Do you always like being a writer?

I do, about 90% of the time. There are days when I wish I was not a writer, while at the same time I can't imagine a life now without it. It's not easy work, and takes a tremendous amount of time and emotional resources, but it's also incredibly rewarding. And I daresay, it's quite addicting. 

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Will you know if I write a review for one of your books?

Unless someone sends me a link or mentions it, then probably not, or at least not right away. Of course, I reshare some reviews and post a few on this site.

Here's the thing: I love when readers enjoy one of my books, but there is a lot of anxiety involved with public feedback. Reviews are for readers, and I will gladly read a review if it is emailed to me, or if someone shares it, but it is far too draining emotionally to spend time searching for and reading reviews.

Danielle Steel once said, "A bad review is like baking a cake with all the best ingredients and having someone sit on it."

I prefer to avoid watching the cake get squashed.

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Where can I find info about book content?

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

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How long does it take you to write a book?

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.

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Have you ever not finished a book?

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

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Do you have social media accounts? 

I don't have personal social media accounts, but I do have a few official pages that you can find on the About page. Social media has always been a struggle for me, though I do my best for the readers. I imagine that one day I will delete all social media accounts, but that day has not yet come.

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What are you working on now? 

You can always find out about my current works-in-progress in the Writing Room. 

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Will there be more Gallagher books?

Due to reader interest, and my own desire to continue the stories, there are additional books planned for this series, but how many and when is not yet known. Updates will be provided on the blog and this website when those will be available. 

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Do I have to read series books in order?

While all of the books can be read as stand-alone, the series titles are best read in order. The first three books of the Gallagher series act as more of a trilogy with a secondary story line continuing from book one through book three. The British Agent novels are completely stand-alone, though some readers feel that it's best to read those in order since the characters from book one are also in books two and three. The Crooked Creek series can be read out of order, but again, characters in The Women of Crooked Creek will all show up in the novels.

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Do you participate in book club discussions or offer free promotional items to book clubs? 

Scheduling can be a bit tricky, but I will do my best to visit your book club via Skype or Zoom. At this time, I do not send out free promotional items. 

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Will there be more Crooked Creek stories?

Yes. There are currently four short stories in the series and there are at least two additional works planned. This was another series that was not going to be a series, but I had so much fun with the characters that I decided to continue. The next installment will be the continuation of Clara's story, though it was originally going to be an entirely different book, so I have a bit of switching around to do. 

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Do you go on book tours or make public appearances? 

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.

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Do you critique books for other authors?

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. 

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What advice would you give to new or struggling authors? 

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.

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Why did you decide to write under two names? 

It's one of those decisions that I'm glad I made, but wouldn't necessarily recommend it. I enjoy writing both historical and contemporary genres, yet I knew the audiences would rarely overlap. It really is as simple as expectations. I wanted to be sure that readers knew what to expect when picking up a MK McClintock, and the books I write under McKenna Grey are quite different.

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What is the order of the Gallagher books?

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

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There is also a handy Character Guide for the series that is updated as new books are released.

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Will there be more British Agent books?

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 will be provided on this website when those are set for release.

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What is the order of the Crooked Creek books?

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: 

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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

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What is the order of the Whitcomb Spring stories?

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.

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The order of my installments in the series: 

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Story One: "Whitcomb Springs"

Story Two "Forsaken Trail" 

Story Three: "Unchained Courage"

Story Four: "Whisper Ridge"

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These four stories are included in the collection, Hopes and Dreams in Whitcomb Springs.

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I plan to write more installments as time permits.

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Who are your favorite authors?

There are so many authors whose books I've read many times or that have impressed me with their writing and stories. The list includes, but is not limited to, Edward Rutherford, Sarah E. Ladd, Nora Roberts, Johanna Lindsey, Kathleen E. Woodwiss, Susanna Kearsley, Larry McMurtry, Carla Kelly, Julie Garwood (historicals) . . . the list goes on.

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Your characters love like people who were meant to be together, and no matter what will always be together. The love is always believable, but not too easy. Do you believe in this kind of love?

This is exactly how I want a reader to feel about my characters and their relationships. Yes, I absolutely believe in this kind of love; an eternal bond between a man and woman, a bond so strong that no matter how difficult life becomes, or what obstacles come your way, there's enough love and respect to weather the storms.

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