One Desperate Choice: Romance on the Colorado Frontier with Author Lana McAra
Online For Authors PodcastSummary
Lana McKera, author of "Tara's Dilemma," shares insights into her journey of writing historical romance set in the Old West. The novel follows Tara, an orphan in post-Civil War Baltimore, who seeks help for her ailing brother by answering an ad for a housekeeper. McKera reveals that the book took her 14 years to complete, evolving from a contemporary romance idea to a historical narrative to reduce competition in the publishing market.
McKera discusses her writing process, which includes extensive research into the Old West, drawing inspiration from authors like Louis L'Amour. She emphasizes the importance of creating relatable characters, particularly highlighting Banjo, a wise and loyal cowhand who plays a significant role in Tara's life. The author also touches on her experiences with rejection and the evolution of her writing style over the years, leading to the creation of a series that now includes eight books.
With 50 published works to her name, McKera has explored various genres, including cozy mysteries and thrillers. She aims to deliver wholesome stories with satisfying endings, avoiding graphic content. As she prepares to re-release her earlier works, including "Tara's Dilemma," she reflects on the challenges of author branding and the importance of connecting with readers through engaging narratives.
Show Notes
My guest today on the Online for Authors podcast is Lana McAra, author of the book Tara's Dilemma. Lana McAra builds career authors. She is an award-winning, bestselling author and ghostwriter of more than 50 books with over one million copies sold. Founder of Vendela Publishing, she works with writers who want to build long-term careers and reach readers beyond the algorithm. Lana has spent more than two decades teaching fiction writing and speaking to writers about the business of publishing. She is a professional editor, book coach, and ghostwriter.
Lana has won the national Christy Award, The Literary Titan Silver Book Award, The Book Excellence Award, and a 5-Star rating at Reader’s Favorite for her historical novel Reaping the Whirlwind by Rosey Dow. She won the Global Book Award and took 3rd place in the BookFest Award for The Englewood Medium, and she won the Silver Royal Palm Literary Award for her book, How to Write a Novel That Sells. Her mystery series, Colorado, sold more than 250,000 copies.
In my book review, I stated Tara's Dilemma is a romance by Lana McAra. If you love a good romance, this one fills the spot. Tara is in dire need. Her brother is deathly ill, her parents are dead, the Civil War took her wealth and position in life, and she has nowhere to turn.
Then, Mark Chambers puts a help wanted ad in the paper that changes everything. Tara finds herself in a fake marriage and headed to Colorado.
Of course, no story is without its villian. And it is this villian that might ruin Tara's plan for her brother - and eventually, her hope for herself.
The story was enjoyable, filled with twists and turns, and a blossoming affection that Tara is sure not returned. Will her brother get well? Will Mark keep his land? Will Tara ever know true love? Read it to find out!
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You can follow Author Lana McAra Website: http://lanamcara.com/ FB: @lana.mcara2 LinkedIn: @Lana McAra X: @lanamcara IG: @lanamcara2
Purchase Tara's Dilemma on Amazon: Paperback: https://link.amazon/B0jg3tWrI Ebook: https://link.amazon/B0bkBEX1T
Teri M Brown, Author and Podcast Host: https://www.terimbrown.com FB: @TeriMBrownAuthor IG: @terimbrown_author X: @terimbrown1
Want to be a guest on Online for Authors? Send Teri M Brown a message on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/member/onlineforauthors
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