Guest Author Mackenzie Reide
My guest today is Mackenzie Reide, author of The Adventurers, an adventure-mystery for 8 to 12 year olds. She also writes short stories for adults. Her latest novel, The Adventurers: The Mask of the Troll, is the second book in The Adventurers trilogy.
Last year we spoke about the first book, The Mystery of Troll Creek. Can you tell us about the second book?
The Mask of the Troll starts right where The Mystery of Troll Creek left off. Our heroes, Dana, Amy, and Jack have survived being buried alive in the old abandoned coal mine. The bad guys have escaped but Dana is convinced she has figured out the identity of the man behind the mask. The trouble is, no one believes her. She tries to find proof but things go very sideways and Dana learns that the line between right and wrong can sometimes be very gray.
As a quick reminder, book one was when Dana first went to Troll Creek?
Yes, in the first book, Dana travels to the small town of Troll Creek to meet her soon-to-be step siblings, Amy and Jack. They don’t quite get along at the beginning and this sets off a chain of events that leads to Dana riding her bike over a cliff. While downclimbing, Dana discovers a cave that turns out to be the secret entrance to an abandoned coal mine. Despite their differences, the three kids explore and end up embrolied in a 100 year old mystery and a modern day crime buried deep in the tunnels of the old mine.
The Mystery of Troll Creek Book Trailer
Author Reading Troll Creek (by a cosy fireplace)
You also write adult fiction. Can you tell us about that?
Yes, I published a short story, Shifting Gears, in an alternate history anthology, Altered States of the Union, last summer. This fall I have another story, Cascadia, in the science fiction anthology, Crossroads. If you like speculative fiction and ‘what if’ type stories, these are fun anthologies.
Can you tell us about your writing process?
I write in scenes. Not linearly. It’s as if I am jumping right into the story. I often write the middle of a book or short story first, then the ending, and at last, the beginning. Sometimes a scene just comes to mind and I realize that’s what I will be writing today. I can’t write anything else until the scene is out of my head. Eventually it all gets all linked together.
That’s an interesting writing technique! When can we expect book three?
My editor is currently reading book three. This will be a very busy summer! The target date is for fall 2017.
Where can a reader purchase your books?
The books are available in paperback, hardcover, and very soon, ebooks, worldwide on Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Chapters/Indigo and other locations online. You can also order through your local bookstore.
You can learn more about Mackenzie and her work on her website at mackenziereide.com or online at the following social media sites:
