Welcome, Kim. Tell
us how much of yourself you write into your characters.
There probably isn’t much of myself in my characters, but I
do pull from my experiences growing up in rural Wyoming. I couldn’t have
written some of the horseback escapes in Big Horn Storm without that
well of experience, and the second chapter of A Dose of Danger
was based on an early Christmas morning drive through a snowstorm we made in
order to reach our cabin in time to open gifts with family.
What is the quirkiest thing you have ever done?
Well, it wasn’t on purpose, but we drove to a town over 30
miles from home before I realized I had my slippers on. Rather than return
home, I went about the day of shopping and eating lunch out in my slippers. I
imagine everyone who noticed thought it was quirky, but it was just a simple
case of rushing out the door too quickly.
When did you first discover that you were a writer?
I took a creative writing class my senior year in high
school. We were given total freedom to write anything from a three-line poem to
a short story. I wrote a longish short story and the teacher wrote that with a
little more character development I was well on my way to a novel. I held on to
that paper for a number of years, and eventually finished my first novel based
on that story.
Tell us the range of the kinds of books you enjoy
reading.
I love action, adventure, and suspense, which is what I
primarily read and write. I cry easily, so avoid “feel good” books because
that’s usually a huge clue that it will make me cry. Other than that, I like to
try new authors and new genres, anything from sci-fi light to historical
romance to non-fiction travel.
How do you keep your sanity in our run, run, run world?
That has been especially difficult this past year, but
thankfully I have a wonderfully supportive husband who is more than happy to
pick up the slack when I have too much on my plate. When I have the time,
though, nothing is more calming to me than working on a jigsaw puzzle.
When our daughters were still home, we often had a jigsaw on
a card table near the fireplace in winter. How do you choose your characters’
names?
I keep a notebook by my chair and anytime I hear a name that
grabs my attention I write it down. Once I use a name, I cross it off, because
after ten novels, I don’t always remember every detail so want to avoid reusing
names. There’s actually more to the story for choosing the name Deuce in Big
Horn Storm, but I’ll save that for another interview.
What is the accomplishment that you are most proud of?
I put myself through college and graduated with honors.
If you were an animal, which one would you be, and why?
Probably a cat. Though I’m more of a dog person, cats are
shrewd, resilient, and independent, but they can also be wonderful companions.
What is your favorite food?
I love peanut butter – sandwiches, peanut butter cups, or
just straight out of the jar.
What is the problem with writing that was your greatest
roadblock, and how did you overcome it?
Marketing is my biggest issue. I love to tell stories, but
I’m not the best with spreading the word and convincing others to try my books.
As far as overcoming this obstacle, I’m still working on it.
Tell us about the featured book.
Here’s the blurb for A Dose of Danger.
Please give us the first page of the book.
The unmistakable haze of smoke filled the valley below. Snow
covered the ground and weighed heavily on the pine boughs lining the highway,
ruling out a forest fire as the source of the dark billows. The old rancher
rolled down his window, despite the bitter cold, and inhaled deeply. The air
smelled of fire, destruction, and death.
With the last switchback navigated, he shifted up and
pressed the accelerator down as far as he dared while driving on icy roads. He
tried not to let his imagination get the best of him, but couldn’t help but
fear the worst. Someone, maybe even him, was suffering a loss.
As he approached the turnoff to his ranch, he realized
immediately the nightmare was indeed his. Gunning the one-ton’s motor, he
churned down the snow-covered dirt lane at such a rate of speed he didn’t even
notice the fresh set of tire tracks cutting through the white powder—new
tracks, since he’d left for town just hours before.
Interesting! How can readers find you on the Internet?
Goodreads author page: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/849945.Kim_McMahill
Thank you, Kim, for sharing this book with us. I’m eager
to read it.
Readers,
here’s a link to the book.
Leave
a comment for a chance to win a free copy of the book. You must follow these
instructions to be in the drawing. Please tell us where you live, at least
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where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants.
Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of
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The
only notification you’ll receive is the winner post on this blog. So be sure to
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the posting of the winners to claim your book.
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8 comments:
This sounds like a heart pounding page turner! Thanks for sharing!
Robin in NC
Robin, thanks for stopping by and leaving a comment, and Lena, thanks for having me on your blog.
Thank you so much for the chance. It’s raining again in WV. Have a blessed day.
Sounds intriguing! Thanks for sharing your new book!
Tamara in Texas
Sounds amazing Thank you for the chance to win SARAH TAYLOR WATERLOO, OHIO!
Good luck everyone! This is the first in a series, so a great place to check out a new suspense novel with a bit of romance.
Good morning. Just wanted to add a quick note that if you don't win, would like a copy of A Dose of Danger, and have Kindle Unlimited, it is currently free with KU.
I always enjoy a good suspense book and this certainly will be one I enjoy.
Beth from Iowa
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