By: Kim McMahill
Congratulations to "Vicki T.", the winner of Kim's giveaway. Thank you to all who participated.
Authors garner inspiration for suspenseful stories from a
plethora of sources. Some observe, watching life unfold around them, absorbing
the possibilities and twisting reality into dramatic fiction; some feed off
emotions; others rely solely on active imaginations; and many embrace adventure
through the endless bounty of nature. I accept inspiration whenever and
wherever it presents itself, but the natural world is my greatest muse. Not
only do I find the sensational backdrops for my novels in nature, but those
forces humans try to manipulate, but generally fail to control, often add an
additional layer of seemingly insurmountable obstacles, heightening suspense.
Those who follow my
work may have noticed that I’ve set multiple stories in Mexico or have at least
maintained a strong tie. Though I
haven’t been to Mexico in a few years, I have spent considerable time exploring
its Mayan ruins, enjoying its beaches on both coasts and I’ve done volunteer
work in the rural interior. While listening to a guide expound upon the
practice of human sacrifice at the Sacred Well at the edge of Chichén Itzá my
eyes darted around the perimeter searching for any hint of danger and my
imagination ran amok – what happens when paradise turns deadly? Flee into the
jungle and fight for your life. (Marked in Mexico). I found it
impossible to wander through the far reaches of Cobá on a morning devoid of
visitors, cautiously peering behind a mysterious ruin abutting the dark dense
jungle and listening to the insects and hidden creatures without needing to
take the adventure much further (Deadly Ruins). And, Big Bend
National Park—anyone who has been there has surely stood on the banks of the
Rio Grande looking across its muddy waters into Mexico, wondering about life on
the other side and if anything could make an American risk everything to swim
for another life south of the border (Desperate Dreams).
All writers admit
to being avid people-watchers, which is essential for realistic character
development, but don’t forget about nature and the experiences we encounter
within its broad embrace. Not only can we find inspiration in its varied
landscapes and the creatures which inhabit the diverse and unique environments,
but we can also find that extra element of danger to heighten the suspense of
our stories.
Please leave a comment for your chance to win a free digital copy of Big Horn Storm.
BUY LINKS:
All my books are
available in paperback and eBook formats
FIND ME ONLINE AT http://kimmcmahill.com
BLOGGING AT http://kimmcmahill.blogspot.com
Giveaway ends 11:59pm EST Dec. 22nd. Please supply your email in the post. You may use spaces or full text for security. (ex. jsmith at gmail dot com) If you do not wish to supply your email, or have trouble posting, please email maureen@justromanticsuspense.com with a subject title of JRS GIVEAWAY to be entered in the current giveaway.
"The story is set in the Bighorn National Forest, which is located in north central Wyoming and encompasses over one million acres of remote country. Its abundant wildlife, evergreen forests, grass prairies, mountain meadows, rugged peaks, deep canyons, cascading waterfalls and overall dramatic geology make the area breathtakingly beautiful and the perfect setting for an action packed adventure.
ReplyDeleteSounds amazing. I'd love to experience it.
vickityley@gmail.com
Oh, a new author to read, love it. This sounds amazing. I have never been out west so I love reading about all the remote untouched areas and relate to how it must have been years ago, and sometimes still is. Thanks for the chance to win and Merry Christmas...lsscarchuk@att.net. I would love to win the NOOK version...
ReplyDeleteKim is a new-to-me author, too. Love the sound of her books and they will be going on my wish list!
ReplyDeletekacbooks(at)hotmail(dot)com
I've only read one of this author's books so far, and it's REALLY SCARY! If you like a fast-paced adverture story with some romance to sweeten it up, set against a WOW backdrop, I highly recommend Big Horn Storm.
ReplyDeleteKim, I'm intrigued by the descriptions of your plots. Looking forward to adding a title or two to my TBR stack. l(dot)carrollbradd (at)gmail(dot)com.
ReplyDeleteNice settings for books.
ReplyDeletebn100candg(at)hotmail(dot)com
I love to read books set in unique settings. They take on a life of their own, and transport me to places I know I will never get to. I am looking forward to discovering a new author. Trishleroy49 at gmail dot com
ReplyDeleteHi Kim,
ReplyDeleteI haven't read any of your work yet, but I must say they look & sound fantastic.
marypres(AT)gmail(DOT)com
Sounds fantastic! Thanks for sharing and congrats on the release! I also love the idea of such a different setting :)
ReplyDeleteefender1(at)gmail(dot)com
Thank you to everyone for the thoughtful comments. I hope you all have a wonderful holiday season.
ReplyDeleteKim McMahill is a great suspense writer. She keeps you on the edge of your seat and so invested in the characters that you can't put her books down.
ReplyDeleteHonestly, I love Kim McMahill's books. Her vivid descriptions make me feel I'm right there with the heroine. When I read Marked in Mexico, I wanted a shower and a hot meal throughout the fugitive's ordeals. Those three escapees were in need of water and food, and since they couldn't take a shower or eat, I did it for them! Marked in Mexico was more suspense than romance, although love bloomed. But hey, how many heros and heroines want imtimacy when they are hungry, hot, and dirty? Well, okay, maybe one or two. But I prefer them to have a full tummy and a clean body before the loves in my books seek affection.
ReplyDeleteWahoo! What a lovely surprise. Thank you to Kim McMahill and JRS. I cant wait to read it.
ReplyDelete