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Friday, November 13, 2009

Spotlight on Vickie McDonough and Wild West Christmas

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

VICKIE MCDONOUGH is an award-winning author and native Oklahoman. She has had 16 novels and novellas published. Her favorite genre is Christian historical romance. Her stories frequently place in national contests, such as the ACFW Book of the Year contest, the Inspirational Readers Choice Contest and Heartsong Present’s annual readers’ contests. She is a wife of thirty-four years, mother of four sons, and grandmother to a feisty three-year-old girl.

WILD WEST CHRISTMAS
by Vickie McDonough
Published by Barbour Publishing

ABOUT THE BOOK

Romance takes root in the lives of a Texas rancher's four daughters. Charlsey Ames loves being a cowhand until a dandy tenderfoot from the city begins opening her eyes to unexplored territory. Sharpshooter Lucy Ames takes a shot at love while traveling with a Wild West show. Horse-trainer Sarah Ames finds herself falling for a suspicious drifter with a gentle hand. Tracker Bessie Mae Ames is being trailed by a handsome yet guarded Texas Ranger. Will love corral these Lone Star ladies hearts this Christmas?

Readers, buy your copy of Wild West Christmas today!

AUTHOR INTERVIEW

1. What gave you the inspiration for this story?

Our story is about four sisters, and when I drew the third sister, I modelled her after children I knew who were the third child in a family of four. Often these children have a hard time finding where they fit in, and Sarah is no different. She struggles with her lack of household skills and the desire to be outside, training her father’s horses—something she’s especially gifted at doing.

2. How much of your own experiences influenced your characters? What aspects became traits that were theirs and theirs alone?

It varies, depending on the character. Some reflect me more than others. My hero, Carson Romero, is half Scottish and half Mexican. He lives in western Texas in a time where it wasn’t cool to be a Mexican. He longs to be respected for the God fearing man he is on the inside and not rejected because of the color of his skin.

3. If your hero/heroine were an ice cream flavor, what would he/she be and why?

Carson would be Vanilla Caramel Swirl, and Sarah would be something very different like Banana Split ice cream. She’s vanilla, a real woman, with flavors unique to herself mixed in.

4. Are there any themes in Wild West Christmas that you hope the reader sees? Are there any themes that weren't overt but developed as the stories progressed?

There’s the one I’ve already mention of judging people based on their looks or ethnicity. There’s also sibling rivalry, a woman struggling in a man’s word, and western issues like cattle rustling.

Themes that weren't overt? Not in my story, because I had it planned out pretty well before I started writing it. I can’t really speak for the other authors, but each of our heroines had their own problems.

5. What were your most difficult parts to write? Your favorite?

Carson was such a good man, that it sometimes hard to make him suffer and for people to treat him unfairly. I really like my opening where Sarah is dressed like a man so she can compete in a local horse race. Her oldest sister finds her and threatens to tell their pa if she doesn’t change. What Sarah did next was fun to write. Also, I enjoyed the horse race where Carson competed against Sarah, and later, their developing romance.

6. When is your next book coming out and what is the story?

Besides Wild West Christmas, I also have another Christmas anthology now out called A Blue and Gray Christmas and contains four novellas set against the backdrop of the Civil War.

I’d also like to tell your readers about my long fiction series that debuts next spring. The Anonymous Bride is the first book in my Texas Boardinghouse Brides series, which debuts next April. It's the story of a town marshal who suddenly has three mail-order brides arrive in town, each expecting to marry him. The thing is—he didn’t order a bride. Here’s a link if you’d like to know more.

* * * * *

Thank you, Vickie, for being in the spotlight with us.

Readers, leave a comment for your chance to win a FREE autographed copy of Wild West Christmas.

Make sure you also leave your email address (name at domainname dot.com/net). You won't be entered in the drawing without it. If you wish to comment but don't want to be entered, say so when you post.

And if you want to make certain you don't miss anything, check the box that says 'email follow-up comments to:' when you leave a comment and they'll be sent to the email address associated with your blogging account. That way you'll be notified of any comments and will know when the winners are announced each time.

This week, the contest is open to US/Canada residents only.

21 comments:

Lori (sugarandgrits) said...

I simply can. not. wait. to read this book! I love cowboys, Christmas, and romance...so I can't go wrong with this book!

Since I'm the oldest of 4 girls, Wild West Christmas will be a book I can relate to. :)

Thank you for the wonderful interview!
~ Lori

sugarandgrits{at}hotmail{dot}com

Martha A. said...

Oh my, this sounds like a neat book!
martha(at)lclink(dot)com

Anonymous said...

What a great post. I have this book on my TBR list. Please enter me. Thanks.
tarenn98[at]yahoo[dot[com

Jo said...

I love reading Christmas books and would love a copy of this book. Please enter me in the drawing.

Blessings,
Jo
ladijo40(at)aol(dot)com

Anonymous said...

would enjoy reading this fabulous book...thanks for the opportunity.

karen k
kmkuka(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

Have been anxious to read this book! Please enter me. Thanks!
jackie.smith(at)dishmail(dot)net

Edgy Inspirational Author said...

I enjoy a romantic cowboy story. I've found some good ones lately.

joyfulhutch[at]msn[dot]com

Michelle said...

Thank you for entering me!!!

Blessings,
Michelle
scraphappy71 at sbcglobal dot net

Cherie J said...

I love Christmas books this time of the year! Please enter me. I enjoyed the spotlight. Thank you!

cherierj(at)yahoo(dot)com

Carole said...

Please don't enter me. I recently read this book and just wanted to say that I enjoyed it very much. Each story involves a daughter in the same family, which was a nice way to connect them.

Edna said...

I really like Vickie's books and would love to win this one, y'all have a very southern Thanksgiving and Christmas now you hear. I am southern by the way, LOL


mamat2730(at)charter(dot)net

Deborah said...

I have am so excited about the chance to win this book. It sounds so good! I don't care if I keep reading these Christmas books after the season is over (officially) I LOVE that time of year! Thanks so much!
dleathers36(at)yahoo(dot)com

Vickie McDonough said...

Lori, You'll enjoy this book. Maybe you should get one for each of your sisters for Christmas.

To those of you who love cowboy books--me too! What is it about them that's so inticing?

Thanks, everybody, for visiting this blog, reading the interview, and entering the contest. Good luck!

Anonymous said...

This book sounds very interesting! Please enter me into the drawing.

djkeoppel(at)yahoo(dot)com

Cheryl said...

I would love to win a copy of this book. Please enter me in the contest. My email address is shryackmom[@]charter[.]net

Anonymous said...

Great interview. I have this book on my list. Please enter me. Blessings.
tarenn98[at]yahoo[dot]com

Merry said...

Toss my name in the hat! I enjoy Vickie's books. Thanks!

worthy2bpraised[at]gmail[dot]com

Anonymous said...

Please enter me in the drawing. I can hardly wait to read this book.
~Abby

abster dot rose at yahoo dot com

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great book. Love reading books with a western setting. JoAnn
joann4us(at)yahoo(dot)com

adge said...

This looks like a fun read. Please include me in the giveaway. Thanks. gasweetheart211[at]netscape[dot]net

Tiffany Amber Stockton said...

We have a winner from this drawing and that is:

DEBORAH

Congratulations! I have emailed you for your mailing information so Vickie can send out your book.

As always, thanks to everyone for your continued support.