About Author

McKinley Aspen

McKinley Aspen
  • Genre:

    Mystery Action & Adventure Literary Fiction Christian Fiction Science Fiction Poetry
  • Country: United States
  • Books: 2
  • Profession: Author, Speaker, Magic Maker
  • Member Since: Jul 2022
  • Profile Views: 12,086
  • Followers: 439
  • VISIT AUTHOR: Website, Instagram, Goodreads, Amazon,
BIOGRAPHY

soda pop, tea, lemonade, you name it.

So, a little about me: I am an Author.

I believe that rhinos and elephants are the best animals ever, with a quick runner-up shout-out to giraffes. If you can’t be yourself, be a rhino (or elephant or giraffe) they say!

In my opinion, the St. Louis Cardinals are the best baseball team (sorry Cubs fans).

It is true that if you are having an argument, bad luck, or just a bad day, a Portillo’s Beef with Mozz can fix almost any of those things.

I think NCAA March Madness is super fun.

I am a theatre lover, a book lover, and a dog lover.

I watch Star Wars every holiday season with my family.

I love the word shenanigans.

I do not like broccoli or cauliflower (I know, I know – cooked, mashed, baked, doesn’t matter – ick).

I’ve taken road trips across the USA multiple times. I’ve slept in a tent under the stars at the Grand Canyon. I’ve been on a glacier in Alaska.

And I do not know how to cook German potato salad, but I do know that they sell it in a can in some geographical locations so if you REALLY want some there are ways to get it.

McKinley Aspen's Books

Stay in the loop on books by McKinley Aspen. See upcoming and best-selling books by the author here. You'll also find the deals on books by McKinley Aspen.
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Book
$2.99 kindle Free with KUeBook, Paperback, Signed Paperback,
SHADOWS IN THE WIND - BOOK ONE: PRAESIDIUMby McKinley AspenPublish: Jul 07, 2022Series: SHADOWS IN THE WINDMystery Action & Adventure Literary Fiction Fantasy
$0.99 kindleeBook, Paperback,
SHADOWS IN THE WIND - BOOK TWO: COGITATIOby McKinley AspenPublish: Aug 08, 2023Series: SHADOWS IN THE WINDAction & Adventure Teen & Young Adult

McKinley Aspen's Series in Order

It's exciting to find a book series to follow! Discover the whole new world of book series created by McKinley Aspen.
** Also, there might be other book series by McKinley Aspen not listed on AllAuthor.

  • SHADOWS IN THE WIND

    1 SHADOWS IN THE WIND - BOOK ONE: PRAESIDIUM - Published on Jul, 20222 SHADOWS IN THE WIND - BOOK TWO: COGITATIO - Published on Aug, 2023

McKinley Aspen's Awards and Achievements

    McKinley Aspen has earned excellence awards over time. Here is the glimpse of the accolades clinched by the author.

  • 5 Star Review - The Book Revue
    2024

    SHADOWS IN THE WIND - BOOK ONE: PRAESIDIUM

    award
  • Wishing Shelf 5 Star Review
    2023

    SHADOWS IN THE WIND - BOOK TWO: COGITATIO

    achievement
  • International Book Awards - Inspirational Fiction
    2023

    SHADOWS IN THE WIND - BOOK ONE: PRAESIDIUM

    award
  • Readers Favorite 5 Star Review
    2023

    SHADOWS IN THE WIND - BOOK TWO: COGITATIO

    achievement
  • FIRST PLACE SCI FI / MYSTERY FALL 2023
    2023

    SHADOWS IN THE WIND - BOOK TWO: COGITATIO

    award
  • FIRST PLACE MYSTERY ACTION ADVENTURE
    2023

    SHADOWS IN THE WIND - BOOK TWO: COGITATIO

    award
  • Chrysalis BREW Excellence Awards – 1st Place Urban Fiction 2023
    2023

    SHADOWS IN THE WIND - BOOK ONE: PRAESIDIUM

    award
  • Chanticleer Awards FINALIST - Series
    2023 award
  • Literary Titan Gold Award
    2023

    SHADOWS IN THE WIND - BOOK ONE: PRAESIDIUM

    award
  • Readers Views
    2022

    SHADOWS IN THE WIND - BOOK ONE: PRAESIDIUM

    award
  • Reader’s Favorite
    2022

    SHADOWS IN THE WIND - BOOK ONE: PRAESIDIUM

    award
  • Illumination Award
    2022

    SHADOWS IN THE WIND - BOOK ONE: PRAESIDIUM

    award
  • #1 New Release Science Fiction & Fantasy
    2022

    SHADOWS IN THE WIND - BOOK ONE: PRAESIDIUM

    award
  • #1 New Release History & Criticism Fantasy
    2022

    SHADOWS IN THE WIND - BOOK ONE: PRAESIDIUM

    award

McKinley Aspen Interview On 24, Jan 2023

"Born in the midwest, McKinley Aspen grew up in a town that was originally founded by Aspen's great-grandparents. McKinley has always loved music, theatre, and books. McKinley has graduated from both the University of Chicago and Elmhurst University. McKinley enjoys exploring the world through family road trips, meals featuring Portillo’s Beef with mozz, and St. Louis Cardinals baseball."
Tell us a little bit about your childhood.

