We recently connected with Vincent McDonald and have shared our conversation below.
Vincent, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
I found my purpose in the activity I did with enthusiasm and effortlessly. I found I would resort to my purpose whenever I was feeling stressed or needed to free myself from any other thoughts because my purpose would occupy my mind. When I was a child I started writing short stories. I fell in love with words when the library teacher would read the children’s book stories that rhymed. As a boy, I was amazed at how words could be put in such as way to truly entertain and get a message across. The ability to effectively communicate ideas in such an impressionable way seemed like an ultimate goal. The first author I remember reading was Dr. Sues. He wrote a series of children’s books that rhymed. I discovered that he did not possess that writing ability alone. Other writers demonstrated the ability to make words rhyme and communicate a message. That meant that I could do it too. At that young age, I believed I could join the ranks of all the writers with this skill.
I grew older and my life experiences expanded my view of the world. I wanted to communicate better and better through the written word. I began to write music and perform my compositions. I had more life experience to draw from. I could make connections using analogies and metaphors. My wordplay sparked reactions from my listeners. Their positive responses helped to encourage me. I dedicated more time to getting better at writing to communicate with people.
My purpose was to be an effective communicator. I was to be a writer.
My purpose is to communicate a message, whatever that message may be when I have one. My purpose for writing is also to help other people articulate their message. My purpose is to let everyone be heard and empower their voices. I provide the developed ability to communicate what someone else may not be able to do as well.
Great, so let’s take a few minutes and cover your story. What should folks know about you and what you do?
My company, Vince McDonald Media, LLC. was established in December 2023. The company itself was created in response to the change in the landscape for writers. A writer’s career is no longer in the hands of the 4 main media giants and large publishing houses. I started my publishing company to control the narrative. I wanted the stories told about people of color to be written by people of color without any withstanding of prejudice and racist notions inherent in a lot of today’s media. I would not have to sell out or cater to anyone who wanted to perpetuate stereotypes in our communities or magnify the worst in our neighborhoods- as if the minority represents the majority. Self-published authors and small publishing companies are thriving. The keys to an author’s success are great content and a platform. What makes a great publisher is the ability to identify a great story and an audience to market to. My audience wants to read, watch, and hear new stories in new ways. People of color see themselves in characters from astronauts to farmers, sports players to CEOs, villains, and superheroes. Now any author could experience any level of success in comparison to the authors signed to the larger publishing houses. Their level of success depends on the ability to reach a larger market and be cost-effective. As the writer and publisher, I have the control I need to advertise and market my material at any length, control the images and merchandise distribution, and be rewarded for my work.
I have two new book releases coming out under my imprint both are due for release May 13, 2024:
I have a children’s book entitled ;
“Call Me a Lady” : Books by Journey series
and an
urban fantasy novel entitled:
“Sleep is for the Weary” by Macc G.
Vince McDonald Media, LLC owns the rights to an extensive catalog. I have a lot of manuscripts on my desk waiting to be worked on. They will be released in the coming months and years to come. Look out for the financial literacy series as well. We are going to be busy.
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
The qualities, skills, and areas of knowledge that have been the most impactful in my journey are my ability to focus, business management diploma, and paralegal certifications. I say focus has been an impactful quality because it allowed me to commit and complete action items on my list of to dos. When I focus I can eliminate all the things that are not in the scope of my work or goal. You need to be able to focus as a writer to eliminate the distractions to accomplish your work .
I completed a diploma program for Businessmanagement. I needed to have a structured understanding of business management in regards to the establishment and development of a business. The diploma gave me the confidence to get into the publishing business. Having a fundamental understanding of business allowed me to be effective in business. I can identify how to can take an idea, develope the concept and have a profitable business.
My paralegal training and background developed my research skills. My ability to effectively research comes from my understanding of how to use research tools; primary and secondary research sources, and forming articulatable conclusions.. My ability to effectively research, organize my notes and form a conclusion to make decision makes me more effective as a leader.
These qualities, skills and knowledge areas in paralegal studies, businessmanagement, and focus are not valuable to any specif any industry or business idea. They are transferable skills that when obtained will help anyone be successful.
How can folks who want to work with you connect?
I am looking to collaborate with writers with great stories and partner with small publishing houses to form a consortium. In both cases we would have a common goal to control the narrative and support larger projects. I want to support the diversity, equity and inclusion initiative that underlines our mission.The ability to convey ideas and communicate a message through the art of storytelling is timeless. People want to be inspired and entertained. I am looking for the creative talent that can write and knows how to express themselves in print, tv and film to contact me check out VinceMcdonaldmedia.com or email me at vincemcdonald [email protected]
Contact Info:
- Website: vincemcdonaldmedia.com
- Instagram: vince_mcdonald_publishing
- Facebook: Vincent McDonald
- Linkedin: Vincent McDonald
Image Credits
Devin Boothe Eugeline Leger Vincent McDonald
