Rory B. Mackay's Blog

It’s been a long Winter. Not just outwardly, in terms of cold temperatures, grey skies, wind, rain and occasional snow, but also inwardly too. I’ve felt myself stuck in a kind of inner Winter; physically, emotionally, creatively and professionally. Aside for commissioned work, I’ve struggled to write a single sentence. My third novel, which I initially had hoped might be completed and published this year, has stalled in the initial chapters. My two blogs have been frozen, with no new content...

I dreamed of being a writer from almost the time I was old enough to pick up a book. As a child, my head was always brimming with stories, adventures, far off lands and an assortment of characters that were almost like invisible friends to me. I would spend hours in the garden playing by myself, letting these stories unfold as I roamedabout, engaged in mortal combat with fearsome enemies and endeavouring to save the universe as we know it! I still think there’s nothing in the universe quite...

This article was originally written for The Visionary Fiction Allianceand posted on their website in two parts. It’s one of the most important and, for me, most cathartic pieces I’ve ever written. It helped clarify why I’ve always wanted to write, why I’m passionate about the power of storytelling, and why I will probably still be churning out words when I’m 90! I hope you find it interesting!

It’s estimated that nearly 130 million books have been published in mode...

This is the finalchapter in anextended previewofThe Key of Alanar!If you haven’t already done so, be sure to check outthePrologue,Chapter One,Chapter Two and Chapter Three. Set ten years after the events of the openingchapters, this opens with a disturbing vision and sets up the core events of the book. It’s David’s nineteenth birthday anda gift is about to forever change his life–and the fate of an entire world…

Chapter Four
THE GIFT

Year of Alejan, 15,009

David knew he was in mortal danger...

The preview ofThe Key of Alanar continues! If you haven’t already done so, be sure to readthe Prologue, Chapter One and Chapter Two first. Following some life shattering revelations and a failed attempt to flee the island, David must now deal with the repercussions of that fateful day–and his own actions.

Chapter Three
AFTERMATH

Just as the storm clouds dissipated, things outwardly appeared to settle down in the wake of that traumatic day. But the shockwaves continued to reverberate and in...

The preview of ‘The Key of Alanar’ continues.In case you missed them, you can still read the Prologue and Chapter One. Picking up where the first chapter left off, young David had decided to flee the island that has been his home as far back as he can remember, in search of his true home and true family. Storm clouds are gathering, however…

Chapter Two
THE STORM

Had he not been blinded by the impetuousness of youth and the emotional turmoil that clouded his judgement, David would have known...

If you missed The Key of Alanar‘sdarklydramaticPrologue, you can still find it here! This, the first chapter of the book, is set 10,000 years after theapocalyptic events of the Prologue and the fall of Lasandria. Set in a completely different time and place, the story shifts gears aswe meet David, the book’s central protagonist, on a day that will change his life forevermore.

If you are eager to read more, The Key of Alanar is now available to buy on Amazon and multiple retailers in both pape...

I’m delighted to sharethe Prologue of my novel ‘The Key of Alanar’! You can download it as a PDF filehere.In addition, overthe next few days I’ll be sharing the first FOUR chapters of the book. Don’t miss it. If you can’t wait and are eager to read more,the book is now officially published. You’ll find it on Amazon and multiple retailers. Visit the official launch page for buy links, background information and much more.

THE KEY OF ALANAR

Prologue

The End

Year of Atania, 4999

It took only se...

Hi everyone! It may be Monday morning (ugh!) but it’s also 14th September, a day I’ve been looking forward to for some time now!I’m delighted to announce thatThe Key of Alanaris now available online from multiple stores in both ebook and paperback format. You can also order it through your local bookshop or library,too!

My website has been updated with full details about the book, including information on the characters and setting. You can also order a SIGNED COPY directly from me. All you...

Nothing beats the power of a good question. Questions make us think, reflect and explore things in different ways. I’m all for questions, and I always endeavour to give good answers! So here I am taking part in a challenge I saw online several months back, in which an author answers four simple questions. Well, I’m an author, and without any further ado, here are the questions…

When did you begin writing?

I’ve been writing since childhood. Creativity was an innate and essential part of my na...