Born in the midwest - my great grandparents were original founders of the town I grew up in so my Mom and Dad knew everybody … which is good bad and can make life a little crazy sometimes!

As a child, what did traveling mean to you?

As a child traveling meant ADVENTURE - there was always something new to see, touch and even different foods to explore!

We would do family outings like the county fair and the zoo and there was always something crazy that took place and made us laugh.

One time we drove to Arkansas to celebrate my grandparents wedding anniversary, and we stopped at diners along the way.

That was the trip that my mom got rocks for her rock garden!

What did you want to become when you were a kid?

I have always loved music, theatre, and books. I dreamed of being influential in one or more of these areas.

Which novel changed your life? Was there a particular passage that sparked it?

It wasn’t a novel per se, but a small chapter book called NANTUCKET SUMMER by Phyllis Greene. That, coupled with Hardy Boys and Nancy Drew Mysteries, and a little Anne of Greene Gables thrown in the mix really stuck with me and solidified my love of reading.

Have you planned all the books in the Shadows in the Wind series?

Yes and now - I have a plan for the trilogy itself but it looks like some of the characters might go off on their own and have their own series — we will have to wait and see.

How did you come up with the title of your book, Praesidium? What is its significance?

Praesidium means protection Latin. The series is focused on protection, reflection and hope.

I like one word titles and I really enjoy using other languages when I am able to do so.

Would you let your child travel by themselves? Why or why not? If so, at what age?

I would let my child travel alone but only after age 16 just because the world is different now.

We have tried to give my son travel experiences in his life, and now as a college student he is Travelling on his own.

What did you enjoy more - the glacier in Alaska or sleeping in a tent under the stars at the Grand Canyon?

I enjoyed them all for different reasons. The glacier in Alaska is literally the top of the world and feels like no place else.

The air is different and the sun is different. The snow is solid but it’s not cold. The Grand Canyon is something that You need to experience through hiking and camping. There is no way to describe the feeling of looking up to a zillion Stars in the night sky and the sounds that accompany that experience.

What cities or towns are worth a stop on a cross-country road trip in the US?

Cities or Towns — wow there are a ton I would recommend but I must say some of the most fun have been:


The Watermelon - Dilley, Texas
George Harrison on I57 - Benton, Illinois
The world’s largest Peanut - pearsall, Texas
The recycled road runner - las cruces, new mexico
Giant chili pepper - las cruces, new mexico
The Big Rooster in Fabens, Texas
Buccee’s (if you have been there then you know what I mean)
Oak Park Illinois
The Arch - St. Louis, Missouri
The sea lions - LaJolla, California
The town - Minoqua, Wisconsin
Chattanooga, Tennessee - Sugar’s Ribs
Dixie Crossroads - Titusville, Florida
Any national park
San Francisco - Lombard Street (its just plain fun) and the Cityview restaurant on Commercial for Dim Sum,
Fior d’Italia on Mason Street and anyplace that you can get Sand Dabs
Chicago - Connie’s Pizza in Bridgeport (Archer Avenue), Portillo’s (yum)
New York - The Donut Pub on 14th (Croissant Donuts), Chow House on MacDougal, Beauty & Essex Tomato Soup & Grilled Cheese Dumplings,
(And a shout out to the old and now closed Peanut Butter & Co. on Sullivan)

When did you first hear the word "shenanigans”?

When I was a chid my family used it to describe when kids would be out and about

Which “Star Wars” character is your favorite? Why?

I love R2D2 and C3P0 but for different reasons

Have you ever watched the St. Louis Cardinals play live?

Yes a zillion times - and I would watch them every day if I could.

Which are the best seats to take when you go to the theatre, and why?

I prefer the mezzanine or loge front row - this way you are perched above the main floor And it kind of gives this completely open view to the entire stage.

What are your plans for the future as a writer? Are you working on anything new?

I am working on a few new things including a spy series

Lastly, what are your thoughts and opinions on AllAuthor and its services?

I love AllAuthor. It brings together people from around the world and it really highlights An abundance of genres. I love the value it brings to an author and how it helps an author Really connect and build a support group globally.

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