Monday 1 October 2012

Author Spotlight - Q&A with Linda McMaken

STEPH: I don't know much about "Baer Necessities." What's it about?

LINDA: Baer Necessities is Book Two of the Three Baers Trilogy. Set in Wyoming, the first book was brother Joe Baer's story, and being cowboys and brothers, well the other two wanted their story told. Baer Necessities is Connor's story. Connor is the brother that left the ranch to see what lay over those miles of fences. He became a geologist, and when younger brother Joe, got into a little trouble, he came back to the ranch to help.

In the meantime, Jessie McIvey, his nemisis in high school has come home for a visit with her current boyfriend. After leaving Sentinel, Wyoming, she vowed she'd never have anything to do with another cowboy. She set out to find her hearts desire in far away places. As an archeologist, she has also been called to do some investigating of artifacts on the local Indian reservation.

When the two meet again, well, let's just say it wasn't exactly a match made in heaven. There is legendary Wyoming mud to deal with, a ruthless rancher who wants revenge on the Baers and lots of humorous obstacles in the way of these two getting together.

STEPH: How long did it take you to write?

LINDA: Well, Connor hollered so loudly after the first book was published, that it didn't take as long as the first one. Since many of the characters were already in place. It took around six months.

STEPH: How much research did you have to do?

LINDA: Surprisingly, I did quite a bit. There is a satellite in the book and I needed to learn about those, of course, I had to learn a bit more about ranching, buffaloes, drilling for water, and zoning information in territorial Wyoming. I really NEED to go back to Wyoming for book three! LOL

STEPH: How does the cover reflect the story within?


LINDA: In spite of the fact that both of them left Wyoming at their first chance, both are "cowboy/cowgirl" deep inside. The minute they return to Sentinel, their boots and hats come out. Not just any boots, worn, comfy, working boots.

STEPH: Jessie is the heroine. What are her strengths? Weakness?

LINDA: She can take care of herself quite well. She's been around the world, to places most of us only see in National Geographic. She's tough, opioniated and stubborn -- these are also her weaknesses, well that and Connor. She's been searching for everything she never wanted, and all along everything she did want is right at home.

STEPH: What does Conner find appealing about her?

LINDA: He likes that she's a firebrand, tough, take no crap kind of girl. She can ride, rope, and ranch with the boys, yet she's still charming, warm and feminine.

STEPH: What is the theme of the novel?

LINDA: Sometimes the things we want the most are right in front of us and we are too blind to see them.

STEPH: As a writer, where do you draw inspiration from?

LINDA: It would be easier to say where don't I? LOL Pretty much anything that captures my attention can become a book, so be afraid! You have been warned.

STEPH: Do you have an ebook reader? If so, which one?

LINDA: Yes, I have a Kindle.

STEPH: Fun question: Do you dress up for Halloween? What were you last year?

LINDA: I haven't dressed up for a few years, as there have been some significant medical issues in my family. This year however, I think I might just be a cowgirl!

Here's the link to both booktrailers - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-BuDECZsZrg -

Baer Necessities
and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MaA8p65oOeo - Baer Truth

Linda McMaken
www.linda-mcmaken.com
www.makenwords.blogspot.com

BAER TRUTH - Book One of the Three Baer's Trilogy
-One of them will be just right for you!
From Desert Breeze Publishing

THE GRANITE ROSE
Ancient Rome, epic battles, endangered hearts
From Desert Breeze Publishing

1 comment:

  1. Terrific interview. I love learning about other authors.

    ReplyDelete