About the Book

Book: Intentional Fires (Book Two in the Sunrise Crik Series)

Author: Rebecca McLafferty

Genre: Christian Romantic Suspense

Release date: June 10, 2024

A widowed Christmas tree farm owner and her fiancé, a forest service special agent, deal with fires, thefts, and a 90-year family feud—stretching them to the snapping point.

After experiencing an attack, theft, and arson on the family Christmas tree farm, newly engaged Toni Stevens searches for those responsible, including disputed historic records. With two boys and a mother to support, the pressure is on her to increase profitability of the tree farm. Who is trying to ruin her? Can she put a stop to the generational feud?

Toni’s fiancé, U.S. Forest Service Special Agent Sam Duncan is hunting down a potential arsonist turned murderer. His rugged paths uncover Montana drug runners, feudal secrets—and a host of emotions that were buried alive.

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Author Interview

1. Do you consider yourself a plotter or a pantser (or a hybrid)?
I’m definitely a hybrid! I’ve learned over the years to outline—even though I
resisted terribly at first. I’ve hopped down more bunny trails than the
Energizer Bunny! While writing scenes that were fun, I ended up with lots of
unused material.
In recent years, my husband and I do a lot of brainstorming together,
especially with plotting. He comes up with creative ideas that I would never
think of. That’s his military and recreation director backgrounds.
I buy a large three-fold presentation board and set it on an easel in front of
my desk. It keeps my characters’ faces in front of me. I pin up important
building photos and blueprints, and regional maps.
In a binder, I place printouts of character types and personal characteristics
(everything from ages and likes/dislikes to eye color). That keeps me
focused (like a plotter), organized and on track.
I love my characters to free reign—to an extent—but I need to keep the
story plot and goals in mind.

2. What is your favorite part about writing?
My favorite part of writing is absolutely contrary to what I just said about
outlining. ��
Every time I sit down to write, I pray over my keyboard, computer, and the
whole process. Getting stories that show God’s love, forgiveness, and
salvation, to people who will read them is my ultimate purpose. Each book
has themes which are relayed through circumstances, such as hardships
or problems (like a 90-year feud).
When I’m writing, a character’s dialogue may go in a direction that I never
expected. I’ve actually sat up straight and asked, “What are you doing?” or
exclaimed, “Oh, that’s so good!” In those moments, I feel God’s hand not
only bringing my characters to life, but meshing scenes in such a way that I
couldn’t have expected. It shouldn’t surprise me, but it always leaves me in
awe. I’m writing these stories for God, and He likes to surprise me now and
then.
So, I’m a plotter most of the time, with a penchant for pantsering.

3. When did you become a writer?
I’ve been a voracious reader since a young age. In elementary school, we
received Scholastic book order forms. Those were the best days of the
whole school year! My family lived very modestly, but I was allowed to
choose two or three books with each order. Those were the best books!
The more I read, it came naturally that I wanted to write.
In the 60s, a history class assignment charged us to enter a “Voice of
Democracy” contest sponsored by the VFW. We wrote papers on a
corresponding topic. As a winner, I read my speech on the radio. My dad
listened to it while he was working—that was a pretty big deal! And, for me,
it was the beginning of something bigger.
Christmas came shortly after that. I received a red typewriter that typed all
capital letters. I was off and running. I wrote letters and stories, anything
that gave me reason to type. In high school, I became editor of The Spirit.
Writing was in my blood! I read the Little House books by Laura Ingalls
Wilder, and later series’ by Janette Oke. I wanted to write like they did.
My husband’s military career led us to move a lot. I took college courses
here and there. Unfortunately, quarter-hour credits spread over many years
were barely transferrable.
So—last year, in July 2023, I received my Bachelor’s Degree in English and
Creative Writing from Liberty University (online), cum laude. Liberty’s motto
is, “Training Champions for Christ.” When I received my diploma, I felt like I
was finally qualified to be an author. Since then, I’ve written a lot and done
considerable freelance editing.

