Today I’m welcoming MK McClintock, author of Gallagher’s Choice. MK is offering some great giveaways – so please see below for details!

All about MK. . .

MK McClintock published her first novel, Gallagher’s Pride, in July 2012, and followed one month later with the release of her second book in the same series, Gallagher’s Hope. Her third novel, Alaina Claiborne, was published in January 2013. Gallagher’s Choice, the third book in her Gallagher Series, is now available.

McClintock is a member of Romance Writers of America, Montana Romance Writers, and Women Writing the West. She lives and writes in Montana.

1. How did your life as a writer begin?

It was a cold and dark winter day . . . or in other words, I have no idea. Honestly, I can’t pinpoint the exact moment I began writing, or even the precise moment I decided that I wanted to publish a book. I believe the idea was always somewhere in mind, but the challenge was to take that idea and make it happen. However, the moment I became a writer was when I realized I had no clue what I was doing, began working with an editor, and finally realized that the dream was possible, and in fact was becoming a reality. I still have a day job, although working from home certainly makes writing easier, but at the end of the day, writing is still a job, albeit a fun one.

2. Tell us about your writing process. Do you outline, or are you more of a seat of your pants type of a writer?

I used to just sit down and write; at least that’s how I began my first two books. I’d write when the mood struck, which meant that I was writing my first book over the course of a few years. I’m now definitely a plotter. I like to have an outline, but I never let that outline force the story if something doesn’t feel right.

For instance, in Gallagher’s Choice, I had a specific idea of how the book would play out, but toward the end I realized that my original idea wasn’t going to work, so I had to make a drastic change. I like remaining flexible and allowing the story to follow its own path, but an outline keeps me from going too far into the land of “this makes absolutely no sense.”

3. What is the highest goal that you desire to meet as an author? 

I don’t have a set “high goal.” I know I want to learn as much as I can, enjoy myself, and work hard so each year my books are better than the year before. I didn’t go into this with dreams of being a NYT or USA Today Bestselling Author—that would be awesome, and it’s definitely something worth achieving, but it’s not what I wake up thinking about. I want to be challenged, and because I’m still a fairly new author, I have the opportunity to try different things.

4. What is the best piece of advice you would give to someone that wants to get into writing?

Know what you’re getting into, and do it right! When I first started, my ignorance about the industry could fill Flathead Lake. I learn well by doing, but I wish I would have been more prepared. Be certain you’re willing to devote the time and mental energy necessary, and absolutely make certain you have a good editor.

5. How do you spend your free time? Do you have a favorite place to go and unwind?

I live in Northern Montana, which means I have an outdoor playground at my disposal, and I make good use of it. I don’t like the heat, so during the summer I unwind before the day begins when it’s still cool outside in the morning—usually walking or gardening. During the winter, I spend a lot of time in Jewel Basin, a local hiking spot with great walking trails, snowshoeing with the dogs. I love to sit by the fire and read during the winter, and when it’s too hot for me in the summer, I sit in the living room with AC blasting, and knit scarves while dreaming of winter. 🙂

6. Can you share with us something off your bucket list?

I have so many things on that list, and it seems like every time I check one off, another gets added. I’ve done so much the past ten years that right now I’ll admit I’m a little tired and enjoying a break, but at the top of the list is to return to Scotland, which I’m working on. I guess that makes it a redo from my bucket list, but I love Scotland and if I had to give up everything else on that list just to return when I could, I would gladly make that choice.

7. What do you have in store next for your readers? 

I’m working on a stand-alone Gallagher book and the second book in my British Agent series. I don’t normally work on two books at once, but I thought I’d try something new.

Gallagher’s Choice

He finally had a family to call his own.

She now knew what it meant to risk it all.

Together they had a chance to find peace at last.

Eliza Gallagher is tough, resilient, and rides a horse like she was born in the saddle. All necessary qualities for someone who runs a cattle ranch. She had more to avenge than any of them and she was counting on those skills to finally find the justice they all sought—until she realized it could cost her everything and everyone she loved.

Ramsey Hunter finally knew what it was to have a family and what it took to keep that family together. He knew coming back wouldn’t be easy, but he never imagined what he would have to risk to keep it.

Eliza got him home; now Ramsey has to do whatever it takes to save her life and help bring peace to Hawk’s Peak.

Print | Kindle | Nook | AllRomance

***GIVEAWAYS***
This giveaway will span a few blog visits between now and September 5th. The randomly drawn winners will be selected on Sept 6th, and announced at MK’s blog.

Leave a comment for a chance to win any one of the following prizes:

• $10 Amazon Gift Card (international)
• Gallagher Series “Boxed” Set (e-book for Int. Print available for US)
• Gift Trio: 2 horse picture frames and etched mountain scene/leaf coasters. (US addresses only)
  

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