Author Interview with Catherine Mackenzie
Welcome to another awesome author interview! This time we are visiting with Catherine A. Mackenzie, or Cathy as some call her. Let’s see what Cathy has been up to and get on with her interview!
1. When did you start writing?
I started writing with a vengeance early in 2010 (although it really began with poetry in 2007 after the birth of my granddaughters). When my husband and I wintered in Mexico the winter of 2009/2010, I took two writing classes. Shortly afterwards, I discovered several writers forums and my new life as a writer took off. I enjoyed writing many years ago when I was a teenager, and my high school teachers told me to continue writing, but, of course, I did not. I regret that, as I feel I’ve wasted many years when I could have been perhaps writing the world’s next great masterpiece (ha ha ha). Now I spend too much time writing, trying to make up for lost time!
2. What inspired you to do it?
The births of my first two grandchildren, both girls, born three weeks apart in August/September 2007, filled me with such awe and wonder (as sappy as that sounds!) that I wrote each of them a personalized, lengthy poem. It seemed once I wrote those first two poems, I couldn’t stop. Getting back into poetry wasn’t something I had planned, it just happened. Before long, I had written numerous poems dealing with grandmothers and children, some of which I later self-published in the book, To Love a Grandmother, in 2009. That same year, in 2009, my sister-in-law provided the inspiration for my spiritual poems, Poems of Inspiration and Love. Since then, I’ve continued composing more poems. Later, I decided I wanted to write more than poetry and began writing short stories and essays.
3. Do you find that it is hard to get people excited about what you do?
Yes, I think it is hard. If I mention an acceptance, whether it be a poem or a short story, to my family, they acknowledge it, but I don’t think they realize how important it is to me. Sometimes they think I’m bragging or fishing for compliments, which I’m not; I just get excited, like a little kid with forbidden candy. Some of my friends, however, say what a great writer I am and love my stories, but I’m not so sure they’re totally unprejudiced. Unless one is a writer, I don’t think one realizes how fulfilling it is to have someone purchase your work or want to print it. It is very rewarding.
4. What projects have you done?
Thus far, I’ve self-published two books of poetry (as mentioned above), which can be found on Smashwords. I have numerous unpublished poems, short stories and essays that I hope to publish. I also write Haiku and am compiling a book of Haiku, as well. I’m also writing a novel and compiling three longer short stories (which aren’t quite finished) into a novella.
5. Any new projects coming up?
Twenty-four of my best short stories have just been professionally edited, and I am now compiling them into two anthologies, which should be up for sale on Smashwords very shortly. The titles are: Lovers and Other Strangers and Love, With a Slice of Lemon. The first book borders on the macabre. The second book contains stories of love, but with a bit of a twist.
6. Do you have a website/blog?
Yes, I do. I set it up last year. A website was something I thought I’d never want. Now, I love it, and I enjoy speaking my mind on the blog page on my site.
As well, I can keep everyone updated as to all my publications on the “Writing Credits” page. Not to brag, but I’ve accomplished all that within two years, and I’m still amazed that I’ve become a real published author (and not just a self-published one).
7. Do you find it hard to share your work with others?
Yes. Sometimes, I honestly don’t know if my work is good or bad, and I’ll ask someone for an opinion. My family say I fish for compliments, but that’s untrue. I don’t want someone to tell me my writings are good if they’re not. Of course, I like to receive praise, but truthfully, I don’t want a lie, not when it comes to my writing. I want my best work out there, and I’d be embarrassed if I published a story or a poem that was bad, although, of course, everyone is entitled to their own opinions and not everyone will like everything one writes. So, of course, I don’t expect everyone to like everything I’ve written.
Poetry is a hard sell, I think, so I haven’t sold as many copies of my poetry books as I would have liked. However, I haven’t promoted my books either, so I can’t complain too much. I find it extremely hard to promote myself and my books. I don’t want to force people to buy my work, yet I want to get my books out there. It’s difficult.
8. My favourite quote:
“Careful, or you’ll end up in my novel.” I’m in love with that!
