Interview with western romance author MK McClintock

Here to chat about writing and particularly her debut novel Gallagher's Pride, is western historical romance author MK McClintock.

She's giving away some copies of her novel to lucky commentors. Details are at the end of the interview.

Bio:
MK was born on the west coast, but after less than eight years she left with her family to the Rocky Mountains. After more adventures around the country, business college, and culinary school, MK found a place to call home in Montana.

"I've always loved books and spent more hours reading through school than any other activity. I wrote stories when I was younger and even tried my hand at a novel. It wasn't very good and I shelved the idea for years." She pulled the ideas off the shelf and began working on her first novel, Gallagher's Pride, the first in an historical series about a ranching family in Montana.

Over the years, MK traveled the country and visited magnificent Scotland. She dreams of a time when life was simpler, the land rougher and the journey more rewarding. With her heart deeply rooted in the past and her mind always on adventure, MK still calls Montana home.

Welcome, MK. Please tell us about your debut release.
Gallagher’s Pride is an historical western romance set in 19th century Montana Territory about a woman who has some drastic changes in her life and journeys to Montana, following a trail to search out secrets and family. She’s taken in by the Gallagher family and most especially our hero, Ethan Gallagher. Without giving anything away, there is of course the romance, but a bit of adventure and a voyage to Scotland.

What inspired you to write this book?
I was inspired to write what I wanted to read! Living in Montana certainly helped with the idea, but mostly I enjoy reading historical western romances that are clean which are difficult to find. I also wanted adventure and to combine my love of Montana and Scotland into one book.

What exciting story are you working on next?
Currently I’m working on the next Gallagher book, Gallagher’s Choice, where we have the story of Ethan’s brother, Gabriel and a woman from New Orleans. More of the same bit of humor, adventure and romance can be expected.

When did you first consider yourself a writer?
I don’t believe there was any one moment where I knew I wanted to write-it was more gradual and began from an early age. I’ve been writing in one form or another for as long as I can remember, but actually calling myself a writer? I’d have to say the moment that first book was finished. That’s when it became real.

Do you write full-time? If so, what's your work day like? If not, what do you do other than write and how do you find time to write?
I don’t at the moment and probably won’t, but mainly because I always have so much going on. I own a couple of businesses and I enjoy the work too much to just walk away. Finding the time – now that can be tricky. I had to put myself on a schedule and I’m an early morning person, so I tend to put in a couple of hours early after I exercise. If I find I have an extra hour here or there, I just sit down and write. For me, writing should always be fun and so I make sure I balance it out with the other things I enjoy doing. If I miss a day, I don’t beat myself up.

What would you say is your interesting writing quirk?
It’s more of an environmental quirk, but I like the room to be cold. I just seem to write and think better and can more easily ignore everything else around me. I also need a snack – easy to grab like carrots or grapes.

As a child, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I had a pretty active imagination growing up and wanted to be a number of things. From a K-9 cop to a cowgirl/rancher and a lot of things in between, including a chef, a teacher, and a doctor. I eventually went to business and culinary school so I followed through on one of the ideas. I haven’t grown out of the cowgirl/rancher dream though.

Anything additional you want to share with the readers?
I write because I love it and I write for entertainment. It was always a dream somewhere in my mind and the moment I became a writer, when that first book was complete, a dream was fulfilled. Dreaming is a gift and I hope everyone is doing their best every day, working towards their dreams.

Readers can connect with me through my blog.

Very nice way to close this interview. Thanks for being here today, MK. Happy writing trails!

Readers, MK is giving away 3 copies of Gallagher's Pride at the end of her virtual book tour (print copy for US residents only, e-book for international residents), to lucky commentors. So I encourage you to comment here, and on any of MK's other tour stops.