CARLY KADE CREATIVE: FOR THE LOVE OF HORSE BOOKS
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Buy the Books
  • Blog
  • Podcast
  • Media Room
  • Contact
  • Bonus
  • Photo Gallery
  • Store
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Wisdom

Equestrian Author Spotlight: Meet Genevieve Mckay

10/25/2018

 
Equine Author Interviews by Carly Kade
In this 29th Equestrian Author Spotlight, I talk with fellow equine author Genevieve Mckay. Of course, we discuss the best topics on earth — writing, books and horses! In the interview, you'll learn about the inspiration behind her Defining Gravity horse book series. As a fellow horse lover, I love that her current horse is her DREAM HORSE and really enjoyed the message she hopes to deliver to readers through her novels. Hint ... It's about partnering with our horses. Happy reading!

About Equine Author Genevieve Mckay

Horse book author Genevieve Mckay
Equine Author Genevieve Mckay
Genevieve Mckay is the author of seven well-loved YA novels and has many more books planned for the future. She writes about complex relationships and the rich, Canadian landscape she loves.  She incorporates her appreciation for animals and nature into every book. Her latest, Defining Gravity, series follows the trials and tribulations of young Dressage riders in all walks of life.​

Nice to meet you, Genevieve! Let's pirouette into your interview.


What would your dream horse be like?  

We didn’t have much money growing up so I rode whatever horses I could, and often this meant horses nobody else wanted to ride. This led to a hair-raising series of affordable project horses with a variety of quirks and phobias to work through. It was great experience but not very relaxing. At a certain point in my life I decided that my next dream horse would be a quiet, confident all-rounder that just likes to have fun and doesn’t mind a loose-reined canter through the woods. My current horse is pretty darn close!
Equine Author Genevieve Mckay and her horse
Author Genevieve Mckay & her horse

How did you/when did you/why did you choose to write horse books?

​I started out writing a YA Urban Fantasy series (The Opposite of Living) set on Vancouver Island, Canada. I didn’t intend to have any horses in this series but somehow, by the end of the first book, they managed to work their way in. At that point I knew my next books were going to have to focus on horses.  And, actually, it helps my riding too. I end up going to many varied shows and clinics in the name of “research” so I’m always learning new things. 
Books by Genevieve Mckay
YA Urban Fantasy series by Author Genevieve Mckay

What is your favorite horse book (besides your own of course)?

Maggie Stiefvater The Scorpio Races


​I love Maggie Stiefvater’s book, The Scorpio Races. She has a really stark, yet lyrical, way of writing that completely draws you into the story. Plus the horse parts are spot-on. 


How many horse-related books have you written?

Defining Gravity is my first horse-focused novel. It’s the first in a trilogy of books and then there are several characters who will have spin-off novels set in the same location.  I’ve just completed a novella, The Horses of Winter too. I sense many horse books in my future.
Horse book series by Genevieve Mckay
The Defining Gravity horse book series by Genevieve Mckay

How did you get the idea for the cover of the book?

I had an idea of what I wanted already. I knew I wanted a grey horse like Astrid’s horse, Quarry. And I knew I wanted to reflect the concept of unconstrained, forward energy. This picture just popped out at me and the folks at Go On Write brought that vision alive. 

Would you share little about your horse book series?

Defining Gravity is the first in a series set on Vancouver Island in Canada. The series follows the trials and tribulations of young Classical Dressage riders and their horses.

The first four books follow Astrid, who struggles to get out of the shadow of her overbearing father and find her place in the world. She’s a great character; very smart and determined, especially as she gains confidence in herself. Then I planned some spin-off novels to allow some of the other characters to tell their own stories.
​
Although the main focus is Classical Dressage, the books also touch on Western, Para Dressage, Eventing and Mounted Archery. Lots of fun for everyone. 
Equine Author Genevieve Mckay at a book signing
Genevieve Mckay and her horse books at The Mane Event

What was your inspiration for the leading woman in your book?

I think that there’s a little Astrid in all of us. We struggle with body image and insecurity and trying to remain true to ourselves despite pressure from the outside world.  She’s definitely a composite of many people I’ve known, including myself!

Is there a message in your novels that you hope readers will grasp?

One of my biggest frustrations with the horse world is that, sometimes, horses are treated more as a piece of sports equipment rather than a living, breathing creature. 
"Riding can be absolutely magical but, to me, the best thing about it is forming a willing partnership with a horse. Force, anger and ego have no place around these fantastic animals." - Equine Author Genevieve Mckay​
Riding can be absolutely magical but, to me, the best thing about it is forming a willing partnership with a horse. Force, anger and ego have no place around these fantastic animals.  I think that most people have a sense of that magical connection but sometimes it gets pushed to the side due to outside pressures. I hope that my books can help rekindle that a little. ​

Why do you write?

