Originally I had fully intended to interview Ms McClintock when our paths had crossed last Autumn, as I was quite stirred by her Western sensibility to bring the culture of the West to such vivid reality inside her short stories contained within the collection of A Home for Christmas. Time swept me away into it’s folds, and when I caught sight of her next blog tour hosted by Amy Bruno, I was eagerly excited to sign-on, as I had already developed a healthy curiosity about her serial fiction!
I used to love riding horses and read Westerns hand-in-hand during my youth, where the days spent in the saddle were wickedly extended a bit as I drank in the novels I’d hungrily seek out! I appreciated serial horse dramas such as: The Saddle Club, Thoroughbred (it is my favourite breed!), The Black Stallion, and a lovely stand-alone Fiddler & McCann. I have never lost my appreciation for horse dramas (either in novels or on the silver screen) and I credit the writers like McClintock for enveloping us in worlds where the wilds of the forest lay the foundation for a mountain country spin on a traditional historical wherein small townes and the wits of man to survive both elements and hardships thrive.
It is a true pleasure and joy for me to welcome Ms McClintock to Jorie Loves A Story, today! I am revealling the conversation we shared ahead of my review on behalf of Alaina Clairborne, in order to give both posts a chance to catch an audience! I will release the review lateron ahead of the early evening hours, thereby allowing my readers and visitors off the blog tour to leave a comment or question for Ms McClintock in the threads below!
Alaina Claiborne by MK McClintock
{ Book No.1 of the British Agent series }
Published By: Trappers Peak Publishing
Available Formats: Paperback & Ebook
Converse via: #MKMcClintock, #BritishAgentSeriesBlogTour, #AlainaClaiborne
#Western + #CosyHistoricalMystery
Thank you for welcoming me to spend some time with your readers at Jorie Loves A Story. To your readers, thank you for the valuable time you’ve spent to visit; I hope you enjoy your time with us today.
As you’ve declared in the Author’s Note about this series, it was not originally planned to be extensive but rather a stand-alone story. Do you envision the series branching forward past the trilogy or do you have a preference for writing story arcs over trilogies rather than quads or serial fiction into the teens? What was the clarifying moment you realised this story had the scope to carry forward?
McClintock responds: Devon and Charles appealed to me so much during the course of writing Alaina Claiborne, book one, that I wasn’t ready to say goodbye. It was then I knew they’d have their own stories. While writing book two, I foresaw the potential for books beyond a trilogy, but I always received emails from readers who said how much they loved a character and hoped they would get their own story. At this point there is a fourth book planned with the potential for two more after that. The characters would carry over, but each book will remain a stand-alone.
As for having a preference about carrying over story arcs, well, that depends upon the story. I’ve written both, and it all comes down to what’s right for the characters and the stories they have to tell.
How keenly intuitive you are to not only listen to your own writerly heart and soul, but to engage with your readerly audience and see if the feedback your receiving might befit a continuance of your stories! I love finding authors who are receptive to reader’s impressions, especially those who will take a critical note as much as a word of praise. I love how you saw a soulful approach to have the stories would carry onward past Alaina Claiborne but also how the characters themselves voiced their own opinions — I oft find this to be true myself. Where you might consider a vein to stretch a thought inside, another avenue might resonate instead of the original. I look forward to seeing where the British Agents will take us next, but also, how many installments are yet to come. I do agree with you — if the continuity and the story fuses with honour to what came before, than the extensions have truer merit.
As your writings are rooted in the heart of the West, from the mountains to the small nooks and townes of the Rockies, what draws your creativity inward towards seeking a responsive glimmer of life tucked inside this setting? What resonates with you the most about the time periods you choose to highlight?
McClintock responds: Most of them are rooted in the West because that’s where my heart is rooted. These small towns tucked in the mountains by glacial streams and inhabited by numerous wildlife is where I’ve spent most of my life. Whenever I begin to see growth, or what some call progress, I delve deeper into myself in order to hold onto a way of life I feel is disappearing. I hike a mountain or walk through the woods to find solace, and for those moments I can imagine what it might have been like in another time.
Thus far, all of my books have been set in the nineteenth-century, and no matter how difficult or trying life might have been back then, there was a purity to it. Enough progress, but not too much.
What a beautiful place you were able to be raised! I only had the Wilderness Family films to encourage my spirit towards mountain living as much as a Dolly Parton Christmas Special I adored watching until the tape nearly broke from overuse! Laughs. I haven’t been to the townes your referencing but the beauty of where they are placed and the joy of being one with the natural world is something I can relate to directly because like you, I purposely take a step back from the modern world. I like to retreat into nature as oft as I can — walking amongst trees and the marsh rabbits is a special treat, I must declare! Those rabbits have become treasured companions as have the water fowl.
I have been blessed with birds of prey – specifically red-shouldered hawks, and I cannot even properly put into words how stilling it is to be within a yard of a hawk whose locked eyes with you and wishes you no harm but a knowing look of common ground. I might be a book blogger but I’m more ‘analog than digital’ if you refer to the cheeky badge I put in my sidebar as a reminder to myself how much I want to collect and use vintage retrofitted typewriters.
Not all progress is necessary, and the strange thing is how extraordinary you seem to others who are dearly attached to being ‘plugged in’ when all you can do is become a bit gobsmacked by why they cannot ‘let go’ and simply live. Breathe in what is around them and walk their own path.
I love finding Steampunk stories because they embody the technology of the Victorians with a wicked forward fashion sense rooted in Western culture and a propensity for propriety. If you ever don a nod into Steampunk, you’d win me over because I know you’d approach it with a kinder edge than most of what is afield at the moment.
Westerns have held a special place in my heart since I was quite young, as I was attracted to the rugged lifestyles of ranchers and daring Easterners who forged a new life in a territory that was not willing to be tamed. What was your favourite part of researching data from the historical past and where did your footsteps take you to tread to breathe in a bit of what is still left behind?
McClintock responds: Forging a new life is exactly the appeal many readers share. I don’t have a favorite part of research because I love the general process of discovery. With each new book there is something new to learn and experience. I visit the places of my characters’ lives and try to put myself on their paths. What would they have seen? What challenges might they have faced? What were their dreams and hopes? Living in Montana, it’s easy to walk the paths of my stories by venturing into the rugged mountains or onto the open plains. When I traveled to Scotland, I spent most of my time away from civilization, walking the heather-covered hills and ruins. I wanted to see the land as it might have been a century or two ago. By immersing myself in those worlds, I can better understand my characters.
Wicked sweet response, Ms McClintock! I have to admit, when I am directed this particular question it’s a bit ominous to know how to approach it — like you, I get caught up inside the giddy joy of random discoveries. I love following a wink, a nod, and an itch of curiosity when I am settling inside a particular interest knitted into a story I’m composing. The ruins of Scotland are on my own future itinerary, but then, I have been hugged close to the historical past far longer than most in my peerage because whilst I might have read historical fiction, I ached to visit places where time hadn’t touched an area to the brink of where the past was fully erased.
My favourite memories of Mexico were the Mayan ruins and I’m a big appreciator of antiques, as there is a history felt within an object as much as the land of where people lived long and hard lives on the same piece of ground we lay our own feet upon as we visit their lost whispering footpaths. I like your approach because it’s a mirror-match to my own.
Your short stories are wholly true to their own core and heart – do you find it easier to write novels or shorts, or a mixture of the two is your writerly pulse of normalcy? I know some writers struggle with one format but embrace another, and I was curious, as there is a new trend to write novels with novellas in-between releases if you see yourself fitting this niche within the market? Is it motivated by giving readers a bit more of the stories or to explore a new side of the whole of what came before?
McClintock responds: I didn’t set out to write short stories, but now that I’ve incorporated them into what will be a new series, I’ve found great enjoyment in these shorter works. As soon as my last novel went into editing, I began work on a new short story, and I loved the shift. I imagine for each writer their reasons vary, but I have two reasons for writing short stories now. First, I like the pace. The research and time that goes into a full-length novel can be exhausting, and it doesn’t get easier. The short stories give me an opportunity to spend a little time with new characters while giving myself a mental break. It’s sort of like choosing to watch an episode of ‘Friends’ rather than North and South. I enjoy both, but sometimes a break is necessary.
Second, I do like to give readers a bit more. The short stories I’m currently writing are for a new post-Civil War western series. These stories give readers brief glimpses into the characters; how they met, what drives them, do they have secrets? It also gives readers, and myself, a chance to spend a little more time with the characters.
This is a methodology of writing shorts I hadn’t stumbled across previously because I think most of the industry is keyed into the obvious rate of returns; but to step outside marketing to re-fuell your own creative heart and spirit!? That’s a smashing wicked idea! For me, I struggle with the set limits of the words and the lengths of the shorts and/or novellas. Perhaps though, I ought to re-approach it in a way you’ve outlined — who knows!? I’ll either sort it out or abandon it and appreciate those who can do what I consider the impossible.
I do agree — parting with characters is truly a difficult ordeal when you feel tethered into their life and world. We become so very attached to the characters whose life felt as if it had become a part of our own living hours. Soul-prints are left behind as etchings of stories leave their imprints on our hearts.
You’ve set yourself up as a self-reliant self-published author with the mentality of a small house Indie Publisher, between Trappers Peak Publishing and your editing services separate yet connected to the continuity of producing quality over quantity. How did you originally set out to make your mark and re-define how publishing can be approached by an author willing to put in the extra time needed to gain creative control?
McClintock responds: My brain has always operated with creativity and business running parallel. When I set out to publish, I sent out only one letter to one agent. They were willing to sign me, but I wasn’t willing to give over any control of the creative process to someone else. I can be stubborn—sometimes to my own detriment—but I haven’t regretted the decision for a second. I was used to putting in the extra time and effort to build something in which I could believe, but it’s not without trials and a good deal of perseverance. I began to see the struggles so many other authors faced, and I wanted to find a way to help them. I knew first-hand the time and financial commitment involved, and how authors needed a break wherever they could find one. Providing author services was a natural evolution.
A lot of great authors are re-defining the publishing industry, and doing a great job. I’m taking my own creative control one step further with the launch of new company—no details yet—that I hope will do a lot of good for many writers.
Mum’s the word, Ms McClintock! Although I clearly do not even know the secret! lol It doesn’t surprise me you are expanding because from the first moment I visited your website, and expanded my search into Trappers Peak; I started to see a map forming in my mind on how your proving that a bit of ingenuity and an out-of-the-box approach can yield a long-term result that any writer could appreciate having found for themselves. I couldn’t be happier for you, because I saw the strength in what you were conceptionalising even before it was known.
You have three uniquely different series out right now, and I was curious when you set your mind to write them are you thinking about the series as a whole or only laying thought to the manuscript in front of you, and sorting out the details after this one story concludes?
McClintock responds: The first books in both the Gallagher and British Agent series were meant to be single title, but while writing each, I knew the stories would continue. At that point, I did plan out through three books for each series, but I also allow the story to develop as I’m writing. I keep an outline, but I don’t worry about veering from it.
The details for each of the British Agent books emerged once I finished the previous book. With the Gallaghers, there was a continuing story arc through all three books, so that took a lot more advance planning. The new Crooked Creek series was planned out as a series. Although each story or novel in that series will be stand-alone, they all play a greater part of a whole.
I love how you leave behind just a bit of ‘something’ within your stories to give us something to catch sight of for a future release’s revelation. I believe the film industry calls ‘hidden bits’ Easter eggs, and I’m at a loss to know what we’d call them for novels; but the seeds of seeing what bits of story cross-relate to other stories in sequence is part of the joy I have for reading serial fiction. I don’t always need a full recap of the previous story nor a light dusting of it; the best serials are equal measure of individual styling on the whole of where the concept leads you. I can foresee myself reading your books for many moons into the future! I mentioned it before and I’ll say it again, you’ve tapped inside a Western Historical reader’s heart.
Have you been a lifelong appreciator of spy fiction and British spy mysteries or suspense novels where the action is as keenly important as the drama unfolding around the climax? What stories or authors drew your eye and inspired your own desire to bring Alaina Claiborne to life?
McClintock responds: I’ve always enjoyed a good mystery or thriller, both contemporary and historical.
It’s hard to read only one medium of mysteries and thrillers; they have the tendency to push us out of our comfort zones inasmuch as challenge our theories on how the craft of suspense can be conveyed whilst realistically never leaving that small measure of the unknown to keep us entranced.
