Anne Carrole...Capturing the Romance of the West

Ballet for bull rides? It can help, pro says | Fort Worth Stock Show | News from Fort Wo...

2012-01-23T08:29:00.000-05:00

Ballet--and yoga--as training for bull riders? Who knew?

Ballet for bull rides? It can help, pro says Fort Worth Stock Show News from Fort Wo...

For Everyone who loves books

2012-01-10T15:43:00.000-05:00

Is Home Where the Heart Is?

2012-01-07T12:50:00.000-05:00

I’m blogging today at Seduced by History about the tents, dug-outs, soddies and log cabins our forefathers, and mothers, remarkably made into homes. Ever live in a tent? Dug out? Ever want to? Let us know what you think of hearth and home. Come share what makes a house a home at

http://www.heartsthroughhistory.com/home-is-where-the-heart-is/

See you there--Anne

Grand And Gilded

2011-10-07T09:11:00.000-05:00

Love lavish settings? Looking for one for your next historical? Check out the Seduced By History blog where I’m writing about the “Grand and Glided” era of Saratoga Springs when hotels spanned seven acres and dining rooms served 1400 at a single sitting. Where could you find such grandeur now? Check it out at http://seducedbyhistory.blogspot.com/

Review: The Creed Legacy by Linda Lael Miller

2011-09-28T15:35:00.000-05:00

I am a big fan of Linda Lael Miller's novels, both contemporary and historical. Today I'm reviewing her latest contemporary, The Creed Legacy, released in July. I know, I'm behind in my reading, but this book was worth the wait. Like all of her books, this story has strong cowboys, spirited women and warm hearts.

Brody Creed has something to prove—he’s just not sure to whom. Most likely it is himself. Having made some difficult turns in his life, things didn’t always work out how he’d hoped. And he’s put up so many walls his own twin brother doesn’t know that Brody is a widower and lost a child as well. All his family and the town of Lonesome Dove know about him is that he roamed the rodeo circuit for a decade before finally coming back home. Maybe that’s how Brody should keep things, but then there is one little lady who deserves more of an explanation for how he treated her years ago. If she can forgive him, there may be hope to mend his sore heart.

Carolyn Simmons knows all about being a rolling stone. She just never thought she’d be on the receiving end of someone else’s moving on. Brody Creed broke her heart into little pieces once—when she was most vulnerable. She’s not about to go back for seconds, regardless of how attracted she is to the man. Once Brody had given her a taste of what being loved and part of a family could be like. That will have to suffice unless her little foray into internet dating pans out. Anything not to let Brody Creed get too close.

Once again Ms. Miller mines the hearts and souls of her characters to strike at their vulnerabilities so as to make them stronger in the end. Brody Creed acts a good game, but deep inside he is hurting and all the bravado in the world won’t cure that. Carolyn is scared to open up, yet afraid that loneliness is all she’ll ever know. Together these two must learn about trust before they will be able to experience love. Sweet and sensual, this romance is all about the healing aspects of true love.

Free Books and More Give Away at Seduced by History

2011-08-06T07:28:00.001-05:00

I'm blogging tomorrow (August 7th) at Seduced by History on How Waitresses Fed The Western Expansion. It's on the Harvey Girls who were immortalized in the MGM movie of the same name but who really did help fuel the expansion west. The blog is giving away books to some lucky winner and here's how to enter:

Seduced by History Blog, http://seducedbyhistory.blogspot.com/, is hosting a month-long contest in August. One winner will receive a ‘basketful of goodies.’ All you have to do is check in on each blog during the month, look for a contest question to answer and September 1-5, 2011 send in your answers to seducedbyhistoryblog@yahoo.com .

Prizes award to one lucky winner include: Victoria Gray’s book "Angel in My Arms", "Spirit of the Mountain" package from Paty Jager, Cynthia Owens’ book "Coming Home", a Kansas basket from Renee Scott, Anna Kathryn Lanier’s ebook “Salvation Bride and gift basket, “Stringing Beads - Musings of a Romance Writer” by Debra K. Maher, Eliza Knight’s ebooks “A Pirate’s Bounty” and “A Lady’s Charade”, Anne Carrole’s book (that's my book) “Return to Wayback,” a 4 gb jump drive, a $25 Barnes and Noble gift card, and more!

All entries must be received by midnight Monday, September 5, 2011 to be eligible for the drawing. A winner will be chosen from all those eligible on or about September 6, 2011 and contacted by email. Odds of winning will depend on the number of total number of entries received.

My question is: Who starred in the MGM film The Harvey Girls and made famous the song On the Atchison Topeka and the Santa Fe? Hint: you can find it on the movie trailer included in the blog posted on August 7th at http://seducedbyhistory.blogspot.com/

RWA 2011

2011-07-06T13:47:00.000-05:00

Had a great time at RWA 2011 in NYC. The city is lively and full of things to do. We ate on "Restaurant Row" at both Becco's and Bourbon's and had great meals at both places. The nice thing about NYC is that besides a Zagat rating, the city makes restaurants post in their front windows their sanitation rating. Hint: go for the A rated!:) One of our group got caught up in the "deal" one restaurant was offering until I pointed at the C rating glaring from the window. Being we were in the heart of the theater district we also got out to see The Addams Family musical--cute and fun!

But enough on NYC. About the conference. Got to see some of my favorite authors like Rachel Gibson, Jodi Thomas and Susan Elizabeth Phillips at the Literacy signing--a book sale for charity.

Went to several great workshops including Michael Hauge's Scriptwriting for Novelists and one on Contemporary Romance with Susan Anderson, Robin Carr and others. I'm in the back on the aisle on the left.

Here are five things I learned at RWA:

-Self-publishing is no longer a "dirty word". Many big name authors are thinking of going that route for their back list and new authors are exploring it. Some of those doing it are making decent money at it; many are not. But as one agent said, authors now have a lot more options.

-E-publishers are now taken seriously. It's not even a question any more.

-Two years ago publishers were saying the sexier the better. In the workshops I was in at this conference it was "whatever fits the story." I suspect that's how it really has always been.

-Publishing houses are looking for contemporary cowboy westerns (yay!); not so much historical westerns (boo!). It saddens me but unless new readers find historical westerns interesting, that's the way I fear it will stay. If you love western historical romances, as I do, share a book you love with someone new to the genre.

-Romance authors and readers are the nicest people. Can't tell you how helpful other authors were, how easy it was to make conversation with someone I didn't know, and how happy everyone seemed just to be there.

I learned a lot more, of course, about writing, readers, and publishing but the above is what I thought you'd be most interested in. :)

Hope everyone had a very happy 4th of July. Parades, fireworks and family were how I spent my weekend along with saying thank you to those who have helped to keep us a free people.

Review of Creed's Honor by Linda Lael Miller

2011-06-13T19:12:00.000-05:00

I'm a big Linda Lael Miller fan from her historical westerns through her romantic suspense period on into her contemporary cowboys. Here's my thoughts on her latest book in the Creeds Cowboys series.

Connor Creed doesn’t quite know how it happened that he’s spending his life alone on the ranch left to him and his twin brother. No brother, no wife, no family. Maybe some of it has to do with his twin stealing his girl way back when—the woman he thought he loved and the brother he thought he could trust—implicitly. Shows just how wrong a body can be.

Tricia McCall can’t wait to get back to her “real” life in Seattle after settling her father’s estate, such as it is, by selling the rundown camp and abandoned drive-in. Not that it didn’t fill her summers with a lot of fun when she was a child, but that was then and this is now. But, as she starts to live in the small town of Lonesome Bend, she can’t help but wonder if the man who has been stringing her along in Seattle is the “man of her dreams” or just someone she can “pretend” she’s involved with to avoid being involved at all.

When handsome Conner Creed starts turning up at Tricia’s great-grandmother’s house and the town social she’s helping out with and invites her and her friend’s daughter out to the ranch for a trail ride, Tricia can’t help but be intrigued, if cautious. After all, she’s got a life in Seattle to return to—a big city life, the kind of life she’s always lived (except for summers with her father after her parent’s divorce.)

Conner is well aware that anything with Tricia McCall is temporary. But loneliness and a bright and beautiful woman is too tempting a combination. He’s throwing caution to the wind—that is until his twin brother shows up after years of being away and throws a monkey wrench into everything.

Linda Lael Miller knows how to create strong yet vulnerable cowboy heroes that tug at your heart and your heart strings and Conner Creed is a prime example. And Tricia McCall is a good match for him—coming as she does with her own blind spots, especially when it comes to the men in her life. A book that will draw you in, hug you with its warmth, and leave you with a smile on your face. For me, nothing could be better.

Available at Barnes and Nobles

and Amazon.com

For Those Of Us Who Love Our E-Reader

2011-04-14T15:53:00.000-05:00

I remember when I first got my Sony e-reader in November 2007--a gift from hubby for my birthday, lucky me. Being a reviewer as well as a reader, the e-reader was a godsend. The things I loved and still love about my e-reader ( I now have an Ipad too which I also use for reading) are:

The ability to change font size--my eyes have been eternally gratefully and I still don't need glasses for most things. How wonderful!
The fact I can carry around hundreds of books in one, slim tablet.
The fact I don't have storage issues with books anymore. Yes, I still read the occasional paperback but I prefer to get my reading matter digitally whenever possible.
The instant gratification I get when I hear about a book and in an instant can download it to my device with a few clicks and I'm off reading.
The fact that the Sony e-reader takes .pdf files so I can download from various sites and authors can send me their galleys. So convenient.
That with my Sony I can read in the sunlight.
That I can bookmark easily and thus, when using reference books, I am able to go back and find information that much easier.

Back in 2007 when I took my e-reader, at someone's request, to my chapter RWA, it created quite a stir. Most couldn't fathom giving up printed books to read on a digital tablet despite the advantages cited above. They thought it was just a fad. A few were very interested, including Eloisa James who thought there was potential in e-books for the publishing industry (not only is she a great writer but a smart lady).

So I found it interesting that just four short years later, U.S. publishers are "astonished" at how much of the book market is being served up digitally as referenced by this quote from an article on booksellers.com.

Speaking at the 40th anniversary keynote seminar, HarperCollins president and c.e.o. Brian Murray said the number of US e-readers—grown from 15m a year ago to 40m today—was having a disproportionately large effect on the market because they had reached "core" readers, those buying over 12 books a year. He said: “Some of the heaviest book buyers no longer visit bookstores.” He said some e-books had a 50% share of total sales during the first few months, a “watershed” for the trade.

The full article is short but insightful and can be accessed at:
http://www.thebookseller.com/news/heavy-book-buyers-avoiding-bookshops-says-hc-chief.html
Where this will push authors, publishers, booksellers and readers is anybody's guess but I suspect those who embrace the e-book readership, rather than resist, will fare the best. It's really just another delivery method, one that has the possibility of making the written word more accessible to more people, like the printing press did. And that can't be a bad thing can it?

A Painter in the House

2011-03-28T14:30:00.001-05:00

Ahh the smell of fresh paint and the tap, tap of another human in the house while everyone else is at school or work. We'll be selling our house in a year or two and as part of the long process of getting it ready for sale, we are having some rooms painted.

I know, shouldn't I wait until I'm closer to selling? The answer is yes--except these rooms are so awful with tons of furniture marks and lots of scrapes that I just can't wait any more. And since I'm having Easter this year, I wanted it done before that holiday.

Gratefully our painter, the European, is the nice quiet sort. Except for the paint fragrance, I could easily forget he is here. Except, of course, that my house is even more topsy turvey than usual given one of the rooms he is doing is our den--which is the center of our home. My daughter parked herself on the covered sofa this morning and insisted she watch the TV just inches from her nose because "I"m a creature of habit, Mom." Wait until she finds out he's buried the TV under a load of vinyl and paint cloths.

Normally, I would do the painting myself--after all, I did when we first moved in a decade ago. But with writing, the day job, and a teenager who is learning to drive and wants to be in the car every available minute, I've got more than enough on my hands. Besides, this guy is actually doing it right, spackling and caulking, sanding and priming. Amazing how much better it looks when you do it the right way.

So yes, I should have waited and let the new home owners enjoy it but I couldn't. I want those nice clean, perfectly trimmed walls for myself, at least for a little while.

Review: A Creed in Stone Creek by Linda Lael Miller

2011-03-17T11:11:00.000-05:00

I love to read as well as write and one of my favorite authors, among many, is Linda Lael Miller. She's launced a new series, The Creed Cowboys and below is my review of the first novel just released this month, A Creed in Stone Creek.

Lawyer Steven Creed suddenly finds himself the guardian of a bright and precocious five year-old named Matt after the tragic death of his friends, the boy’s parents. Steven recognizes this is the most important role he’s ever going to play in life and, after legally adopting the boy, he moves to the small town of Stone Creek where his distant relatives, the McKettricks, live to start fresh, away from the painful memories. He’s given up a lot for Matt including the woman he thought he was going to marry until she found out about the package deal. But Steven did so without hesitation, because he loves the little boy and, besides, any woman who couldn’t love Matt wasn’t a woman he wanted to be with. Still, bringing up a rambunctious five year old as a single dad isn’t going to be easy. And then he meets Melissa.

