Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I’ve never been comfortable talking about myself, so I’ll share my official bio below. As for my books, I have four published books. The fifth book will be released on June 4, 2014, and I have a Christmas book set for release in November. There aren’t enough hours in the day for all the writing I’d like to get done, but I get there, one book at a time.
Born near the beautiful coast of southern California and raised in the awe-inspiring Rocky Mountains, author MK McClintock studied business at BYU-Idaho until she decided culinary school was a lot more fun. Armed with a gypsy spirit and adventurous nature, MK traveled from coast to coast living in remote mountains towns and a small New England village, traversed rocky coasts, experienced fine Southern hospitality, and explored the Highlands of Scotland before returning home to Montana.
She helps run her family businesses by day, and by night, MK spins tales of romance and adventure inspired by the heather-covered hills of Scotland, and the majestic mountains of home. With her heart deeply rooted in the past, and her mind always on adventure, she lives and writes wherever her heart and imagination lead her.
Learn more about MK by visiting her website: http://www.mkmcclintock.com or her blog: http://www.booksandbenches.com.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
BLACKWOOD CROSSING, and it’s the second of my British Agent novels. I didn’t plan to make this part of a series, but I enjoyed the secondary characters so much in ALAINA CLAIBORNE (book one) that I had to give the other two agents their own stories. That’s how BLACKWOOD CROSSING came about, but the story itself just happened. I always start with characters and settings. The settings were easy – England and Scotland – from there the story idea just materialized as I wrote.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I’m not sure they’re unusual, but my main habits include making sure I have lots of ice water, usually a cup of tea, and a bit of chocolate (helps with writer’s block). I set a timer so I can get up and move around once an hour. I like to stretch and do jumping jacks. I have to write/type everything down. Even if I don’t think I’ll use it in the story, I have to keep a record of it somewhere on the off chance that I might use it at some point. I have lots of sticky notes on my monitor while I work and a white board with the main points, characters, and general timeline. I also like to listen to music while I write to drown out any noise that might interrupt me.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Authors more than books. Long before I even though of publishing, I was reading Kathleen Woodiwiss and Johanna Lindsey. Their books and styles are among my favorites in the genre. I also like Julie Garwood, Louis L’Amour, and Larry McMurtry. Outside of the genres in which I write, I like Edward Rutherford’s style, though he writes in a different genre. He just has a masterful way of writing a scene.
What are you working on now?
A Christmas novel for my Montana Gallagher series and a couple of short Christmas stories for a multi-author anthology. It’s strange writing Christmas books during the spring and summer, but so far I’m loving it.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
I haven’t found one single best method. I’ve found that it takes a combination of different methods in order to get the word out about a new release, but the most successful so far have actually been a featured ad on Awesomegang and virtual book tours. I use social media for author pages, but I’m not a fan. I love connecting with readers at my blog, and I get the most interaction there and via direct email.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Write, write, write, and when you’re done with that read and write some more. Some will say to build a platform, start a blog, get on social media, etc, but if you don’t have the books to share and promote, the platform won’t do you any good. I firmly believe that an author’s best marketing tool is to write more books, and get better at writing them with each new book.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Pretty much what I just passed along. I was offered all kinds of advice, but most of it I set aside. Authors have to find what works best for them.
What are you reading now?
“The Collector” by Nora Roberts, but I have a stack of 12 books on my nightstand. I just pick the one on the top and work my way down. Next week I’ll be reading something new.
What’s next for you as a writer?
More books! I literally have the next ten years of books already planned out. A few more series, a couple of single titles, and a few anthologies.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
That’s like asking me to choose between food, water, and chocolate. If I’m choosing right this minute, I’d take “Outdoor Survival Skills” by Larry Dean Olsen, “Ransom” by Julie Garwood, and “The Montana Gallagher Collection” by MK McClintock 
Author Websites and Profiles
MK McClintock Website
MK McClintock Amazon Profile
MK McClintock’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account
Pinterest Account
MK McClintock is a post from Awesome Gang