Do you enjoy watching Classic Motion Pictures set in the noir style or the old school variants of psychological suspense, mystery, and suspense? IF so, which films and actors do you think gave a leveling of the field to where others were inspired due to what they gave first? What do you look for the most inside these kinds of stories?
McClintock responds: Interestingly enough, I’ve only recently started to watch some of the old school noir-style movies, beginning with the classic, The Maltese Falcon. I’m hooked now. These movies strip away all of the fancy gadgets, special effects, and many conveniences we take for granted today, and what you’re left with are the people themselves; their emotions, their vulnerabilities, and most importantly their flaws. When you don’t have all the sparkle and shine to distract you, you’re left with real people. I enjoy that simplicity.
Ooh, wow! I started taking a serious interest in Turner Classic Movies approx. seven years ago as prior to then I would watch an old movie nearly only at Christmastime as it wasn’t quite Christmas without Bing Crosby (‘White Christmas’) or Jimmy Stewart (‘It’s A Wonderful Life’). Over the years I’ve become so vested in seeing noir suspense, classic horror (it’s psychological suspense: non-graphic, it’s all eluded too), mysteries (both serial films and stand-alones; the serials were the original attempts at ‘serial tv’), and of course, I grew up on Perry Mason, so stepping back into the original classic Perry Mason episodes was a true delight!
Spencer Tracy will keep you on pins in ‘Jekyll & Hyde’ whereas Ingrid Bergman will convince you she was meant for the genre in ‘Gaslight’ (coincidentally it was Angela Lansbury’s debut!). I love classic Hitchcock films (such as ‘The Lady Vanishes’) because it foretells his genius for using camera a third narrator. Your on a wonderful ride and I hope you have a wicked sweet time uncovering all the lovely bits of what the classic motion pictures can give you! I find myself in direct need of a ‘technocolour hiatus’ where I opt only for TCM!
The appeal for me is just as you said – they endeavour to show the humanistic side of emotional hearts caught up in the ordinary lives of characters who choose to own how they live but also to own the depth of how living can afford to reveal hidden portions of their humanity. If you want a moment for levity, due watch the Thin Man series starring William Powell and Myrna Loy!
Propriety is nearly a lost art next to chivalry except when reading historical fiction – what attracted you to reading stories against a backdrop of a previous era where ladies and gents were ideally their own persons but with a bent of fashion and a carriage of presence that is all but lost today?
McClintock responds: For precisely that reason; it’s all but lost. As both a writer and reader, I want to recreate a time when it was common practice, and expected, for a gentleman to open doors, pull out a chair, stepping in when someone is in a difficult situation, or for both sexes to respect the opinions and feelings of others, conduct themselves well in public, and when they walk into a room, immediately garner respect. Thank goodness there are still many men and women who were raised this way, but it’s not as commonplace as it once was. I’m not saying by-gone eras weren’t without flaws, but we’ve lost something important over the years, and I delve into historical fiction to get a measure of that back.
You spoke about this with such eloquence of clarity, the only thing I want to say in return is that I completely agree with you! Must be a clue to this truth as my favourite ‘eras’ are the Victorian, the Regency, and the Edwardian (of England) when I am not reading Westerns, of course! Ooh, I should have asked you if you watch ‘The Murdoch Mysteries or The Pinkertons’ tv serials!? You’d love them!
What did you find the hardest to write about in fiction, the dialogue of the characters or the interactions and riding bits with the horses? How did you find balance to draw attention to something that is so naturally akin to normal in the West but make it sound tangible to a reading audience? (in reference to riding vs other modes of transportation)
McClintock responds: I’m not sure I can explain it well enough, but I grew up with horses, so incorporating them into my writing came naturally. I know what’s it’s like to sit atop a horse and feel it move beneath you, to feel its breath when you hold your hand over the muzzle, or understand when their eyes reflect that they’re eager, anxious, or weary. With some exceptions for people who lived in cities or didn’t work with directly with animals, riding a horse was a natural part of everyday life. Because of this normalcy, there’s no need to draw attention to the simple act of riding a horse or driving a wagon. It’s just something the characters do because they have no other options.
Sometimes I find this simple normalcy is at times a bit harder to purport into a breath of words that feels real to the level it’s intrinsic. I like how you described your approach as it gave me a few ideas that might help my own endeavours. I clearly ‘overthink’ the simpler things when it comes to writing!