Stone Creek’s prosecutor, Melissa O’Ballivan, has always had problems with commitment. No surprise since her mother walked out when she was little and her father passed away not too much later. Raised by her brother and surrounded by her two sisters, one of whom is her fraternal twin, family is very important to her. All of her siblings have found their soul mate and have started families of their own, apparently able to overcome their difficult childhoods. All of them but her. She seems to sabotage her relationships whenever someone gets too close. ConsideringStone Creek isn’t a hot bed of criminal activity, she doesn't have work to keep her mind off of her personal life. When the parade committee lassos her into being the chair, she can’t very well say she’s too busy, because she isn’t. Besides, a cute little boy, new to town and named Matt, seems to have his heart set on seeing that parade and how can she disappoint him—or his handsome father.

Steven is struck hard by the competent, independent-minded, and hard charging Ms. O’Ballivan but unfortunately she reminds him an awful lot of the career woman who just walked out of his and Matt’s life. He’d have an easier time keeping his distance if she weren’t so darn attractive and Matt wasn’t drawing pictures with Melissa as his “new mom.” But when a conflict over a case pits Steven and Melissa against each other, it’s clear that they see the world in very different terms. And compromise just doesn’t seem to be in Melissa’s vocabulary. Can these two find common ground and make a little boy, and themselves, happy?

This novel, the first in the Creed Cowboys series, contains strong, well-defined characters, a welcoming small town setting, and a sizzling romance. The opening scenes depicting Steven and Matt’s relationship are sure to bring a tear to the eye as Steven grapples with the emotional toll of Matt’s loss. I fell in love with Steven Creed in those scenes and, having taken the “Whose your cowboy?” quiz at Miller’s promotional site, http://takeacowboyhome.com/ , it was no shock that he’s my cowboy.

While I would have liked to see a little more turmoil in the later scenes where Steven and Melissa lock horns, the romance is what keeps you turning those pages. This book also introduces the two spirited and engaging brothers whose love life will be depicted in the next two books. With Miller’s signature high flying cowboys and the feisty women who tame them, this series is bound to be another winner.

Spring at the Philly Flower Show

2011-03-07T20:25:00.007-05:00

I definitely have spring fever after a trip to the Philadelphia Flower show! The theme was Paris and the flowers were spectacular. A nice break after a rainy, cold weekend. These pictures speak for themselves. Just lovely. Enjoy!

Cheyenne Frontier Days - Photos - SI.com

2010-08-04T08:54:00.000-05:00

Cheyenne Frontier Days - Photos - SI.com

These are some pics from the Cheyenne Frontier days. As you'll see, most of the time the cowboy lost. I have a warm spot for the Daddy of them all, Frontier Days. My manuscript, Last Chance with a Million Dollar Cowboy, is about a saddle bronc rider coming back to his hometown event, Cheyenne Frontier Days, where he runs into his former love. Only she's not just an old flame...

Enjoy these pics. Sports Illustrated knows how to shoot a picture.

Homework for Family or How I Spent Mother's Day

2010-05-10T07:29:00.014-05:00

Mother's are familiar with this drill. Child comes home with complicated project requiring Mom to pitch in--but over Mother's Day Weekend? Needless to say, nameless high school Public Speaking teacher received her share of "curses" this weekend as I spent my Mother's day either without my only child's company or in front of the computer trying to find the right computer program to meet the teacher's very specific demands.

On Friday, my daughter's class was told that they had to have an "instructional" speech ready to for Tuesday. This speech had to be about 7 minutes and on an activity the class wouldn't necessarily know how to do. This speech had to be taped and either downloaded to a DVD (not a CD) or on a device that could be hooked up to the TV (e.g. a camcorder).

Well here's the deal--our camcorder died in 2006 and given the advancement of digital cameras and their ability to provide video, we never replaced it. And burning DVD's? Well, we really didn't have the software.

I know, Windows Movie Maker can now burn DVDs--I found that out after a call to a teenager two years older than mine. However, my Kodak Camera takes .mov video (Apple's Quicktime program) and Windows Movie Maker only accepts .avi. That was the first issue.

The second issue was my daughter's choice of subject: How to make a cannoli. For those who might not recognize the name, a cannoli is an Italian pastry stuffed with a sweet cream/cheese concoction. Problem: she's never made them before and neither have I. And, as we found out, cannolis are NOT easy to make. The stuffing may be a breeze but the pastry--NOT.

But being a teenager, neither problem dissuaded my daughter.

Saturday I had a college alumni event to go to--one I'd been looking forward to. Thankfully, my husband agreed to step in and take her for the ingredients. $60 in supplies after three hours of shopping later (warning: you need special rods to form the pastry which you can only find at a specialty kitchen store. Imagine my husband trying to figure out where to go for that little tool!)

The filming began and took the rest of the day. At six o'clock I returned home to a kitchen mess, an exhausted husband and child, and a batch of delicious looking cannolis. I viewed the thirteen videos that captured six hours of cooking (yes, six hours as there's a lot of steps and waiting for things to cook and cool down in making this delicacy) and as an admittedly biased parent I must say she did a great job. It was like watching a Food Network episode from the way she organized the kitchen and ingredients to the demonstrations.

But now my work began. How to get these .mov videos into .avi format. In my family, I am the most computer savvy--which shows you just how bad off we are here. I apparently needed a special codec (whatever that is) for Windows Movie Maker to accept the videos if I couldn't convert them to .avi. I'll spare you the trials and tribulations that had me searching the Windows web site (they no longer support codec paks for this transfer), the web (based on the postings, this is a common problem with few solutions offered), web downloads (most are just "fronts" for other products and/or their downloads don't work or look fishy).

After spending most of Saturday night and Sunday, after we got back from brunch, (having forgone our traditional trip to a special outdoor garden so she/we could work on this) I finally I thought I found an answer--someone posted that upgrading to Quicktime Pro would allow you to convert the files. So I paid the $29.95 ($32.05 with tax) and upgraded.

But, the "save as" button didn't allow me to change the file type. Now nearing 4 p.m. on Sunday, my daughter was ready to give up and take a 20 point demerit on her presentation deciding to just burn it on a CD and be done with it. I persisted looking on the web despite her pleas to stop. There on Youtube I found a video that explained in simple terms what I had to do to convert .mov to .avi using Quicktime Pro. (I could have kissed the guy!) You have to hit the export button and then you can convert it. Who knew? Within a short period of time, she was in front of Windows Movie Maker splicing her videos together. She burned the DVD and tested it on our DVD player and it worked! By six o'clock Sunday we were both dancing around the room and high-fiving.

Not exactly what I had planned for Mother's Day but it was definitely spent doing a motherly activity. :) Now let's hope we get an A. :)

What I'm Reading Now....

2010-04-29T18:35:00.009-05:00

Of course, I read a lot of the genre I write in--western romance, both contemporary and historical. I just finished reading a new mail-order bride anthology by Jillian Hart, Carolyn Davidson and Kate Bridges titled Mail Order Marriages. I just LOVE marriage of convenience stories and these three ladies have provided unique characters in unique situations for their stories.

I've already dived into Brenda Jackson's Hot Westmoreland Nights, a Silhouette Desire book and part of Brenda's Westmoreland series, having read Westmoreland's Way previously. The hero, Ramsey Westmoreland is just the type I like--tough, hard and so sure he's right that he inevitably jumps to the wrong conclusion to the heroine's delight!:) This is one I just might not be able to put down tonight!

And then I'm hoping to get to Madeline Hunter's new series books, Provocative in Pearls and Ravishing in Red (don't you love the titles?). These are Regencies (a genre I also like but, admittedly, not as much as the westerns) and Madeline writes riveting sexual tension. I recently took a workshop with Madeline and she gave great insight into character building--something she does so well.

Anyone read Steampunk? I'd like to read a Steampunk novel, which I understand is the Victorian era gone Jules Verne--akin to the old Wild, Wild West TV show if anyone remembers that. I'd appreciate any reading suggestions for this genre as it's all new to me.

Well, back to Hot Westmoreland Nights now to see just how far Ramsey can insert his foot in his mouth!:)

IPAD and My Technological Fear

2010-04-05T20:00:00.011-05:00

I admit it. I'm not the most technologically savvy person around. But since seriously pursuing a writing career, I've come a long way if I do say so myself. Because I have had to. There's no IT division at my address. In fact, I'm now the most technologically savvy of the three of us--and this includes my teenaged daughter. Yup, we're in trouble in our household.

For hardware issues, I do have "a guy" who makes house calls to configure and repair my computers--all the while shaking his head at my (dumb) questions. Tom's a quiet guy and at first, he was taken by surprise (his words) at how much I talked--and asked questions. But--eventually, as I asked him to put on security suites, put up firewalls, network my computers and advise about an external hard drive, he's become comfortable with my (dumb) questions and he recently told me he admired my curiosity. And I'm sure he likes the work I've given him.

For my website I also turned to an expert, the fabulous Rae Monet after first starting on my own with a Bravenet account and a few istockphoto pictures to dress it up. No way could I make a site look as good as Rae does--money well spent in my book.

So my technological fear isn't about the computer or my web site. My fear runs deeper and the iPad is just one symptom. My fear is that I'm going to be left behind as technology goes through iteration after iteration. I mean how do you keep up?

I've had to learn some basic html to navigate MySpace, this blog, posting to Yahoo groups (if I want to include a cover of my book, for instance). I've had to figure out the ins and outs of facebook which they've made much easier than MySpace (no html required) but then there are all those apps to deal with. After facebook, came Twitter and figuring out how to link them all.

I've learned about Photobucket and posting photos to the web, and that includes formatting.
I've learned how to make a movie using windows movie maker for my book trailer. I still have questions regarding using Nero for these things, but when I get time.....

I've an e-reader so I can download books.

I've figured out how to link my twitter account and e-mail with my cell phone.

I've learned a lot of things--and I'm falling behind. I don't have a smartphone yet so "apps" are a mystery to me. And now here comes the iPad--a super iTouch--with thousands of apps--how will I make sense of them all?

And streaming video from your computer to TV--I'd like to do that--but how?

And what does it mean that the iPad doesn't use "Flash" so video viewing won't be as good.

I'm falling behind--and there's so much I'd like to know. For someone who still remembers walkman radios and land line phones, it feels like the universe of new gadgets is moving way too fast. Do you agree? Or do you want to share your secret for keeping up.

Feedback When You Need It

2010-02-19T19:20:00.009-05:00

Having recently sent out my next manuscript for editorial review, I was happy to get positive feedback over these past few weeks on my published story Re-ride at the Rodeo, available as an e-book novella and included in the print anthology Return to Wayback.

First, 5 blue ribbons from C. Dionne at Romance Junkies! Reviewing all three stories in the anthology favorably, she wrote:

In RETURN TO WAYBACK the authors tackle some pretty heavy issues and they do it with such style and foresight that the reader begins to feel like they’ve connected with long lost friends.

This is a wonderful anthology which I’m sure fans of stories involving small towns and rodeos will fully appreciate.

And the reviewer specifically described Re-ride at the Rodeo as: Humorous and lovingly emotional…

Thanks Romance Junkies!

Then Linda Broday, western romance author of novels Redemption and Knight of the Texas Plains and contributor to the popular anthologies Give Me a Cowboy and Give Me a Texan wrote this about Re-ride at the Rodeo:

I just finished reading RE-RIDE AT THE RODEO and loved it…. your writing voice just blew me away… Great characters too! Wow, Clay Tanner was sexy as all get-out! You drew me onto the page and kept me there. I hated for the story to end—L. Broday

Thanks Linda!

I hope if you haven't had a chance, you'll pick up a copy and enjoy a little romance, western style:)!

My Special Valentine

2010-02-14T14:17:00.005-05:00

Valentine's Day is a very special day in our home and in my heart because it is also my daughter's birthday. Fifteen years ago, after six frustrating years trying to get pregnant, I delivered a healthy baby girl into my husband's arms--well actually into the doctor's arms but he held her right after. She is, hands down, the best present her father and I ever received. As I always tell her, having her was like winning life's lottery. We couldn't be more blessed. So Happy Birthday, Katie!

The Big Finale

2009-12-17T20:47:00.006-05:00

Well, it was some NFR this year. The ending was spectacular and very competitive. Congratulations to Bobby Mote, Lee Graves, Nick Sartain and Kollin VonAhn, Jesse Kruse, Trevor Brazile, Brittany Pozzi and J.W. Harris. And special congrats to Trevor Brazile for his seventh all around world championship and Josh Peek for his all around NFR championship. And extra special congrats to the average winners of my team, Bobby Mote and Tuf Cooper (who also placed second in tie-down roping behind his brother-in-law Trevor!)

How did my fantasy team do? Well it could have been worse but it sure could have been better.

After a terrific win in Round 8, my team only won $30,408 in round 9 and $38,978 in round 10. Not enough to come close in the Fantasy league where over $56K took the tenth round. Overall my team made only $452,000 when the fantasy team that won made close to $720,000! Nice payout coming to the "Mustache Riders" and I'm guessing that Cody DeMoss was one of their cowboys.

Overall, though, there were some standouts on my team. Bobby Mote won money in every round but the second round and came in first in round 9 and 10. He also won the average and was by far my biggest money-maker on the team winning over $135K at the NFR--like wow!

Next best were my team ropers Tryan and Jones because as a team, their winnings are doubled. They earned out, combined, over $105K. But a real standout and one of my favorite cowboys is Tuf Cooper, earning over $87K at the NFR. Actually, I think he came in even higher than that but I'm just reading what my worksheet said. In any event, it was a great NFR final and he kept his poise in the tenth round when he just had to make a time to win the average. He did, showing that young as he is, he's a cowboy with true grit! Looking forward to the next NFR!

Happy Holidays to all!

