Maggie Blackbird

The month of August at my blog is all about where writers write.  During these next thirty-one days, I’ll be featuring those wonderful places where your favourite authors create their works of fiction (besides the usual blog posts). Today, I have Gayle M. Irwin in the interview chair.  We’re discussing her special writing spot.

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1. Why did you choose this particular writing spot to draft your novel?

Gayle: I enjoy the serenity of the woods, and when my husband and I bought the acreage and added the cabin, I knew I would create many stories and books at this tranquil location. The setting reminds me of western Montana, where my novel series takes place, and therefore, this location serves as a model for the setting of my books.

2. Share a story (funny or serious) that occurred at your favourite writing spot.

Gayle: One autumn, a group of 12 wild turkeys trotted along the road near the cabin. Our cocker spaniel, Cody, jumped up on a chair and looked out the cabin’s living room window, and as he watched them strut by, Cody barked and barked at them, as if saying, ‘This is my special spot. Get on outta here!’

3. Can you only write at this certain spot? Or is there another place that you like to write?

Gayle: I have another special location at which I enjoy writing. Friends own a ranch about 75 miles from our home, and I visit this special property along the Powder River several times a year. I am able to stay at their guest house, and I take 3 and 4-day ‘writing retreats’ to the ranch where I’ve created book manuscripts and short stories during my visits. Between the quiet of the ranch and the various animals, wild and domestic, I discover creativity and inspiration when I’m there. I also have a home office with a bank of windows that looks out upon a garden and green space; bird feeders and a waterer entice songbirds so every now and then when I look out the window, I’m able to enjoy the colorful critters as they feed and/or get a drink.

4. How about the atmosphere. Do you need certain lighting, perhaps music, or silence? Do you lock the door to keep out the kids? Share what goes on while you’re writing.

Gayle: I often turn on instrumental music while I write, but I also enjoy the quiet. I’ve learned to turn my phone off so as not to be distracted or lose my train of thought. There are no children in house, however, sometimes my pets demand attention, but that’s okay — I need to get up and stretch and engage in a ‘petting the pets’ frenzy now and then!

5. Do you have any other comments?

Gayle: I grew up on an Iowa farm and my family and I moved to the Rocky Mountain region during my late teens. I’ve always felt an affinity to nature, and I feel blessed to live in a majestic, tranquil, and inspiring area. Nature makes me creative and provides me with peace. I’m grateful to have natural areas so close.

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Author: Gayle M. Irwin
Title: Rescue Road
Series: Pet Rescue Romance, #1
Genre: Sweet, Contemporary Romance
Book Length: 360 pages
Release Date: November 10, 2019
Publisher: Waggin’ Tales Inspirational Pet Stories

Where rescue and romance meet.

Blurb:  Freelance writer Rhiann Kelly shelved romance for years. Her dream of starting an animal sanctuary takes deep roots after finding the perfect location in southwestern Montana and purchasing the property for back taxes.

Emergency medical technician Levi Butler knows his elderly friend left the ranch to him in his will. Levi anxiously awaits the probate to be complete so he can plan his retirement and begin his dream of raising and selling horses.

Wen Rhiann and Levi find each other at the ranch simultaneously, sparks fly – and not the romantic kind. Yet their mutual attraction deepens, especially after Levi finds Rhiann injured in an accident. Meantime, land developer Dallas Patterson sets his sights on charming Rhiann to obtain the land.

Can Rhiann and Levi work together to detour Patterson and find a solution in which neither needs to give up their dream, or will the fence line of their hearts – and the property – separate them forever? Can their broken paths weave their hearts together as they travel the rescue road?

Purchase at:

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Rhiann couldn’t believe her eyes. Left hand on her hip and straw broom in her right, she glared at the man she had met yesterday.

“Well?” she questioned, looking Levi in the eye. “Answer my question. What are you doing on my ranch?”

“Your what? YOUR ranch? This is my land,” he snapped.

“Uh, unless your last name is Kelly or McCallister, I don’t think so.”

Levi stalked toward the front porch. Rhiann took a step back. She looked into his smoldering gray eyes as he said, “George Nelson left this place to me. Just who are you to come claim it as yours?”

Before she could respond, he rushed on, “Are you related to George? I didn’t think he had any kids or grandkids. Are you a niece or something?”

Rhiann shook her head. “I didn’t know Mr. Nelson. I’m the granddaughter of Mary Martha McAllister. She was born here, in that log cabin over there.”

She pointed to the two-room dwelling to her right.

“That’s my house,” Levi said.

She detected the curt tone, and she responded in kind.

“I don’t know why you keep saying you own this property. That cabin, this place, has been mine for nearly four months and was in my family for two generations. I’m just now getting here after settling the back taxes.”

Levi’s face blanched. “Back taxes? What are you talking about?”

At that moment, his cell phone rang. She watched him pull the device from a back pocket of his jeans. He turned away from her.

“Mr. Williamson, Yes, this is Levi Butler. You have news for me?” He paused in his conversation. “I see.”

Rhiann continued observing him. He gradually turned toward her. His eyes darkened, and his teeth clenched. Rhiann took a step back, holding the broom in both hands. I’ll swing this thing at his head if he takes one more step.

“Yes, yes, I’ve met her. In fact, I’m looking at her right now.”

His icy statement sent chills up Rhiann’s spine.

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Gayle M. Irwin is an award-winning author and freelance writer, being recognized by Wyoming Writers, Inc., and the Wyoming Press Association for several of her works. She is the author of The Pet Rescue Series, a collection of romance books that weave pet rescue and adoption into the love story. She is also a contributor to seven Chicken Soup for the Soul books and the author of many pet books and stories for children in which she subtly weaves important life lessons, including friendship, courage, self-confidence, and the importance of pet rescue and adoption. An animal advocate, Gayle volunteers for various dog rescue and humane society organizations, and she donates a percentage of all book sales to such groups. Learn more about the author, her writing endeavors, and her pets, and receive free stories and resources by visiting her website: www.gaylemirwinauthor.com.

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