#CMCon18 Beach Bonfire Q&A with Hildie McQueen

As one of the #CMCon18 featured bloggers, I get to have a little fun with a few of the fabulous authors who will be hitting the beach for Coastal Magic 2018 by showcasing their many stories.

Writing short stories, even mini-fiction, can’t always be worked into a writing schedule; so for those authors who may not be able to let their characters play in the sand, I’ve invited them to a nighttime beach bonfire to have a drink, listen to the crashing waves, and answer a few questions of my own.

Joining me in the sand is Hildie McQueen, author of the Shades of Blue, Laurel Creek, and The McDougalls series and more!
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Hildie McQueen

Can you tell us a little about yourself, something readers may not have heard before?
When I was in the army, I was a member of a precision drill team. We practiced marching and difficult moves for completions. We won first place several times. I’m not exactly sure what happened to me over the years, but now I can’t tell my right from my left to save my life. I hate giving directions to someone driving cause I always tell them to turn the wrong way.

The official bio reads: USA Today Bestselling author Hildie McQueen loves unusual situations and getting into interesting adventures, which is what her characters do as well. She writes romance because she is in love with love! Author of Romance in Highland historical, Western Historical and contemporary, she writes something every reader can enjoy.

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Can you introduce us to the world(s) that you have created?
For the most part I write in fictional towns in Montana, USA. My stories take place both back in the day and contemporary time. I love the small town feel of my stories where you get to know the community as much as the characters.

In my medieval highlander books, I strive to bring out the richness of the surroundings. Can’t have a hunky highlander running around without allowing the reader to also experience the stone castles, foods and customs of the time period.

Will this be your first Coastal Magic or are you a veteran? What was it about Coastal Magic that drew you to it? Why have you continued to return?
I think this is my sixth. I lose count! I have attended Coastal Magic since the very first year when it was called something else. I keep coming back because it’s a traditional start to the convention year for me. CMC is super well organized, kept controlled in size and always so much fun. Besides, who can turn down a hotel right on the beach!?

If you’ve been before, what is your favorite CMC memory? If you’ve never been, what are you looking forward to?
My favorite CMC memory has to be the parrots at the hotel where the first con was held. It was hilarious. The second thing I will never forget is Damon Suede jumping in my truck. I wasn’t sure who he was at first!

What was your inspiration when you created your characters and the worlds they live in?
I normally draw inspiration from people around me. Personalities, ideas and how they act. It’s amazing how much I gain from talking to people that I meet while out and about. I travel around and love getting the feel for locations. I also watch the travel channel a lot!

Is there any character that didn’t make as big of an impact on the story that you thought they would? Is there a character who stayed on the page longer than you thought they would?
There are so many times I plan a sequel for a character and he remains mute. One of the most stubborn heroes barely stood out, so I skipped him and wrote another guy that was jumping up and down with his hand up!

It happens all the time. In my Shades of Blue series, I skipped Bronson’s story (Every Blue Moon) and made it the third in the series instead of the second. It wasn’t that Bronson didn’t stand out, but Ashley Cole, the eldest brother was so impactful, I couldn’t wait to tell his story (The Darkest Blue).

Is there any part of your series, any of your series, world(s) that you would like to expand on in the future?
Yes, I want to return to Nashville and finish the Fords of Nashville series. This is another example of silent characters. Neither brother really spoke to me, so I stopped after the second book. I have two more to write. I’ll definitely finish that series, hopefully by 2019.

When you’re not writing, what are you reading? Have you found an author that’s new to you and/or one that the rest of the world really needs to find? Is there a certain niche genre that you prefer to escape to? If so, why?
I’m in a book club, so I read whatever is chosen. Last year it was mostly suspense. I love reading Romantic Suspense, Regency and Paranormal. I rarely read westerns or highland romance because it’s what I write and I fear being influenced.

Which authors do you read and/or think “Damn! I wish I had thought of that”?
I do that all the time when I read J.R. Ward, Lara Adrian or Christine Feehan. The way they make me feel for a character is crazy!

If you could be one urban fantasy creature/person/magical thing, what would you be and why?
I want to be a vampire! Live forever and look hot. Oh and I would find hunky guys to feed on!

Don’t miss your chance to meet over 50 fabulous urban fantasy, paranormal, and romance authors at Coastal Magic next February! This super casual book-lover weekend happens on Daytona Beach, and gives everyone the chance to hang out with fellow readers and amazing storytellers.

REGISTRATION is now open! If you haven’t been to Coastal Magic yet, you’re missing out on a lot of fun. Be sure to keep up with all things Coastal Magic, by following it via your own personal social media drug of choice: Facebook | Twitter | Google+ | Pinterest | RSVP at the Facebook Event.

About Jackie 3282 Articles
I am a 30-something SAHM with two adorable boys and a supportive husband who is very tolerant of my reading addiction. I love to read and easily go through about a dozen books a month – well I did before I had kids. Now, not so much. After my first son was born, I began to take my hobby of reviewing a little more serious and started Literary Escapism to help with my sanity. I love to discuss the fabulous novels I’ve read and meeting all the wonderful people in the book blogging community has been amazing.