Sit Down Saturday with T.R. McClure

Today we're celebrating the June 1 release of Wanted: The Perfect Mom.


So, T.R., where did you get the idea for this novel?


My daughter spent ten years in the Air Force before deciding to become a civilian. The transition was more difficult than she expected. From what I hear, I don't think she is alone in that experience.


Tell us briefly about "The Call".

I returned from a morning walk with my dog to find a message on the answering machine from Dana at Harlequin Heartwarming. I feared she would never call back, but later that day I was at my desk when we finally connected.


In looking at the cover, if you could add a caption or captions, what would they say?


"through a child's eyes." Sometimes we forget about the wonders of nature that surround us in our daily lives. Children help us to remember our first experiences and how eye opening they were.

How long did it take you to write?


Maybe around six months, but there were so many changes and revisions I'm not really sure anymore. Sometimes your book goes an entirely different direction than expected.

What is your favorite scene?


The scene where Holly shows Riley the exploding seed pod of the touch me not, which is a beautiful flower that grows wild in Pennsylvania and is technically a weed. My grandmother showed me how to pinch the seed pods and years later I showed my twins. It's kind of silly, but such a simple delight.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character is Hawkeye, who on the surface is just an old farmer, but has so much history and mystery to him. I don't even know his whole story.

If you could pick fictional characters to play the hero and heroine, who would they be?


Steve Rogers AKA Captain America and Katniss, of Hunger Games fame. Both characters are strong and brave and want to do the right thing, just like Mac and Holly. In high school, I had a pair of Captain America shoes. He's always been my kind of guy.

Tell us one thing you learned during research.


Can I tell you two? I learned to make some great coffee drinks. Did you know coffee pairs with food just like wine?


I also learned a family is a living organism, always changing. Holly was the youngest, and the only girl. Her position in the family changed when she returned home, a competent adult and a warrior.

What music would match the mood of this novel?


Phillip Phillips' Home would be the perfect soundtrack. Just listen Phillip Phillips Home

This is your first book. Exactly what does that mean to you?


To be accepted by a publisher as renowned as Harlequin is an honor. Getting into this field late in life just proves that it's never too late to reach for your dreams.

What do you plan to work on next?


Harlequin recently offered me a two-book contract. Yay! The first book is Wendy's Story, about the news reporter in Wanted: The Perfect Mom. She wasn't always the nicest person. But there's hope for everyone, don't you agree?

The second may be about a century farm with an old apple orchard. In Pennsylvania, when a farm has been in a family for 100 years, it receives a Century Farm designation. This farm might not make it.

What are you reading for pleasure right now?


After watching the movie by the same name, I am reading The Finest Hours: The True Story of the U.S. Coast Guard's Most Daring Sea Rescue to better understand the movie. The story proves we have real life heroes among us. Watch The Finest Hours trailer

You can visit T.R. McClure's website at http://www.trmcclure.com/



Comments

  1. This is such a wonderful, special month for you, T.R.! Congratulations on your new release, your first book with Harlequin, your second contract offer and for being part of the Heartwarming family.

    I wish you much success with WANTED: THE PERFECT MOM!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thanks so much, Kate. It's been a blast!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Congratulations. If there is ever a time in a writing career more exciting than all the one's you've listed, I guess it's only walking into a bookstore and seeing your book on the shelf for the very first time. Well--maybe every time. Fab cover. Looking forward to reading the book.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I have my daughter checking out the Walmart in Henderson, TN, to see if my book is on the shelf.

      Delete
  4. Congratulations, T.R. (What DO those initials stand for?) I love the sound of your heroine - and that's such a profound observation, that family roles change as time goes on, not only parent to child, but sometimes sibling to sibling. Very cool on the new contract. Wish you great success, and so much reader mail the Post Office has to bring it to you in a truck!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you, Muriel. Tanya Rozalin. Used the middle name for one of the twins in the book. :) I'll keep an eye out for that truck!

      Delete
    2. Beautiful, romantic names! But, then, we'd have two Rozes! Thanks for sharing that.

      Delete
  5. Adding my congratulations, T.R. I'm looking forward to reading your book.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Congratulations on your release and your two-book contract!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Congratulations on your first book, T.R.! This story sounds wonderful. I especially love your comment on how children remind us to stop and look around and appreciate what's before us. I've found even writing from a child's perspective can really open up a scene in a way I didn't anticipate. Good luck with your new books! And with redeeming your not so nice heroine...those can definitely be the most rewarding characters to write. :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. For sure. Looking around for a heroine and there she was. And thank you. We do have a beautiful world.

      Delete
  8. Congratulations, T.R.! I'd like to read about that apple orchard.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Oh, T. R., I live near Henderson, TN! And I'll check out the store here in Corinth. Love your story exploding seed pod. That's what makes memories for kids! And adults. ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  10. All the best to you, T.R., for this first book and the others to come! Your stories sound wonderful.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Wow! Great news about the contract. I hope you enjoy every second of your first Harlequin book being published. It's definitely something to celebrate. And I love Captain America too. Good choice!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Congratulations on your release! It sounds like a great read... as do your next books! :D

    ReplyDelete
  13. Hi T.R!! I'm sorry I'm a little late to the party. Congratulations on your first Heartwarming novel...and more to come!! My daughter is also in the Air Force and debates on if she wants to stay in or not, so I'm really looking forward to reading Holly's story. And I love the cover! The world really is different through a child's eyes. I thought my kindergartners kept me from forgetting that, but as my granddaughter is starting to become mobile and explore everything she can get her hands on, I'm more aware than ever.

    Have a fabulous weekend!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Thanks, LeAnne. Don't forget it's FICTION! :) That's nice your granddaughter is reminding you. Have a good week!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Congrats!! Love the stories behind the story! Can't wait for the next two books.

    ReplyDelete
  16. Thanks, Kristen. Only halfway through the second but already thinking of the third.

    ReplyDelete
  17. Congratulations on your first Harlequin novel, T.R.! I can't wait to read it. I wish you a ton of sales!

    ReplyDelete

Post a Comment