Wow-Spectacular Round 8

2009-12-11T11:13:00.006-05:00

$70,355 is the amount my fantasy team won in Round 8 of the NFR--that's some spectacular rodeo! Less said about Round 7 the better. My team only won $21,243 that night with Bobby Mote (6), Tryan/Jones (5), Taos Muncy (6) and Mary Burger (3-tie) placing in the money, but not high enough to make a difference.

But round 8 was a whole other experience. Here are the details:

Bobby Mote placed 1st in Bare back riding to win $15343 in a tie
Tryan/Jones placed 1st in Team Roping with each winning $17139
Taos Muncy placed 2nd in Saddle Bronc winning $13546 and
Tuf Cooper placed a solid 4th in tie down roping to win $7188 for a total team win of $70,355!!!!!! Biggest win yet for my team. And if I understand it correctly, I could have actually won some money for this round on Pro Fanatasy Rodeo since their highest team score was around $62K for that round. Maybe next year I'll play for real. I'm just feeling my way this year, seeing if I know rodeo well enough to compete. Up until this round, I had my doubts. :)

On my team, Trevor Knowles continues to struggle in steer wrestling with another no time and J.W. Harris failed to ride in bull riding due to his wrist injury. Mary Burger came in at a respectable time, but the field was fast and she landed in 10th place.

Only two more nights left and the all important average (the cowboy/girl who has the best scores in their event over 10 rounds) provides so much money to the top spot ($44K) that it can be the determining factor for the world championship--not to mention a heck of paycheck. More on that later. Go Cowboys--and I mean the rodeo ones, not the football ones!:)

Round 6-NFR Fantasy or Nightmare?

2009-12-09T16:41:00.007-05:00

Things are going from bad to worse with my fantasy team. Thank goodness for bareback rider Bobby Mote, who not only came in first, but is also on track to win the average (a $40K payoff to the rider with the best average after ten rounds) and my fav tie down roper Tuf Cooper who came in at a solid 4th with a 7.8 time. Here's how my team did in round 6--don't cringe.

Bareback riding: Bobby Mote-$17139

Steer Wrestling: Trevor Knowles-12th

Team Roping: Tryan/Jones-11th, no time

Saddle bronc: Taos Muncy-13th

Tie down roping: Tuf Cooper-4th-7,188

Barrel racing: Mary Burger-14th

Bull riding: J.W. Harris--no time

Total money: $ 24,327

Only two members of my team made it into the top six in the sixth round. But, tonight is another opportunity to do better. I'll be watching on ESPN360.com to see it live. How are your favorites doing?

Round 5-Fantasy Rodeo

2009-12-08T23:16:00.001-05:00

Even with some wins, it wasn't enough to make it a good night. Bobby Mote tied for 1st, splitting the purse of the one and two spot to take home $15343. Trevor Knowles tied for 3rd taking home only $921. Tryan/Jones came in at the 12 spot, as did Mary Burger in barrel racing. Taos Muncy only camed in at spot 10 in a tie while Tuf came in at the 7 spot. $16264 is all my team got this week. Only five days left. I'm not doing so well!

Round 4 Fantasy NFR Team

2009-12-07T20:28:00.007-05:00

Well it's round 4 and thank goodness for team roping or I'd have little to show for my fantasy team. So thank you Travis Tryan and Michael Jones for your fantastic roping ability.

Team members in the money last night were:

Travis Tryan and Michael Jones who combined in Team Roping to tie with Sartain and VonAhn for first so they split the first and second place winnings for a total of $30,686. Remind me when I play fantasy rodeo for real to carefully choose my team roping duo--those boys can win you some money! Taos Muncy came in second in Saddle Bronc earning $13536 and Bobby Mote came in 6th in Bareback riding for $2764. That's $46996 my team won in Round 4. Not bad but not enough to win a Fantasy Rodeo round.

By the way, Taos lost to Jesse Kruse who looked amazing on his saddle bronc and showed people why he is number 1 in the event. I would have chosen Jesse for my team since I think he'll win, but in the real fantasy rodeo you only have so much money to spend on your team and since Jesse was already at number 1, he came at a high price. So I went with my sentimental favorite, Taos Muncy who won in 2007 and then broke his leg in 2008. I love a comeback. Which is why I didn't pick my other favorite Saddle bronc rider, Cody Wright. He also looked awesome in Round 3--poetry in motion. But since he won last year, I thought I'd go with the "comeback." So far, Taos hasn't disappointed--winning round 1 and placing 2nd in round 4.

Looking forward to more rodeo tonight!

Round 2 and Round 3 Fantasy NFR

2009-12-06T20:28:00.005-05:00

How am I doing with my fantasy team? Frankly not so good, particularly since I spent most of my chits on picking the top bull rider, J.W. Harris and he's out with a bad wrist. So, instead, I'll be replacing him with Jesse Bail who hasn't scored yet (you can't substitute in real fantasy rodeo but hey, this is MY fantasy) until/if J.W. comes back.

Remember, only those who place 1-6 get a payout from the rodeo (ranging from $17139-2,764) and if they tie with someone, they split the money for that round's place.

So here's the results in round 2

Bareback riding, Bobby Mote -10
Steer Wrestling, Trevor Knowles--3
Team Roping, Tryan/Jones--11 (no score)
Saddle Bronc riding, Taos Muncy--13(no score)
Tie-down roping, Tuf Cooper--3
Barrel racing, Mary Burger--7
Bull riding, Jesse Bail, no score

Total payout to team members: a meager $25,956

But the third round (Saturday night) I did a bit better, mainly because my team ropers came in first and that's double the money since there are two of them! Here's the results

Bareback riding, Bobby Mote (3)
Steer Wrestling, Trevor Knowles (8)
Team roping, Tryan/Jones (1)
Saddle bronc riding, Taos Muncy (12)
Tie down roping, Tuf Cooper (6)
Barrel racing, Mary Burger (4)
Bull riding, Jesse Bail (0)

Total round 3 payout of team members: $51510--best night yet. :) But still not good enough to win in real fantasy rodeo.

Off to watch tonight's round on ESPN 2 at 9 pm EST.

Fantasty NF Rodeo Team

2009-12-04T11:09:00.008-05:00

How did my fanatsy rodeo team do last night in the first round of the National Finals Rodeo? Well let's see:

Bareback riding-- Bobby Mote (2)* --84 score/ placed 5

Steer Wrestling-- Trevor Knowles (5)-- No score/ placed 15th

Team Roping-- Tryan/Jones (7/8)-- 9.10/ placed 8

Saddle Bronc riding-- Taos Muncy (11)-- 86 score/placed 1

Tie down roping --Tuf Cooper (6)-- 8.3/ scored 6

Barrel Racing-- Mary Burger (3)-- 14.33/placed 8

Bull Riding --J.W. Harris (1)-- no score/ tied for 7th

In all my contestants won $20, 917 with only three placing in the money. Not great but it's only the first round with nine more to go. Happy, though, that I picked a winner for my favorite event, saddle bronc riding. My hero in Re-ride at the Rodeo is a saddle bronc rider, natch. Saddle bronc riding is one of the classic rodeo events because bronc riding has been a necessary skill of cowboys since horses needed to be ridden. It also requires the most mastery of any of the rough-stock events and puts the most emphasis on form of any of those events. It takes a long time to be a good saddle bronc rider, but once you master it, you can become really great.

If you don't get ESPN Classic, you can catch the rodeo in the wee hours of the morning on ESPN 2 or watch it as close to real time as possible on your computer, starting at 10 p.m. EST each night on ESPN360.com, as I do. Congrats to all the winners.

*()ranking prior to the NFR

The Mystery Called Rodeo

2009-11-22T19:55:00.011-05:00

I was confiding to a casual friend my interest in rodeo and she asked me a simple question--why? She wasn't being snarky, but she was looking at a suburbanite who was living a fairly typical suburban life and wondering how this woman (me) had fallen in love with rodeo.

Certainly, I grew up on a farm and we did own a horse and my sisters did barrel race, but my life now is far removed from those days. And maybe that's part of the attraction. When I'm at the rodeo, I'm that farm girl again. The one who used to bring home all the stray animals, who used to play in mud, who loved to eat cherry tomatoes right off the vine and dip her stick of fresh rhubarb in a bag of sugar for a bittersweet treat. That's the sentimental draw of rodeo.

But there is another, competitive side that draws me to rodeo. These cowboys are literally risking their life for a long shot at a little money. And they aren't competing with each other as much as they are competing with themselves and against the bull or horse they are riding or the steer they are roping. Most of the time, the bull or horse wins. This is especially true if you watch a small town rodeo--then you realize just how difficult the sport is. Whether bronc riding or tie-down roping, these are difficult skills which the top fifteen rodeo cowboys in each category make look easy at an event like the National Finals Rodeo, coming up December 3-12 in Los Vegas. It's a dream of mine to attend that event. I'm shooting for 2013 when my daughter enters college and my husband and I will be free to go. Until then, I have to be content with setting the DVR to tape in the wee hours of the morning, which is when the previous night's action is broadcast in my neck of the woods. That's how far removed I am from rodeo. (My small town, however, does host an annual rodeo--the only one to do so for miles and miles around.:)

And then, of course, there are the cowboys and horses that get to my passionate side. All those cowboys, all that horse flesh. I just love a man in a cowboy hat, chaps and boots sitting atop a horse. It always provides a creative boost, ala my story Re-ride at the Rodeo.

As for that mystery called rodeo, I like being just a little bit unpredictable, like that bronc that comes busting out of the gate, only to twist the exact opposite way than the cowboy expects.

Here's to all the cowboys out there and those barrel racing cowgirls who show gumption, grit and guts. My cowgirl hat is off to you all.

Counting Blessings

2009-11-04T10:31:00.006-05:00

As someone reminded me, I haven't been very good about keeping up my blog. I still haven't figured out the key to making this routine. Just when I think I've got it, blogging goes sputtering off my radar. But I was reading Linda Lael Miller's blog today http://www.lindalaelmiller.com/blog/blog.asp
and she reminded me about one thing that should never go off someone's radar--and that is counting my blessings.

So while I sit polishing off a requested manuscript in between hovering over my teenager who is home with H1N1 flu, I decided to take some time and count my blessings.

So here's five things I'm grateful for today:

(1) My daughter is recovering from the flu--fever is down, sore throat isn't so sore, and she's beginning to talk about how bored she is--a sure sign of progress!

(2) That I have a request from a great editor for my contemporary manuscript and I'm almost done making it shiny and bright. I'd tell you more about it but I don't want to jinx it. :)

(3) That I have such a good husband who did the grocery shopping and cooked dinner last night so I could take care of my daughter and work on my manuscript. Did I mention how much I love him?

(4) That I'm able to work at what I love--both in writing and in my consulting practice.

(5) That it's a gorgeous day out and I'm going to get in some garden clean up later--maybe, hopefully.

Linda was right. It does make you feel so much better! Any blessings(s) you want to count? And sorry I've been away so long.....

2009-08-11T07:04:00.001-05:00

Saratoga Gilded Age--Spas and Gambling

2009-08-11T05:53:00.011-05:00

You might think that health and gambling weren't necessarily compatible ingredients for profitable success but in the Gilded Age, health and speculation were very much on the mind of the population. As the industrial age moved the populace from merely sustaining life to having choices in what one ate and drank, an interest in a healthy lifestyle took root, particularly amongst those with money to make those choices. And with the advent of the stock exchange and the rise in capital speculation came wide spread interest in gambling, again by those with money to entertain such pursuits. Saratoga offered both to its patrons and they flocked to it. While it probably wasn't solely demarcated along gender lines, health did seem on the minds of the ladies while gambling was the preferred leisure of the male population. Saratoga offered something for them both.

With several mineral springs, visitors to Saratoga Springs had their favorites. For instance the Old Red Spring, which today is located near commercial enterprises on a busy street, has an abundance of calcium bicarbonate and a great deal of iron and was known as the Beauty Spring because it helped with anemia (restoring a glow to the skin) and was thought an effective treatment for many skin diseases as calcium was used to treat skin lesions in days gone by. A note to those who take a gulp--beware--it tastes like its ingredients! Indeed, much of the various springs offer water that is metallic and alkaline in taste.

Congress Spring, located on Broadway in Congress Park is an exception to the taste warning as is the State Seal Spring located in Saratoga Spa State Park. Congress Spring supplied the original Saratoga Spring Water, bottled and sold for it's mineral properties and taste.

Many other springs besides the State Seal Spring are located in Saratoga Spa State Park--a short buggy ride/car ride from the center of Broadway. I've listed them along with their purported properties.

Geyser Spring--works as an antacid, aids in digestion

Hayes Spring--used as a treatment of liver, gall bladder and digestive tract disorders. The high salt content in this spring produces a laxative effect!

Orenda Spring--high potassium iodide and possesses laxative properties!

Beware of the Polaris Spring which perches handily beside the roadway with no signage (none of the springs in the park have very much in the way of signs which makes finding them a bit of an adventure.) It has high radioactive content, yet sits ready to be tasted. I made the mistake of taking a gulp in my quest to have an authentic taste experience of all the springs not realizing it was the Polaris Spring until too late. So far, no ill effects.

The park also contains the Roosevelt Bath Houses (built in the 1930s and restored) where you can take a mineral bath, duplicating the bath houses that were popular in the park back in the day.

Pictures of the various springs are below.

A trip back to Congress State Park and the Congress spring and you'll find Canfield Hall, the original building that was opened in 1870 as a gambling facility (despite the fact that gambling was never legal in the city) by John Morrissey. Known quaintly as The Clubhouse, women were allowed in the saloon but not in the gambling halls--though there are many stories about some determined efforts by a few women to gain entry. Nor did John allow permanent residents of the city to gamble in his casino for fear that a losing resident would seek revenge via enforcement of the town ordinances. It must have worked because the club thrived for a long time, eventually being sold to Richard Canfield in 1894. It is now Saratoga's museum with part of it still set up as a gambling hall (pictures below) People bet and lost fortunes in The Clubhouse where Wall Street elites such as Morgans and Vanderbilts mingled with other bankers, railroad men, congressmen and cattle barons. Along with the famous race track, the casino was a major attraction to those who liked to speculate with their money.

Coming next will be the great houses of Saratoga Springs and that will be the last about my vacation to the Queen of the Spas.

A Taste of Saratoga's Gilded Age--Hotels

2009-08-06T17:43:00.011-05:00

This summer I went to Saratoga Springs to finish up a little research on my western historical novel about a Texan who comes to Saratoga in hopes of bringing back a cultured wife and gets a great deal more than he bargains for.

Saratoga Springs was the Queen of the Spa resorts with the added benefits of horse racing and a first rate casino as well as proximity to New York City from which it drew a large part of its monied clientele, attracting the likes of Vanderbilts, Fisks, Goulds and Asters. For a time, it boasted the largest hotels in the world such as the Grand Union Hotel where congressman, senators and bankers gathered, The United States Hotel where the likes of Vanderbilts, Goulds and Rockfellers held court on the piazza and Congress Hall which hosted the Asters and other old New York scions.

The scope of these hotels was monumental. The Grand Union was updated several times but in 1875, when my novel takes place, it claimed a ballroom that was 85 x 60 feet with 27 foot high celings from which hung three large crystal chandeliers. Covering seven acres right on Broadway, it had over 824 rooms available, some of them cottages which rented for $125 per day. It boasted two miles of corridors, twelve acres of carpet and an acre of marble. The Grand Union dining room was capable of handling up to 1400 guests at a sitting " with 35 coooks, 200 waiters, 12 carvers dispensing 1200 quarts of milk, 1500 pounds of beef, 80 chickens and 250 quarts of strawberries" or so the guide book of the day related. (The Grand Union Hotel by Beatrice Sweeny, City Historian Saratoga Springs, New York).

A block down Broadway, The United States Hotel was almost as grand encompassing a three-acre park within its boundaries and 768 guest rooms and cottage suites all equipped with marble washstands and cold running water and some of the suites also offered a private bath. It also had a large ballroom and spacious dining room, all superbly appointed. Congress Hall was on a slightly smaller scale but all three lined the main street with large piazza's overlooking Broadway. Seen in one long sweep the hotels made quite an architectural display.

Added to this in 1877 was the Adelphi Hotel, squeezed in between the Grand Union and the United States. The Adelphi's piazza also overlooked the street and added to the unified architecture of these great hotels. The Adelphi only had a little more than 150 rooms but it entertained some of Saratoga's elite as well, including John Morrissey, the colorful Tammany Hall politician who helped bring racing and gambling to The Springs. He died at the Adelphi in 1878 with citizens keeping vigil outside its doors.

The Adelphi's smaller stature is what helped save it from the fate of it's bigger sister hotels. As modern conveniences such as elevators, electrical wiring, indoor plumbing, central heating, phones, etc. were required by vacationers, updating such mammoth palaces became financially prohibitive. With travel made easier, more options opened up. By the 1920's these grande dames were shadows of their former self. By the forties they were in substantial decline. The United States went up in smoke during that decade and the wrecking ball signaled the demise of the Grand Union in 1953.

The Adelphi, however, managed to hang in there and in 1977 the current owners purchased it and started to restore it to it's former glory. Today, you can get a taste of the grandeur of Saratoga's Gilded Age with a stay at the Adelphi where all modern conveniences await you as you step back in time. We stayed at the Adelphi during our visit in a beautifully appointed Queen suite and savored every wonderful minute of it. Below are pictures of the hotel so you too can step back in time.

More on Saratoga Springs and it's unique history in the next blog.

2009-08-06T17:39:00.001-05:00

2009-07-20T13:43:00.001-05:00

Romance Writers of America Conference 2009

2009-07-20T13:33:00.007-05:00

Imagine taking a workshop with Nora Roberts where she shares writing wisdom, or Jayne Ann Krentz and Susan Elizabeth Phillips, or Virginia Kantra or Joan Johnston or...well you get the picture. Well I could do all of that and more at my first Romance Writers of America Conference held in Washington D.C.

Nothing better to get those creative juices flowing. In fact, I wrote 40+ pages of a new contemporary romance about a young woman trying to throw off the shackles of a domineering father and find love again with an independent-minded cowboy who'd she'd been married to once upon a time for all of 48 hours. How does it sound so far? :)

I also pitched my historical, In the Hands of a Texan, to an agent and got a request. Yay! I love this story of a scandalized Saratoga Springs debutante who enters into a marriage of desperation with a war-hardened Texan and nothing is like either expects. Sort of Age of Innocence meets Unforgiven.

And the conference was so much more than I expected--overwhelming, enlightening and fun! Above are some pictures.

Rodeo, Cowboys and Romance

2009-07-14T19:44:00.002-05:00

It's been a busy month with the release of Return to Wayback which includes my story, Re-ride at the Rodeo. But I promised you photos and before I leave for RWA National tomorrow I realized I needed to post these pictures. It was muddy but a lot of fun! Enjoy all the cowboys!

2009-07-14T19:43:00.001-05:00

Great Expectations, Divorce and the Benefits of an Arranged Marriage

2009-06-12T12:21:00.008-05:00

Arranged marriages in the 21st century--I must be joking, right? But there is a huge segment of the world population where arranged marriages are still the norm. Case in point, Farahad Zama's column in last Sunday's N.Y. Times Modern Love column.

Farahad is now a middle-aged man of Indian ancestry and over a decade ago, he happily submitted to his family's plan for an arranged marriage with a girl he'd never met. They married two months later after spending all of forty-five minutes together and by his account, are happily so. He believes there are benefits to falling in love after marriage.

Sounds heretical to American sensibilities where belief is that falling in love is a pre-requisite to a happy marriage--or is it? Farahad points to our country's divorce rate as a reason to be skeptical. He posits the notion that perhaps it is our high (read unrealistic) expectations, a result of having stars in our eyes when we marry, that may lead to the shock and disappointment of discovering that your romantic white knight is no longer the man who comes home tired at night or the adventurous imp you married has turned into a cranky mother of a toddler.

Do we expect too much from the men we fall in love with and vice versa?

Farahad writes: "I think that in arranged marriages one starts with lower expectations and realizes the need for compromise is essential in a successful bond, and that is probably its biggest benefit."

My critique partner, Shobhan Bantwal, who is also Indian and has a fabulous novel coming out in September from Kensington called The Sari Shop Widow, has been happily married for decades. Her marriage was arranged.

India's divorce rate is amongst the lowest in the world at 1.1% compared to the U.S. divorce rate of 50%. Still how much is due to cultural taboo and how many of those Indian marriages are actually happy ones is any one's guess. But it does give one pause and something to consider.

Farahad concludes: " What I am sure about is that our marriage, arranged with other considerations in mind, took us from acquaintance to love and kept us together until we realized that our differences are the yin and yang that make our relationship whole. Now we consider ourselves absolutely perfect for each other. Somewhere in that is a lesson, I am sure."

As a romance writer and reader I must say I've always loved the "marriage of convenience" plot, whether the mail-order bride of the West or the economic and titled alliances of the Regency, I enjoy reading about a hero and heroine who start out their marriage as strangers with little in common and yet must find a way to build trust and make it all work. Even today, you can find contemporary romances where the plot is about two dissimilar people forced into a marriage situation.

Maybe the reason I enjoy them so much is that you get to see the "married" side of romance and all the pitfalls inherent in trying to sustain a viable marriage, something I can relate to. Because even the best marriages take a lot of work and compromise, something those of us with decades long "happy marriages" know all too well.

So do we expect too much from those we fall in love with? Could there be some benefits to arranged matches with "other considerations" beyond love in mind? Do you enjoy the Marriage of Convenience plot line?

Do Something Romantic....

2009-06-07T21:51:00.006-05:00

The other day the President took his wife on a night out in NYC. Today the New York Times had an article suggesting (a little tongue-in-cheek) that the Commander in Chief may have made some men look bad because, hey, if he had time to take his wife out on a date, every man should have the time.

The article then went on to detail the lengths some men did not go to be romantic. Some poor women reported not having a night out as a couple in a very long time. But then, some couples found time for being romantic after decades of being together.

My hubby of twenty plus years and I have always tried to have a date night (except for the first few years after my daughter was born and neither of us wanted to let her out of our sight:). Even when money was tight, somehow once a month we scraped together enough for a babysitter (our families lived too far away to help much) and went to a movie. Eventually we could even afford dinner with the movie once in a while. Even with just those few hours, we'd be able to reconnect. For us that meant laughing at the absurdity of our busy lives or planning out home repairs or maybe a vacation or simply confiding in each other our respective work problems. Somehow, it felt intimate even though we were out in public places.

My daughter often chastises my husband for not being her version of romantic. No, he doesn't notice my hair when I get it done, or a new outfit, or anything I may do around the house. And, like many men, he isn't one to say the L-word often, in fact, he rarely shows his emotions.

But he is the type of guy who has tea waiting for me in the morning and makes it for me every night as we watch T.V. He's even been known to surprise me with a cup as I'm working away at the computer just because. I find that terribly romantic.

And, though he's not the most demonstrative soul, he won't leave the house in the morning without giving me a good-bye kiss, even tracking me down in the basement if need be. That always warms my heart.

Oh and he will bring me flowers for no reason--not often--but often enough to be memorable.

Perhaps most important, though, is that he's there for me, supporting me in anything I tackle. 24/7 I know I can depend upon him. To me, that's very romantic.

So while he may not whisk me off on a surprise vacation or take me to some place exotic on a date or text me that he loves me--he's romantic enough for me.

What does your husband or significant other do that you find romantic? Or what do you wish he'd do :) And do you do anything romantic for him?

When Your To-Do List Keeps Growing!

2009-06-03T08:22:00.003-05:00

I used to be a pretty organized person. In my other life I ran a division of a major corporation for goodness sakes. Then I became a mom. Then I became a consultant. Then I became an author. Then I became a website founder. You get the picture.

I'm wearing a lot of hats--as most women are. Wife, mother, Chief Operating Officer of Our House, Inc., Business Owner, Website editor, Writer and chief promo person and my most important job--mother to a teenager (you think it will get easier as they get older but it just gets different.)

Lists used to be my saving grace. Write it down and it got done. Simple.

But it doesn't seem to work as well anymore. I have a white board in my office for a to-do list and one that gives me my week at a glance so I can't ignore it. But the problem is, my list is getting longer. I accomplish one task and two more take its place.

You'd think in this day and age of technology things would be easier. I look at those who scratched out a living on the ranches of the West and wonder what am I complaining about--and whether this farm girl would measure up. Life back then was hard. Work was from dawn to after dusk and no matter how hard you worked, the hand of fate could take it away in a storm or pestilence or financial collapse.

Wait a minute--that sounds an awful lot like life today!

I'm up at 6 a.m. to get my child off to school, work my day job and fit in housework, writing/promoting and being a mom in between and far into the evening as well as on weekends. The only difference is that my day job isn't physcial work (I have to work-out to get my exercise these days!) and my housework isn't the kind of drudgery that consumed the ranch wife of the 19th century.

And here's another, important difference--I'm doing things I enjoy--mostly! So I guess I'll count my blessings, make my list and keep trying to get it cut down! If anyone has any tips on getting organized and trimming that to-do list, please share. I'd sure appreciate the advice!

And the winner is.....

2009-05-16T11:13:00.005-05:00

Yesterday you all had a great chance to win a free copy of Return to Wayback. There were only four commenters (one here and three at Liberty States Blog), however, so I put those names in a hat and pulled out one. The winner is...

Celia Yeary!

Celia, contact me at annecarrole@aol.com with your address and I'll get a signed copy of the book out to you. Congrats!

Hook 'em with Your Best Shoot

2009-05-15T05:59:00.002-05:00

What do authors Nora Roberts, Linda Howard, Eloisa James, Rachel Gibson, Linda Lael Miller, Jennifer Crusie and Elizabeth Lowell all have in common—besides best sellers?

Great openings. But could you tell who wrote which great hook?

Check out Liberty States Fiction Writers' Blog Read Around the World and see if you can match the author to their opening paragraph—I’ve included the answers at the end of the article so you can check yourself.

And to celebrate the release of Return To Wayback today—I’m giving away a free copy of the book to one lucky person who leaves a comment today. So share your own favorite opening—or just tell which of the above author’s hook you liked best—or just say hi! Hope to see you there.

Don't you know Connor Mead? Ghosts of Girlfriend's Past and all.

2009-05-08T00:01:00.001-05:00

This past weekend I went to see Ghosts of Girlfriends Past, hubby in reluctant tow. It was cute, sexy and ultimately romantic. It also posed the question of what is life without love--and romance.

Because haven't we all met this guy Connor Mead in some form or another? The player. The womanizer. The playboy. We women have a ton of ways to label him as "danger."

I knew a "Connor Mead" and he was a typically gorgeous man--who knew it. He used to run at lunch time with his shirt off, sending every warm-blooded woman to the windows as he jogged by, drool forming at the corners of our mouths.

He'd been married to a woman who looked like she had stepped out of the pages of Playboy but, as one would expect, the marriage had ended in divorce since he seemed to follow a very loose interpretation of the marriage vows. As a result, he was free to hit on anyone--and he did. Married? Older? Fifteen years younger? Everyone was fair game. And, like Connor Mead, he was clear that it was just a good time. Rumors were always flying around the office about who was his latest lady du jour.

Apparently, just like in the movie, there were enough women who were either just looking for a good time too, or thought they would be the one to change his wandering ways. Of course, no one ever did--change his wondering ways. Last I heard from a male colleague who had kept in touch with him, this Connor Mead was living alone in some resort town and hadn't changed his modus operandi one bit. Considering he must be close to retirement age, I find that interesting--and sad.

Because life without love and romance wouldn't appeal to me. Give me my happily ever-after--which, by the way, the movie delivers on even if real life may not always. And that's one of the benefits of being an author, we get to write that happily ever after. So here's wishing all the Connor Meads in this world some real romance in their life.

And ladies, if you're a fan of Texan Matthew McConaughey you'll definitely enjoy this movie.

And if you're a fan of Texas cowboys, check out Return to Wayback for a look at three hard-driving Texans, three reasons to come back and the special women who just might give them a reason to stay. Happily-ever-after guaranteed. Buy now at Amazon.com.

It's Here! It's Here!

2009-05-04T10:32:00.004-05:00

Return to Wayback appeared on my porch today courtesy of UPS and my publisher. The first time holding a book with my story in it! Of course, I had to sit right down and read it--again, for like the tenth time. This time I relaxed and enjoyed the journey.

No one ever tells you that you'd better really love your story because you are going to be reading it over and over again. First, of course you do your own editing--for me that means I'm reading through it at least four or five or six times, reworking, revising, editing, polishing. I admit I have problems letting go (it's a little like sending your kid off to college) but finally I resist anymore fiddling.

So it is off to the publisher and then they send it back for edits. And they keep sending it back until there are no more mistakes to find--that could be three times. Then the galleys come--that's you're last time to proof--and that's usually two read-throughs minimum because you always find something.

But funny thing is--I haven't grown tired of Re-ride at the Rodeo--yet. I guess when it's your own....you do love it!

Have a great day--I'll still be floating for a while.

Return to Wayback is now available at Amazon.com or http://tinyurl.com/Return-to-Wayback-Amazon

Princeton Conference on Romance

2009-05-03T09:53:00.004-05:00

In the Huffington Post today, Joanne Rendell posted about the conference held at Princeton University exploring the Romance Novel and American Culture. Check it out at The Huffington Post

I attended this conference, pleased to see a serious examination of the romance genre and its subgenres. Romance is a broad and encompassing category with a big tent that holds readers from all walks of life--including, as was demonstrated, serious, literary based academics. As an author of contemporary and historical western romances (and co-founder of www.lovewesternromances.com), the romance genre also encompasses sub-categories that might have difficulty finding a readership without those anticipated romantic elements that unite the genre and assures an optimistic ending.

Inspirationals, urban fantasies, sci-fi, mysteries, suspense, latin, eastern, medieval, turn-of the century, comtemporary, paranormal, world war II, regency, victorian--the list is only limited by the imagination. It is a rich tapestry of writing where the conflict and struggle inherent in finding love is played out against a varied backdrop that adds unique elements to the story. Romance encompasses not only love, but betrayal, risks, danger, hope,dreams and yes, sexual tension. All the emotions inherent in the human experience.

And as I told my husband when I first began to read romance--it brings me back to those heady days when I first discovered I was in love with him. What more could you ask of any genre?

Interested in Getting a Kindle? Here's how.

2009-04-30T19:32:00.005-05:00

Several Wild Rose Press authors got together, including me, and donated a Kindle and a $50 gift certifcate for the Wild Rose Press to Brenda Novak's auction fundraiser for Diabetes Research. So you can bid on a Kindle and help a good cause at the same time! Here's the url to place your bid:

http://tinyurl.com/wrpauthor-kindle

While I have a Sony e-reader that I love, I know you'll love the Kindle too! So get over there and bid. The minimum is a $2 bid! And the donation is a $400 value! What are you waiting for?

And if you win, I hope you'll get Return to Wayback which is available at both Amazon.com and The Wild Rose Press!

And the Winner is....

2009-04-30T08:24:00.003-05:00

Okay, I put the names of everyone who commented into my cowgirl hat and the winner is....

Nancy--who had such a thoughtful neighbor.

If you contact me Nancy at annecarrole@aol.com I'll send you via e-mail your $15 gift certificate to The Wild Rose Press.

Thanks everyone for stopping by. I hope reading everyone's comments gave you that nice warm feel-good feeling like it did me! A lot of good karma to pass on...Best, Anne

The Kindness of Strangers

2009-04-29T00:04:00.003-05:00

What is the kindest thing someone ever did for you?

What, you say, I can only choose one? And that’s how I felt when someone asked me this very question. I thought about all the things my husband does every day to make life easier, sweeter. Or the many things family members and friends have done when they didn’t have to.

But then I thought about the time, a while ago, when a complete stranger did something for me that I shall never forget.

Stranded at a WDC airport because of weather, a complete stranger let me stay with her at her condo. She took me home ( a lovely condo in Georgetown, BTW), let me sleep in her spare room, gave me everything I needed for the night (this was to be a day trip so I hadn't packed anything), fed me breakfast the next day and got me back to the airport (she was traveling on the same plane). Besides my profuse thanks, I sent her a large plant for her apartment, a basket of fruit and a bouquet of flowers. I didn't know what else to do to thank her for her generosity—and her trust.

She didn't know me (I didn't know her either but I was confident I was a good judge of people) and yet she opened her home to me. She took a chance and saved me from the nightmare of being alone and abandoned in an airport that was shut down for the night--totally shut down. (WDC airport closes at 10 pm for security reasons--and this was prior to 9/11).

Unfortunately, I lost track of her after a time. But I think of her often when I need a reminder of the goodness of ordinary people.

And at every opportunity, I try to live up to her standard.

So let's feel good today. Share a kindness someone did for you--doesn't have to be a stranger--and you'll be entered into a contest for a Wild Rose Press gift certificate (see below).

In my story, Re-ride at the Rodeo, which is part of the just released Return to Wayback anthology along with Payback in Wayback by Lynda Coker and Roped and Tied by Mallary Mitchell, Dusty Morgan does a similar act of kindness for a handsome cowboy she had a brief encounter with the weekend before.

Here’s the excerpt:

“As I said, I need a favor.” He shifted his gaze to stare directly at her as if willing her to grant it.

Looking at that smile, she had to admit she was inclined.

“I scored in the go-round today so I need a place to stay for tonight at least. Annagrace said you had the house to yourself. She thought you wouldn’t mind.”

Dusty’s jaw dropped. She wouldn’t mind? Alone with Clay? Annagrace had gone too far this time. How did she know he wasn’t a rapist or serial killer? All they knew was that he could ride saddle broncs.

As if reading her mind, he continued. “She had me checked out by Andy from the sheriff’s office. Took my license number and called it in. Andy gave me a clean bill. She said she’d tell you that when she phoned. Seeing as how you didn’t get the call, I can understand your reluctance.”

He shot her that sexy grin he’d used before—on her and probably on many others. Her oatmeal insides were becoming more like cream of wheat.

“Look Dusty, I know this is sudden. But I didn’t realize it was Heritage Days or whatever you guys call it. Apparently it pulls in a lot of out-of-towners. All the motels are full up. I didn’t think to make a reservation. Didn’t know I’d score so I’d have to stick around for tomorrow’s round.”

Dusty still couldn’t speak. What could she say? She didn’t want to turn him out with no place to go. She didn’t want him to stay here where the temptation would be way too much.

He draped an arm along the back of the sofa—a strong, solid mass of bulging muscles. The memory of that arm around her, pressing her close to his hard body, had her stomach doing somersaults like it was trying out for the circus.

“Look, I know you don’t know me very well. And I came on a little strong last week. But if it’s just friendship you want, that’s fine with me.”

Somehow she didn’t think it would be fine but, then again, she wasn’t his type.

“I promise I’ll be a perfect gentleman. I can sleep on the sofa, right here. If I can just use your shower—”

Shower? Naked? Her body went into overdrive as an image of his toned, tanned and nude body danced across her mind. She visualized every line, every muscle, and every hard plane. A moist warmth settled between her thighs.

“—to clean up that’s all I need. I even bought some ribs at the Dixie Pig and if you have a grill, I do a mean barbeque. I know it’s an inconvenience, so I’m willing to pay you what I would have paid The Corral.”

Dusty held up a hand. “No need to go that far. I get that you’re desperate. It will be Texas hospitality or nothing.” How could he think she’d charge him if she allowed him to stay? Her reluctance had nothing to do with inconvenience and he knew it.

“And I promise I’ll be a Texas gentleman. Whatever rules you want to impose, I’ll abide by.” He gave her a schoolboy look, the kind of look you’d give the teacher when she’d caught you doing mischief to convince her you were really an angel. But there was nothing angelic about Clay Tanner. He was all sex and sin in one delicious package.

Here’s the blurb for the Return to Wayback anthology:
Payback in Wayback: After spending twelve years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit, Corey Donovan is headed for Wayback, bent on getting a little payback. Tiffany Covington is both thrilled and afraid when she learns Corey has returned. She’s ready to repay old debts, the question is, will Corey accept her currency of exchange? Roped and Tied: Jericho Farrell left Wayback and Eden Sawyer for a shot at a better life, but now he’s back. Eden has forgiven him for leaving, but will he forgive her when he discovers he’s a father? Re-Ride at the Rodeo: Bronc rider Clay Tanner is looking for a good time. Dusty Morgan looks like she could use one, but she turns him down. Feeling like he’s been bucked off before the eight second buzzer, Clay’s betting he can score if she’ll give him a re-ride. But qualifying may call for more than he’s prepared to give.

Available Now at Amazon.com and on May 15th at The Wild Rose Press Return to Wayback: Three hard-driving men, three different reasons to come back, and three special women who could give them a reason to stay.

So, what was the kindest thing someone (stranger, friend or family) has done for you?

Remember, leave a comment today, the 29th, and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a $15 gift certificate for The Wild Rose Press (which I'll pick on Thursday, so stop back) and, for those who are participating in A Tisket A Tasket, I’m providing an e-copy of Re-ride at the Rodeo for the Grand Prize Basket.

Tomorrow go to http://annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com/ for the final blog in the A Tisket A Tasket Put Romance in Your Basket Contest.

A Tisket, A Tasket Put Romance in Your Basket Contest

2009-04-24T20:17:00.007-05:00

On April 29th my blog will be part of the A Tisket A Tasket month long contest which started April lst. You can still catch up. Here are the details:

A TISKET A TISKET, PUT ROMANCE IN YOUR BASKET Spring is in the air! Bees are buzzing. We've got a treat for you! Come join a group of romance authors in celebration of spring. Enter to win a prize a day as well as enter to win the grand prize. All you need do is begin at Silver James' blog. She started the month off at http://www.silverjames.com/. Silver will host the day's contest and provide the link to the next day's location. Don't forget to enter to win the grand prize! Here's the dirt... A TISKET A TISKET, PUT ROMANCE IN YOUR BASKET Grand Prize:To enter to win prizes from the authors donating treasures to the grand prize (I'm donating an e-copy of Re-ride at the Rodeo), find the four Easter eggs in the A TISKET A TISKET, PUT ROMANCE IN YOUR BASKET blog event.

You will be searching for this egg. Just visit all of the authors' websites, locate the 4 eggs, make a list of their locations by pasting the urls to the website pages in an e-mail, then send the entry to happyendings2007@aol.com by midnight CST on May 1st, 2009. The winner will be randomly drawn and announced May 2nd at http://blog.skhyemoncrief.com/. Tip #1, subscribe to http://blog.skhyemoncrief.com/ to learn if you're the winner! And don't worry. If you start in on the blog event late, just head back to Silver James' blog on April 1st at http://www.silverjames.com/ to begin your website search for the Easter eggs. Don't miss the fun! See you next to the burgundy tulips.

Return to Wayback-release date May 15 2009

2009-04-10T09:40:00.005-05:00

Exciting news! Return to Wayback will be available at Amazon.com and a bookstore near you on May 15th! We can't believe it is so soon! View the trailer below for more about three hard-driving men, three different reasons to come back and the three special women who could give them a reason to stay.

Montana Creeds:Tyler by Linda Lael Miller

2009-03-31T13:00:00.006-05:00

Tyler is the youngest of the Montana Creeds—and he’s learned a lot from his two older brothers—mostly about how not to take on responsibility. But now both his brothers are married with families of their own and he’s not only estranged from them, but the odd man out on his own land.

Of course, Tyler has a lot to resent. His mother committed suicide when he was younger and now he learns his miserable father took the same path. It’s no wonder he just wants to be left alone in his time-worn cabin.

But when his former girlfriend, Lily Kenyon arrives back in town to help her ailing father, solitude doesn’t seem very inviting. And when he witnesses the abuse of a teenage boy, a boy that could be his own son, at the hands of a no-good “step-father”, Tyler makes room in his life for another damaged soul.

Lily has her own issues to deal with. Her husband’s mysterious death, her father’s critical illness and a daughter that needs structure and a sense of family. Given everything she’s dealing with, there is no reserves left to explore the remnants of a past relationship that had gone sour very quickly. That is until Tyler shows up on her doorstep in the flesh.

Will the past rip them apart or can they hold onto each other and face the future together?

This third installment of the Montana Creed series is hot, steamy and sexy but also filled with the emotional tugs that keep readers turning those pages. With compelling characters, difficult situations and strong emotions, this is a satisfying conclusion to a wonderful trilogy. Available today from HQN at bookstores everywhere and Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble.com.

The Book Cover for Return to Wayback is Here!

2009-03-16T20:58:00.006-05:00

The book cover for the print anthology, Return to Wayback, that is going to include Re-rde at the Rodeo is here. When released, this anthology will be available at Amazon.com and Barnes and Noble, among other book outlets! Yeehaw! Can't wait.

And besides Re-ride at the Rodeo, you'll get two other great Wayback stories by two great authors, Lynda Coker and Mallory Malone.

So for those of you who don't "do" e-books, you'll have your chance to read Re-ride at the Rodeo in print. Can't wait to hold it in my hands!

Coming soon from The Wild Rose Press, part of the Wayback Texas Series

But Can the Cowboy Dance?

2009-03-09T09:31:00.005-05:00

As everyone must know by now, Ty Murray, seven time all-around Pro-Rodeo champion and PBR President and star, is going to be on Dancing with the Stars tonight. My DVR is set! Jewel, his wife, was supposed to be on there competing against him but she fractured the tibia in both legs--both legs! Who knew dancing could be so tough!

Ty Murray has shown he's the top cowboy in so many ways. Not only is he a seven time all-around Pro Rodeo champion--a record--but he did it competing in the three most physically challenging events of rodeo, bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding. Doing just one event usually sets you up for a life time of physical pain from the broken bones and torn ligaments--and Ty sure has had those, with surgery on knees and other areas.

So how can someone who has those kind of physical injuries and surgeries possibly compete in the arena of dancing where grace, rhythm and having "young" legs is a requirement, Cloris Leachman not withstanding? Well, we'll know tonight but I'm guessing Ty will face this like he does everything else--with discipline, commitment, determination and a heavy dose of cowboy grit. You may say this is just dancing but then two contestants have gotten injured already, before the show has even started.

Still, I'm betting on Ty to show them how it's done!

If you aren't familiar with the cowboy who at 23 became the youngest millionare in the history of Rodeo, is a founding member of the popular PBR (Pro Bull Riding) of which he is now President and married one of the prettiest singers ever, here's a video so you can catch up:

How It Feels to Get Bucked Off.

2009-03-05T10:41:00.003-05:00

I'll be blogging at Petticoats and Pistols this Saturday, March 7th, about rodeo cowboys of the past and present and sharing my own experience with getting bucked off--it wasn't all that fun, I can tell you that. So join me on Saturday and don't forget to leave a comment.

Review of Montana Creeds: Dylan by Linda Lael Miller

2009-02-22T16:37:00.004-05:00

In this second book in the series, Linda Lael Miller gives us bad boy Dylan Creed—the middle son of hell-raiser and less than sterling father, Jake Creed. Dylan is carrying around a lot of baggage from his childhood and he hasn’t exactly lived down his father’s legacy. But when the mother of his child, Bonnie, leaves the child in the cab of his pick-up while he’s playing poker, he has a chance to step up and be the kind of father the young toddler needs—the kind of father his own wasn’t.

Dylan returns to his home town of Stillwater Springs, Montana determined to do what is right for his daughter. Which means setting down roots and giving her the kind of stable home her wayward mother was not capable of. But Dylan doesn’t have a whole lot of experience or any role models to rely on. But he does know a very pretty librarian, his former love, Kristy Madison, who would make a great mother.

Years ago, Kristy had issued an ultimatum after his father’s funereal, one Dylan couldn’t comply with at the time. He needed space, needed time and needed to prove himself. She got engaged to a “responsible” member of the community and only recently did Dylan learn she hadn’t gone through with the marriage. But is she willing to pick up with him again and can he convince her it’s not just a mother for his child he needs—but a wife and partner in this enterprise called life?

Ms. Miller has once again created a charismatic cowboy, but not without faults. Self-absorbed, hard-headed and just a tad domineering, you can’t help but wonder if the self-conscious, quiet librarian will be up to the task of taming him. But like all Ms. Miller’s novels, it would be a mistake to underestimate the strength of her heroines. Romantic, sexy and with a mystery that will keep those pages turning.

Available at Barnes and Noble and Amazon.com

And the Winner is....

2009-02-11T21:02:00.002-05:00

Eleyne has won the free e-copy of Re-ride at the Rodeo so Eleyne if you e-mail me at annecarrole@aol.com I'll send you out a free e-copy of Re-ride at the Rodeo. I'm heading out for a week of R&R but when I get back next Thursday I'll send it right out to you. Hope you enjoy it!

It's in His Kiss?

2009-02-10T23:14:00.011-05:00

Tis the 11th day of Romance during the Romancing February Blog Contest—and it’s my day to blog! So my topic is First Kisses. From your first kiss ever, to your first French kiss (oo-la-la) to your first kiss with your significant other—firsts are special.

My first ever kiss was when I was nine years old. Shocking isn’t it? But then I didn’t experience another one until I was sixteen so I’m chalking it up to curiosity or the boy, Frankie T., all of twelve, being a little, well, exhuberant.

We were sitting in a tent in his backyard, sharing a bag of salty potato chips. How did he know that potato chips were my favorite snack?

I didn’t know him all that well, but he was very cute. He was always getting into to scrapes, always very daring and adventurous. There were lots of neighborhood stories about Frankie T. These facts should have been clues of what might happen, but a nine- year-old's trouble antennae isn’t very experienced yet.

He leaned in close, looked right into my eyes and said, “Wanna, kiss?” My pulse rate, which was already thumping away just being in a tent with him, went into overdrive. I don’t remember saying anything, just staring into his golden brown orbs. Next thing I knew, his lips were on mine, salty and firm. He was kissing me. I held my lips tightly shut and barely moved. It was exciting—but nothing more. He kissed me again. This time, I remember, it wasn’t even exciting—just salty.

Finally, my trouble antennae started sending signals. Before he could try again, I rose. Grabbed a handful of chips (had to have those chips) and told him I had to go. Walking home I wondered about what I had done. And figured I probably shouldn’t have. So I never went over to Frankie’s again. And he never said more than hi to me. I probably wasn’t much of a kisser.

Still, for seven more years, I clung to the fact that I had at least been kissed once! And I can promise you, my kissing experience at sixteen went a whole lot better.

On the web, the site Virtualkiss.com has a whole section on first kiss stories. A quick perusal of sixty-five first kiss listings showed that the majority of people (40) were under fourteen when they had their first kiss. Of them, twenty-seven experienced their first kiss at age thirteen or fourteen. Only one cited age nine. (My cheeks are red!)

And did you know that there are sites that will give you step-by-step instructions on kissing? Check out Kissing.net/French kissing tips for matter-of-fact, fairly reasonable kissing instructions. Who knew?

Some of their suggestions include brushing your teeth and taking a bath—ahh, definitely. And “don’t bite. Just nibble. Whatever, you do, don’t bite.” Can’t argue with that. LOL.

But nothing beats the first kiss of the man you fall in love with. The heart-stopping, world- jarring, lightening-striking kiss of real love.

In my story Re-ride at the Rodeo, Dusty is surprised by her first kiss with Clay and it foreshadows the rest of the story. Dusty wants nothing to do with a rodeo rider for reasons all her own. Clay can't resist the challenge of someone who's "not that into" him. Here’s an excerpt that contains the first kiss:

She turned around to the sight of Clay bearing down on her. Her heart skipped a beat. His white shirt almost glowed in the moonlight while the rest of his body was etched in black against the gray night sky. He moved with the rolling gait of the cowboy he was, all fluid motion and power, a trim muscled torso on long lean legs. He held up his hands in surrender. “Don’t I count? You gave Jesse a dance. Don’t I get one?”

He sure was a hunk of man. Her heart thumped hard inside her chest. She couldn’t tell his expression with the brim of the Stetson shadowing his face but she guessed it wasn’t a happy one.

“I didn’t know you wanted one,” she managed to get out, just as he stopped short in front of her.

His looming height made her feel small. She looked up at a set of unyielding lips, midnight blue eyes and the gray shadow of a beard etching his strong jaw.

“I want.” His voice had a husky timbre to it. He reached for her and she endured the slight brush of his hand against her shoulder as he fingered strands of her hair. Goosebumps danced where he touched. “Your hair is down. I knew it would be worth seeing.”

She couldn’t move.

He smoothed a tendril back behind her shoulder with the barest touch. “I’ll take this instead.” He bent down.

He was going to kiss her. She knew it and still she rooted in place. Firm lips gently breezed across hers. The taste of hops filled her senses. His lips brushed again as his hand touched her shoulder and tugged her closer. She tingled clear to her toes. His lips pressed harder against hers, seeking a response. She opened and his tongue slid inside. A whimper of surrender escaped. He reacted to the sound by pressing her head closer to him, holding her for his taking as his mouth devoured her. She barely noticed the stubble of his beard scraping her cheek.

“So sweet,” he mumbled against her lips. Strong fingers threaded through her hair. Hot and hungry, he deepened the kiss as he fitted her between his legs and moved against her like he couldn’t get enough, like he was ready to swallow her up.

Her legs weakened.

Instinctively, she wrapped her arms around his neck, skimmed her fingers through the hair that feathered his collar, and hung on, giving into the desire for a connection with someone warm and willing. Need pounded within her. It had been such a long while since Bradley. Clay’s hands, hot and heavy, moved to her waist as his mouth drank her in. One hand slid across her back and pressed her nearer, while the other inched near her breasts. His thumb rubbed against her nipple. A jolt of sensation shot through her, and her mind switched on.

What was she doing?---From Re-ride at the Rodeo available at The Wild Rose Press

So do you have a “kiss” story—first or otherwise? Leave a comment, regardless, and you’ll be entered into a drawing for a free copy of Re-ride at the Rodeo. And if you are participating in the Romancing February Blog Event Contest the next blog to go to tomorrow is fellow western writer, Anna Kathryn Lanier’s blog : http://annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com/.

For those who want to start and catch up in the Romancing February contest where the grand prize is a $75 gift certificate to The Wild Rose Press, go back to Ginger Simpson’s blog at http://mizging.blogspot.com/ to follow the thread back. You need to list each author's blog and the book of that author for all the authors who are blogging this month (one for each day) and send them to christmasrideblog@live.com by midnight CST Feb. 27th 2009 to enter.

Thanks for stopping by! And stop in again for romance with a western flair. Don't forget to leave a comment!

Rodeo Cowboys Rock--or is that Dance?

2009-02-09T09:16:00.002-05:00

Can't believe Ty Murray is going to be on Dancing with the Stars--along with his wife Jewel. They are going to compete head to head--or is that toe t0 toe. Should be fun to watch. Guess Murray can't be all that stiff from a decade riding rough stock. Though Trevor Brazile has tied Murray in gold buckles for all-around cowboy, Trevor competes in the roping events which are a lot easier on a cowboy's body. Murray earned his titles competing in all three rough stock events--saddle bronc, bareback and bull riding--and each requires different skills for keeping on an animal with saddle bronc (my favorite) requiring the most pure skill to do. Anyway, I'm looking forward to the new season and with some cowboys on the show!:)

I've Been Interviewed!

2009-02-05T10:36:00.003-05:00

Just found out that my interview with Fallen Angels Review has been posted! Here's the link:

http://www.fallenangelreviews.com/Interviews/2009/January-Dawnie-AnneCarrole.htm

Fallen Angel Reviews also gave Re-ride at the Rodeo 5 Angels! :) Have a great day!

Romancing February

2009-02-02T10:10:00.005-05:00

27 romance authors invite you to participate in a month-long event of love and laughter. Each day starting Feb. 1, 2009 an author will throw a romance party at her blog and host a contest with a prize. The link to the next day's blog location will also be provided at each location. Just drop by and enter the contest. And get ready to heat up the cold wintery days of February. You could win a prize a day! On February 28th, one person will be awarded the grand prize of a $75 WRP gift certificate. All you have to do to enter the grand prize contest is make a list of each author in this blog event and name one title she has available.

Submit your list to Christmasrideblog@live.com by midnight CST, February 27, 2009. The winner will be announced on February 28th--just in time to warm up that person's February. Start with a visit to http://www.amberleighwilliams.blogspot.com/ to begin!

Interview with Clay Tanner: Rodeo and Romance

2009-01-29T15:10:00.004-05:00

I'm blogging on tomorrow, Friday, 1/30/09 at Writers and Readers of Distinct Fiction Blog--Between the Lines where I'll be interviewing my hero from Re-ride at the Rodeo, Clay Tanner, about the Rodeo and Romance so don't miss it. Plus everyone who leaves a comment will be entered into a drawing for their choice of a Cowboy Hunks calendar featuring cowboys from the PBR or an e-copy of Re-ride at the Rodeo--winner's choice. So I hope you'll come and check it out!

Lemonade Award

2009-01-29T10:09:00.007-05:00

This blog has received a Lemonade Award (When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade) courtesy of Delyn Fisher (her blog is listed under authors) which is a nice way of tagging a blog. So, I'm going to continue and nominate some of my favorite author blogs:

Lynn Reynolds blog at http://lynnreynolds.blogspot.com/

Carole Burge's blog at http://www.romancewriterwoes.blogspot.com/

Chatting with Anna Kathryn at http://annakathrynlanier.blogspot.com/

Much Cheaper than Therapy at http://www.muchcheaperthantherapy.blogspot.com/

History Undressed at http://historyundressed.blogspot.com/

Cheryl St. John at http://cherylstjohn.blogspot.com/

Sarita Leone at http://saritaleone.blogspot.com/

Paty Jager at http://www.patyjager.blogspot.com/

Skhye Moncrief at http://blog.skhyemoncrief.com/

And Amber Leigh Williams, For the Love of Writing at http://www.amberleighwilliams.blogspot.com/

And just to let you know, I'll be interviewing my hero, Clay Tanner, from Re-ride at the Rodeo tomorrow at Writers and Reader's of Distinct Fiction on their Between the Lines blog, talking about Rodeo and Romance so I hope you'll check it out. Plus you'll have a chance to win a Cowboy Hunks calendar or an e-copy of Re-ride at the Rodeo if you leave a comment. So please stop by at http://blog.lyndacoker.net/

Review: Montana Creeds: Logan by Linda Lael Miller

2009-01-26T10:53:00.005-05:00

Just finished reading Linda Lael Miller’s latest release, Montana Creeds: Logan, a contemporary western about a family that is related to the McKettrick family from another popular series of hers. I just love how these all inter-twine. Reminds me of what Anthony Trollope used to do with his novels back in the day.

Logan Creed, by society’s account, is a successful man. He’s got a gold-plated law degree, has a few rodeo buckles from his younger days and was a special ops soldier in Iraq, and survived. But he’s haunted by the death of his father with whom he had a complicated relationship, his falling out with his two brothers with whom he has no relationship and two failed marriages. He doesn’t feel very successful. So he’s come back to Stillwater Springs, Montana and the broken-down family ranch to, in essence, begin again. He plans to return the ranch and the Creed name to its former glory—both of which have been tarnished by neglect. Tackling that seems a heck of a lot easier than building relationships and learning how to care again.

Divorced, single parent Briana Grant, by most accounts, would not be considered successful. She can barely keep food on the table though she’s working hard at her job in a local casino, she can’t supply her sons with all the gadgets kids want these days, and she’s doesn’t have a home to call her own as she’s living in Dylan Creed’s house on the Creed family ranch as a “caretaker” though he’s doing all the caring for it—from over the phone lines as he’s traveling as a stuntman in the movies. But Briana has a warm and loving relationship with her two growing boys and friends who are willing to help her and by her own yardstick, she’s doing okay. After a childhood spent on the road and a wayward ex-husband, she’s trying to put down roots. What she doesn’t need is any more complications in an already complicated life. But then, Logan Creed moves in next door and all bets are off.

When break-ins start occurring and her ex-husband appears on the scene, things take an unexpected turn in a new direction for both of them.

No one creates sexy, complicated, Stetson-wearing heroes the way Ms. Miller does, and she hits the bulls-eye with Logan Creed. And when he comes up against an equally strong-minded but vulnerable heroine, the sparks fly. Talk about sexual tension! In fact all the characters in this book are so well drawn that they will seem both familiar and yet intriguing from the two young boys, to the new sheriff to an ex-husband that you actually root for in his troubled relationship with his young sons. This book is definitely a romance but the family dynamics that are exposed hit an achingly familiar cord. Well done! 5 Stars!

Montana Creeds: Logan

ISBN:0-373-77353-6

Harlequin: HQN

February 2009 Release

Much Cheaper than Therapy

2009-01-16T11:40:00.002-05:00

I'm blogging today at www.MuchCheaperThanTherapy.blogspot.com where Kim Watters asked me some great questions. I hope you'll come by for a visit and if you leave a comment you'll be entered into a drawing for a free e-copy of Re-ride at the Rodeo. So please stop on by!:)

Trail Driving in Texas

2009-01-12T09:43:00.007-05:00

I've been immersed in research for my western historical and I've been reading terrific books about Texas Trail Drivers. The Trail Drivers of Texas has over 100 different trail drivers (It's over a 1000 pages long) reminiscences and I haven't been able to put it down. Some impressions

Based on the pictures they sent in of themselves (some of when they were young and some in their later years) many of those Texas cowboys were tall, dark and a very handsome bunch. Some of their pics make my heart flutter even now; pictures of JJ Roberts and John J Little among them. The picture here shows George Saunders on far left, sitting, who later became president of the Trail Drivers Association and who, it was said, was very fond of pretty ladies and fine clothes.

Many of them, despite their years in the saddle sleeping on cold ground, fording rivers, getting shot at, lived to fairly ripe old ages and were in pretty good health in their later years (seventies) which I just find amazing. Maybe its all that beef that they ate? Sort of a forced Atkins diet. Many of them didn't see flour (it was like $24 a barrel) until the late 1860s and even then it was pretty dear.

A few were shot either on the trail, in Dodge City or Abilene--and those towns were apparently as rough as the legend says. As you read along, a few cowboys may reference an incident in passing but then another person who was there gives you the full skinny and you realize how wild it really was. A cowboy could go to town after bringing in a herd and never come back, having gotten shot and laying dead in some dance hall.

The Indians were friendlier on the trail (exception being the Comanche) than you might have believed. If you gave them a steer or two, they pretty much left you alone. The cowboys, were, after all, grazing thousands of head of cattle on their land in Indian Territory and the Indians felt it only fair they get something for it, it appears. Those who wouldn't give up a steer or share a meal with them, however, paid a price, often more than just stampeded cattle.

If you got your own herd together, you could make some real money in the cattle business. Many of the big cattlemen at the time (Saunders, Slaughter, Little, Fant) give the business details of the cost and profit they made from a drive. Very impressive even today.

The cowmen went through financial panics much like we face today. 1873 and 1893 were particularly bad years economically. (My own great grandfather got burned in the '93 crash) But they picked themselves up, kept working hard and they made it through the lean years. Good inspiration during these trying times.

I could go on but I've got to get back to writing. In a strange way, I don't want this book to end, though, as I feel I've come to know these people. That's the rub with research--I get so into it I can hardly pull myself away.

What a Way to Start the New Year!

2009-01-08T12:20:00.005-05:00

What a way to start off the New Year! Got several new reviews for Re-ride at the Rodeo! Woohoo!:) Here’s some of what they’ve been saying:

“An enjoyable read! Re-ride at the Rodeo has happiness radiated all over the story. Anne Carrole has written such a down-to-earth love story with tall, sexy cowboys…This is my first Anne Carrole book and it definitely would not be the last one.”—Writer’s and Reader’s of Distinct Fiction.

“Her characters are solid, believable and consistently reliable. She told her story in such a way that I could not stop. Each page turned was a gift of more of the thrill readers search for. The supporting cast was great and just depicted the best of all qualities. The sensuality of this book was incredible. The outcome of the bet between the cowboys was, of course, as expected. However, the ending to the book was a complete surprise to me.
This was a great book with a heart-warming storyline. I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes happy endings.” 4 ½ hearts The Romance Studio

“This book had plenty of humor in it that came when you didn’t always expect it…Dusty had a depth to her that is sometimes lacking in books this short. Some of this is due to the heart to heart talk she has with her mother and some is just due to the way she interacts with the other characters. Dusty and her problems become very real and you can feel for her as she tries to sort out her feelings. Of course, it doesn’t help that her good friend is pushing Clay at her and pretty much offers him a place to stay at Dusty’s house while her mother is gone.

As Dusty and Clay figure out their relationship with the help of their good friends, you can’t help but to laugh and then sigh along with their ups and downs. While you know that this story is going to have a happy ending, you still can’t wait to read how it happens.” Night Owl Reviews

“Re-ride at the Rodeo by Anne Carrole is the latest installment in the Wayback Texas Series. Ms. Carrole's first book, Re-ride, is a great story. The plot is deceptive in that it seems straightforward but is an intricately woven one step forward, two steps back dance between the characters. The characters are emotionally complex which makes for a very entertaining read and the ending is absolutely wonderful. I hope she writes something else soon.”-Manic Readers

Re-Ride at the Rodeo is Anne Carole’s addition to the exciting Wayback Texas series. This is a sweet read, that will having you smiling at the antics of Clay and his friend and the getting ons they get up to. I have to admit while I love a happy ending, this happy ending was original and Dusty deserved it all.” 4 1/2 clovers CK’s Kwips and Kritiques

Re-Ride at the Rodeo by Anne Carrole is the third book in the Wayback Texas series. Ms. Carrole writes a captivating story. I wasn’t sure what to expect since the first book was so good, but this book definitely lives up to the standards the first book put in place. Dusty has seen enough heartbreak to know she doesn’t want anything to do with a rodeo man. She knows the love ‘em and leave ‘em type all too well and Clay fits perfectly into that category. Clay rides broncos the same way he runs from his past, fast and steady. He loves the rush each ride gives him and hopes no one ever finds out who he really is. The chemistry between Dusty and Clay is hot. Ms. Carrole writes an enchanting story and I will be sure to keep an eye out for Ms. Carrole’s next book!-5 Angels Fallen Angel Reviews

“Re-Ride at the Rodeo” was a fun and highly enjoyable romance. The author created characters that I could truly care about…Clay was a great character as well with his charisma and personality… I could easily see myself falling for him…a wonderful contemporary western romance filled with believable characters and charm” 4 ½ books Long And Short Reviews

You can check out the full reviews at their sites. And you can purchase Re-ride at the Rodeo for just $3 at The Wild Rose Press. Also available at Fictionwise. Happy New Year everyone!

All Around Cowboy: Trevor Brazile gets richer!

2008-12-11T20:18:00.004-05:00

Trevor Brazile clinched his sixth NFR title of All-Around Cowboy (one who competes in at least three different events) in round 6 of the 50th National Finals Rodeo. How big a deal is this? In fifty years only three other cowboys have won the title six or more times. The short list includes Larry Mahan, Tom Ferguson and Ty Murray who holds the record of seven all-around titles.

It should be noted that Trevor competes in timed events while one of Ty Murray's events was bull-riding which is much harder on a cowboy's body, though it takes nothing away from Trevor's feat. Not only did he win All-Around Cowboy he did it with style, winning the round in Tie-down roping with a 7.7 time to beat out young Tuf Cooper. Trevor also competes in Team Roping where he's been struggling a little and steer roping where the finals are held seperately.

If all of this isn't enough, with the Tie-down roping win, Trevor also surpassed Joe Beaver's record for the highest career earnings and, as of today, now leads with $3,050,194. That $3 million mark is a big milestone for a rodeo cowboy. Unlike other professional sports, cowboys don't get paid a salary, they have a chance to earn only if they compete and the purse money, though increasing, is still small in comparison to what athletes in other professional sports earn. Particularly considering competitors have to shoulder all their expenses--food, lodging, transportation and entry fees--yes they have to pay to play. And they also have to pay for all the expenses for their horses (in timed events) as well. So while $3 million is significant, once you subtract all the expenses, including taxes, and spread it over Trevor's twelve year career and, while still impressive, it by no means constitutes wealthy. And Trevor, like all rodeo cowboys, works hard for his money--training, traveling and competing. So hats off to Trevor Brazile--2008 All-Around Cowboy--Well done!

You can find the National Finals Rodeo on ESPN2, usually late in the evening so don't forget to set the DVR.

Nothing Easy About Bareback Riding

2008-12-10T19:27:00.003-05:00

Twenty-one year old NFR rookie Kaycee Feilds, son of legendary bareback rider Lewis Feild, scored just one point short of an arena record in round 6 of the NFR with a 90.5 on Classic Pro Rodeo’s Wise Guy. He just joined the PRCA last year and already has earned over $100,000. The $16,766 he earned from round 6 for placing first will add to that total. Quite an accomplishment for your first year in pro rodeo!

I admit I’m primarily a saddle bronc fan, mainly because when a rider does it right, it’s a graceful dance with the horse, both in sync with each other but with the cowboy clearly in command. Bareback riding, while just as exciting, doesn’t look nearly so elegant. In fact, a bareback rider who is doing it right reminds me of a rag doll being shaken by an angry child—limp and bouncing around. And it looks painful—like the stuffing is going to be knocked out of the cowboy with each buck of that horse. That’s the reason most bareback riders wear a neck brace-- to absorb the impact of all that jostling. Few, however, wear a helmet and given that they ride with their upper bodies stretched out flat along the back of the horse, having your head bumping against a helmet for eight seconds no doubt doesn’t appeal.

Tomorrow I’ll look at Trevor Brazile, whose winnings last night clinched the All-around title for him—his sixth!

You can catch the NFR on ESPN2—check your local listing for times. Also, for all the standings, pictures and news about the NFR, you can check out ProRodeo.com

Barrel Racing at the Rodeo

2008-12-08T12:27:00.001-05:00

While women can compete in any of the rodeo events, the overwhelming choice for women is barrel racing. In barrel racing, horse and rider must complete a cloverleaf pattern around three barrels without any of the barrels going down. The horse and rider that completes the pattern clean in the fastest time is the winner.

My sisters competed in barrel racing and they spent many hours training our palomino Dusty (my heroine in Re-Ride at the Rodeo is named in Dusty’s memory) to take those turns. The horse is the real star of barrel racing, even though the rider has a lot to do with the success. Horses that are fast, intelligent, trainable and with a desire to please can make good barrel racers. And when you find one with that combination of qualities you can pay upwards of $60,000 for the privilege of ownership.

