This week, we are sharing our interview with indie author Myndee Mack!
A little bit about you and your life, your hobbies, your interests, etc.
"I was born and raised in New Orleans, Louisiana, and spent most of my life inside Evangelical Christianity. I started deconstructing and reconsidering those beliefs in 2018, and about a year later, I was gifted my first Tarot Deck. I didn't know anything about it as I was raised to be afraid of it, but when I saw the deck, I felt an instant reverence for it and connection to it. Since then, I've read for hundreds of people across the world. I'm always interested in learning more about metaphysical practices. In 2021, my family relocated to Dallas, Texas where, just a year later, my husband died tragically and unexpectedly, leaving me and our three kids devastated and trying to pick up the pieces and learn how to move forward. It has been quite the journey these last three years, and though it has fundamentally changed us, we are all doing our best to 'live, laugh, love' and to keep growing and healing. Since his passing, I do my best to appreciate all that I have, make magic out of the mundane, and turn my routines into rituals."
Info about your latest book and/or the book you'd most like to promote
"My latest book is about doing just that - romanticising and ritualising your life. I'm the author, the cover designer, the publisher and the marketer for this work, so I don't yet have a release date. Writing this book has been a labour of love and I'm beyond excited about putting it out there. Though not my first book, this is definitely the one I'm most proud of so far. Domestic Goddess is a magic manual for reclaiming the ordinary as holy. With rituals, reflections and a little bit of whimsy, this book can help guide you back to the centre of your own life, where your presence holds the power, and your intentions impact the energy around you."
Any details you'd like to share about what you're currently working on
"Right now, I'm actively trying to not work on it, but it's hard! My book will be going to the editor in the next week or so, and I'm trying to leave it alone because I've already poured over it and over it."
What inspired you to get into writing and what keeps you motivated?
"I've always been a writer. I penned my first "novel" when I was eight-years-old. It was a short story (let's call it a kiddie size novella, shall we?) about two best friends going on an adventure, and it was based loosely on my own friendship with my neighbor, Jessica. Since then, I've written close to a bajillion pieces of content, most of it for my eyes only, but I have been published a few places over the years. I write to process and to heal. And I publish my work to help others do the same. My most recent book, The Life Changing Magic of Self-Love, was born out of my painful, arduous journey from self-loathing to self-acceptance and love because I firmly believe if *I* can learn to love who I am, anyone can learn to love who they are."
Your opinions on indie vs trad publishing and why you chose the route you did
"I don't have a strong opinion on this, people have to do what's right for them. There are pros and cons to both. I personally chose to self-publish because I like having control over my work. Writing is my expression, not my profession. I could not imagine allowing someone who isn't me to have final say over the cover, the branding, etc. That said, there are indie publishers out there who are a lot more willing to work with their authors to bring the author's vision to life. I looked into working with indie publishers this time around, but unfortunately, many of them will only accept work from people who haven't self-published."
What challenges have you faced during your writing and publishing journey?
"The biggest challenge I've faced was losing my husband while I was working on The Life Changing Magic of Self-Love. It sat, untouched, for almost a year, but I'm proud of myself for picking it back up and getting it published. I think my husband would be proud of me too. And then just learning how to self-publish was an obstacle - figuring out formatting, cover design, layout, pricing, etc. I knew nothing of the publishing industry. But I've come a long way. These days, people pay me to help them self-publish."
What advice would you give to someone beginning their writing journey?
"Write because you have to, not because you want to earn a paycheck. There are plenty of easier ways to earn a paycheck. Write because the stories inside of you have to come out lest you explode. Write because you are a writer. Don't waste time being discouraged. Trust yourself and the perfect timing of all things."
Name an author that inspired you to write and why
"Okay, don't laugh... or do, I don't mind. Debbie Gibson inspired me to write. If you don't know who she is, Debbie Gibson is an American Pop Singer from the 1980s/90s. When I was in 4th grade, I got a copy of her autobiography... I have no idea how I came to possess such a thing (what can I say, it was my Electric Youth). Anyway, until then I had only read poetry or fiction. When I realised people could tell their stories, I knew that someday I'd like to tell my own. I have yet to publish a memoir, but it's in the works, and likely will be for a while longer."
Anything else you'd like to discuss in terms of being a writer, self-publishing, a fun fact about yourself, anything.
"I've published a few books under various pseudonyms, not all of them with the goal of selling tons of copies, some I just really wanted out in the world. Anyway, for various reasons, I unpublished one of my novels, and years later, I found a link for it at a used bookstore where it was listed for over $1000!! I have no idea why as the book only sold tens of copies, but maybe because it's now considered rare? I don't know. I have a few left if anyone wants them... half their price!"
