Constance MacKenzie | Deadly Disclosure

We are honoured to work with as many authors as we do at Pegasus Publishers – each with their own stories to tell. Their worlds are singular, their characters are relatable, and their creativity truly knows no bounds.

This is Author Life, a feature on the Pegasus Blog, that opens the door to each of our author’s creative process and previous literary experience, offering you – the reader – an opportunity to learn a little about the mind behind the novel.

Meet Constance MacKenzie, author of the crime fiction Deadly Disclosure.

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Could you tell us three interesting facts about yourself?

I was a teacher, a grain farmer and a big game hunter, although last two ended when my marriage crashed and burned!

I went to university to learn how to teach.

I learned how to farm from my dad who suffered a heart attack, and he could no longer do the work.  He taught me, like a teacher in a classroom and then I went out to the tractor, to the swather or to the combine and implemented what he instructed me to do!  This was my first time operating any of this farm machinery!

In your own life, what influences and inspires you to write?

I love entertaining others with my stories!  I love pushing the boundaries with my, “what ifs!”

Which book or author has had the biggest impact on you, and why?

My very first ‘chapter’ book I read as a child allowed me to experience the power and magic of the written word.  Heidi, written by Johanna Spyri will always remain dear to my heart and alive in my memory!

Can you tell me about the book?

Heidi is an orphan.  After she lost her parents, Heidi goes to live with an aunt who then brings her to the Swiss Alps to live with a grandfather she does not know.  Heidi soon wins over her crotchety grandfather with her loving and outgoing personality.  Johanna Spyri describes Heidi’s life so vividly that even now, sixty years later I can hear the whispering of the pine trees outside her bedroom window and feel her nervousness meeting her cantankerous grandfather!

What were your first experiences with writing?

My first experiences with writing were to create creatures and stories for my grade one and two students!  My captive audiences loved them, and their interest encouraged me to write more!

In your opinion, what are the key ingredients for a good story or novel?

To grab the readers’ attention, to hold it and to give the reader a new experience!  There are countless murder mysteries, but each one has something new for the reader!

How long should an author spend on their craft each day?

I like to write two or more hours each day, although never at a set time.  When I am not writing I am thinking about the book – how to work this or that scene or make a character more real.

What was the most challenging part of writing this book, and what did you learn from writing it?

Because this is my first book the most challenging part was to ‘allow’ someone to read my first draft, a draft that I believed was ready to be sent off to be published!  I realized that I sounded like my grade five students with their ‘masterpieces’!  I had to steal myself for the possible comment, “don’t keep working on this as it is going nowhere!”

I now look forward to having my work returned with approval accompanied with suggestions for improvement!  Writing is not done in isolation; I’m always thinking of my future readers reading my book maybe with a cup of coffee beside them!

What common pitfalls should aspiring writers avoid?

The belief that your first draft is perfect, no matter how many times you yourself have revised it.  It must proceed to the next stage, allowing others to read it - no matter how scary or terrifying that might be! 

Avoid spinning your wheels if you get stuck in your story.  I find that if I put it aside and play a game of golf, or go for a walk, or go visit a friend, inspiration always returns sometimes with a surprise detour!

What writing advice would you offer to your younger self?

Don’t be so scared to let others read your novel.  It took me two or three years to get the courage to ask others to read my novel!

Deadly Disclosure is available now in paperback and on the Kindle Store.