Today we’d like to introduce you to McKenzie Melody.

Hi McKenzie, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?

I’ve been reading and writing since I was really, really little–earlier than my parents or teachers expected, I think, lol–but in fourth grade I had a teacher who really encouraged me and allowed me to turn in stories instead of homework sheets, which gave me a good opportunity to practice and continue to hone my skills. Since then, I’ve been hooked. I wrote my first full-length novel at 11, and have been writing consistently and working on breaking into traditional publishing ever since. I got my degree in Professional Writing from Taylor University, and I’ve traveled quite a bit throughout Europe (especially Ireland) learning about folklore, mythology, and the way that stories shape our lives.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?

It hasn’t always been a smooth road. Book publishing is hard, and it isn’t getting easier as bookstores struggle to stay afloat. In traditional publishing, there are so few things an author can actually control, and it’s hard to come to the realization that no matter how good you are, you just have to keep going, waiting for the right story to hit the right person at the right time. For some writers, this takes years. For others, it’s just a matter of weeks, and that uncertainty can be a little maddening. But I do think I’m really privileged to have had a supportive family and friends along the way, as well as the opportunity to study my chosen craft through my college education. Not everyone gets those supports in their artistic career, and I’m very grateful for them.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?

I’m a writer who is employed full-time in marketing but working on my dream of getting a book published. I’m also a bit of an amateur folklorist, and I think that among my small social media community, that’s probably what I’m best known for. At the beginning of 2024, I started a weekly Instagram series called #faeriefriday where I go into detail about a folkloric creature or element of mythology. Since its beginning, that series has continued to grow and bring new friends into my orbit, which has been amazing! While my writing is usually within the genres of magic realism or historic magic realism, it is very important to me that the folklore I use is as correct and deeply researched as possible. I want my stories to fall in line with those told down throughout the centuries, rather than feel like something I invented.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?

Unfortunately, I think luck has a lot to do with writing success. Even though I haven’t quite landed upon my big break yet, I do think that there have been a lot of aspects of my life so far where luck was involved. I was lucky enough to be born into a loving family that supported my unique gifts, live near a university with a highly-rated professional writing program, etc. Don’t misunderstand me–hard work is a HUGE part of any creative endeavor. But it can only take you so far, and that is where the luck has to come in. For most of us, I think the longer we persevere, the more likely we are to see that lucky break!

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kenzimelody.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mckenziemelodyauthor/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kenzimelody