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It seems that every month there are more and more writers setting books in Montana. There got to be so many that I had to wonder how many of these writers have ever lived in or spent any length of time in Montana. I started to ask a few, and I wasn't at all surprised to learn that most of them have never been to this incredible state. When I read a book set in Montana, 9 times out of 10 I can tell if the author has actually been here, spent time in the area in which their book is set, and perhaps even took the time to meet a few of the people. There are a lot of misconceptions about Montana, little nuances that can't be captured through research alone. These misconceptions are what sometimes cause a reader or author to believe one thing when the reality is another. Writers aren't expected to have visited every place they write about. I have books set in England and Ireland, but I've only been to Scotland and I had to fill in the gaps with research and first-hand accounts from family who have been there and friends who live there. There are a few authors who manage to get everything right even without having step foot in Montana, but those are far and few between (in my opinion). Why then is it difficult for me to see book after book written by authors who don't know the real Montana? It shouldn't bother me. American authors write books set in England all of the time, many of them having never visited (which I'm sure annoys some English who feel the American writer hasn't managed to capture their country). The same is true for many countries, and of course, the American West. Most of my books are set in Montana or the Mountain West because I've spent most of my life here. I know the land, the people, the weather, the spectacular beauty, and yes, even the not-so-pretty places. I haven't figured out why it bothers me, but I'm going to take the opportunity to share a few authors who have written books set in Montana, but who also now (or at some point) have called Montana home. Ivan Doig A.B. Guthrie Jr. B.J. Daniels Norman Maclean S.M. Hulse Danica Winters Carol Buchanan Kat Martin Lesley Ann McDaniel James Crumley Tom McGuane You might be asking if the list is really this short? No, Montana is brimming with great authors, but I've given you a place to start. I hope you take the time to read Montana books by those who know first-hand this amazing place. Check out my Montana photo gallery for glimpses into the place me, and many of my characters, call home. Keep in mind that Montana is home to a variety of landscapes. I take photos primarily of the northwest where I live, but much of the state looks quite different.

Visit the series page to learn more about what's coming next and an abridged history of Whitcomb Springs. “Whitcomb Springs” In the spring of 1865, a letter arrives in Whitcomb Springs for Evelyn Whitcomb. The Civil War has ended and the whereabouts of her husband is unknown, but she doesn’t give up hope. With courage, the help of a friend, and the love of a people, Evelyn finds a way to face—and endure—the unexpected. “Whitcomb Springs” is the introductory, stand-alone short story of the Whitcomb Springs series set in post-Civil War Montana. Coming March 15, 2018 Amazon ~ Amazon CA ~ Amazon UK ~ Amazon AU Excerpt from “Whitcomb Springs” June 15, 1860 “I wanted adventure, Daniel, but I do believe you’ve gone too far this time.” Evelyn dabbed her handkerchief against her neck. The air, still cool on the early summer day, warmed by degrees the farther they rode. It was her first time riding a horse outside a manicured park or gently sloping pasture, and the rough terrain proved to be more difficult than she’d originally credited. Their guide, who went only by the name of Cooper, promised them what they’d see at the end of the trail would be worth the two days’ ride to get there. Evelyn had seen beautiful scenery, but nothing so far as to make her trust the man whose appearance was as untamed as the trail on which they now traveled. “We’re almost there, Evie,” Daniel said. He urged his horse forward so he rode beside his wife. “Didn’t I tell you the West was spectacular?” “Yes, you did.” They were blessed with so much and yet they’d lost what was most important to them. Two children—sons—passed away shortly after their births, one year apart. They suffered together, mourned together, and dreamed together of a life far removed from their sorrows. He promised her adventure in a place grander than anything she’d ever seen. His promises were based on stories and reports of western expansion, and she loved him enough to believe in his dream as much as he did. After weeks of train travel, cramped stage coaches, and a few months’ extended stay in Helena, Evelyn had endured enough dreaming. “Daniel, please tell our guide we must stop and rest.” Daniel pulled his horse to a stop, called out to Cooper, and helped Evelyn down from the saddle. The muscles in her back and legs were of little help to hold her upright. Daniel kept her steady, and she leaned toward him. He stood half a foot taller than her five and a half feet. Never one to be considered strong, he was lean and in excellent health from years of horse riding and exploring the Pennsylvania hills. When he asked if she wanted to remain in Helena while he joined the scout, she’d been quick to assure him she could handle the journey. Four days of stage, wagon, and horseback, and she’d kept her silence until now. As though sensing she didn’t want to get back on the horse, Daniel positioned an arm at her waist and told their scout they were going for a walk. Cooper lifted the saddle off his horse and moved to do the same on the others. “Be sure you stick to the trail and don’t go so far I can’t hear you shout.” Evelyn glanced back at Cooper, wondering what event would require them to shout, and thought better of asking. She walked alongside her husband, staying on the trail as told. A steady rushing creek followed the trail as it widened, then narrowed. When they turned a bend around a copse of pine trees thick with branches and lush green needles, Evelyn stopped. “Daniel.” Her voice was a reverent whisper. She dropped his hand and stepped forward, her eyes moving back and forth over the landscape so as not to miss anything. “I promised you, Evie.” Daniel stood behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist. "Whitcomb Springs" ©2018 MK McClintock If you'd like to be among the first to know when this and other new stories are released, join my newsletter or follow me on Amazon. Be kind, be well, and stay bookish! ~MK

