Marcy McKay

Life Coach + Author

Blog

My Free Gift to You

Books, Marcy McKay Books, News, Reading, SkipJack Publishing

Writers hear voices. That may sound odd to some people, but it’s true.

While working on my sequel to Pennies from Burger Heaven, a new character came to mind – a teen runaway named Jasmine. She looks like Alice in Wonderland, but she’s a broken girl. Her life collides with Copper Daniels – my ghetto Nancy Drew heroine from Pennies, and the combination spells trouble for everyone around them.

Jasmine and Copper haunted my thoughts so much so that they compelled me to write their story. The timing was perfect, too. My blog is celebrating its third anniversary! As a thank you to my loyal readers, I wrote this special gift just for you: [Read more…] about My Free Gift to You

How to be a Writing, Publishing, Marketing Rock Star

Creativity, Publishing, SkipJack Publishing, The Art of Writing

Writing is hard work. It takes time, patience and practice to take a story inside your head, then put it on paper in a way that readers find compelling. On top of that, marketing is a totally different skill set, but it’s mostly left up to the author, whether you’re traditionally-or-indie published. Overall, the publishing process can be confusing, every-changing and downright scary.

I love learning from others in the industry. Insiders who are generous enough to share their mistakes, their successes and everything in between, so that the rest of us can be on the fast track of knowledge. That’s why I’m excited to share … [Read more…] about How to be a Writing, Publishing, Marketing Rock Star

Why Do You Love Stories?

Books, Reading

A crazy, cool thing happened to me during my recent book signing at Barnes & Noble in Lubbock, Texas. I was autographing a copy of Pennies from Burger Heaven for a woman — a complete stranger who thought my story sounded compelling enough to slap down cash for it. (which was wonderful).

Her young son stood by her side, while they waited. His black hair stuck out every which way, and he had mischievous eyes. He looked about four or five — like the kind of kid that if everyone is walking left, he’d be running right. I liked him immediately. He was playing with some of the pennies I’d scattered across my table for decoration (clever, I know).

While I wrote, he asked me, “Why do you write books?”

I didn’t look up. “Because I have to. Stories form in my head and they don’t go away until I write them down.”

“I don’t know how to write yet, but I love stories like that.”

“Oh yeah. Why do you think we love stories so much?” His answer pierced my heart …

[Read more…] about Why Do You Love Stories?

Audiobooks: A Narrator’s How-To Guide for Authors

Creativity, Marcy McKay Books, News, Publishing, Uncategorized

Have you ever wanted to take your eBook or paperback (fiction or nonfiction), then turn it into a Audiobook?

Of course, you have. You can hear Reese Witherspoon or Hugh Grant in your head, narrating your story as you write it.

ACX.com (owned by Amazon) has made it easy for authors to create Audiobooks. It’s another way to monetize your product; plus, the Audiobook industry is a huge, growing market.

The good news is the process is pretty much free for the author (I didn’t spend a dime). The bad new is ACX (Amazon) sets the Audiobook price, but then the author and narrator split the profits 50/50.

In honor of Pennies from Burger Heaven now being available on Audiobook… [Read more…] about Audiobooks: A Narrator’s How-To Guide for Authors

How to Overcome Fear to Achieve Your Goals

Creativity, Fear, Uncategorized, Writer's Block

In honor of the one-year anniversary of my release of Pennies from Burger Heaven, I want to talk about achieving your goals. It took me 20 freakin’ years to become a published author, sixteen of those where I wrote every. single. day. I completed four novels like that.

What do you want?

Do you want to get out of debt? Do you want  to start a business? Do you want to write a novel?

We all know the basics of goal setting:

*Write down that goal, then break it into small, actionable steps.

*Consistently work toward that goal. The more often you do, the faster you’ll achieve it. Everyday is best, but do the best you can.

*Think positive thoughts along the way.

I also want to prepare you for the dark side of trying to achieve your goals, when you truly put yourself out there. I’m talking about BIG goals, the kind that takes your breath away because you want it with everything inside you, but aren’t sure you can pull if off.

If you’re trying to make your dreams come true, then…

[Read more…] about How to Overcome Fear to Achieve Your Goals