release. It will be followed by part two, (current working title: "Nine Lives"). I’m also planning to edit and re-write a book charting the early lives of my grandparents between 1914 and 1945. This I hope will be released by November of this year.
What is the title of your current book, and tell us a little about it.
My most recent release is Lost Boys and tells the story of a serial abductor of pre-pubescent boys, and is set in the turbulent political backdrop of early 1970s Liverpool. Famous criminologist Delbert Walsh whose own son is missing is convinced his only son is a victim and despite his struggle with alcoholism, he is closing in on a suspect, with the help of four local children.
Last question, if someone comes across this article and reads it, what would you like to tell them about why you think they should try reading your book or books?(Basically, what can you offer them in the way of information or entertainment)?
I realize writing competes with so many mediums these days, and for that reason I attempt to make my stories fast paced and not overly descriptive. I also try and connect my reader to the central characters. Personally, when I’m reading I will stick with a story, as long as I can establish and maintain an emotional attachment to a character, or characters. I also like to continue stories involving the same characters, and for that reason I intend to write stories involving the central characters featured in all of my works to date.
Anything else you'd like to add that I didn't ask you, but you would like to share with our readers?
Through various social mediums it has never been easier to communicate with a writer you like. I would actively encourage any and all readers to contact me with any and all questions. I’m happy to give advice and answer questions about writing in general. I’m also happy to supply copies of my books to reading groups if any are interested.
Finally, I’d like to encourage readers to leave a review when they’ve finished a book. We live or die by our reviews and why wouldn’t you want to share a great experience? I make it a point to leave a review after every book I’ve completed. Thanks.
Blog Writer's Note to Author:
I can tell you have a great passion for what you do. Your stories sound highly captivating and intriguing. I can tell that you are definitely an up and coming author with many good stories to tell in your future. Good luck with your future writing projects, and thanks for the interview.
Rainhill, Merseyside, UK
How long have you been writing?
Around twenty years for my own pleasure, but seriously for about five years.
What was the name of the first book you ever published, and when was it published?
My first book was, The Shifting, 2011.
Was this book published by a publisher; or did you self-publish?
I self-published.
Tell our readers about this very first book. (For example: What was the inspiration for writing it, and what was it about)?
It was an attempt to write a book I would personally like to read. Like most writers, I have many ideas, but for some reason this story stayed with me and those that do invariably demand to be written. I like the idea of keeping the reader in the dark for long periods and the book represented a challenge for me personally. Part of the story takes place in Victorian London and I knew I’d need to work hard to get the period right, but I wasn’t sure I could pull it off.
The story involves a missing boy who turns up at a disused farm and, although he’s been missing for almost a decade, he hasn’t aged one day. He has no memory of where he has been; he only knows his life is in grave danger.
Can a person still buy this book? If so, where?
The book can be bought for Kindle worldwide via this one link and also in paperback via Amazon. The book was recently re-released after I arranged to have it, edited, proof read and reformatted.
How many total books have you published?
Three in total, with a fourth due for release by the end of next month. But, by the end of the year I hope to have another two titles released.
List all of your titles (to date):
- The Shifting
- The Book of Souls
- Lost Boys
- Prince of the City: The Cat’s Whiskers
- Prince of the City: Nine Lives
Any future writing projects in the works? If so, tell us about it, and any pertinent dates to go with it.
Prince of the City: The Cat's Whiskers, is due for release in August/September. My latest work involves 1940s detective Vic Prince, and is based in war torn Liverpool in Spring of 1940, and will be a five part series of ten chapters per release. It will be followed by part two, (current working title: "Nine Lives"). I’m also planning to edit and re-write a book charting the early lives of my grandparents between 1914 and 1945. This I hope will be released by November of this year.
What is the title of your current book, and tell us a little about it.
