The Book Squirrel interviews Mackenzie Flohr, author of ‘The Right of Wands’.
Today I have the privilege of interviewing the wonderful Mackenzie Flohr, author of the incredible YA magical fantasy novel ‘The Rite of Wands’.
We had a very cosy chat, and we’re now the best of friends.
Here’s the interview, hot off the press.
What inspired you to write?
I don’t really have anything per say that inspires me to write. However, what motivates me to write is being told I won’t succeed. I know that sounds odd, but I’ll elaborate.
Back in 2006, I was at the airport in Orlando waiting for the plane to arrive to take my Dad and I back to Cleveland, OH. I was working on a scene, which happens in a later book in the series. There was a young girl who looked about my age with her Dad sitting across from us. They asked what I was writing about, so I mentioned a little bit about it. Afterward, my Dad smiled and told them that I was writing a fantasy series, and that I would never finish it. I was shocked, embarrassed and hurt by the outburst. Even as I am recalling that moment now, it still angers me! But that’s where he went wrong. Not only did I write it, not only did I finish it, I found a company to PUBLISH it!
Well done you! That’s the spirit!
What’s your favourite thing that you have written?
To answer this question a bit more specifically, I really enjoyed writing the scene in The Rite of Wands between Queen Anya and Mierta when the queen was trying to convince Mierta to help her. It felt like they were an old married couple!
What’s the best book you’ve read this year?
The Carrigan Painting: Mysteries of Billamore Hall Series by BJ Richards
I’ll have to look it up on NutBooks!
NutBooks?
Yeah! You… haven’t heard of NutBooks?
No… but I’ll go look them up when I get home!
Good idea. What are you working on writing now?
I am releasing a special hardbound edition of The Rite of Wands this June.
I also just finished writing a short story for an anthology, which I am still waiting to hear if it’ll be accepted. I am also working on the beginnings of the next book in The Rite of Wands series and a new futuristic sci-fi series.
Wow! You’re a busy lady!
What movie can you watch over and over again?
The Back to The Future trilogy.
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
Apparently for the garbage company LOL! My mother is notorious for saving papers I have filled out throughout my childhood, so even though I don’t recall ever feeling this way, I’ve seen it on paper!
What’s your favourite season? Why?
Summer. I love having sunlight till 9 PM and warm temperatures. Living in Michigan, it is rare to have sunlight all year round, and I honestly really dislike snow and cold weather.
Yeah, I try to sleep through most of that, too…
Who are your three greatest literary inspirations?
J.R.R. Tolkien, J.K. Rowling, and Michael Ende.
What would you like people to know about being an Indie author?
A lot of people have this belief that Indie authors get their marketing taken care of for free, but this is far from the case. Indie authors have to do their own marketing and pay for services, too. The best method of marketing for an Indie author is word of mouth.
So, if you know an indie author and have read their book(s), leave a review! Many times this leads to at least 4-5 additional sales for the author.
Name two things in life that you wish were easier.
Selling books internationally
Juggling time between my outside of the home full-time job and writing
Like I said, you’re one busy lady!
I sure am!
Where can we find your book?
You can find The Rite of Wands through all the major retailers including Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Waterstones, Kobo, Books-A-Million, IndieBound, iTunes.
Where can readers follow you on social media?
Facebook
Twitter
Instagram
Bookbub
Book Squirrel 