This week’s author interview is with Mike McKinley. He is the author of Engagement: Preparing for Marriage in the 31-Day Devotionals for Life series. It releases May 6th.
- Tell us a little bit about yourself
I’m from the suburbs of Philadelphia, but for the past 15 years I’ve lived in Northern Virginia, where I pastor Sterling Park Baptist Church. I have been married to Karen for a couple of decades, and we have 5 kids (ages 8-17). I love sports, so I spend a lot of time coaching my kids’ baseball and softball teams. I’m also an avid reader.
- When did you first want to write a book?
As someone who loves to read, I’ve always wanted to be able to write a book. I am in awe of (jealous of?) people who can write brilliant fiction and poetry. It’s such an amazing gift to be able to move people and make them feel something with images and stories and carefully chosen words. The Lord didn’t give me those gifts, though, and so I figured that I wasn’t cut out to be an author. But as a pastor, I have had a lot of opportunities to think and to write about the church and the Bible. So even though the books I’ve written aren’t the ones that my 15-year old self would have thought to write, it’s been a great blessing.
- Have you always enjoyed writing?
To steal a line, I enjoy having written! I find that it takes a lot of effort to write a sentence that is clear and compelling. But the wonderful thing about writing is that you put the work in once, and the book lives on for quite a while. It’s so exciting to hear the occasional report of how the Lord used work I did some years ago in the life of someone who lives on the other side of the world.
- What book are you reading now?
The Mirror and the Light by Hillary Mantel. It’s the long-awaited third installment in the “Wolf Hall” trilogy. I’m loving it, but am also kind of sad that the series is coming to an end.
- Do you have an interesting writing quirk?
I’m not sure if it qualifies as interesting or as a quirk . . . but i LOVE ellipses.
- The Lord of the Rings or The Chronicles of Narnia?
This is probably not a popular opinion, but give me The Chronicles every time!
- Favorite sport to watch? Favorite sport’s team?
My wife sardonically refers to the Philadelphia Eagles as “our other religion”.
- Tea or coffee?
I’m suspicious of people who don’t drink coffee.
- How can readers discover more about you and your work?
Facebook: Sterling Park Baptist Church
Website: You can find my books here
Pre-order Engagement: Preparing for Marriage
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