M.K. Collings of South Suburbs on Life, Lessons & Legacy

We’re looking forward to introducing you to M.K. Collings. Check out our conversation below.

M.K., it’s always a pleasure to learn from you and your journey. Let’s start with a bit of a warmup: Have you ever been glad you didn’t act fast?
When I wrote my first story, my biggest goal was to take my time. As excited as I was over sharing my words with the world, if I was going to do this, I was doing it right. I’ve seen and heard of authors rushing to release their stories and ending up with multiple regrets.
I took my time building my business, creating connections, gaining followers, and ensuring my story was the very best I can give. To this day, taking my time and being 110% satisfied with my products before release is something I’ll always live by.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I write Paranormal Romance designed by Destiny, Fate, and Karma. Readers will step into a world much like our own, where magic and mythical creatures exist only in fantasy stories. Or so the characters think. They quickly find out they aren’t stories told around a bonfire, they are warnings passed down through generations.

My stories play out like a movie, with romance growing organically as each couple’s love story is woven through an exciting, compelling plot.

Thanks for sharing that. Would love to go back in time and hear about how your past might have impacted who you are today. What relationship most shaped how you see yourself?
My mother is the guiding force who shaped how I see myself and the world around me. She taught me that everything that happens in life leads us to where we are supposed to be and to who we are meant to be with. And that each path I take will mold me into who I am. She was right.
This journey I’m on is exactly where I belong. My mom always had the answers. Even when she wasn’t sure of her own life or the path ahead, she wholeheartedly knew that God will provide the way.

If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
Don’t let anyone tell you that you don’t have what it takes to follow your dreams. When others say you shouldn’t try because you’ll fail, you show them they’re wrong. You can create your happily-ever-after. The monster doesn’t win in the end, the hero does. YOU win.
Push for your dreams, and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. Even if those dreams aren’t meant to be, follow your heart and ignore those who want to destroy you, those who are jealous of who you will one day become.

Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Is the public version of you the real you?
You bet it is. The only thing I keep from the public is how socially awkward I am. Oh, who am I kidding, I don’t even hide that. I’m an introvert, so being in public and talking about my work is a huge challenge for me. Who I am and how I interact with others is as true as ever. I absolutely love to meet others just as awkward as I am since we are kin.

If you see me in public, come say ‘hello’ and we can be awkward together as we discuss books, fantasy, or whatever else you’d like.

Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. When do you feel most at peace?
I’m the most at peace when I’m writing. When I’m completely zoned in and writing a story when I have no idea where it’s headed. The images flash in my head like I’m living in the scene, and I document it as it plays out. The words flow and my heart feels whole. A mix of tranquility and becoming satiated.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://mkcollings.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/authormkcollings/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorMKCollings/
• Other: https://linktr.ee/AuthorMKCollings

Image Credits
Photo shoot done by Amanda Hays at MTM Media