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Saturday, May 28, 2016

a guest post by author MK McClintock

Once in awhile it's nice to see a guest post to get a different perspective on writing and inspiration. Incidentally, I am open to other guest posts. Maybe you are a photographer, a poet, or have a memoir you just finished, and if you'd like to write about your process, your dream, what you have done, email me and let me see what you have in mind. Because this blog is loosely structured (even I don't know what I'll be writing next week) there is opportunity for guest writers. :)


10 Favorite Book & Movie Heroes of the West
By MK McClintock

Sometimes a book or movie hero comes along who sparks an interest and remains with you long after you’ve closed the page. It’s tough to choose only a few because I have many favorites, and every time I read (or write) a new book, I risk finding another to add to my list. Rather than giving you my only “favorites,” here are the ones who readily come to mind from western books and movies.

Five Favorite Heroes from Books
-         Ethan Gallagher: Of course it shouldn’t be a surprise that I’d start with one of my own characters. I love all of the heroes in my book so very much, but Ethan from the Montana Gallagher series was my first hero which makes him extra special. For all of his faults and stubbornness, he is as close to my ideal hero as I can imagine. Chivalry, love of family, strength, and good looks only scratch the surface.
-         Morgan Longstreet: The hero in Jo Goodman’s novel In Want of a Wife, is like most of her other heroes—flawed, likeable, and kind of makes a girl want to time-travel to the 1800s just so she can be a mail-order bride for a man like this.
-         Chandos: The surly hero in Johanna Lindsey’s A Heart So Wild isn’t the usual dashing hero one might swoon over, and while I don’t swoon, I do happen to like everything about him from his sense of justice to his multitude of flaws.
-         Thomas Redstone: Kaki Warner’s hero in Home by Morning isn’t my typical choice of a favorite hero, but something about him stuck with me. Kind, wounded, strong, and a heart filled with love for one woman.
-         Charley Collins: This guy is on my mind simply because I recently read Jodi Thomas’s Lone Heart Pass. I rarely add a contemporary hero to my list of favorites, but gosh darn it, I liked Charley. Another wounded “warrior” (sense a theme here) and all-around good guy who’s just trying to do what’s best for his family.

Five Favorite Heroes (actors) from Movies
-         Tom Selleck: I like just about any western movie he’s been in which means pick a character and he’s on my list. Even Quigley Down Under (which isn’t an American Western) counts in my book. Come on, it’s Tom Selleck.
-         Sam Elliott: Ditto what I wrote about Tom Selleck, although I must say that his character Conn Conagher in the movie Conagher tops my list. Haven’t seen it? Watch it and you’ll know what I mean.
-         Val Kilmer: Doc Holiday isn’t what you’d call a mainstream hero, but Val Kilmer plays the role so well in Tombstone. Humor, more flaws than any one person needs, and loyal as the day is long.
-         John Wayne: I’m not sure you could have a favorite list without JW on it. I’m partial to True Grit and Cowboys.
-         Kevin Costner and Robert Duvall: They get to share a spot because they both did a fantastic job in Open Range. If you want to give them more bonus points for individual movies, remember Dances with Wolves, Broken Trail, and Lonesome Dove.
Author Bio
MK McClintock is the award-winning author of several books and short stories, including the popular "Montana Gallagher" series, the "Crooked Creek" series set in post-Civil War Montana, and the highly-acclaimed "British Agent" novels. She spins tales of romance, adventure, and mystery set in the 1800s. With her heart deeply rooted in the past and her mind always on adventure, she lives a quiet life in the Rocky Mountains.

Learn more about MK by visiting her website: http://www.mkmcclintock.com.

You can also connect with MK online at: Books & Benches | Amazon | Facebook | Twitter


The Montana Gallaghers
One man could not destroy them. Another could not tear them apart. They fought for their family, their love, and their legacy . . . and they survived.

"The Montana Gallagher Collection is adventurous and romantic with scenes that transport you into the wild west." —InD'Tale Magazine

Escape to the old west with classic novels of family, adventure, and love from the Montana Gallagher collection. Adventure, danger, and timeless love—The Montana Gallaghers is a series about a frontier family's legacy, healing old wounds, and fighting for the land they love. Get ready for a romantic and adventure ride through nineteenth-century Montana Territory.

Current Titles in the Montana Gallagher Series:
Gallagher’s Pride
Gallagher’s Hope
Gallagher’s Choice
An Angel Called Gallagher
Journey to Hawks Peak (Coming late 2016)

Sexual Content Rating: Subtle/Clean Romance
Genre: Historical Western Romance/Western Adventure


5 comments:

MK McClintock said...

Thank you for inviting me to join you and share with your readers, Rain!

Shirl said...

Great blog! I love the stories in MK's books. I like your choice of actors too. Tom Selleck, Sam Elliot and John Wayne. Doesn't get any better then that. I have all of your books, just not enough time to read them yet, but I will. Keep writing!

MK McClintock said...

Thank you, Shirl! Yes, they are great actors, especially in the westerns.

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Rain Trueax said...

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