SEELIE KAY: Postcards from The Ledge: This week in The Loft: Author Gayle M. Irwin!

Joining me today in The Loft is award-winning author Gayle M. Irwin. Her series, Pet Rescue Romance, features tales of sweet contemporary romance that feature pets. Gayle has also authored numerous inspirational pet books for adults and children, and contributed to seven Chicken Soup for the Soul books. When not writing, Gayle volunteers for various dog rescue and humane society organizations, and donates a percentage of all book sales to those groups. She also enjoys traveling, nature photography, reading, and spending time at her mountain cabin.

Author Gayle M. Irwin

S: Good morning, Gayle. Thanks for joining me today.

What would you like people to know about you?

G: How much I love animals and nature. I grew up in Iowa and spent many days in forests and fields, walking, exploring, nature observing, camping, and fishing with my family. We traveled west to the Rocky Mountains on several vacations, and when I was 17, we moved to Wyoming. None of us returned east. I still love the outdoors and appreciate nature. I also have a passion for pet rescue and adoption, and I weave those concepts in my romance stories and some of my children’s stories. I also weave nature appreciation into some of my stories, especially those for kids.

S: What do you believe is your greatest achievement?

G: First, having stories published in seven Chicken for the Soul books and receiving awards from Wyoming Writers, Inc., the statewide writers group, and from the Wyoming Press Association, for some of my articles in a state magazine. Second, I’m proud of how I help various animal rescue organizations--and therefore, animals in need--whether that’s through events or transporting animals for the rescue. I’m honored to be a part of helping dogs and cats find new homes and being saved by no-kill rescue organizations. I’m also grateful to have adopted several wonderful pets, from a blind springer spaniel to a puppy mill survivor. Saving the lives of creatures is an honor and a joy.

S: Your accomplishments are impressive.

In addition to romance, do you write in other genres?

G: Yes. In addition to writing sweet, contemporary romance, I delve into non-fiction and children’s books. In fact, my authorship began as a children’s author. I like to share inspiring, educational stories for kids, teaching them the joys of pet rescue and adoption and spending time in nature.

S: You've certainly succeeded in sharing your love of pets.

Complete this sentence. "When one of my books is released, I..."

G: I experience a deep inner joy. I love to receive my first shipment of a book. I tear open the box and spill the books onto the dining room table, and I take at least two photos of the pile. Then, I post the pictures on social media. I feel a sense of accomplishment and excitement, and I like to share that with people I know--and even those I don’t! I find shouting to the world, “I’ve done it! I’ve written a book” exhilarating.

S: If you had to do it over again, would you still write books?

G: Yes. However, I would start earlier in life. My first book, a children’s chapter book, was published when I was 47 years old. My first idea for a children’s book popped into my brain 12 years before that, when I lived next door to Yellowstone National Park. That book idea has still not seen the light of day, but I intend to write it one day.

S: What inspired “My Montana Love?”

G: "My Montana Love" is the sequel to my first contemporary novel in my Pet Rescue Romance series titled, "Rescue Road." So, you could say that the first book inspired the sequel. Both books are set in southwestern Montana, near Yellowstone National Park, an area in which I resided for nearly 12 years. I love that region. Bozeman, Montana used to be a sleepy, agricultural town, and it’s now become a residential destination. Although the population has grown, and most farm and ranch fields have been plowed under for housing developments, the Bridger Spanish Peaks, and other mountain ranges stand tall and rugged and are breathtaking. That’s the setting for "Rescue Road" and "My Montana Love." I have many fond memories of that area, and therefore, wanted to set at least one book there. Now I have two books that bring the beauty of the Gallatin Valley into my writings. I’ve dreamed of having an animal sanctuary and if I were ever blessed with that privilege, I’d love to have it located in this part of Montana.

S: Is there anything special you would like people to know about “My Montana Love?”

G: "My Montana Love" is a story of love and the challenges of a middle-aged couple. A relationship, no matter how young or old the two individuals are, has its ups and downs. Life is filled with challenge, internally and externally, and love is often tested by health issues, financial problems, anxieties, fears, and lack of self-confidence. I believe “My Montana Love” showcases the reality of a relationship and that readers can relate to the ups and downs the characters experience in the story.

Here's the blurb--

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 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?