 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 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!  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.  YA Urban Fantasy series by Author Genevieve Mckay What is your favorite horse book (besides your own of course)?  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.  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.  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! 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  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.
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!     Comments are closed.
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Books by Carly Kade
In the Reins is an EQUUS Film Festival Official Literary Award Winner
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Book TrailerAuthor InfoCarly Kade writes for anyone who loves horses, handsome cowboys and a great romance. Creative writing about horses makes her spurs jingle! Archives
February 2023
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