The Origins of My Story and Writing Process

I’ve always believed that stories have a life of their own. They weave themselves around you, thread by thread, until you’re wrapped up so tight you can’t help but give them a voice. And that’s how Love in Montana began—an idea that wouldn’t let me go.

Growing up in Wellington, the capital city of New Zealand, surrounded by the sea, I spent my childhood summers at my grandmother’s horse farm, Araby Lodge, in Levin. Those were magical days—learning to ride and care for horses and ponies. There was something about the quiet beauty of the farm, the gentle rhythm of the horses, and the endless, open fields that called to me. It was a place where I felt truly free—free to dream, to imagine, to be whoever I wanted to be. And it’s that sense of freedom I try to capture in my stories.

My writing process is like riding a spirited horse

My writing process, if you can call it that, is a bit like riding a spirited horse. Some days, it’s smooth and graceful, the words flowing effortlessly as if we’re dancing together. Other days, it’s all I can do to hold on, wrangling ideas that buck and twist, trying to find their shape. But that’s part of the magic, isn’t it? Letting go of control and trusting the story to take you where it wants to go.

A spark—a character, a moment, a feeling

When I start a new book, I don’t have a detailed plot or a rigid outline. I have a spark—a character, a moment, a feeling—that ignites something in me. With Love in Montana, it was Lizzie and Jack’s story. I could see them so clearly, two people scarred by loss and betrayal, trying to find their way back to themselves and to each other. Their journey was messy, complicated, and achingly real, and I wanted to capture every bit of it.

I write to understand my characters and, through them, to understand myself. Lizzie, with her fierce independence and vulnerability, reminds me of the times I’ve been betrayed, afraid to let people in, to trust that I’m loved just as I am. Jack, with his gruff exterior and wounded heart, mirrors the struggle to heal from the past and open up to new possibilities. Their story is a reminder that love, real love, is worth fighting for—even when it scares us.

Writing isn’t always easy

Writing isn’t always easy. There are days when the words don’t come, when doubt creeps in and whispers that I should give up. But then I remember why I started. I remember the spark, the story that demanded to be told, and I push through. Because for me, writing is more than just putting words on a page. It’s about connection—connecting with my characters, with my readers, and with the part of myself that needs to be heard.

So, if you’re reading this and you have a story inside you, my advice is simple: let it out. Don’t worry about whether it’s perfect or polished. Just start. Let the words tumble out, messy and raw. Trust that the story knows where it’s going, even if you don’t. Because in the end, it’s not about the destination, but the journey. And what a wild, beautiful ride it is.

With love,
Mollie

xxx

P.S. Love In Montana releases September 30—my birthday! Here’s the blurb

★★★★★ “This book has it all—drama, heartbreak, and a swoon-worthy love story. I couldn’t put it down!”

Award-winning author Mollie Mathews returns with another heartfelt journey of healing, hope, and discovering the true meaning of home.

Pretending to fall in love has never felt so real…

Billionaire rancher and ethical corporate raider Jack Archer would give anything to bring back his parents, who died in a tragic car crash when he was just four years old. Instead, he’s left with the legacy they built from scratch—a sprawling Montana ranch that he cherishes with every fiber of his being. But when his grandfather gives him an ultimatum—find a bride or lose the ranch—Jack is livid. Marriage is the last thing on his mind. Yet, to protect his family’s dream, he needs a fiancée, and he needs her now.

New York lawyer Elizabeth Buckley thought she had it all—until her world crumbled. Betrayed by her best friend, humiliated by her fiancé, and ousted from her job, she’s lost everything she once held dear. Seeking solace and a fresh start, she channels her inner Beth Dutton and escapes to the untamed beauty of Montana. There, a chance encounter with a ruggedly handsome cowboy reignites a spark she thought was extinguished forever.

When Jack proposes a marriage of convenience, Lizzie is torn. The offer could be her ticket to a new life, but it’s risky. Can she really trust a man who needs a wife for reasons that have nothing to do with love? As they navigate a whirlwind of fake dates and public appearances, they find themselves entangled in a connection that feels anything but pretend.

Ideal for readers who crave:

Sizzling romance and slow-burn chemistry with characters who challenge and captivate each other.Emotional depth and relatable characters overcoming loss, betrayal, and the struggle to find themselves again.Sweeping Montana landscapes and a touch of cowboy allure that transports you to a world where the wild spirit of the West meets the sophisticated charm of high-stakes romance.

Reviews:

“An absolute page-turner! Jack and Lizzie’s chemistry leaps off the page, and the Montana setting is beautifully rendered. A must-read for romance lovers!” 

“This book has it all—drama, heartbreak, and a swoon-worthy love story. I couldn’t put it down!” “From heartbreak to hope, this story took me on an emotional rollercoaster. I felt every moment, and the ending was perfection!” 

Can two people who’ve lost everything find the courage to risk it all again—for each other? Perfect for fans of authors like Susan Mallery, Maisey Yates, and Kristan Higgins, Love in Montana is a heartfelt journey of healing, hope, and discovering the true meaning of home.

ENJOY THE LOVE IN MONTANA PLAYLIST

Listen to Lucky Star by Willie Nelson, the song that inspired the naming of the young orphaned foal rescued by Jack.

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The Heart Behind Love in Montana: How My Grandfather’s Pranks and Love Shaped My Writing

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