My most recent release is Lost Boys and tells the story of a serial abductor of pre-pubescent boys, and is set in the turbulent political backdrop of early 1970s Liverpool. Famous criminologist Delbert Walsh whose own son is missing is convinced his only son is a victim and despite his struggle with alcoholism, he is closing in on a suspect, with the help of four local children.
Last question, if someone comes across this article and reads it, what would you like to tell them about why you think they should try reading your book or books?(Basically, what can you offer them in the way of information or entertainment)?
I realize writing competes with so many mediums these days, and for that reason I attempt to make my stories fast paced and not overly descriptive. I also try and connect my reader to the central characters. Personally, when I’m reading I will stick with a story, as long as I can establish and maintain an emotional attachment to a character, or characters. I also like to continue stories involving the same characters, and for that reason I intend to write stories involving the central characters featured in all of my works to date.
Anything else you'd like to add that I didn't ask you, but you would like to share with our readers?
Through various social mediums it has never been easier to communicate with a writer you like. I would actively encourage any and all readers to contact me with any and all questions. I’m happy to give advice and answer questions about writing in general. I’m also happy to supply copies of my books to reading groups if any are interested.
Finally, I’d like to encourage readers to leave a review when they’ve finished a book. We live or die by our reviews and why wouldn’t you want to share a great experience? I make it a point to leave a review after every book I’ve completed. Thanks.
Blog Writer's Note to Author:
I can tell you have a great passion for what you do. Your stories sound highly captivating and intriguing. I can tell that you are definitely an up and coming author with many good stories to tell in your future. Good luck with your future writing projects, and thanks for the interview.
'Tell Us One Thing' Interview with Maria Savva
for UK Arts Directory (January 2014)
Today, we welcome author Mackenzie Brown. He’s a popular and friendly indie author who has recently released a new book, Prince of the City. He chose our Tell Us One Thing interview, so we sent him 10 words beginning with B, and he told us something about himself using each word.
Brilliant
Although I’ve written four novels and plan another release early in 2014, I still feel as though I’m a bit of a novice and I’d like to say that the support, help and advice from other writers and associated individuals has been absolutely brilliant. I genuinely feel part of a worldwide community and I love the way we help each other and I’d just like to thank everyone who has helped me to date.
Baffling
I’m a massive twitter user and I find it both baffling and frustrating to receive so many direct auto messages from new followers. I find myself trawling through the robotic messages concerned I’ve missed a genuine message. I’m sure the direct messaging service was never designed for such a purpose.
Boring
I’m much more of a movie fan than a fan of TV series. I find long drawn out series boring and predictable, unless the series is on the short side and exceptionally well written. For me this rarely applies to series of books as long as they don’t spend 50% of the book reminding us what happened in the first/previous episode.
Bizarre
I rather like the bizarre, weird and wonderful. People are unique and I for one embrace the diversity we possess as people.
Bad
I think all of the best books have a decent villain, or if not something that makes us as readers fear for the safety of our cherished characters. Bad doesn’t have to be rotten to the core, a nice rounded villain or threat is best of all.
Brave
Although as writers we’re driven by some kind of compulsion to do what we do, it’s an incredibly brave thing to publish something that has more often than not been a totally private thing previously. We leave ourselves open to criticism and ridicule. The reader doesn’t always appreciate that he or she is reading a good chunk of your heart and soul.
Busy
No matter how busy I am with my own projects, I feel it’s important to read and review other works. This helps expand my horizons while helping fellow writers who have been so good to me.
Babyish
In my younger days I could sulk for England and admit to acting rather babyish. I like to think that stubborn part of my nature has been truly exorcised, but you might want to check that one with my family.
Bodacious
Whenever I hear the word bodacious I think of Jack Black in School of Rock. It is of course a thoroughly admirable, attractive and excellent word. (P.S. festering is currently my favourite word!)
Benevolent
I’d like dedicate this final word to the UK writing community and a big thank you for their benevolence in not only putting up with yours truly, but offering such unswerving support and advice. Thank you one and all.
Thanks, Mack!