Meet A. E. McKenna
Indie Author Spotlight
Welcome to Indie Author Spotlight where I interview talented writers who have valuable insights to share on their writing process, publication, and what it means to be an indie author.
AE McKenna lives in the Midwest where she drinks beer, eats cheese, and pets cats. All at the same time.
What made you want to become a writer? How did you get started?
I don’t remember never wanting to be a writer. It was always something I did for fun, and I even helped start a high school lit magazine that probably didn’t keep going after we all graduated. It was much later when I joined an online writing critique group that I met people with the same level of passion who helped me learn and strengthen my writing. These people helped me get started on my publishing path.
What drew you to writing urban fantasy and paranormal romance?
You can probably credit the years I spent roleplaying Mage the Ascension that got me into urban fantasy. I absolutely love the dichotomy of magic and technology. My favorite subplots in these books is romance, so it’s a natural progression.
What’s your writing process? Are you more of a plotter or a pantster?
I am definitely a plotter! I do mind maps, I jot things down on whiteboards, I even do the whole post it/notecard rearranging thing. When I outline, I plot each chapter either with a summary as I know while writing, the rest will come to me, or I do it bit by bit because I have seen this scene play out and I want it to write it out exactly as it is. I also leave room for flexibility. Sometimes things just don’t work out and I need to pivot.
I also create a book bible filled with character sheets, story, settings, major plot points, and I keep it to jot down things I need to address in edits. I also keep a word count and chapter tracker, but that’s mainly for my first draft. While editing, I cross off or add more notes for further edits. I use this book bible for the entirety of drafting and editing. It’s the most precious tool of my writing until the book is published. It’s also backed up on my scrivener project, but I’d still be devastated if I were to lose it.
Where do you draw inspiration for your characters?
From people all over. I borrow little traits from people I know, the way people talk while I’m eavesdropping, even characters I see on shows. I take what I need from them to build my characters. I once saw a random picture of someone in a dress on Instagram and a character just came to life in my head, like that picture was the missing piece for them. I should get a shirt that says “I’m not creepy. I’m an author” because I do get caught staring.
Do you have a writing routine? Any creative rituals or a favorite place to write?
My writing routine is pretty basic. Since I am the most productive in the mornings, I do not browse the internet while I drink my coffee. I think about what I’m going to write that day and play it out. I found that if I interact on social media that I’m more prone to keep going back. I set up do not disturb on my phone and discord, and put my head down. If a cat sits on my lap, even better because I’m trapped and cats don’t like moving for hours if they’re warm, full, and barely being pestered. The only caveat is that I hop on zoom with a writing friend. We talk about what we plan to do that day, then get to work. Usually. Sometimes, I need to get directly to writing but she wants to chat, and I hate being rude. I don’t write on the weekends. Breaks are important.
What criticism have you received that helped make you a better writer?
Follow-through. If you say it’s dangerous, don’t make us wait for the danger. Also, stop with all the stage directions.
Who are your biggest influences? Favorite books?
The authors who have influenced me the most are Sir Terry Pratchett and Annette Marie.
Pratchett’s books are fabulously rich, light, and fulfilling in all senses. He taught me I did not have to be serious the entire time, and that humor doesn’t have to be dick jokes. Soul Music is one of my favorites, but you can’t go wrong with ANY of the Discworld books. (Thud! made me cry.)
Annette Marie is a Canadian indie author who is killing it right now in urban fantasy. Her books are fast-paced, fun, witty, and filled with emotion—everything I enjoy reading and writing. Three Mages and a Margarita is the beginning to my favorite series of hers. (I also searched all of Germany for a copy in German.)
What’s your approach to marketing? What has worked for you or hasn’t?
I’m still throwing pasta at the wall and seeing what sticks. For when I have a sale, I find going through newsletter promos, like Fussy Librarian, is helpful. I try to slow drip it just a little. So like on Monday, I’d alert my newsletter of the sale, then a paid promo will take over the next day, and so on. This gave me the best return of income over paying five groups to promote my book for me.
What role does social media play in your marketing? Which platforms do you enjoy most?
Social media is a major role in getting the word out. I don’t have a large following on any platform, so every eyeball helps. I mainly use Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok, and hope for the best.
What are you working on now?
Right now I’m working on another Starglen novel, this one focusing on a cold case. In my head, it’s kind of a Psych meets Who Framed Roger Rabbit, but who knows if that’s how it’ll be at the end.
Where can readers find you?
Probably behind a potted plant listening in on their conversations. Or here:
https://www.facebook.com/authoraemckenna
Check out her latest release My Fair Potion!