4. Where do you get your ideas for your books?
During my youth, my parents owned a resort on a lake, and later a small
mom-and-pop motel. Watching and meeting some of the people, and
(overhearing) their stories lend themselves to unlimited plots. My parents’
strict work ethic was instilled in me, as well as some of my characters.
During our military life, we moved a lot. Consequently, I changed jobs a lot.
When I retired, some of the jobs I’d held include Human Resources
(personnel); Legal Secretary (legal); Executive Secretary to a City Manager
and City Assessor (politics and real estate); Police Department Secretary
(policemen, the process, and criminals); and Confidential Secretary to a
Superintendent of Schools (education/politics). Great story ideas!
In Germany, I became a certified cake decorator. Later, I taught Basic and
Intermediate Cake Decorating, and classes on baking breads. It’s no
surprise that recipes and a passion for baking resonate through my stories.
And . . . for 9 years, my husband and I owned a farm. We grew crops and
planted Christmas trees. We owned alpacas and a plethora of farm
animals. I operated a country store, located in the barn. (Christmas-All-
Year-Long was my favorite corner of the store.) We hosted many free fun-
filled community events. Great story material.
And . . . in a conference center that adjoined the barn, I held annual
Christian Writers Conferences. The participants loved looking up and
seeing alpacas watching them.
I wondered why God blessed me with such an assortment of jobs. He was
preparing me to write!
We also love Montana, and created our part-real/part-fiction book setting.
Story ideas abound everywhere!

5. Do bits of yourself/friends show up in your characters?
On the front of a favorite tee-shirt, it states, “Be careful or you’ll end up in
my novel.” How true! ��
I’m always looking for quirky characters or characteristics, and intriguing
stories. Somebody might make a comment which will trigger a “what if” or
“how?”
Sometimes, a famous actor or actress will inspire a character: how they
speak or look, or perhaps their relationship with a spouse or co-worker.
In my novels, situations and characters were inspired in real life, as well as
movies or books.
I always love hearing from readers. They can email me at
mclaffertyenterprises@gmail.com or visit our website at
https://www.mclaffertyenterprises.com/author-rebecca.
Thank you so much for graciously offering this interview. It was a pleasure!
Rebecca McLafferty

About the Author

Wisconsin resident Rebecca McLafferty began her writing career by co-creating a writers’ group and hosting writing conferences on her alpaca farm. Married for 51 years, mother of two, grandmother to five, and an Aussiedoodle mom, Rebecca cherishes writing, reading, and fellowshipping. Author of Intentional Fires, Intentional Heirs, and Devotions for Country Living: Prayer-Enriched Fields, she loves getting to know readers

More from Rebecca

There is a saying, “Home is where the heart is.” Rebecca McLafferty totally agrees!

Rebecca is the author of the Sunrise Crik Series, which consists of action-packed romantic suspense novels set in current-day Montana. She and her husband have vacationed and explored the Livingston to Bozeman area where this series takes place. The town of Woodridge is fictious, but a number of area establishments mentioned within her stories are real.

The phrase “The Big Sky” was coined by Pulitzer Prize-winning author A.B. Guthrie in his 1947 novel of that name. In addition to the obvious vision of unobstructed sky, Big Sky Country—to Rebecca—represents big dreams and big faith. It symbolizes the backbone of Montana!

Are you wondering how Rebecca can authentically write about growing Christmas trees? It’s because she and her husband owned Country Memories Farm in Wisconsin where they raised alpacas, and planted and grew Christmas trees! She also operated Country Memories Mercantile (now downsized to an online store). Their love of educating others evolved into an operation that hosted school, family, and community events. That’s why she loves to interact personally with people from all walks of life!

And are you wondering how Rebecca knows about police department operations—even drug smugglers? She worked for a tourist-town’s police department—a fascinating place to get ideas!

Rebecca admits to having worked dozens of unusual jobs (great discussion material for another time). She wondered why she experienced such diverse occupations before God revealed to her that she needed authenticity for her novel writing. What she hasn’t experienced herself, she has visited or thoroughly researched.

The title, Intentional Fires implies forest fires. That’s obvious. But there are other types of fires that burn intentionally. Internal fires can sustain a 90-year feud and lifetimes of unforgiveness, resentment, and broken dreams. Do you suffer from an internal fire?

Whether you live in Montana or dream of visiting the west . . .
Whether you have an entrepreneurial spirit that wants you to succeed . . .
Whether you want to fall in love, rekindle your faith, or root for an underdog . . .

Come and experience the heartfelt struggles that Montanans fight with all their might to protect.