Author Q&A: Mackenzie Ryan Walters

Today we're interviewing Mackenzie Ryan Walters, who writes authorship reference, Christian personal growth, and Christian inspirational books.

Walters is a national award-winning journalist, book ghostwriter, and owner of StoryStruck Marketing, where she offers book outlining workshops for nonfiction and memoir authors as well as full-service ghostwriting services.

She lives in West Des Moines, Iowa, with her husband. Andy, their two boys, and their dog, Maddie.

SADYE: How did you come to see yourself as a writer, and what inspired you to seek publication?

MACKENZIE: I became a newspaper reporter because I was curious, especially about “everyday” people. I’d much rather write about a neighbor than a celebrity. 

I also love researching. “There’s a shiny fact,” I heard a British historical writer say one time, and I felt the same way. I’m solidly a nonfiction writer, but if I ever wrote fiction, it would be historical fiction. I just love the research.  

A newspaper editor once told me that journalists are either natural reporters or natural writers, and rarely both. Each must work at the other side, at balancing out their strengths. That came as a relief.

I’ve learned to accept the challenges of writing as part of my process, which relies on my strengths of reporting and research. One of my favorite authors, John McPhee, was of similar mind, so at least I’m in good company.  

SADYE: What has been the most touching or memorable piece of reader feedback you’ve received?

MACKENZIE: A woman recently contacted me because they’re getting a “lot of use” out of my book. Her pastor loves that “it makes clear that a testimony isn't meant to preach or teach. A testimony tells the story God is writing in your life.” 

Their church uses my book as a guide for their members to follow before sharing their testimonies during service. They also publish a church magazine and are asking people to read it before writing their story for publication. It was rewarding to hear.  

SADYE: What message or theme would you like readers to take away from your work?

MACKENZIE: Your story is a gift. Taking the time to write, craft, and share your faith story is a blessing for others — it may help people in ways you could never imagine and may not see this side of heaven. 

I wrote Faith Storytellers after teaching a class at my church that guided people through a step-by-step process to crafting their faith story. 

There’s a lot of unhelpful ways to share your faith with others, and I can see why people are turned off by some people’s approach to evangelism. 

Hopefully, my approach is softer — craft your story ahead of time, share it with people who are receptive, and avoid telling people what to do or believe. 

They key is allowing them the emotional distance to come to belief on their own. By keeping your story in first person, you’ll get more people to “lean in” to your story and get curious about it, instead of “lean away” and tune out. 



SADYE: What advice, as relates to your writing career, would you give your younger self?

MACKENZIE: Find great editors and listen carefully. Talk with readers and consider what they’re saying. Report on the writing process by asking questions, reading books on writing, finding authors you admire and listening to their YouTube speeches or podcast interviews. 

You’ll run into a few arrogant jerks along the way and their ego will get under your skin. Shake it off. They’re not worth your time. 

There is plenty of room for writers in this world and a need for honest reporters. Even if you don’t stay in journalism forever (which you won’t), you’ll be thankful for the skills, friendships, and experiences you gained. It will help you become more of who you already are. 

SADYE: What experience in your past or general aspect of your life has most affected your writing?  

MACKENZIE: I started my career as a newspaper reporter the same year Facebook launched, two years before anyone could sign up for an account. Those first two years kept me focused on reporting and writing. 

I didn’t tweet; I didn’t shoot video or take photos. I reported and wrote a story for the next day, and the next day, and for the weekend. 

In a strange way, it was a protection again the unrelenting pressure to build a following now placed on journalists, authors, and other writers. I focused on improving my reporting and writing, not building a “brand.”

I also worked for five-star editors at the St. Cloud Times, the “mighty little paper on the prairie,” those first few years. The paper routinely punched above its weight, and the editors saw themselves as mentors for young, developing reporters. I went to a newsroom reunion recently and was able to thank a few editors who were instrumental to my development.  

Studying in Dublin, Ireland, during college also shaped my writing perspective. When I got a 70 on the first essay I handed in, I was concerned. I thought I had done a decent job. 

When I spoke with the professor, he said: “You Americans. You think you can write a perfect essay. There is no such thing as perfect writing. You did well. Your 70 isn’t a C, it’s an A.” That stayed with me.   

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Learn more about Mackenzie Ryan Walters on her website, where her books can also be purchased; like her page on Facebook; and follow her on Instagram.

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