First Timers anthology available for preorder!

August 4, 2015 McKay

I’ve got another solo story, “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around”, appearing in Torquere Press’ upcoming First Timers anthology, which is now available for preorder!

First Timers brings you a collection of eleven stories about first experiences. From sweet and innocent to smoking hot, these stories capture the exhilarating feeling that something wonderful is about to happen.

Humor and passion blend in Rob Rosen’s “Come Hell or High Water,” Gacy Grant treats us to a heartwarming first in “The Pickup,” long-time friends become lovers in “The King’s Guard” by Evelyn Burkhardt and “One Sneeze, a Wish, Two Sneezes, a Kiss” by Jacey Mills, and revelations abound first time away from home in Andrea Dalling’s “What a Man Wants” and Helena Maeve’s “Initiation.” “Sample and Hold” by Erin McRae and Racheline Maltese, Megan McFerren’s “Just Like That,” and Val Prozorova’s “Guitar Lesson” explore the intensity of a first coming out, first time, first kiss, while love can be found where you least expect it in “Stop Draggin’ My Heart Around” by McKay and “Finding Home” by Katherine Halle.

Whether contemporary or fantastical, past or present, a sweet kiss on a riverbank or reveling in the Bayou, these stories are all uplifting, fun, and did we mention hot?

Uncategorized

As Fair Art Thou, My Bonny Lad now available!

July 15, 2015 McKay

I’m really proud of this story because it’s the first non-collaborative original work I’ve completed in years. I used to write fan fiction by myself all the time, but that slowed down a lot once Ari and I hit our collaborative groove. By the end of our time in fandom, I was writing very little on my own — maybe one or two stories a year — and once we switched over to original works, I didn’t write on my own at all.

Until now.

I started writing for the Torquere Press anthology calls because I’m going back to grad school this fall, and I needed both to practice writing on my own and to prove to myself that I still could. I figured writing for calls that required less than 10K words would be a good place to start. I flailed around for an idea for the Plaid Nights anthology because hey, men in kilts! I finally decided I wanted to write a historical piece. Then I flailed around for a plot, and then I flailed my way through writing the story itself.

It was tough! I’m used to having someone there to play off of, but there was just me this time, and the words came slowly at first. But they came. The words came, and I finished the story, and I’m so proud of myself for it. I felt like I’d achieved a significant milestone, and it bolstered my confidence that I’d be able to write what I needed to write for grad school.

I’ve written for two other calls since then, and it was much easier. The words flowed more quickly, and the end results bumped up against the 10K word limit. But this little story is like my firstborn, and I’m sending it off into the world with a proud smile. 😀

As Fair Art Thou, My Bonny Lad (July 2015) – by McKay

Adie Gilchrist is satisfied with being a bachelor shopkeeper, until a handsome immigrant from Scotland arrives in the port town of Wilmington in the North Carolina Colony and begins pursuing him. Adie’s quiet life is changed in ways he’s not certain he wants. Niall McAllister wants a fresh start in the Colonies, but Adie isn’t convinced they can build a life together without consequences if their secret is discovered. When illness threatens to tear them apart forever, Adie has to decide which he wants more: safety or love.

19 pages/5100 words for $2.49

Uncategorized

Plaid Nights – Anthology Book Blast, Excerpt & Giveaway!

July 14, 2015 McKay

Here’s your chance to win a copy of the Plaid Nights anthology!

Uncategorized

Plaid Nights anthology preorder

June 24, 2015 McKay

The Plaid Nights anthology is now available for preorder at Torquere Press! The anthology features short stories from twelve authors, all focusing on men in kilts. The anthology will be released on July 15, but you can preorder it here!

The contributing authors are Rob Rosen, Megan McFerren, Julia Talbot, Elizabeth Coldwell, Racheline Maltese & Erin McRae, Angelique Voisen, Missouri Dalton, Logan Zachary, Lila Mathews, Anna Mansel, and McKay (me!). The total word count for the anthology as a whole is around 65000, so that means it’ll be available both digitally and in print. The digital version is $5.49.

My story is “As Fair Art Thou, My Bonny Lad”, and it’s a historical romance that’s more on the angsty side.

Adie Gilchrist is satisfied with being a bachelor shopkeeper, but when a handsome immigrant from Scotland arrives in Wilmington and begins pursuing him, Adie’s quiet life is changed in ways he’s not certain he wants. Niall McAllister wants a fresh start in the Colonies, but Adie isn’t convinced they can build a life together without consequences if their secret is discovered. When illness threatens to tear them apart forever, Adie has to decide which he wants more: safety or love.

Excerpt:
Continue reading “Plaid Nights anthology preorder”

Uncategorized

Plaid Nights cover art

June 22, 2015 McKay

My first solo story, “As Fair Art Thou, My Bonny Lad”, comes out next month as part of Torquere Press’ Plaid Nights anthology. The stories were limited to 3000-10,000 word count, so it’s a short story, and it takes place in Wilmington, NC, during the Colonial Era.

The authors participating in the anthology have received their cover art, and here’s mine!