When I asked Author John Murray McKay to describe himself he replied: “Literary anarchist, word smith, dreamer of the impossible.” I think that sums it up well! Please welcome this wild west author who dabbles in the supernatural to No Wasted Ink.
My name is John Murray McKay and I am a thirty something writer out of Pretoria, South Africa. Professional cat herder (teacher) by day and aspiring writer by night. I hope to inspire and to entertain my readers through my work and keep them on the edge of their seats. My dream is through my writing to make it to the USA one day and see the beautiful states of Colorado and Wyoming. I have been writing for six years now (working on my tenth book and busy publishing the second). And I have a rescue cat named Lucky.
When and why did you begin writing?
About six years ago. I was a teaching assistant with spare time on his hands so I tried writing something and it seems to have stuck. Why do I write? To feed this addiction and to entertain. I love it when I can see the emotional resonance in my readers through my words. I also feel writing is a form of expression and it helps to explain and understand the world we live in.
When did you first consider yourself a writer?
When I finished my first novel, sitting back and realizing that I had actually done it. A simple dream had become reality. Though there will always be doubts, I am carried by a wonderful reader base that wills me to carry on to the next adventure.
Can you share a little about your current book with us?
I am working on a Western theme book with elements of the supernatural in it. It is based both during the American Civil war and modern day Los Angeles. I have tried to do things differently this time by selecting a Native American Cree girl as my main character. It is a serial story and developing nicely as we speak.
What inspired you to write this book?
It brings a natural conclusion to my first series and it fills in the gaps and questions readers might have had with my debut series. It’s also a way of me signing off and putting it to bed finally.
Do you have a specific writing style?
Chaotic, emotion driven. I don’t stick to any prescribed writing styles and I write like I feel. Yes, I am an utter barbarian when it comes to these matters but the readers seem to like it, so bully for the critics.
How did you come up with the title of this book?
I needed something thought provoking and not obvious at the beginning. I wanted my readers to delve deep into the story and find out exactly why I chose the title.
Is there a message in your novel that you want readers to grasp?
I would never be that presumptuous as to prescribe to my readers but I believe power and belief can come from the most unexpected sources. We just have to look inside us to find it.
Are experiences in this book based on someone you know or events in your own life?
Just my vivid and slightly damaged imagination. This book is an escape from everyday reality and all its miseries it brings.
What authors have most influenced your life? What about them do you find inspiring?
Definitely Clive Cussler and Roald Dahl. I simply adore how they suck you into the narrative and make you a part of their world. They way they painted with human emotions is breath taking.
Who designed the cover of your book? Why did you select this illustrator?
Gabrielle Prendergast. Her work is breath taking and it grabs the attention of the reader and simply refuses to let go of it for even a second.
Do you have any advice for other writers?
Always treat your fans, editors, publishers, and critics with care and respect. Kindness given is kindness returned.
Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?
Buy the damn book hehe. Seriously, thank you for carrying me on this amazing journey and long may it last.
John Murray McKay
Pretoria, South Africa
The N Days
Cover Artist: Gabrielle Prendergast.
Publisher: Night Chaser Ink.
No Wasted Ink 