Question 1

Can I get your e-books for Nook, Kobo, and iBooks?

Accepted Answer

Most of my e-books are currently exclusive to Amazon. The free Kindle app is available for most phones and tablets. If you have a newer Nook HD, the Kindle app is available through Google Play.   Download the Kindle app from your app store onto your smartphone or tablet. Open the app and connect it to your Amazon account (the same one you use to shop for everything else). Important—you can only buy books through the online retail store, not through the app. After you buy the book on the online store, open your app and the book will appear. You only have to download the app once, and then you can read to your heart's content!   The paperback books (trade) are available everywhere. Large print editions are also available, and hardcovers (great for collectors) will be rolled out during 2022 and 2023.   Effective 2022, e-books will be available on all major online retailers during the pre-order period and for 7-30 days after the release. The length of time will depend on the book.   (Updated 1/28/2022. Subject to change with notice here.)

Question 2

What genres do you write?

Accepted Answer

Primarily historical romantic fiction (western and Victorian). My favorite historical settings are the Rocky Mountains and the British Isles.   In 2021, I added historical western cozy mystery to the genre list, and have plans to add Scottish and dual-timeline novels in the future.   I also write contemporary fiction under McKenna Grey.

Question 3

Do the series books need to be read in order?

Accepted Answer

Every book can technically be read as a stand-alone novel or short story. However, most readers find that reading the series books in order is more enjoyable and easier to follow along with all the characters.    In the Montana Gallagher series, books 1-3 act as more of a trilogy with a continuing sub-plot that resolves in book 3, so those are best read in order. The rest of the series books mention or feature characters from the previous books, but the plot of each book is complete.   The British Agent books are completely stand-alone, without a continuing storyline, though main characters from each book are featured in the other stories.   The Crooked Creek short stories and novelettes are stand-alone. Novels in the series will also be stand-alone, but will feature characters from the first four stories.   The Whitcomb Springs short stories and novelettes are each stand-alone.

Question 4

Will there be more Montana Gallagher books?

Accepted Answer

The series will continue for as long as the characters want to keep sharing their stories with me. As of Dec 2021, there are 8 books in the Gallagher series and I book 9 will be written in 2022 with an as-yet-unknown release date. Updates on works-in-progress are shared in The Writing Room.

Question 5

What is the order of the Gallagher books?

Accepted Answer

Book One: Gallagher's Pride Book Two: Gallagher's Hope Book Three: Gallagher's Choice Book Four: An Angel Called Gallagher Book Five: Journey to Hawk's Peak Book Six: Wild Montana Winds Book Seven: The Healer of Briarwood Book Eight: Christmas in Briarwood ​ There is also a handy Character Guide on the series page that is updated as new books are released.

Question 6

Will there be more Crooked Creek books?

Accepted Answer

Beyond The Women of Crooked Creek collection of four short works of fiction, the first full-length novel will release late 2022. After that, at least one more additional installment is planned. Updates on works-in-progress are shared in The Writing Room.   I do not like to say "never" or "no more" when it comes to a series because I cannot always forsee when a new idea for that series will make itself known.

Question 7

What are you working on next?

Accepted Answer

Details, when available, about what I'm working on and what is coming next, can be found in The Writing Room.

Question 8

Where can I find info about book content?

Accepted Answer

There is a dedicated page on this website with information related to content and ratings of the books: Content Page.

Question 9

Will there be more British Agent Books?

Accepted Answer

There were originally only three books planned for this series. The first (Alaina Claiborne) was released in 2013, the second (Blackwood Crossing) was released June 2014, and the third book (Clayton's Honor) was released in 2015. Like the Gallagher series, I'm not ready to let go of the characters. Therefore, I have planned for additional installments.   Updates on works-in-progress are shared in The Writing Room.

Question 10

What is the order of the Crooked Creek books?

Accepted Answer

While the first four stories are available individually, I recommend the collection: The Women of Crooked Creek, which has the stories in the following chronological order:  ​ Story One: "Emma of Crooked Creek" Story Two "Hattie of Crooked Creek"  Story Three: "Briley of Crooked Creek" Story Four: "Clara of Crooked Creek" Novel One: TBA   Each story can also be read stand-alone.

Question 11

What is the order of the Whitcomb Spring stories?

Accepted Answer

The Whitcomb Springs series stories can be read in any order. My stories do follow a chronological order because that's how I write series, but they don't have to be read in that order. "Whitcomb Springs" is the introductory story that starts the series and gives the reader a little background. ​ The order of my installments in the series:  ​ Story One: "Whitcomb Springs" Story Two "Forsaken Trail"  Story Three: "Unchained Courage" Story Four: "Whisper Ridge" ​ These four stories are included in the collection, Hopes and Dreams in Whitcomb Springs.   ​ I plan to write more installments as time permits.

Question 12

How long does it take you to write a book?

Accepted Answer

Every book is different, so it takes as long as it takes. Generally, it's anywhere from three to six months to write a book, and then it goes through the revision and editing process which can take anywhere from three weeks to six months. If I need to take a break to recharge, then I do, which can delay the next book by a few weeks or months. You can learn more about my process here.

Question 13

Why didn't you respond to my review of your book?

Accepted Answer

In the early days, I would occasionally leave a "thank you" for a review, and if a reviewer emails me directly then I will still do so. However, I do my best to avoid reading reviews online. Most of the reviews that appear on this site have been sent via email, either in full or with a notification. Otherwise, I leave reviews to the readers.  Danielle Steel said, “A bad review is like baking a cake with all the best ingredients and having someone sit on it.” It is sad how much truth there is to this, and I prefer to not focus on the squished cake.   If you have posted a review for one of my books online, please know that I am humbled you chose to read it and grateful you took the time to share your thoughts with other readers.

Question 14

Are you active on social media? Where can I follow you?

Accepted Answer

I don't have personal social media accounts, but I do have a few official pages and you can find those links in the website footer. Social media has always been a struggle for me, though I do my best for the readers.  If you follow me on social media, you will notice dry spells. They sometimes last a few days, other times weeks or months. These simply mean I am focused more on writing, family, and spending time away from the computer.

Question 15

Do you go on book tours or make public appearances?

Accepted Answer

I have no plans to attend events or make appearances. Large crowds make me uncomfortable and it takes me a few days of serious downtime to recover from the mental exertion. When I tour books, it's online.

Question 16

What advice would you give to new or struggling authors?

Accepted Answer

There are many things I wished I knew before beginning my writing career, and I've shared those thoughts here: Advice to New Writers. The best advice I've ever received can be summed up into three things: Read a lot, write a lot, and don't worry about what any other writer is doing. I'll add my fourth favorite, and that is: you have to put in the work, and a lot of it. If you're not willing to put in the years of hard work, then it's not the profession for you.

Question 17

Do you critique books for other authors?

Accepted Answer

I've gratefully only been asked this twice, but it's here just in case.  I do not accept review requests and I'm unable to accept review exchanges. However, I do share recommendations for books I've enjoyed reading. You'll find those in the Reading Room. For a variety of legal reasons and time constraints, I am unable to accept critique requests. For those interested, I will gladly provide you with the name of a wonderful editor who would be willing to give your manuscript a two-page edit/critique sample.

Question 18

Have you ever not finished a book?

Accepted Answer

I have a few half-finished manuscripts that I fully intend to complete when the time is right.

Unforgettable adventure. Undeniable romance.

MK McCLINTOCK

Award-Winning Author of Historical Romantic Fiction

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