I don’t feel I have much choice in the matter. I have so many ideas and stories swirling inside my head that I just have to put them down. I also get cranky if I don’t set aside time for writing! 

​What’s next? Future goals for your writing?

When I’m not procrastinating on Facebook, I’m working hard on my next novel.  My goal is to have at least two more novels finished this year and maybe a novella or two. 

More about Genevieve Mckay & her horse books!

Carly Kade interviews Equine Author Genevieve Mckay
Website: www.genevievemckay.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/genevievemckayauthor
Twitter: @Geners_Mckay
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/genevievemckay
Goodreads:  https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35341378-defining-gravity

What a spur jingling interview!

A BIG thank you to Genevieve Mckay for participating in my Equestrian Author Spotlight series. I enjoy these interviews. I learn so much from other authors and appreciate how unique each of our writing journeys are. I love that all the authors featured in this series are linked through our creativity, passion for writing, and love of horses. I think it is so important to support each other. I appreciate the support of a fellow author. Thanks for giving me the gift of your time, Genevieve!​​​ #authorsunite

I LOVE HORSE BOOKS! If you are an author who writes about horses and would like to be spotlighted let me know. I’d be happy to include you, too. Sharing about fellow horse book authors makes my spurs jingle! Visit my contact page to fill out a request: https://www.carlykadecreative.com/contact.html
Carly Kade Creative Interviews with Authors of Horse Books

Miss one of my equine author interviews?

No problem! If you're looking for a horse book to fall in love with. Look no further! Here are plenty of spur jingling equine authors to choose from. Just click the images below to check out my interview recaps and discover your next favorite horse book.
Carly Kade Interviews Equine Authors
Equine Author Interviews 1 - 10
Equine Author Interviews with Carly Kade
Equine Author Interviews 11 - 20

Want updates on new author interviews?

Join my Readers' Group for spur jingling updates and information on NEW books in the In the Reins series, sneak peeks, special events, discounts, updates on horse books I love and more. My mission is to rope creativity and lasso fun for you!
Author Carly Kade's Readers' Group

About the In the Reins horse book series by Carly Kade

About Carly Kade

Carly Kade Logo

Comments are closed.
    Carly Kade Creative

    Carly Kade Author

    Books by Carly Kade

    In the Reins Equestrian Romance Horse Book Series by Carly Kade
    In the Reins, Cowboy Away, Show Pen Promise Books by Carly Kade

    In The Reins is an EQUUS Film Festival Literary Award Winner
    In the Reins is an EQUUS Film Festival Official Literary Award Winner
    Author Carly Kade wins Feathered Quill Book Award for Equestrian Fiction In The Reins
    In the Reins earns TWO Feathered Quill Book Awards
    Cowboy Away Earns Carly Kade Second EQUUS Film Festival Literary Award
    Cowboy Away Earns Carly Kade Second EQUUS Film Festival Literary Award
    In the Reins by Carly is BookWorks Book of the Week
    In the Reins is the Self Publishers Association Book of the Week

    Book Trailer


    Author Info

    Carly Kade writes for anyone who loves horses, handsome cowboys and a great romance. Creative writing about horses makes her spurs jingle!  

    RSS Feed


    Archives

    February 2023
    January 2023
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    July 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    June 2021
    May 2021
    April 2021
    March 2021
    February 2021
    January 2021
    December 2020
    November 2020
    October 2020
    September 2020
    August 2020
    July 2020
    June 2020
    May 2020
    April 2020
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018
    January 2018
    December 2017
    November 2017
    October 2017
    September 2017
    August 2017
    July 2017
    June 2017
    May 2017
    April 2017
    March 2017
    February 2017
    January 2017
    December 2016
    November 2016
    October 2016
    September 2016
    August 2016
    July 2016
    June 2016
    May 2016
    April 2016
    March 2016
    February 2016
    January 2016
    December 2015
    November 2015



    ​Please note: This website may contain affiliate links. If you choose to buy any books featured, I will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These affiliate purchases help with the upkeep of the podcast. Thank you for your support in keeping this site running.

Feeling Social? Join The Herd!
  • Home
  • Reviews
  • Buy the Books
  • Blog
  • Podcast
  • Media Room
  • Contact
  • Bonus
  • Photo Gallery
  • Store
  • About
  • FAQ
  • Wisdom