My guest today is Kim McMahill, the talented author of six adventure novels. The three most current, Big Horn Storm, Marked in Mexico, and Desperate Dreams were published by Prism Book Group. Her latest novel, Shrouded in Secrets, is scheduled to be released this summer. For more on Kim and her work visit her website at http://KimMcMahill.com or follow her blog, Embrace Adventure http://KimMcMahill.blogspot.com .

Question: Do you ever frighten yourself when you’re deeply involved in writing a suspenseful story?

Answer: No. Most of my adventures are really out there, set in the mountains, jungles, deserts or other exotic locals, many of which I’ve visited with no crisis or unpleasant experiences. What I couldn’t write are serial killer or psychological thrillers. Those types of stories show up on the news often enough that they are too entrenched in reality. I like my adventures to be a little less likely to happen in real life. Stories can be incredibly suspenseful using the “what if” scenario.

Q: How long does it take you to write a novel, from start to finish (submission to a publisher)?

A: The time it takes for me to write a novel varies considerably. Big Horn Storm probably took only about two or three months. Others such as my upcoming novel, Shrouded in Secrets, can take years. Most, though, fall somewhere in between. I could easily produce two novels a year, but my goal is to complete at least one high-quality novel annually.

Q: Do you have a favorite character among those you’ve created?

A: I would say Niki in Big Horn Storm is one of my favorite characters. Despite a less than ideal childhood she has always focused on the positives in her life such as her annual summer vacation with her grandfather at his sheep camp in the Bighorn Mountains, and worked hard to provide a stable future by being independent and putting herself though college. She is loving and loyal and willing to do whatever it takes to protect those she loves. When pushed to her limits she reacts with strength she didn’t know she possessed and surprises even the most stubborn of cowboys.

Q: What are you working on now?

A: As I mentioned earlier the release of Shrouded in Secrets is just around the corner. In the novel the massacre of an unarmed South American village, destruction of one of the greatest manmade wonders of the world and multiple museum thefts ignite a desperate scramble to locate a deadly group of terrorists in an action-packed international thriller. For a sneak peek at the cover stop by my website or blog. I am also very excited about a novel I’m working on where the rural west collides with the pharmaceutical industry in a suspenseful thriller. It’s got ranchers, researchers, blizzards, fires, snowmobiles, explosions, shoot-outs, and, oh yes, a hunky Sheriff’s deputy.

Q: If you could go and live anywhere in the world for a year to write a book set in that location, where would you choose?

A: That’s a tough one. There are so many exciting places in the United States and around the world to choose from. I do love Italy, but there are also many places in Central and South America that are fascinating for their beauty, culture and history. I’ve already written two novels, Marked in Mexico and Deadly Ruins that incorporate Mayan Ruins found in Mexico, so it might be exciting to head further south to Guatemala or Belize for more Mayan adventures.

Again, Kim’s website is found at http://KimMcMahill.com , and her “Embrace Adventure” blog is http://KimMcMahill.blogspot.com . Thank you, Kim, for taking time to share about yourself and your writing!