I’m really excited to spotlight Mackenzie Flohr on The World Was Hers for the Reading today!
Mackenzie published her debut novel, The Right of Wands in March of 2017.
What would you like your readers to know about you?
I’m a young adult fantasy author through BHC Press. My debut novel, The Rite of Wands, came out in softcover and e-book this past March, to a lot of hype and has received some amazing reviews. If you’re a fan of Harry Potter and/or Doctor Who, my book may be the perfect fit for you.
What inspires you to write?
I don’t really have anything per say that inspires me to write. I am inspired by actor Matt Smith when writing The Rite of Wands since my main character, Mierta McKinnon, was written specifically for him. I’ll get more into that a bit later.
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!
Is there a genre you feel drawn to write or do you see yourself tackling a variety of genres in the future?
I see myself tackling a variety of genres in the future. In fact, I’ve already started doing that with a short story that was written in the paranormal/horror genre for an anthology coming out in October. I’m also working on the beginnings of a futuristic sci-fi series.
Can you describe your writing space?
I think it would be easier to show a picture of what it looks like!
Can you tell us a bit about your writing process?
I actually am a mix of an outliner and a discovery writer. Some of my characters, like Mierta from The Rite of Wands for example, require me to write by the seat of my pants so it keeps the writing process intriguing!
What is your go to snack when writing?
I actually don’t have one. If I do get hungry, I’ll just get something that’s available.
Are any of your books or characters based on personal experiences or people in your life?
Yes, though it would be more of an acquaintance in this moment of time. As I mentioned above, I was inspired to write the character of Mierta McKinnon for actor, Matt Smith. You can actually read more about how that came about on my publisher’s website, plus learn how you can enter to win a signed copy of my book! (Giveaway runs through the end of June 2017)
http://www.bhcpress.com/BHC_Author_Spotlights.html
Do you have a favorite character or book you have written?
Mierta McKinnon from The Rite of Wands. I can say with 100% honesty my book wouldn’t have made it to the publishing stage without him.
Any hints as to what readers can expect next?
There is going to be a special hardcover edition of The Rite of Wands coming out later this month with bonus material. I’m also working on the beginnings of the audiobook to be narrated by the very talented Jake Dudman.
Tell us about your Street Team and or Reader Group and let us know how interested readers can join.
My Reader Group can be found through my publisher’s website – BHC Press. I’m part of what’s called ReadNow, which is their advanced reader program. There are all kinds of books and genres featured there, and the best part of it is that it’s free to join!
http://www.bhcpress.com/BHC_Galley_Program_Sign_Up_And_Request.html
When not writing your own books, who do you like to read?
I do, though to be honest I don’t get very much time to. I am drawn to mysteries and thrillers particularly. I love being able to get lost in a story.
Share a random fact or two that readers don’t know about you.
I am an only child
I talk to myself…a lot
Fun Facts:
Celebrity Crush? I actually don’t have one
Favorite Beverage? Code Red Mountain Dew
Sweet or Savory for snacks? Sweet
What type of music do you listen to? I listen to just about everything, but I really have a thing for psychedelic trance music.
Favorite tv show? Doctor Who
Do you have any pets? Yes, I have 12 cats that I am a slave to 😉
Biggest pet peeve? When people decide to just stop and chat in the middle of the aisle/hallway, and people who don’t use their turn signals
Favorite vacation spot? Orlando, FL
Morning or Night person? Night
Favorite sports team? Cleveland Indians
Hobbies? Reading comic books and playing video games.
About The Right of Wands
And so begins the tale of Mierta McKinnon. When a horrible fate reveals itself during his Rite of Wands ceremony, he must find a way to change not only his destiny but also the land of Iverna’s.
Forbidden from revealing the future he foresees to anyone, he is granted a wand and his magical powers, but still must master the realm of magic in order to save himself and those he loves.
But Mierta is not the only one with secrets…especially when it’s impossible to know who to trust.
Buy Links:
Amazon: https://t.co/ftq6hGnAee
Barnes & Noble: http://bit.ly/2neguFt
Books-A-Million: http://www.booksamillion.com/p/Rite-Wands/MacKenzie-Flohr/9781946006431?id=6822639925501
IndieBound: http://www.indiebound.org/book/9781946006431
iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/book/id1212546091
Kobo: https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/the-rite-of-wands
Waterstones: http://bit.ly/2ng09AK
About Mackenzie Flohr:
Mackenzie Flohr grew up in the heartland of America, chasing leprechauns and rainbows and dreaming of angels. Her parents nurtured a love of fantasy and make-believe by introducing her at a very young age to the artistic and cultural opportunities that the city of Cleveland had to offer.
From the time she could hold a pencil, Mackenzie was already creating pictorial interpretations of classic stories, and by the age of nine, she and a childhood friend were authors and reviewers of their own picture books.
While following her love of adventure, Mackenzie found a second home, the Beck Center for the Arts Children’s and Teen Theater School. It was there that a world of wonder was only a script and a performance away.
Yet it wasn’t until she was on a trip to Indiana, viewing a Lord of the Rings exhibit, that the innermost desire of her heart became clear to her. She wanted to write a fantasy of her own, one that could inspire imagination in others and lead them into a magical world of their own making. She hopes The Rite of Wands will do just that.
Wherever we live and wherever we come from is our individual heartland. Anything is possible and everything can happen. Pure imagination is in all of us—we only need to discover it, and sometimes story telling helps.
Connect with Mackenzie Flohr:
Mackenzie, thank you so much for taking the time to stop by and chat with me!
It’s always fun to get a sneak peak into the mind of a writer as well as what they have coming our way!
Readers, make sure you drop by and visit Mackenzie at her Social Media Sites to learn more about The Right of Wands as well as her upcoming releases.
Have questions for Mackenzie Flohr, leave a comment and I’ll make sure she sees it!
The World Was Hers For The Reading 
Awesome spotlight!
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Thank you, Lauren!
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Thank you for featuring me! Your interview was one of my favorite
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It was my pleasure! Thanks for stopping by!
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