Kim McMahill

Wow, what happened to April? I just noticed this morning that if I didn't post today I'd miss an entire month. My excuse is that I was waiting on confirmation on upcoming writing news. Deadly Ruins is in the process of conversion to Kindle and Nook e-book formats and it looks like most of my books will have new outlets in Wyoming and Montana stores this summer. Check back soon for release dates and new locations. Thanks!

I met a woman last week who did her master’s thesis on the Mayan culture. She had studied a number of the Mayan sites I’ve explored in Mexico. It was exciting to talk to someone who had visited the same places I had and who was even more enthusiastic and obviously much more knowledgeable than I about a subject which is very dear to my heart. Though Deadly Ruins is pure fiction, a frightening figment of my imagination, she still seemed anxious to read my novel. I’m confident our paths will cross again someday and I'll be interested to hear her take on my fictional portrayal of an archeological project which turned into a terrifying fight for survival. Deadly Ruins is available on-line through Amazon, Publish America and a scattering of stores (see older post on where my books are currently stocked). The above photo was taken from atop a pyramid at Coba in Mexico.

It’s essential for me to have a place to write that not only provides all the basic tools of an effective work environment, but which also inspires creativity. I’ve been fortunate to have had that place nearly everywhere I’ve lived. I’ve found the solitude I need beneath snow-capped mountains, nestled among hāpuʻu ferns, within reach of wild turkeys passing through and, with the onset of spring, I’m now able to watch wild ducks and geese glide by on still waters just outside my window.

I went to my first college baseball game of the season. This great American pastime would have induced full-fledged spring fever if it weren't for the ice and snow stubbornly hanging on in the shaded areas of the field. At least my team won so the excitement cancelled out the cold. I can't wait until the next game.

Yesterday I watched massive chunks of dirty ice and debris churn rapidly down the Missouri River. The raw power was mesmerizing and a humbling reminder of how small and helpless we truly are against the forces of Mother Nature.

At one time many writers were considered eccentric solitary creatures, hidden way from society pecking away at a keyboard, pouring his or her heart and soul onto blank pages. It’s this somewhat romantic image I envisioned when I decided to take my passion for creating stories to the next level. My first novel, The Lodge, came to life while living in a small cabin with no telephone or television, surrounded by some of the most stunning scenery on earth. With no distractions it was easy to let my mind wander and the creativity flow. I’ve learned a lot since that initial book and have grown as a writer, but the most important thing I’ve learned over the years is that writing a great book isn’t everything--it’s only the first step. There can be no hiding out in remote mountain cabins and letting the work sell itself. The author is no longer just an artist, joyfully expressing one’s creativity. In order to succeed the writer must become a publicist, marketing guru, social media expert, sal...

It appears 2011 will be the year of the virtual author, making virtual appearances and doing virtual book tours for their digital following. I’m still learning what all of this means and I’m enjoying certain aspects of the process. I started this blog to share my stories, adventures and book news with family and friends, and have found the feedback from official and casual followers to be helpful and uplifting. So, feel free to spread the word and encourage others to browse my blog and hopefully together we can forge a digital following. My latest novels, The Watch and Deadly Ruins, came out in 2009. In 2010 I’ve put the finishing touches on two other books, The Senator’s Daughter and Big Horn Storm. Hopefully at least one will be published in 2011 and I can put my new virtual marketing knowledge to the test.