Interview with Devon McKay, Author of Cowboy On The Run and Staking A Claim

 

What made you decide to be an author? I simply enjoyed writing. I’ve always written stories, even as a child.

What do you like best about being a writer? What do you like the least? The best part? The fans. I love when someone says to me, “You actually wrote this?” My least favorite thing is promoting myself on social media. It’s difficult for me. I’m very shy. I don’t like to be in the spotlight.

How do you think your life experiences have prepared you for writing? I’ve been from one extreme to the other and consider myself quite lucky. I have been fortunate to live in some wonderful states. I lived in Alaska for 27 years and by the beach in Florida for 14. I’ve also been on both ends of the spectrum financially. I’ve been both wealthy and dirt poor which taught me a huge life lesson.

Have you ever felt as if you were being dictated to while you wrote a book--as if the words came of their own accord? If yes, which book did that happen with? I think I have a different problem. I’ll start thinking of things to write in the middle of the night. So at 2 a.m. when I should be sleeping, I’m either tapping on the keys of my computer or jotting a line down on a notepad by my bed.  

You’ve written 2 novels and are working on a 3rd novel. What’s your favorite time management tip? I do my early morning chores at night. Such as getting the coffee pot ready to go so I simply have to push the on button in morning. Or making lunches and putting them in fridge for the next day. That kind of thing. Then, I have the morning just to write. I get a lot of writing done and I’m not stressed. 

 Are you a plotter or a pantser, i.e., do you outline your books ahead of time or are you an “organic” writer? No, definitely not a plotter. My books seem to write themselves. And the plot always changes paths.

If you had one take away piece of advice for authors, what would it be? Criticism can be a helpful tool. At first it may sting a little, but once the hurt goes away you may be able to take away something from it.

Did music help you find your muse with this book? If yes, which song did you find yourself going back to over and over again as you wrote? No music on this one. It’s kind of unusual for me. Most of the time I get a story idea from a line in a song.

Tell me more about Staking A Claim.  

For most people, seeing Alaska is a dream come true. For Miami Beach resident, Samantha Held, it is merely a job assignment. Creating an advertisement for vacationing in the state gets her one step closer to achieving her career goal—partnership in Kolinsky’s Advertisement Agency.  

Blake Langford is not willing to accept any exploitation of his beloved state, no matter how desirable the striking, southern blonde bombshell with fiery green eyes is, and he’s determined to sabotage Sam’s goal in every way. Falling in love with the enemy, however, was never part of the plan.

Buy Links: Amazon

The Wild Rose Press

How about an excerpt from Staking A Claim?

Fuming, Sam held his gaze as she considered his offer. She couldn’t have asked for a better opportunity to be dropped into her lap. She could learn everything she needed to know about Alaska and have a handsome, but overly protective, guide of the state to show her. Not to mention what his knowledge could do for the brochure.

It would also mean more time in his temperamental company.

Sam considered her options. She had gotten lucky finding Carlton Landing, but what about locating her elusive hotel? As proven last night, it was more than evident she couldn’t even read a map correctly. So, what real choice did she have?

She pictured her new office…the view of the ocean…the partnership. She was willing to take the chance. Besides, she’d never been the kind of girl who shied away from a challenge. Hell, so far, her life had been a series of challenges.

“It’s a deal.” Her voice came off cool and professional despite the quickening of her heartbeat. She offered her hand to shake on the agreement. “We haven’t officially met. Samantha Held. I go by Sam.”

“Blake Langford.” He extended his, grasping her hand and repeating the name she already knew by heart. He held onto her grasp for a minute longer than necessary. “I go by Wolf.”

Again, the breathtaking grin resurfaced, and an odd pulsation spiked through Sam, leaving her insides quivering like a bowl of gelatin as she second guessed her decision.

What kind of fool makes a deal with a man called Wolf?

 Buy Links: Amazon  The Wild Rose Press

Where can readers find more about your stories, books and you on the Internet?

Website: http://devonmckay.weebly.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DevonMcKay2014

Twitter: https://twitter.com/devonmckay2014

Author Bio Living in Alaska for 27 years, Devon McKay has many exciting stories to tell about the state. On several occasions, she was chased by a mother moose defending her young, stalked by a bear, endured temperatures of forty below and once was even trapped in an avalanche. She loved every minute of it!

After writing her first novel, Cowboy On The Run, she now calls a small ranch in Ohio home with her loving husband and teenage son. Although the farm life is slightly more laid back then the perils of Alaska, Devon enjoys the slower pace of the country lifestyle which gives her plenty of time to follow her passion of writing.

Devon, thank you so much for being with us here today. I know my readers will enjoy your work and your interview.