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LocalLit is a new short story newsletter that connects local authors with local readers. The newsletter kicked off April 24 with Plainfield writer Ken McGee. He is also the feature author for the July 31 newsletter
Recently McGee took a few minutes to speak via email with Herald-News features editor Denise M. Baran-Unland.
Baran-Unland: Why do you write?
McGee: I write my novels because I love to create a world based on my imagination. I enjoy seeing my characters grow and mature. They often turn out differently than expected. Most of my short stories are based on reality with added twists.
Baran-Unland: What does your writing routine look like?
McGee: I work out of my home office. My desk is in front of a window, and I can see our bird bath. I like watching the antics of the birds who visit. I try to work on my writing during the week just as if it were a real job. Since I am retired, I have plenty of time to devote to my stories.
Baran-Unland: Give a one-line summary about your featured short story.
McGee: Don't bother to negotiate with your wife because though you might think you win the battle, you always lose the war.
Baran-Unland: Tell us about your current work-in-progress and/or future works.
McGee: I'm hoping to release one more "Emmy story" in July. Just waiting for my editor to finish going over the manuscript. In August the next two books in the Annie Mercer O'Dell series should be available. I have three more Emmy stories for the fall. My goal for 2019 is to finish three or four more Emmy stories and to complete the second book about Kinmundy Junction. I will work on the Annie Mercer O'Dell series as time permits. I want to finish my Rex Ford and Clay Horn western serial. Then I might take a break.
Where can people find more information about you?
McGee: I do not have a website, but I do have an author page on Amazon (Editor's note: McGee's pen name is Kenneth Lee McGee) and Facebook. Maybe a website will be part of my goal for 2019.
KNOW MORE
Each week LocalLit will deliver an original short and family-friendly story by a local author to the newsletter's subscribers.
Authors with a connection to our readership area may submit. Submission does not guarantee acceptance. Stories should be edited and between 1,000 words and 7,500 words.
In addition, featured authors will be spotlighted in publications before the newsletter runs so readers have time to sign up.
To submit and for more information, contact Denise M. Baran-Unland at 815-280-4122 or dunland@shawmedia.com.
To sign up for the LocalLit newsletter and read McGee's story, visit www.theherald-news.com/newsletter/locallit/#//.
To date, McGee has released the following titles:
• The Emmy's story series – "We We're 'posed to Get Married," "One Of The Guys," "A New Friend," "Did You Like the Ravioli Tonight?," "Completely and Forever: A Wedding," "It's Time To Go!," "How Difficult Can It Be?," "Forever... Isabella... Forever," "The Forgettable Year" and "Turning Thirty"
• The Annie Mercer O'Dell series – "Roosevelt High"
• Stand alone books – "Growing Up In Kinmundy Junction" and "Grandpa, Lions and Kitty Cats: A Collection Of Short Stories For Children Of All Ages"
• Excerpt from his featured story – "Fortunately, I was able to retire at an early age while my wife still worked. Being the kind, considerate husband, I decided to take on some of the household chores."