It's a Birthday Campfire with our friend Gayle M. Irwin

Hello, everyone. Well, March seems to be going out like a lamb at least here in Northern New Jersey. We've taken a couple of opportunities to sit out on our newly refurbished deck around the propane firepit. With April coming in this week I'm looking forward to Honesdale, PA and glamping with the grands. 2Hoot has a new roof after some tree damage and everything seems to be in full working order. Did you hear that? It was me knocking on wood. I'm also looking forward to April for another reason. I'll be celebrating Rock House Grills 1st birthday. Starting April 2, it will be on sale for 99₡. Also check out my much more page for a list of bloggers helping me celebrate. 
Now let's light the candles and welcome Gayle back to the fire. Hi Gayle, make a birthday wish for some refreshments and we'll see what we can do.
 Well, since my 60th birthday took place two days ago, I think we should go all out with champagne! 

Oh yeah. The camper fridge has a bottle of pink bubbly just waiting for you. I know that you've camped before but tell us about it and your latest adventures. 
My family took camping trips when I was a child; now I prefer staying in cabins. Last fall, I discovered some KOAs have cabins, and my husband and I stayed in one during a trip to Yellowstone National Park to celebrate our 20th anniversary. For my 60th birthday this weekend, we’re staying at friends’ ranch. They have a guest house, and I love visiting and staying here! During spring, sandhill cranes stop in the fields to forage, and the nearby Powder River provides water, not only for the cranes and other wildlife, but also for the ranch’s horses and llamas. This has become one of my writing sanctuaries, as it’s only 70 miles from our home. Nature and tranquility reside here, and inspiration abides, stimulating my creative juices.

That sounds wonderful. I know about the KOA cabins. For Christmas the past couple of years, Santa gives my son's family a gift certificate and they enjoy a week each year in one of them. Some have teepees and Conestoga wagons. Here's a link to check it out. koa.com/ways-to-stay/cabins  Gayle, tell us about your latest project. What book are you talking about today, and what’s on the horizon.
My latest release is “My Montana Love,” a sequel to my first romance novel in my Pet Rescue Romance series, “Rescue Road.” The new story looks at the primary characters in my first book five years later. Their blissful life on a Paradise Valley, Montana ranch is challenged when Levi experiences a health crisis. A much-anticipated anniversary trip to Ireland postponed, a financial situation she didn't expect, and a past experience she thought she'd put behind her causes Rhiann to face critical decisions. Can she keep the property solvent and her marriage intact, or will these incidents cloud her judgment and cause chaos she cannot control? 
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And your next project?
A holiday novella set near Grand Teton National Park called “In the Shadow of Mount Moran” as part of my Pet Rescue Romance series. The release is planned for early November.

Do you have a tagline? Life Motto?
My author business is Waggin’ Tales Inspirational Pet Stories, and my goal is to inspire, educate, and entertain.

How long do books take you?
I’m an indie author but some projects take longer than others. Originally, the title of the book was “My Montana Valentine,” and I intended to release it as a Valentine’s Day story. The characters had more to say, so it became an early spring release and the ending encompasses St. Patrick’s Day and the first day of spring. 

Are there any mentors, authors, or books other than yours you would like to give a shout-out to?
I’ve discovered a plethora of authors who also write romance that include animals. Most recently, I’ve learned about Melissa Storm and have ordered some of her books for my springtime reading, including “The Churchdogs of Charleston” and “A Place to Belong.”

I'll have to check her books out. Literary success is different for everyone. What does it mean to you?
I enjoy touching lives with entertaining, inspirational reads and I hope that translates into helping more pet rescue and adoption organizations, as I donate a part of my book sales to such groups. I’d also one day like to become a snowbird, spending winters in southern climates and getting out of FEETS of snow, as my state has experienced this month.

Do you have any tips you would like to share? 
Persevere – you never fully know the impact your writing has on others. I received an email last year from someone I didn’t know during a time I was questioning if I should continue writing. She told me, “I just love your books! I can’t wait for the next one in your Pet Rescue Romance series!” That doesn’t happen often for me, but it’s just the encouragement I need to keep the stories flowing!

Now for some quick, get to know me better questions. What is your favorite mug or teacup?
Years ago, a friend gifted me a mug that says, “Rescue Mom.” I love that cup because all my pets are rescued animals.

Once upon a time, there was a commercial that talked about a “Kodak Moment.” It’s a moment in time you catch in a picture. One you never want to forget. What is yours?
I was speaking at a school more than 12 years ago and with me was my blind dog, Sage. (I became a children’s author with a book about her life). My dog meandered to the back of the group of kids, who were sitting on the floor, and sat next to a boy. I’d glance back now and then to see Sage still sitting there and as I finished up my presentation, I saw the boy was petting Sage with one hand and his other arm was draped across her shoulders. As I left with Sage ten minutes later, the teacher told me the boy’s grandfather had died earlier in the week. I’ve never forgotten that scene of my blind dog giving comfort and friendship to a sad little boy. 

Hey, stop it. You made me tear up. Sniff. Now, teach me something I don’t know in two sentences.
Pets benefit people’s mental and physical health, including reducing stress, anxiety, and depression, and encouraging exercise, helping to improve people’s cardiovascular health. 

If you were an animated character, who would you be and why? 
Lassie – I like helping people and living in the country!

Which superhero would you like to be existing or you make up? Wonder Woman

Last book or movie that made you cry? “A Dog’s Way Home”

Gayle thank you for giving us a glimpse into your life and work. Before you leave, will you share some more information about your work and where folks can find out more about you?​

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Horses at the Kaycee WY ranch.

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My Montana Love
​by Gayle M. Irwin
Crisis and Chaos in Paradise

Rhiann and Levi married five years ago. Their blissful life on a Paradise Valley, Montana ranch, buying, breeding, and selling horses and operating a rescued animal sanctuary, is challenged when Levi experiences a health crisis. A much-anticipated anniversary trip to Ireland postponed, a financial situation she didn't expect, and a past experience she thought she'd put behind her causes Rhiann to face critical decisions. Can she keep the ranch and sanctuary solvent and her marriage intact, or will these incidents cloud her judgment and cause chaos she cannot control? 

Get a copy
Amazon: https://bit.ly/3uxqlc6_MTLove_Kindle
Barnes & Noble: https://bit.ly/3b2tLMx_BandN

More about Gayle
Author Website: https://gaylemirwinauthor.com/
Amazon Author Page: amazon.com/author/gayleirwin
Facebook Author Page: https://www.facebook.com/GayleMIrwin
Pinterest (under Waggin' Tales): www.pinterest.com/gaylemirwin 
Twitter: wyoauthor1

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