What is your most ideal hero and heroine character set in the historical worlds in which you create and enjoy from other writers who share your genre?
McClintock responds: From my own books, I adore them all, but I have a special place in my heart for Ethan and Brenna. Ethan is the type of man to whom I’ve always been attracted; tall, dark, handsome, a little brooding, but with a generous heart. Brenna is a kindred spirit. If I were to create a best friend from thin air, she’d be like Brenna.
From other books . . . there are so many! I love Elizabeth Bennett and Fitzwilliam Dary. I also adore Brodick and Gillian from Julie Garwood’s Ransom and Iain and Judith from her book, The Secret. I enjoy imperfect characters who play their respective roles well, but who are also independent of mind.
Of all the books and authors you could have picked, you picked the very *two!* novels I’ve read by Julie Garwood and I swear, you took the words right out of my own head for why I loved reading them! Isn’t that curious!? I can see we are like-minded souls on the characters who attract our attention and win over our readerly hearts.
What renews your own muse and joy whilst your not knee deep in revisions and research?
McClintock responds: I read every chance I get. Once I pass off a book to my editor for the initial revisions, I devour as many books as I can before I resume edits, writing, and research. I also love to garden, explore nature, and take photographs. I enjoying learning, and take online courses when the fancy strikes. When I’m in the mood for a movie, I like to keep my hands busy by knitting scarves. I unwind by baking for friends and family, but my favorite—and most necessary—form of daily renewal is a nice long walk, early in the morning when the air is cool and crisp, and when most people are just waking.
Not every writer I interview mentions reading for pleasure and I’m thankful you did! Knitting and baking, eh!? I bet your keen on the natural fibers like I am, right? I adore baby llama for it’s buttery softness, but I hope to explore other natural fibers in the future, especially since I have a soft spot for farm/ranch life, where I believe in sustainable farming and practices. Oh, my, if I could grab ahold of the morning hours where the Earth is just waking and the temperatures are not volcanic hot, I’d find true bliss too. The only thing that would win me over more is an early morning ride!
Thank you for giving me such a wonderful conversation!
I have truly appreciated discovering the breadth of your collective works as much as I enjoyed the camaraderie of our talk! Bless you for extending your responses to incorporate a wonderful rounding of not only your personality but a bit of an insight glimpse to how you approach the craft itself. I thank you for your time and I truly enjoyed hosting you!
The British Agents Book Trailer by MK McClintock
Inspired to Share: Not since I had the pleasure of listening to the author read an excerpt from the audiobook version of her novel (The Ghost Bride) have I appreciated such a beautiful overview of a book series by an author whose spoken voice is as kinetically true to her stories as the style in which she pens her stories. Click play and become immersed inside the hypnotic tone of McClintock expressing how the series evolved past focus on the Agents and where the heroines took center stage! Musically enriched and visually stunning, you do not want to miss this!
The Virtual Road Map for “British Agent Series” can be found here:
Previously I had the honour of discovering McClintock through her Short Stories:
See what I am hosting next on my Bookish Events page!
Copyright © Jorie Loves A Story, 2015.
Great interview. ..the settings of Montana drew me to MKs books and keep coming back
Thank you for visiting, Dawn!
Thank you, Dawn for dropping by my interview with MK McClintock!
I apologise for my belated reply! I had meant to respond closer to the time this interview posted,… the main thing I wanted to convey is that I too, was drawn to read Ms McClintock’s stories based on where they were set and the style in which they were written! I’m still reading Alaina Claiborne and am hopeful that my thoughts will finally post this month (July) at long last! Which stories of hers have become your favourites!? (out of the series?)
*ps: the author thanked you for your visit, too! :)
Thank you, Jorie! I can’t remember the last time I enjoyed an interview so much. Yes, you are what I’d also call a kindred spirit, and I could continue this conversation with great pleasure. I had to smile when you mentioned “White Christmas.” I wore out my first VHS copy of that movie which my mother kindly replaced. I do prefer natural fibers, and that’s not always easy to find in yarns–at least around here. I have my heart set on learning Fair Isle knitting. Thank you again for a wonderful time here! – MK