M.K. McClintock's Blog, page 2

Changing Seasons and Delicious Oat Pancakes

Sometimes a writer gets tired of writing . . . blog posts, that is. The much needed three-month break from blogging produced a new novella and the first draft of a new novel manuscript. Totally worth it.

And it's getting cold enough to make me want to start baking goodies again.

Since then, the arrival of gray clouds and snow on the mountains signals the time between autumn and winter, when one season is easing into sleep while we're teased with the promise of invigorating cold and a snowy la...

Reading Room: Two Historical Fiction Recommendations and a Chocolate Treat

Hello, dear readers! Life has been buzzing and busy all summer, and I've been a busy bee with writing, business, family, and enjoying my time away from too much of everything. Winding down and filling the time with more of what I most enjoy and want to do.

The weather was marvelous in August—mild with unexpected bursts of rain, perfect for long walks, an occasional lazy afternoon, and a lot of brainstorming. I'll be headed back up to Glacier National Park soon (reservation season is almost over...

Mini Post: Every Season

Every season the rose gets another chance to grow, to become more beautiful than the season before. Without nourishment and light, it will not reach its full potential. Sometimes it requires trimming to be its best self, sacrificing a small piece to strengthen the whole. So it is for each of us.

A note to self: Embrace the idea that sometimes, in order to become our best selves, we must be willing to let go of what holds us back. Just like the rose, each of us has the potential to blossom into ...

The Challenges and Charm of Frontier Living in Montana

1880s Montana Territory - a time and place filled with rugged landscapes, wild adventures, and untamed hearts. As an author fascinated by historical life, I spend most of my days wondering what it would have been like to live in such a captivating era. From the harsh realities of frontier living to the budding romances that bloomed amidst the chaos, the Montana Territory of the 1880s paints a picture that is both challenging and charming.

Picture the idyllic setting of the Gallaghers' Hawk'...

A Serene Stroll along the River

There are moments in life when the world seems to slow down, and those are the moments I cherish most. This morning offered such an opportunity for me to enjoy a quiet walk along the meandering river north of town. The glassy water beautifully reflected the trees and mountaintops as birds sang and squirrels chattered. It has always been one of my favorite walks, and one I hadn't taken in far too long.

Moments like this are part of what originally inspired me to write the Gallagher books. I c...

Enchanting Sunlit Woods of Wild Lupine

On the Lupine Trail

I took my annual walk on the lupine trail a couple of weeks ago. What a gloriously peaceful morning, with the sun casting shadows through the tress and birdsong floating in the air. There are hundreds of pines around the valley in need of cutting down and weeds are growing a bit more wild on the roads right now. Still, nature always finds a way to thrive and enchant.

Deep in the forest green, where shadows dance,

Betwixt the trees, nature’s elegance enchants,

Wild...

Reading Room: Roundup of Books to Read

Several wonderful looking and sounding books have been shared at Books & Benches recently, and I wanted to share a roundup of those here in case any of you might find them worth a second look (or better yet, a read).

The Lost Women of Mill Street by Kinley Bryan

I'm always drawn to any American Civil War era novel that sounds good, and this one did! This one is in my currently reading pile and is proving to be quite interesting!

Check out the Post

Lighten the Load: Ghosts Along the Oreg...

A Love Letter to Writing and Time, with Flowers

Every pen stroke, every word typed, marks a new chapter, a new beginning, and I do so enjoy new beginnings as much as I enjoy constants and traditions. I've no doubt this is due to existing in a modern world and living in a historical one.

A month or so past I took a much-needed break from one of my long-time businesses, and the extra time has been most rewarding. I'm still insanely busy, but those gained ("extra") hours I didn't realize I needed now go to more reading, more time outdoors, more...

Mini Post: Live, Love, Pursue

In our hands, we hold a book; edges worn thin by time, pages filled with tales of courage and adventure from times long past. It is passed down through generations, an heirloom holding stories that are now ours to rewrite. A journey awaits each of us beyond the horizon; adventures untold brimming with untapped talents and unbroken threads of potential.

Walk with purpose, let our feet guided by the principles we hold dear. Each step echoes our individual and precious truth, resonating with the r...

Reading Room: Two Historical Scottish Romances

It is time for a new Reading Room post! I have been devouring books of late. Many, many wonderful books. Some have been research, and a lot of them have been rereads because I find them easier while I'm dwelling deeply in a new story.

These two historical Scottish romances are both clean reads and great escapes. They are also written by authors whose books I haven't read before, which is always a nice treat.

Love Practically by Nichole Van

I picked this book up for three reasons: It's historic...