WEBSITE & SOCIAL LINKS:
Website: www.makennalee.com
Author Twitter: https://twitter.com/MakennaLeeBooks
Author Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MakennaLeeAuthor
Author Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/makennaleewriter/
Author Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/65227832-makenna-lee
Welcome to Nuttin’ But Books, Makenna. Tell us a little about you and
your writing background?
I was a teacher for seventeen years, retired early, and spent
a few years reading and making up stories in my head. When I mentioned these
ideas to my husband, he asked why I wasn’t writing them down so he could retire
early. I laughed and told him I didn’t know how to be a writer, but his belief
in me gave me the confidence to give it a try. The next day I bought a laptop
and started writing. I spent a few years learning the craft at conferences, in
online classes, reading more books, and meeting other
Tell us about your new book? I am so excited for you!
The idea for Her Second Chance Cowboy came to me when
I was researching therapeutic horseback riding for my son who has Down
syndrome. My first book’s hero is a cowboy who wants to start an equine therapy
program for special needs children.
Reese Turner left Cypress Creek with a broken heart. Now,
she’s back chasing her dream of working as a photographer for National
Geographic and trying to buy back her family land. But surprise… Her grandparents’
farm is owned by James MacLachlan, the cowboy who still holds a piece of her
heart, and he’s not willing to sell any property. She hasn’t come to reconnect
with an old flame, no matter how quickly the spark reignites. Getting involved
with a tied-to-the-land cowboy poses a risk to her career plans.
When James broke Reese’s heart, he
broke his own, and he’s never forgotten her. He’s content running his massive
family ranch and has been hurt enough that he doesn’t even consider a serious relationship—until
the girl that got away comes back. To keep her from trying to buy the property,
he offers her the use of her grandparents’ cottage, believing that having her
around only now and then is a safe way to have her in his life. They decide to hang
out for the summer with no strings, but the heart can’t be governed by their
list of summer rules. Can a second chance heal old wounds…or will it rebreak
their hearts?
What is a regular writing day like for you?
I don’t stick to a strict daily schedule. I keep telling
myself I will, but my family and pets often have other ideas. I do my best
writing first thing in the morning before checking social media and getting sidetracked.
Coffee is a must-have throughout the day.
How long on average does it take you to write a book?
I would love to be a fast writer, but I’m not. My first book
took several years because I was still learning the craft of writing while working
on it. Since then, I have written two and a half more books, and they have not
taken as long as the first. Hopefully, each book will come to me faster than
the last.
What is the usual response when you tell a new acquaintance
that you’re an author?
People often seem surprised and say they’ve never met an
author. Some think it’s really cool, and a few ask how much money a writer
makes. An older gentleman asked if I write romance because it’s the easiest. I
bit my tongue and told him I write the stories that are in my heart.
What do you do on those days you don’t feel like writing? Do
you force it or take a break?
There are days I don’t feel inspired or motivated, but I try
to make myself write something. Sometimes it’s only a paragraph, but I’ll take
it. Every word is progress, especially with all of the events happening in the year
2020.
What would you do if people around you didn’t take your
writing seriously or see it as a hobby?
I am so lucky I haven’t had to experience people treating my
passion as a hobby. My family and friends have been very supportive and encouraged
me through all the stages of starting a new career. If I didn’t have this
support, I probably wouldn’t be a published author.
Some authors seem to have a love-hate relationship to
writing. Can you relate?
I do have the occasional “what have I gotten myself into” thoughts,
but I can’t imagine not writing. The dreaded impostor syndrome occasionally
sneaks in, and I have to push aside the fear that publishing a book is
something only other people can do. I love writing, and I know not everyone will
like my books, but here’s to hoping I have a few fans.
Do you think success as an author must be linked to money?
No, not for me. Becoming a published author feels like a success.
If I can take readers into my imaginary world and bring them joy and entertainment,
then that’s an even bigger success.
What has writing taught you?
Writing has taught me that I’m capable of more than I
thought, and it is helping me get over my fear of putting myself out there for
people to judge. It is teaching me to have a thicker skin.
How can readers
discover more about you and your work?
I would love for
readers to come hang out with me on social media. All of the links and my newsletter
can be found on my website. www.makennalee.com
Thank you very much
for taking the time out of your busy schedule to take part in this interview.
What’s next for you?
I am working on a three-book series for Harlequin
Special Edition called Home to Oak Hollow. The first is titled A Sheriff’s
Star and will release in November of 2020. It’s the story of a single
mother of a little girl with Down syndrome. This book is very close to my heart
and dedicated to my son who has made me appreciate the little things in life.
The second book in the series is about a man who becomes the guardian of his
autistic nephew. It releases in July 2021. I’m currently writing the third book
that will be available in November of 2021. Thank you so much for letting me share my writing journey. Happy reading!
Her Second Chance Cowboy is available to purchase at the following online stores:
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