We were lucky to catch up with Marla McKenna recently and have shared our conversation below.

Marla, looking forward to hearing all of your stories today. Let’s start with the story of your mission. What should we know?

As an author, my true passion is visiting schools with my children’s books and teaching the students about the publishing, writing, editing, and illustrating process while focusing on the power of patience, positivity, and perseverance. We talk about character development, theme, word choice, and writing structure. We create and write a story together using our endless imaginations. I’ve made it my mission to share my “behind the scenes” journey with the kids and encourage them to never give up and follow their dreams. I talk to them about the importance of embracing their special gifts, believing in themselves, and working hard for what they want to achieve in life. It’s never too early to teach children about the power of a positive mindset and the importance of expressing gratitude.
I’ve enjoyed combining the sports themes in my books with aspects of kindness, friendship, and anti-bullying––engaging both boys and girls in the stories. Physical health and mental health are both important aspects for our children to learn about and understand.

It’s been a true blessing for me to have visited hundreds of schools across the United States and share my books with thousands of students. The letters, smiles, high-fives, and hugs inspire me and let me know I’m living my life’s purpose, and I have more work to do. I receive signs from God, the universe, and my angels all the time confirming this…but that’s a story for another time.

It’s important to note that for every “YES,” I’ve received, there were and still are at least 100 noes and much rejection. But the most important thing to remember is just keep moving forward in the direction of your dreams. Don’t let the noes consume you, and some days they will, but remember, “You have places to go!” You may take one detour or several detours in your life, but you will eventually reach your destiny.

I’ve learned to just ask and take a chance. What have I got to lose? They might say no, but they just might say YES.

DON’T GIVE UP!

Marla, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

I graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Madison receiving her Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism – Advertising and Public Relations. My work is featured in these children’s books: Mom’s Big Catch, Sadie’s Big Steal, I’m a Secret Superhero, and A Soccer Summer Dream with the Milwaukee Torrent, as well as her most recent book for adults: Manifesting Your Dreams – Inspiring Words of Encouragement, Strength, and Perseverance, a compilation of 20 amazing stories. She is also the coauthor of Our Last Day in Heaven – A Story of Tragedy, Loss, and Hope with Angels in the Midst.

My work has also appeared in magazines, brochures, newsletters, billboards, DVDs, radio spots, and websites. I’ve used my graphic design skills in a recent Forbes bestselling book, Culture Code Champions, as well as the book A Powerful Promise. I’ve been a ghostwriter for a financial investment book and the editor for many Olympic athletes’ books: Elizabeth Beisel, Tianna Bartoletta, McKenzie Coan, and Katie Hoff.

I’ve loved turning my passion for writing and creativity into a career and I’m excited about the opportunities I have to share my positive message with kids of all ages and adults while visiting schools across the country. Teaching children that dreams really can come true and the importance of never giving up is the theme I promote in my presentations as well as my writing.

My first children’s book, Moms’s Big Catch was inspired by a family fun day at a major league baseball game. The unique and surprising event that happened that day changed my life. And that’s how it all began! I love the fact that Mom’s Big Catch can be customized to fit any baseball team: major and minor league teams. I love that I’ve had opportunities to work with several teams and many baseball players. I would love every major league team baseball logo to be featured in Mom’s Big Catch! I’m grateful that my books (partial proceeds) allow me to give back to The Linda Blair WorldHeart Foundation to help save dogs’ lives, and I’m grateful to Rick Springfield for matching my donations. I love kids and dogs! I can share my positive message with kids and donate books, but I also have a big heart for dogs and want to give back to help those furry friends in need.

I’m so very excited that Manifesting Your Dreams was featured in O, The Oprah Magazine!

What’s worked well for you in terms of a source for new clients?

Referrals, social media, motivation, and personal introduction and interaction. I’ve received so many new school visits, book offers to write/co-write/edit all through people I’ve already worked with or know through mutual contacts. I’ve visited the same school more than once over the years too. Developing solid, honest, and authentic relationships with people is the best way for me to gain new clients. Referrals are so very important!

What do you find most rewarding about being a creative?

For me, it’s seeing and sharing my ideas or imagination for a story that is now an actual book with all the children I meet with. Seeing their faces light up when they read my books and receiving all of the cards and hand-drawn pictures they send to me. It’s incredibly heart-warming to make a positive impact in a child’s life, and I couldn’t be happier to do just that. It brings me joy. It brings me purpose, and it confirms my mission for good!

Contact Info:

• Website: MarlaMcKenna.com
• Instagram: marlamckenna
• Facebook: Marla McKenna
• Linkedin: ✦Marla McKenna✦
• Other: Another Facebook: Author Marla McKenna

Image Credits
Marla’s author photo taken by Julia McKenna