Q&A with Phoenix McDonald – Author Interview

Phoenix McDonald is an author who writes with heart, imagination, and a clear passion for storytelling that resonates from the very first page. In this Q&A, we take a closer look at the creative force behind A Discovery of Talents, exploring the inspirations, ideas, and personal experiences that helped shape such a vibrant and engaging narrative. McDonald’s writing feels both fresh and sincere, offering readers a world that’s easy to get lost in.

Open, thoughtful, and refreshingly genuine, Phoenix McDonald shares insights into the writing journey, from early sparks of inspiration to the challenges of bringing characters and concepts to life. This interview reveals not just the story behind the book, but the determination and creativity that drive the author forward, making it a must-read for curious readers and aspiring writers alike.

About The Author

Tell us more about you.

Grew up in conservative Wisconsin, moved to Portland and came out as trans at 52.

What are the three items you’d take on a deserted island?

• Kindle
• Solar power charger
• Sunblock

Who is your biggest role model?

Anne McCaffrey who is an American author known for the Dragonriders of Pern science fiction series. She was the first woman to win a Hugo Award for fiction.

What is your favourite book and who is your favourite author?

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater if I have to pick one.

Do you prefer e-books, physical books or audiobook?

I love physical books but I cannot give up my e-reader. I am slowly getting into audiobooks, but I get easily distracted.

Is writing your full-time profession or a hobby?

I’m a full time writer.

What social media platform do you like and use the most?

Links to my socials:

Your Writing Process

How do you go about starting a new novel?

When I get a new idea, I just start writing. Usually I write straight through, unless something interrupts me.

Where do you like to write?

I like to write at home at my desk.

What do you like most about writing?

I am a pantser, so I tell myself the story. I love discovering where the story goes.

What do you find stops you from writing more?

Having enough time. Trying to live life and write at the same time. I have four books in process.

What genres do you like to write and why?

YA fantasy: I add representation to my books and I think it’s important to give the young audience the chance to see themselves in books.

Horror: most of my short stories and at least of my books are very dark. I just feel drawn to horror.

Sci-fi: I’ve always been a fan of sci-fi. I’ve been a Trekkie since I was a kid.

What’s one piece of advice you’d give to aspiring writers?

Use sensitivity readers and listen to them.

Showcase Your Book!

How many books have you written and if more than one, what’s your favourite?

4! There are 3 in The Talent Continuum- A Discovery of Talents, The Crystal Island, and The Hidden Continent.  It’s a YA fantasy trilogy. EKHO: A PNW Bigfoot Story is a cryptid horror I just released last week. I love all my books so much it’s hard to choose one.  So far, my first book is my favorite, because I wrote it for my grandson and one of the characters is named after him. The characters are like family now.

How long did A Discovery of Talents take you to write?

The first draft took me three months to write. I rewrote it completely to add a character in the third draft, and it took multiple rewrites and edits until it was ready to self-publish six years later. I write them much faster now.

Lastly, what is your favourite thing about being an author?

I love creating worlds and telling stories that people enjoy, and adding diverse characters and representation.

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