The best and worst moments of my life came about with swiftness and surprise. I never anticipated the kind of loss I've suffered when my younger sister passed away, or last summer when a long-time family dog left this earth. The pain is almost debilitating, and I've found the only way through is to remember the beautiful moments. Two days ago I had to say goodbye to my beloved Nara. A short while ago she was diagnosed with bone cancer in one of her wrists. It's had me distracted and I haven't been writing, spending as much time as I could with her. The doctors were optimistic because it had been caught early, and with chemo treatments, she could go on to live another one or two happy years. Unfortunately, Nara was one of the rare exceptions when it comes to low does of chemo in dogs, and her body didn't react well. The truth hit us all—she was not going to make it without a considerable amount of suffering. The first image that flitted through my mind was of Nara on the first day I saw her. I was shopping in the neighboring town, and as we drove out of the shopping center parking lot, I saw a sign that said Saint Bernard puppies were for sale. I'd always wanted one, so we hurried and pulled over. As soon as I got out of the car, Nara came running toward me, a little round ball of fur, and I knew we had been meant to find each other. For 7 1/2 years, she's been my best friend, sitting at my feet while I write, exploring the country with me, going for long walks, wrestling, and cuddling. Our years together were filled with so many happy memories, enough to sustain me for a lifetime, but for today and forever, the place she held in my heart will remain hers. Below is a little slideshow of Nara through the years.

As many readers can attest, there's a high prevalence of book addiction among our kind. I'm proud that we can say we're addicted to books; they entertain, educate, inspire, and give us something to talk about at parties (if we're not home reading instead). I'm moving to a new house in September, and while the house I'm in now was showing, I decided to pack away everything I didn't absolutely need. Well, I should have known better than to pack all of my books, but I've been on a purge to simplify my life and went a little crazy with the packing. Now all my books, even ones I haven't read, are neatly tucked away in boxes for another month. This, of course, was my justification to buy new books to tide me over until I get to lovingly unpack each book and place them neatly on their bookshelf. I recently finished A STRANGER AT FELLSWORTH by Sarah M. Eden, a great read I can highly recommend. I've been on the search for new historical western romance books. My go-to authors only publish once or twice a year, so I've been enjoying some other genres. Because I buy and read in print, I'm more selective about book covers, and I've been disappointed to see that many books that sound interesting are only available in e-book. I'm in the mood for something . . . different—more western than straight up romance, but with some romance in the story. I'm not big on mail-order bride books these days because too many of them sound the same, but I did order a book by new-to-me-author, Davalynn Spencer, titled AN IMPROPER PROPOSAL. It sounds like something I'll enjoy. Have you read her books? Not that it's your job to find me new books to read, but if you read historical western romance without the stories being too heavy on romance (I prefer more story, and have some recommendations, I'd love to hear about them! I'm currently reading THE FIREBIRD by Susanna Kearsley. She's a fabulous author! It's been a productive morning with a long walk, a bit of garden work, purging my closets of clothes I haven't work in the past five years, and now it's time for writing.

Book Five in the Montana Gallagher series is almost here! Take a peak of Journey to Hawk's Peak in the book trailer below.

Did You Know? Isabelle Rousseau came to Montana to be a schoolteacher in the 1890's, but did you know that Montana's first school opened it's doors in Virginia City in 1865? The teacher was one Sarah Raymond. Isabelle hailed from New Orleans where her family lived after the Civil War, though they were originally of French decent. They lived in the Garden District, which was fitting because at the time the Rousseaus were a prosperous family. "The area was originally developed between 1832 and 1900 and is considered one of the best-preserved collections of historic southern mansions in the United States." (Wikipedia) Read a Sample from Gallagher's Hope

This aired a little while back, but I just got the interview up on YouTube for those who missed it. I hope you enjoy hearing a little more about Clayton's Honor and the British Agents.