9. What are your habits when you sit down to create? Do you have to be in a certain room? outside?
We have an office in our house where I have a great workspace. I usually have the radio on, especially during the day. I also need my caffeine fix: diet Coke.
10. 5 words to perfectly describe you:
grandmotherly, honest, trustworthy, caring, fearful (That “grandmother” word pops up everywhere in my life and my writings. I never ever thought I’d be bragging about being a grandmother. You can read why on the “My Grandchildren” section of my website.)
11. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I would love to have a bestselling novel out there! Who wouldn’t! At the very least, I’d like to have my three novels completed, as well as more compilations of my poetry and short stories.
12. Will you ever stop creating? and have you ever had a moment that you felt like quitting and why?
I probably have writer’s block more than anyone in the entire world. I have to be in the “mood” to write, and if I’m down or feeling out of sorts, I just can’t produce. I have all the time in the world to write, but I don’t use my time effectively, only because my brain shuts down, not that I waste time. I hate to waste time, especially when I’m in the last chapters of my life. It’s those times I think I’m not cut out to be a writer and that I should be doing something more constructive with my life, like sewing or painting, things that can be seen and held instead of words hidden away in my computer. Sometimes I wonder if something unexpected happens to me, what will happen to my work? Will anyone find it? Will anyone care? But, no, I don’t think I’ll ever stop creating.
13. Do you think that the future is ebook or print?
I think print books will always be around, but for sure the ebook will take over. It already has, hasn’t it? That’s sad. I like to hold something in my hand, something concrete that is always “there.” It is most discouraging to me when one of my writings has been accepted and the only book published is an e-book. How do you show off an e-book? It’s crazy to take out my Kobo and say, “Hey, my story (or poem) is in here?” And what happens when the e-reader breaks down, for whatever reason? Then one’s e-library is gone, until the e-reader is repaired or a new one is purchased and the books are uploaded again. Don’t get me wrong – I love my Kobo, It is one of the best purchases I’ve ever made, but I use it solely for travelling. I read “real” books at home.
14. Dream place to live and why?
Well, we have a second home in Mexico where we spend part of the winter, so I guess that’s my dream place for the present.
15. Who does your cover art? Do you design it yourself?
Thus far, I’ve designed my own covers, but that will probably change once I become rich and famous (only kidding!!). I paint, as well (another inspiration from my grandchildren), and someday I’d like to use my paintings on my covers.
Bio: Catherine A. MacKenzie: Cathy enjoys writing poems, short stories and essays, some of which appear online and in various anthologies, including those published by Chicken Soup for the Soul, Dancing with Bear Publishing, Rebel Ink Press and Twin Trinity Media. Her works have also appeared in such publications as Sasee Magazine, Magnapoets, and Still Point Arts Quarterly. Along with additional short stories and poetry, she is working on a novel. She has self-published two books of poetry and has a couple of anthologies of short stories in the works. Cathy also paints, pastels being her favourite medium and her grandchildren her favourite subjects. Cathy lives in Halifax, Nova Scotia, with her husband, and they winter in Ajijic, Mexico, where several of her works have appeared in local publications. Contact Cathy at writingwicket@gmail.com. Check out her website at www.writingwicket.wordpress.com.
Links to books:
To Love a Grandmother: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Blurb: All women will enjoy this book – especially mothers and grandmothers – and anyone who has a grandmother or wants to be a grandmother. The 100 poems in this book are about mothering and grandmothers, about babies and children. Some of the poems are long, some short; some are happy, some sad; some are rhyming, some free-verse. Anyone who treasures a grandmother will appreciate this book. 17,893 words. $2.99
Poems of Inspiration and Love: https://www.smashwords.com/books/view...
Blurb: This is a collection of 38 easy-to-read inspirational and spiritual poems. Some are one-verse poems; some are longer. They would be enjoyed by believers and non-believers. 4,644 words. $0.99
Website: www.writingwicket.wordpress.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/GrannyMacKenzie
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?...
linkedIn: http://ca.linkedin.com/pub/catherine-...
Amazon author page: https://www.amazon.com/author/catheri...
