Local author Interview with Killian McRae

What kind of books do you read for fun ??
I have three areas in which I do most of my reading: Classics, Non-fiction History, and Paranormal Romance. I try to have at least one fiction and one non-fiction "on my bedside table" at all times.

How did you get into writing ??

I've told this story to others, but the truth is I've been writing in some capacity since I learned how to write. The first thing I remember writing are textbooks for my stuffed animals. I must have been in second or third grade then. When I was 8 or 9, I decided I was going to write my memoirs, and hired my friend who could type slightly faster than me at the rate of 10c/hr. That didn't get too far. :) I participated in the Young Author's program all through school, and usually was one of my school representatives at the county level.

When I was in middle school, I started writing (and, yes, I'll admit it) band-fiction. And then, at fifteen, I wrote my first novel, a fantasy YA. I'm currently reworking it for publication.



What inspired you do a book ??
I think this is asking what inspired me to write my book? I was struck with the inklings of it in 1997 when I spent a week on the Turkish Aegean coast, and in particular, my visit to the ruins of Ephesus. As I stood in front of the remnants of the library's impressive facade, I imagined what it would have been like if someone could have stood in the midst of the city from its origins in ancient times through the present. On this same trip, I passed by a spot on the coast known as "Cleopatra's Beach," which is said to have been the the location of Cleopatra and Marc Antony's honeymoon. Then my own of love of American and Egyptian history fused with these experiences.



Do you have another job besides writing ??
Yes, I am a full-time university administrator and a mother to two way-too-smart-for-their-own-goods girls.


Chocolate or Vanilla ??
Mint.

Ereader or Book ??
"E-Reader!" she shouted from the tops of the hills to the depths of the Silicon Valley.

Barnes Noble or Indie book store ??
Indie (though I buy almost all of my books online now).

Best experience with a fan ??
In the summer, when it's really hot. *groan* Most of my interfaces with fans have been online, though that's changing these days. I once had one who told me they had stopped reading Faulkner because they became engrossed in my story, and summed up her comment by saying "Billy Faulkner's got nothing on you." It made me blush three shades of pink.


Was it hard to get into the publishing world ??
It's not as hard to get into it as it is to stay in it. Once you become published, there's a certain presumption about your knowledge of the industry. I still consider myself really clueless, and sometimes in conversation I'll hear someone mention something in passing that I haven't a clue what they're talking about. A tiny voice in the back of my head chides me.



Whats on your night stand ??

Um... *looks* A lamp, and iPhone, a Homedics Homespa clock radio. And a few books: "If you follow me," by Malena Watrous, "The Best American Short Stories of 2010," and JR Ward's "Covet." (The last one is destined for Goodwill, I just keep forgetting to take it to the box in the garage.)


Favorite color ??
Dark forest green. Reminds me of home (Michigan).


What do watch on TV ??
I don't watch TV. Again, it comes back to bite me, as I haven't a clue often what people are talking about. My daughter has tried to explain to me what "The Jersey Shore" is about, but I don't believe her. I haven't seen Jersey shore yet.

Writing and kids ? How do you do it
Insomnia is a writer's friend. I couldn't have done this when my kids were younger, and I applaud anyone who does. My kids are 9 and 14 now, so I'm no longer worried they're going to set the house on fire or accidentally kill the dog if I leave the room for a few minutes.

What are you working on right now ??

"A Love by any Measure" is a historical romance which was just accepted for publication, and so I'll likley have to start the editing work on that soon. Other that that, I'm currently working on revising a YA Fantasy that's written, writing a Paranormal Romance, and thinking up several other projects.

Bloggers and books ?? Do they help with book buzz ??
Very much so. Few people in my everyday life like to read, and so when I need pointers on new reading materials, I often have to turn to online sources and friends. I think many people are the same. The JK Rowling's works resparked young people's thirst for the wirtten word about a decade ago, I don't think that fire burned up the choronological ladder very high. Plus, we're all just soooo busy these days, and money is tight. Book bloggers a easily accessible resources to learn about new books and network with others whose reading interest is akin to your own.

I know that speaks more to my opinion as a reader rather than an author, but it's because of this opinion that I wanted very much to reach out to bloggers. Blogs are the water fountain of our community.



Music playlists ?? whats on yours ??
Oh, God... I could write a book. I started out life as an opera singer who secretly wanted to be a Broadway star. Then I fell in love with world and folk music, as well as fostered my love of classical and new age. It's easier to tell you a few of my current discoveries than write a thesis on what I listen to. My current go-to's are anything by Yasmin Levy or East Village Opera Company. I've also been on a Beatles kick lately, and have listened to "Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Heart Clubs Band" about five times a day in the last few weeks.


Does being in California or Northern California affect the story ??

I actually write best when the weather is cold and rainy or snowy. Since I've moved from Michigan, it's harder to write because I just get emotionally dulled by California's cookie cutter weather. The climate doesn't lend itself well here to curling up with my notepad and a cup of hot tea or cocoa.

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I admit I haven't read your book , but the title looks very interigiting. I'm so glad to have met you today. I have added this book to my reading pile , and so happy to have met another local author.