I love history. Whether the events are good, bad, embarrassing, or give us a reason to rejoice, history is the makeup of our lives. Send me back 150+ years and I'd gladly go and face whatever hardships, horrors, and wonders our country's ancestors and pioneers experienced. When someone—anyone—tries to hide, destroy, or otherwise remove pieces of that history, they are erasing part of what has made us who we are today. Not every moment in our history can be looked back upon with pride, just as everything taking place in the world today can't be looked upon with honor, which is why I'm often baffled by anyone's desire to pick and choose what part of our history is important. It's all important. Without our history, we have no story. Tearing down monuments and pretending events didn't happen doesn't change the facts or the epic journeys people have taken to overcome hatred and build a better world. To pretend is to forget those people, their sacrifices, their accomplishments, and their hardships. Progress is wonderful, but not when we stop recognizing those who built the foundation upon which our current successes stand. We must keep our story, even the parts we'd sometimes like to forget. Much of history is filled with brutality, sadness, and wrong-doings, but those are the very events which inspired greatness and change. The freedom we love and enjoy today flowed from the blood, sweat, and tears of history. What we've gained today is because of what they lost and what they fought to give us. I shudder to imagine how they would feel knowing that a few people of today would try to erase them—their sacrifices, their battles, their glories, their sorrows, and their triumphs. How would we feel if 100+ years from now future generations fought to erase us? They, too, would be wiping out their story, their history. Battles are fought every day and will continue to be fought over the course of our lifetimes, trickling down through every generation. How will they know that good can win if they have no history? How can they know what men and women can accomplish if evidence of the hard-won achievements are erased? How do they create momentous histories of their own if they are told it could one day be destroyed and forgotten? It can be painful to remember and be reminded of our worst moments and greatest faults, but they existed, and nothing is going to change the truth or the past. History is set in stone, it's been written and immortalized. Our future, and the lengths to which we go in order to honor that history—and learn from it—is up to us.

WELCOME TO Whitcomb Springs! A new collection of short stories, and the occasional novella, written by multiple authors. The series is filled with stories of adventure, danger, romance, and hope, and is set in the fictional town of Whitcomb Springs, Montana Territory. The stories span the years of 1865-1885. "Whitcomb Springs" and "Healing Fire" will be the first stories to release on March 15, 2018, and others will follow. For now, I'll share some of the covers. You can view more information about this series, the authors, and release dates by visiting the Whitcomb Springs series page.

I know I'm not alone as an author when I say music can inspire my writing. A few words, a melody, or a full song, and I can see the story unfold, the characters as they battle emotions, enemies, and love. When I create my book trailers, I spend a lot of time listening to music (probably too much time), but in the end, the time spent was well worth the effort. I came across "Ar Éirinn Ní Neosfainn Cé Hí" performed by Maria McCool, and just knew it would be perfect Clayton's Honor. The words and music fit the story and characters, and created the perfect mood. Maria was kind enough to give her permission to use the song in the book trailer. I love all of my book trailers, but this stunning music has put this particular trailer at the top of my favorites list.

The project which has consumed much of my free time of late has come to fruition! The first set of gratitude and writing journals are now available with more to come. This project was inspired a number of individuals, but I'd like to give special thanks to Princess D., the young orphan living in Liberia who inspires me daily with her smiles and courage. You can read more about the "why" behind the project on the Journal pages. In the meantime, this video is the best way I know how express both my reasons for creating them and the ultimate inspiration behind them.

It took me 34 years to figure out what I wanted to do with my life. I give myself a break since the first 25-30 years of a person's life are meant for experimentation, exploration, and adventure. Year after year, friends from high school and college settled into their various professions, got married, started families, and more or less seemed content with their lives. I, on the other hand, still searched for the elusive moment when I would know exactly how I wanted to spend my life. I took a lot of paths, climbed a lot of peaks, and hit just as many plateaus. During those years I co-founded a family business that would end up keeping me busy for more than a decade, and continue into my 30's. My schooling consisted of business management and culinary arts; hardly prerequisites for what I would end up doing with my life. Despite the success that comes from hard work and perseverance during difficult economical times, that "moment" continued to evade me. Then it happened. Two years after I published my first book, I had that moment. Of course I had already known I wanted to write, but it started out as a hobby, not a career. Then in my 34th year while trying to meet a partriculary grueling deadline and wondering how I ever talked myself into becoming an author, I realized my own future. Undeterred by the crazy deadlines, weeks of revisions, and those mind-numbing hours of fear believing that you have no more stories left to tell, I pressed on. No one knows how long it takes to become a great writer. Many of those whom we consider great will likely say that they continue to learn daily, they suffer from doubts, and miss deadlines. They're also likely to confess that writing is the best and worst thing to ever happen to them, and they can't imagine doing anything else. At least, that's what I would say, and I'm not one of the greats. Writers are human, too, with all of the craziness that comes with daily life. Sometimes we don't know how to get through the day, let alone finish a book, but we do it. A question I'm often asked is "What advice would I give a new writer?" I've shared my "wisdom" with those who ask, but I rarely feel qualified to impart what I've learned because I'm still learning. What I can tell them is that no matter how smart you are, how much you've written in the past, how much you read, or how dedicated you are, there will always be someone smarter, better read, and more dedicated. There will always be someone more successful. Don't compare yourself with other writers. Seek to learn from them, emulate them, and respect them, but don't compare. A writer's voice is their own, comparable to no one. You'll stumble, fall, and wish you had chosen another path, but the only way to rise to the level of those you admire is to press on.