Who are you and what do you do?
I’m Kate MacKenzie and I’ve had a few job titles at Christian Focus. For a number of years, I worked in the editorial department and am currently working in marketing.
What is your favourite thing about what you do?
It’ll have to be two favourite things as I’ve been in two areas of the publishing world now. When I worked in editing, I took great satisfaction working with authors on their book ideas and projects and helping them see it to the finished product. In marketing, though I’m not so directly involved with specific books, I get to help take the finished product to the next step: getting the word out about it and making it accessible. I’ve enjoyed exploring more of my creative side in thinking of ways to get books out to people worldwide.
What is one thing about you that other people think is unusual?
The answer probably depends on who you ask. I’m American, so I just excuse away any quirks as not being a native to Scotland. One thing people don’t seem to ‘get’ is the fact that I really don’t care for cinnamon.
What are your three favourite CFP books?
This is tough. If I’m allowed 4, they would be:
Enough– Helen Roseveare
The Envy of Eve – Melissa Kruger
Idols of a Mother’s Heart– Christina Fox
Equipping for Life– Andreas and Marny Kostenberger
Do you have any interesting tales to tell about your time at CFP?
One fun story had to do more with the travel side of things. On my way back from a work trip in the US, my initial flight was delayed so greatly that I barely made my connecting flight in Chicago O’Hare. I was sprinting through the airport (think Home Alone film). When I made my way to the gate for the Chicago – London flight, my seat had been given to someone else, but they managed to find me another seat… in FIRST CLASS! It was the best possible time to be travelling first class on a plane. I have never slept so well on a flight (and probably never will again!).
Is there something you wish people would stop asking you?
I can’t think of anything particularly annoying. I suppose it is tiring for folk to still ask ‘Are you settling in well in the Highlands of Scotland?’ after I’ve been here several years.
What is your favourite verse?
‘For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.’– 2 Corinthians 4:18–19
What was the last book you read for fun?
I have 3 wee children, so I am struggling to find the mental and physical energy for leisure reading in this season. I seem to have a few books I’m trying to read simultaneously. I’m still reading The Book Thief (in French) by Markus Zusak, Parenting by Paul David Tripp, and Equipping for Life by Andreas and Marny Kostenberger, for example.
What is the best thing about working in the Highlands of Scotland?
Being an American, I have found the scenery and landscape captivating. So much of what is nearby is relatively untouched from centuries ago. When you look out of the office windows to the North, those same views of hills, sea and firths were there 200, 300+ years ago… far older than my home country. There is also a great emphasis on community in these parts. In general, the people are genuine and warm. When folk ask how you are, they are looking for a sincere answer. The people in the Highlands are also, in general, a hospitable bunch. People open their homes to one another to spend time together.
Is there anything we should know about you that hasn’t already been asked
I’m a glossophile – I love languages. I’m not proficient in several languages, but if money and time were no object, I’d probably try to become fluent in as many languages as I could. One semester in university, I had an 8am German (beginner level) class, 9am Spanish class (intermediate level) and then a 10am French (advanced) class. My brain was exhausted by lunch, but I loved it!