Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve always enjoyed writing, but “life” got in the way of making it a priority. Between working to pay the bills and raising three kids while my husband had a busy deployment schedule in the Coast Guard, I somehow always managed to push the dream back. I started publishing some articles and short stories a few years and when the idea of Ellipsis came to me, I decided the time was finally right. It’s my debut novel, but I’m already working on another!
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
Ellipsis. Ellipsis really confronts one of my worst fears as a modern parent. It’s certainly a scenario I’d thought about before. I was inspired about the suspense portion though, which the title refers to (that ellipsis… you see on your phone when someone is typing), from a news story. In that story a woman had received a series of odd texts that greatly impacted her. I immediately knew I could pull a great story from that.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
Not really, I’m pretty stereotypical- I do best with obscene amounts of caffeine and a cat nearby.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Oh geez so many! I’ve always been an avid reader. My book choices are so diverse it’s hard to narrow down on just one. My favorite author is James Mitchener, and my style and genre is absolutely nothing like his- but I do get a LOT of confidence from the fact he didn’t publish his first book until he was 40.
What are you working on now?
It doesn’t have a title yet… like Ellipsis, the protagonist is going to be a college girl, but her story is going in a very different direction.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
Well I’m pretty new at this, let’s hope it’s Awesome Gang 😉
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Just write. Even if it’s for your eyes only, keep working that writing muscle.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
A writing mentor once told me the most important thing for any writer, was to have a strong voice. Know your voice, don’t attempt to be someone else.
What are you reading now?
I’m one of those people who “reads” on multiple platforms… I have this great read, The Hunter, by an indie author named Hannah Cole going on my kindle, and Night Road by Kristin Hannah on audiobook.
What’s next for you as a writer?
A continuation of honing my craft, and finding the stories I think need to be told.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
Hawaii, Alaska, The Source, The Covenant. Yep, you know who my favorite author is.
Author Websites and Profiles
Kristy McGinnis Website
Kristy McGinnis Amazon Profile
Kristy McGinnis’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account