McKay's Journey Through Literature and Broadcast Media
Following the completion of her graduate degree, McKay relocated to Chicago. During this period, she balanced a full-time career as a music teacher with a growing passion for writing, which she pursued during her leisure time.
Transition to Professional Writing and Radio
In 2000, McKay made the pivotal decision to commit herself to writing as a full-time profession. This transition led her into the world of broadcast journalism, where she began writing and producing documentaries for CBC Radio, Canada's national public broadcaster.
Her journalistic contributions have been featured across several prominent programs, including Maritime Magazine, Outfront, This Morning, and The Sunday Edition. Her commitment to high-quality storytelling was recognized in 2003 when her documentary, Daughter of Family G, earned an Excellence in Journalism Medallion at the Atlantic Journalism Awards.
Beyond her radio work, McKay's literary talent was acknowledged by the Writers' Union of Canada, where she was a finalist in the Short Prose Competition. She also received financial support through a grant from the Nova Scotia Department of Tourism, Culture and Heritage.
Success in Novel Writing and Stage Production
McKay expanded her reach into long-form fiction with the publication of her first novel, The Birth House, in 2006. The book achieved significant commercial success, reaching the top position on Canadian bestseller lists. She followed this achievement with her second novel, The Virgin Cure, published in 2012.
In addition to her novels, McKay ventured into playwriting. Her first stage script, Jerome: The Historical Spectacle, was commissioned by the Two Planks and a Passion Theatre Company. The play was directed by Ken Schwartz and staged at The Ross Creek Centre for the Arts in August 2008.
Television Adaptation and Legacy
The enduring appeal of McKay's work continues to attract interest from the screen. In 2019, it was announced that The Birth House had been acquired for television adaptation by Omnifilm Entertainment Ltd., in collaboration with Kerri MacDonald and Sherry White.
Key Facts
- First Novel: The Birth House (2006), a Canadian bestseller.
- Second Novel: The Virgin Cure (2012).
- Journalism Award: Excellence in Journalism Medallion (2003) for Daughter of Family G.
- Radio Work: Produced documentaries for CBC Radio.
- Stage Work: Wrote Jerome: The Historical Spectacle (2008).
- TV Adaptation: The Birth House purchased by Omnifilm Entertainment Ltd. in 2019.
| Year | Achievement/Work | Category |
|---|---|---|
| 2000 | Full-time writing and CBC Radio documentaries | Journalism |
| 2003 | Excellence in Journalism Medallion | Award |
| 2006 | The Birth House | Novel |
| 2008 | Jerome: The Historical Spectacle | Stage Play |
| 2012 | The Virgin Cure | Novel |
| 2019 | TV adaptation of The Birth House | Television |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which of McKay's novels became a bestseller?
Her first novel, The Birth House, published in 2006, reached the top spot on Canadian bestseller lists.
What award did McKay win for her radio work?
She won an Excellence in Journalism Medallion at the 2003 Atlantic Journalism Awards for her documentary Daughter of Family G.
Has any of McKay's work been adapted for television?
Yes, in 2019, it was announced that The Birth House was purchased for television adaptation by Omnifilm Entertainment Ltd., Sherry White, and Kerri MacDonald.
What was McKay's first contribution to the theater?
Her first stage script was Jerome: The Historical Spectacle, which was staged at The Ross Creek Centre for the Arts in 2008.
Which CBC Radio programs featured her work?
Her work aired on Maritime Magazine, Outfront, This Morning, and The Sunday Edition.