Local Author Releasing New Book In September

"Court of Ivory Feathers" written by Sidney author, Mackenzie Hill. This is her first novel to be released on Sept. 7 on Barnes & Noble and Amazon.

Mackenzie was living in a domestic violence situation when she moved to Sidney, from Arizona, because a family member who was already living here thought it would be a "fantastic move".

Unfortunately, due to Mackenzie having two disabling health conditions (seizures and a heart condition that causes fainting) it was not a successful move. Not only did Mackenzie not get the quality of healthcare she needed, drama in her family caused her to be admitted in the hospital for mental health issues.

Hill's family was soon to basically abandon her. Thanks to a couple really good friends, (What more do you need?) she was able to furnish her apartment and get enough food to live more comfortably.

Mackenzie has always been an avid book reader, and she reconnected with her love of books during the days of her struggle. Because she couldn't afford the internet, she turned back to books. A Sarah Maas book, "A Court of Thorn and Roses" changed her life. She was able to relate to just how a couple of the characters were feeling.

She connected with fellow readers on Booktok on TikTok, which is a book discussion forum and reading group. She actually contributes her being alive today to her friends on TikTok. When she was at her lowest in October 2023, they called the police department to do a welfare check.

 Mackenzie is thankful to Officer Brett Norby, and the Sidney Police Department for getting her to the hospital when she was at her rock bottom. After this event, Mackenzie started to write her own book called "Court of Ivory Feathers". "The book foreshadows what I went through in my life. It was very healing for me to write, and I hope it can reach others," said Hill about her project.

Hill, who lost her father in August 2020, never forgets the saying her father taught her, "Never stop chasing your dreams, no matter what people tell you." This mantra persuaded her to do just that. Her over 600-page book was self-published through Barnes & Noble and Amazon. "Since I have stage 4 endometriosis, 15% of the profit on every book sale will be donated to the endometriosis association.

For more information before the Sept. 7 release date, check out her website at www.dragonmadambooks.com.

"If people wish to stay in the loop for the book information, I'll be posting everything on my Facebook which people can find on my website where they can also sign up for email, newsletters, and get some behind the scenes looks into the world of being an author." said Hill.