Today we’re celebrating the release of A COWBOY’S
CHRISTMAS PROPOSAL
So, Cathy McDavid, where did you get the idea for this novel?
So, Cathy McDavid, where did you get the idea for this novel?
I love answering this question because it comes from a wonderfully happy occasion in my life! In
early fall of 2016, I was spending hours and hours online researching nearby wedding
venues. I never thought I’d get married again, but, surprise, surprise, the
magic happened at a high school reunion a couple years earlier when I (re)met
my now husband and, as the saying goes, sparks flew. If you had told the two of
us back in sophomore Spanish class that we’d one day get married, neither of us
would have believed you!
So, here I am researching wedding
venues online, and I came across a charming Victorian house in a neighboring
town that looked promising. Ultimately, we chose a different location for our
nuptials, but I still loved that Victorian house and kept thinking about it.
Being a writer of contemporary westerns, I naturally envisioned a country home
rather than a Victorian house. As ideas are prone to do, that one grew into a
western-themed wedding ranch complete with hayrides and honeymoon cabins.
What is your favorite scene?
My
favorite scene actually comes later in the book. In the opening, Molly’s
grandmother has eloped and left Molly in charge of coordinating the weddings
along with other duties. Molly is heartsick that her grandmother left without
saying goodbye and that she’s missing out on her grandmother’s big day. I love
the scene when Grandma and her new husband finally return after a month-long
honeymoon, much to Molly’s delight.
Who was your favorite character and why?
I adore the heroine, Molly O’Malley. She’s a little OCD, not unlike me (big grin).
She’s got a lot on her plate, having been tasked with a large responsibility,
is very career orientated, and has recently endured two broken engagement. All
her funny little quirks, if a bit annoying, are understandable. Beneath her
tough exterior lies a heart of gold. I felt she deserved her happily-ever-after
with Owen, and I hope readers feel the same.
If you could pick fictional characters to play the hero and heroine, who would
they be?
No question, my hero would be the country singer Brad
Paisley. Not so much in looks but he has that wonderful downhome charm I tried to give my hero Owen. And, let’s face
it, wouldn’t it be fun having Brad Paisley officiate your wedding?
For my heroine, I guess she’d be a younger version of
Grace from the TV show Will and Grace. That quirky, funny, adorable, annoying,
loveable woman with a mass of (strawberry) red hair.
This is your 46th published book. Exactly what does that mean to you?
This is your 46th published book. Exactly what does that mean to you?
I never imagined I have this many books under my belt when I first started writing. When I look at them all, I’m still a little, no, a lot, astounded. I’m actually on my 48th book right now. Number 47 us “in the can” awaiting line edits. I hope to write another 48 books if I can. My idea file is pretty thick, so maybe that’s a possibility. I just need about two more hours in the day…..
What do you plan to work on next?
I have one more book in my Sweetheart Ranch series to
complete. Well, unless I come up with some more ideas. That’s possible. My
characters could always build one of those “glamourous” barns for weddings and
events. I understand they’re a new, popular trend. Hmm…you’ve got me thinking 😊
What are you reading for pleasure right now?
My reading tastes are very eclectic. I just started
Into the Water by Paula Hawkins. She’s the same author who wrote Gone Girl. It’s
different, and I haven’t made up my mind yet how I feel about the book. But the
storyline is so unusual I’m sticking with it, and she is a fabulous writer. I
can learn a lot reading her.
Any last words?
I am having a giveaway right now. If you head on over to my author Facebook page and leave a comment (or, better yet, like my page), you'll be entered into a drawing for a cute giftbag that also includes a $10 Amazon gift card. You can find my page at: www.facebook.com/cathymcdavidbooks
Also, A Cowboy's Christmas Proposal is available now at: https://amzn.to/2RmguSm
Sounds like a great story; wedding venues seems like interesting places. I also have a huge file (computer) of writing ideas and it's getting bigger all the time. I sometimes go to bed at night with the ideas swirling and have even dreamed a romance story or two. The only problem is remembering the details enough to note them down for the future.
ReplyDeleteI've never dreamed a book idea, but I know several authors who do. Unless riding a roller coaster that turns into an airplane and lands on an island with people from my old neighborhood is a book idea (thinking of last night's dream:)
DeleteLove those reunion stories, like you and your husband. So happy for you. All your characters sound charming and complex and you have a great flair for describing them. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Virginia!
DeleteSweetheart Ranch, by it’s very name, has to be a great wedding venue, and Molly is a character I’d like to meet. Congratulations on this new release Cathy! 50 isn’t very far away!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Janice. I love the name Sweetheart Ranch. I wish it was a real place!
DeleteThis sounds like a wonderful story that I would enjoy. 48 books is wonderful, but when you have such great ideas and skill, I have not doubt you will write many more.
ReplyDeleteYou are too kind, Carla!!
DeleteI loved the characters and setting in this story, and so looking forward to the next one.
ReplyDeleteRoz, I still don't have my books yet. Your copy is still the only one I've seen so far.
DeleteI love reunion stories, fictional or not. My brother and his (now) wife reconnected while planning a high school reunion, and I think he's happier than he's ever been. Molly sounds wonderful; can't wait to meet her.
ReplyDeleteThat's very cool, Beth. Another high school reunion story!!
DeleteI love reunion stories--especially the real ones! Happy Days to you.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Liz :)
Delete