Blog - Marcy McKay

Managing Stress Without Losing Your Mind

Recently, I had an epiphany of sorts. It wasn’t a major AHA moment. There was no burning bush, no light bulb flashed through my mind like in the cartoons (bummer).

The insight came after I’d eaten Mexican food with my seventeen-year-old son at our favorite dive. Brilliance happens through tacos and guacamole in Texas, y’all.

Here’s the major life lesson that quietly came to me as I drove home from dinner. I hope it enlightens you as well … [Read more…] about Managing Stress Without Losing Your Mind

7 Sleep Strategies for Better Health, Happiness & Success

Books, Lifestyle

One of my college roommates once informed me that after 9 p.m., I became an inoperable wench.

“That’s not very nice,” I said.

“No,” she sighed. “It’s not.”

Sleep. I’ve never been one of those people who can function without it. I’ve never pulled an all-nighter, my family knows I need at least six hours of sleep, I also tend to go to bed between 9 and 10 p.m. (to be fair, I wake up around 5 a.m. to work on my novel).

For the most part, I’ve never had trouble falling asleep, but staying asleep had become a problem over the last few years. I recently read a book (!) which changed that for me, and I want to share you with some of the highlights so you can get better Z’s, too.

I’m also giving one lucky winner a free eBook copy of this book … [Read more…] about 7 Sleep Strategies for Better Health, Happiness & Success

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 …

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