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
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
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.
