Interview with Neil Cullen McKinlay – Author of From Mason to Minister: Through the Lattice

Neil Born to Scottish parents Neil came into the world in 1956 on the northern shore of Lake Ontario. When Neil was three his mother and father took the “high road” to the southern bank of Loch Lomond, Scotland where he grew up. With Scottish accent well-rehearsed he moved back to Canada just before his twenty-first birthday. Sick of shoveling snow he then migrated to sunny Australia some thirteen years later. Neil is married and has three married daughters. He is a Presbyterian minister and a part time Army Chaplain. Visit his “Snow On the Ben” website: http://web.mac.com/macfhionn/Site/HOME.html

His Blog is “Snow Off the Ben”: http://snowofftheben.blogspot.com/

Thank you for this interview, Neil.  Do you remember writing stories as a child or did the writing bug come later?  Do you remember your first published piece?

A: Growing up in rainy Scotland meant many boring days indoors. My mother would always encourage me to “write a wee story son” or “do a wee painting” to keep me occupied. I preferred writing to painting. I would mostly write song lyrics and managed to learn a few guitar chords when in my twenties. In my thirties I trained as a Presbyterian minister and had to churn out two sermons every week for years. About ten years ago after a church service I was approached by an editor who asked me if I would like to contribute an inspirational theological piece each month to his monthly writer’s magazine. Having my work published each month and displayed to writers really helped me hone my writing skills! The magazine is FreeXpresSion. See: http://www.freexpression.com.au/

What do you consider as the most frustrating side of becoming a published author and what has been the most rewarding?

A: It is very frustrating when you discover that few publishers accept unsolicited material. Then you learn that the amount of competition for publication is horrendous. Of course, rather than let them be a discouragement, these two factors ought to serve to drive you to do your utmost best as a writer. No one rewards mediocrity! Therefore the most rewarding part of becoming published is the knowledge that all your hard work has not done in vain.

Are you married or single and how do you combine the writing life with home life?  Do you have support?

A: I’m a happily married man and have been for the last thirty years. My beautiful wife Dorothy encourages me to write. She understands that those times when I seem distant means that I’m merely deep in thought about some writing project I’m working on. She has a full time job and I work for three days a week with the Army. Therefore the days that I am home I am home alone with Bella (our West Highland Terrier).

What do you like to do for fun when you’re not writing?  Where do you like to vacation?  Can you tell us briefly about this?

A: I used to keep homing pigeons, but our new home is not conducive toward this. So now I keep some sub-tropical fish in an aquarium. I play soccer in an Army team and know that my days are numbered (I’m now in my mid-fifties and it’s getting harder to out maneuver twenty year olds on the soccer pitch!) I love reading. When it comes to vacationing we usually make an hour’s trip up to the Sunshine Coast here in Queensland. Also, the occasional trip back to Scotland to see family is enjoyed.

If you could be anywhere in the world for one hour right now, where would that place be and why?

A: The Alamo in Texas springs to mind. I’ve watched the John Wayne movie version almost annually for many years now. I find the whole idea of fighting for freedom and liberty so humbly moving. Bannockburn, Scotland also springs to mind. There is something very inspirational about the thought of men laying down their lives in the cause of freedom. One only has to consider deeply Christ and Him crucified to know what I’m driving at.

From Mason to Minister Who is your biggest fan?

A: I suppose this depends on what I am writing at the time! I write in different genres. I would have to say that my biggest fan is sometimes my wife, sometimes her sister, sometimes one of my daughters, and sometimes friends.

Where’s your favorite place to write at home?

A: I suppose the computer room, but I do enjoy spending time outdoors with my laptop. I once remarked to someone that I wished someone would invent a laptop that I could use in my outdoor spa-bath. The person replied that instead I needed to learn how to relax!

Do you have any pets?

A: Our white West Highland Terrier is great company. She just wants to be wherever we are, even with us anytime we are in the outdoor spa! We always had a dog when I was growing up, but never one as cute as our present pet, Bella!

Tell us a secret no one else knows.

A: If I did it would no longer be secret! But I wish my secret was that I dye my hair grey!

What’s on your to do list today?

A: Today? Reply to my emails. Write a reasoned reply to my old theological professor about a theological issue we’re discussing. Write a speech for my daughter’s wedding in two days. Write a piece for the FreeXpresSion magazine due in three days. Get started on answering all my interview questions. I think I do need to learn to relax!

Now I’ve got a couple of fun questions for you.  If Tom Hanks, in the movie Cast Away, unearthed a copy of your book, how would that help him find a way off the island?

A: He could use it as a paddle? He could read the chapter entitled “By Road & By Sea”. He could burn it as a signal to passing ships! (Scrub that last one!) Or perhaps he could just read it and allow it to transport him (and Wilson) somewhere else!

You just got word that your book has received the 2010 NY Times Bestselling Book Award and you have to attend the ceremony to give an acceptance speech.  Anyone who’s anyone will be there and it’s your shot for stardom.  What would you say and who would you thank?

A: As clichéd as it might be, I would need first to thank Jesus. I would start by saying, “If it wasn’t for Jesus I wouldn’t be standing here tonight. He is the reason I was able to write this book. As I journeyed from becoming a Mason to becoming a Minister I was catching glimpses of Him as He was watching me thorough the lattice. I hope as you read my book that you too have glimpsed Him through the lattice. And I hope that like me you will embrace and engage Jesus with your whole being.”

I understand that you are touring with Pump Up Your Book Promotion in June via a virtual book tour.  Can you tell us all why you chose a virtual book tour to promote your book online?

A: First, there is the tyranny of distance. I am living in Australia and it is impractical for me to physically tour all the countries reached by a virtual book tour. Therefore the scope of a potential audience is far greater than anything that could be mustered along any “sawdust trail”. People are more likely to attend your book tour by a mere click of a button on a computer than taking the trouble to put on their hat and coat and driving to a destination.

Thank you for this interview, Neil. Good luck on your virtual book tour!

A: No, it is I who ought to thank you!


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