Jill Moody won the event at the NFR’s first round with a time of 14:02 on her horse, Dolly. But each day the times seem to get faster. Cassie Mosely won with a 13.85 in round 2, Lindsey Sears—the number one in the world by almost $50K in earnings--won round 3 with a time of 13.91 and Britteny Pozzi-Pharr, number 2 in the world, won round 4 with a time of 13.84.

It’s a joy to watch the combination of skill between rider and horse bring it on home.

Billy Etbauer, A Rodeo Legend In The Making

2008-12-04T23:24:00.005-05:00

In Re-ride at the Rodeo, my hero, Clay Tanner, is a saddle bronc rider and even though he’s a winner, he’s not looking to make it a career. If he looks at forty-five year old Billy Etbauer’s career earnings of over $2.5 million dollars he may want to reconsider.

Billy Etbauer is just about every saddle bronc riders role model. By all accounts a modest man, Billy has been to twenty National Finals Rodeos since he became a professional saddle bronc rider twenty years ago. He’s won the NFR champion title five times and for 2008, he’s well positioned to do it again given he is only $5000 off the current leader, Cody Wright.

The 5’5”,140 lb., Oklahoma bronc rider has three children. His brothers, Robert and Dan, are also rodeo cowboys. In fact, Robert, who no longer competes, will be a pick-up man for the first time at the rodeo, an honored spot voted on by rodeo cowboys.

Today, the first day of the NFR, Billy came in second with a score of 85.5--he's still in the hunt. And Bryce Miller came in first with a score of 89 and a ride that was classic saddle bronc riding--pure poetry in motion. Check it out on ESPN at midnight.

Rodeo Superbowl: The National Finals Rodeo is Here!

2008-12-03T23:00:00.003-05:00

The crowd roars, the horses whinny and the cowboys whoop! It's the beginning of the NFR, National Finals Rodeo. From December 4^th until December 13^th Las Vegas Nevada is cowboy city. The Wrangler National Finals Rodeo is celebrating its 50^th anniversary with ten days of rodeoing, 120 qualifiying cowboys, and a total purse of $5.62 million.

There will be the timed events of team roping, tie-down roping, steer wrestling and barrel racing where rider and horse compete against the clock and the rough stock events of bareback riding, saddle bronc riding and bull riding. Most people who follow rodeo have a favorite event. Mine is saddle bronc riding.

Saddle bronc riding is considered the "classic" rodeo event. Mainly because the skills needed to stay on a saddled bucking bronc are rooted in the work of the ranch cowboy who had to break new horses. It takes a lot to master saddle bronc riding because unlike bareback and bull riding it takes more than physical strength, it takes skill.

First and foremost the rider must mark out right from the opening of the chute or they will be disqualified. When a cowboy marks out his feet start at the horses should and swing back to the skirt of the saddle in a fluid motion. He continues that motion as he rides. One hand holds the hack rein and the other hand must not touch any part of the horse. How well the cowboy keeps his seat and how well he moves with the horse are factors in his half of the total score of the ride. The other half of the score is dependent on how well the horse bucks—height, vigor, motion.

Thirty-two year old Utah cowboy, Cody Wright, is going into the National Finals Rodeo as the saddle bronc earnings leader over Bill Etbauer, five time NFR champ. Having joined the PRCA in 1998 and with career winnings topping $1 million this year, this will be Cody's sixth National Finals Rodeo. I started following Cody's career in 2005 admiring the 5'8", 145lb. cowboy's grit after breaking his leg over fourth of July. The father of four boys, he is the eldest of seven brothers, all of whom are saddle bronc riders except the youngest.

Tomorrow I'll profile forty-five year old Billy Etbauer, the number two man going into the saddle bronc competition. Who said rodeo is a young man's sport?

Who Held The First Rodeo? First A Little History....

2008-10-29T17:27:00.007-05:00

When was the first rodeo held? History isn’t clear on this and it’s hotly contested.

Rodeo came into being when cowboys from different ranches engaged in friendly, and not so friendly, competitions of skill after long cattle drives in the late 1800s. Such a cowboy gathering was a good place to blow off steam and a form of needed entertainment. When the Homestead Act and barbed wire fences brought an end to the open range, cowboys would gather at stock shows and compete.

Payson, Arizona claims it’s the oldest continuous rodeo (1884). But when the game Trivial Pursuits upheld Prescott Arizona’s documented claim as the oldest organized rodeo (1888) it was Pecos, Texas that threatened to sue based on its documented eye-witness accounts of a rodeo that took place there in 1883. However, all three may be have lost out by about fourteen or so years, according to the New York Times, since it appears Deer Trail, Colorado may hold the bragging rights as they held their event in 1869 when an Englishman, Emilinie Gardenshire, successfully rode a horse named Montana Blizzard and took home a new set of clothes as his reward. Rodeo is still going strong in big cities and small towns not only out west but throughout the United States. My own eastern town throws a rodeo the first weekend of June every year. Even New York City hosts an annual rodeo at Madison Square Garden.

In my new book, Re-ride at the Rodeo, from The Wild Rose Press, part of the Wayback, Texas, series, rodeo is the element that both brings the couple together and threatens to tear them apart. You see, the hero, Clay Tanner is a saddle bronc rider looking to make some money and have a good time. He spies a pretty little blonde who looks like she could use some fun. Trouble is she turns him down. Dusty Morgan wants nothing to do with rodeo riders. Her late father rode broncs and he was never there for her—until he learned he was going to die. Now she’s looking for happily ever after and despite her attraction to the strapping cowboy, she’s not interested in a hit and run with a footloose rodeo man. But Clay's betting he'll get a re-ride and walk away with more than a new pair of clothes. You can purchase Re-ride at the Rodeo at The Wild Rose Press.

Cowboy Superstitions: Bad Luck at the Rodeo

2008-10-19T22:09:00.006-05:00

Seems since Halloween is coming up, it's a good time to talk about superstitions. Like anyone else, cowboys have their superstitions, particularly rodeo cowboys. And those are the kind of cowboys you'll find hanging about in Wayback, Texas looking for a Re-ride at the Rodeo, the name of my new book from The Wild Rose Press. Here's just a few superstitions and feel free to add some of your own.

-Never put your hat on a bed or you'll have bad luck. Now they don't say whether that bad luck extends to the lady whose bed you've just set your hat on!

-A saddle bronc rider always puts the right foot into the stirrup first.

-Never kick a paper cup in a rodeo arena; it could spook the horses nearby

-For as many steps as you take wearing only one boot, you will have that many bad days to come.

-It's bad luck to put your left boot first

-Never compete with change in your pocket, that might be all you'll win

-If a cowboy wears his boots while his baby is born, it will be a boy.

-Eating a hot dog before you compete is good luck

-In winter, if you sprinkle red pepper in your boots it will keep you warm

-Entering the north end of an arena is bad luck

-If you put your boots on the table, you'll get into an argument. (Of course you will, your gal is going to tan your hide for a stunt like that!)

Good things for a cowboy to remember, especially if you're planning on rodeoing. And since a lot of supersitions revolve around the boots, let me add one more just for Clay, the hero of Re-ride at the Rodeo, remember whose bed your boots are under. Only kidding!:)

You can purchase Re-ride at the Rodeo for $3 at The Wild Rose Press and find out how Clay's luck holds out with a very little firebrand called Dusty.

The Origin of the Term Maverick

2008-10-06T17:23:00.002-05:00

This political season there’s be a lot of talk about mavericks, a term that’s come to mean someone who is a rebel or outlaw or, according to Trivia Library, someone who couldn’t be trusted to remain one of his group. Some of you may remember the television series by that name with James Garner as one of the Maverick brothers. But did you know that it is Samuel Augustus Maverick that we have to thank for the term?

Maverick, by this time a rancher, refused to brand his cattle saying, according to Wikpedia, that he didn’t wish to inflict pain. Others suspected that not branding cattle allowed him to claim all unbranded cattle as his own. However, Terrillita Maverick, now 82 and a resident of San Antonia told the New York Times Sunday that it was because he was more interested in land than the livestock on it. Regardless of the reason, the term maverick in the 1800s came to mean any steer that didn’t bear a brand.

According to the New York Times article, Terrillita Maverick is quite miffed at how the term is being bandied about and used in the political arena. Perhaps it’s because Samuel Augustus Maverick helped organize the Democratic Party in Texas after the Civil War or that a later generation Maverick was labeled a communist by the opposition when he ran for congress during Roosevelt’s time or that a recent Maverick was a civil libertarian and lawyer who took up the cause of those scorned by society, his last column at his death attacking the coming war in Iraq. Or that she herself is part of the board of the local American Civil Liberties Union of Texas.
Politics aside, it is fascinating to note that the Mavericks of Texas still appear to be Mavericks in name and in deed.

Re-ride is Released—Available Now ; Two New Contests!

2008-10-05T13:09:00.003-05:00

Re-Ride at the Rodeo is NOW AVAILABLE at The Wild Rose Press. Just $3 will get you a front row seat at the Wayback rodeo where saddle bronc rider, Clay Tanner, is going to try his luck with feisty Dusty Morgan. When he gets shot down, he asks for a re-ride, but it may cost him more than he’s prepared to lose.

And there are two contests going when you get your e-copy of Re-ride at the Rodeo:

Sony E-Reader Contest from The Wild Rose Press
I love my Sony E-Reader! I can have up to 300 books and my favorite tunes all in one slim, compact device. No books to find homes for when I’ve finished reading them. I can bookmark pages, never lose my place when I’m reading and can change the type to large (so no one knows I need glasses—LOL) You'll have a chance to enter when you buy a copy of Re-Ride at the Rodeo. Once you make your purchase, just e-mail a copy of your order number, the title purchased and the date purchased to:
sonyreader@the wildrosepress.com and you’ll be entered! The contest runs until December 15, 2008. More information is on the purchase page of Re-Ride at the Rodeo

Re-Ride at the Rodeo Contest-$15 gift certificate
After reading Re-ride at the Rodeo, all you have to do is send an e-mail to me at anne@annecarrole.com with contest in the subject line and tell me if you think Jesse should have told the truth to Dusty about what he and Clay did. He said it was in her interest to know—but was it?

Anybody who sends an answer by November 30th will be entered into a drawing for a $15 Amazon gift certificate! I’ll draw the winner at the end of November, right in time for the holidays.

One new story to read, two chances to win!

Rodeo Tidbits for Your Re-ride at the Rodeo

2008-09-21T18:47:00.005-05:00

Wayback, Texas is The Wild Rose Press Series centering on the town of Wayback, Texas and its rodeo. For Texas towns, the rodeo provides not only something to do but a way to earn some much needed money. So you can keep up with what everybody is talking about in Wayback, I've compiled a list of western talk and rodeo terms listed below. How many do you know?

And don't forget that Re-Ride at the Rodeo comes out October 3rd! In Re-Ride at the Rodeo, Clay Tanner is a saddle bronc rider when he’s not tending to his ranch and Dusty Morgan staffs the beer concession for the Blue Bug Saloon when she’s not looking for a teaching job. Despite her work, Dusty has an aversion to all things rodeo, given her upbringing, and to rodeo riders in particular. Clay’s just looking for a good time and can’t imagine any woman turning him down, especially not the tempting little blonde spitfire. But Clay shouldn’t ask for a re-ride unless he’s prepared to bite the dust.

So here are some terms I compiled for you to ponder (and feel free to add your own!)

Arm Jerker: An animal that bucks with a lot of power

All Hat, No Cattle: All talk, no substance—think Washington politician

Bail Out: A horse that comes straight up on its hind legs when it leaves the chute before it starts to buck.

Bailing Out: Not to be confused with the above, this is when a cowboy intentionally jumps off a bucking animal.

Bite the Dust: Just what you think it means; that cowboy got bucked off that bronc and landed face first in the dirt. Ouch!

Buckaroo: A cowboy who does ranch work for a living. (A professional rodeo cowboy’s sole occupation is rodeo competition.) Clay is a buckaroo.

Blooper: Bet you could guess that this is an animal that doesn’t buck much; maybe just kicks a little and runs around the arena. The rider may stay on but the score won’t be a good one unless the animal is a good bucker. Half the rider’s score comes from how well the animal bucks. Tougher animal, better score and more chance to win big.

Cantle Boarding: When the backward stroke of the legs of a saddle bronc rider’s spurring motion reaches the saddle’s cantle.

Chasing the cans: My sisters’ event—barrel racing

Cowboy up: It means get ready to ride but also the grit, hard work and strong determination that marks the character of a cowboy.

Crow Hopper: Kind of fun to imagine how this term got coined. It’s an animal that doesn’t buck so much as jumps around stiff-legged instead. Bet they ask for a re-ride when they get one of these.

Go-round: A round of rodeo competition. A rodeo in which each contestant competes once has one go-round. The Wayback rodeo has two go-rounds. Clay has to stay around because his friend placed in the first go-round in bull riding. That’s how he gets to know Dusty just a little bit better.

Ground Money: Purse money split evenly among all event contestants because no single contestant qualified to win the purse.

Gully Washer: an extraordinary amount of rain. Guess Hurricane Ike, Gustav and Katrina would qualify.

Hang-up: When a bull rider falls off the bull and his riding hand gets stuck or “hung-up” in his bull rope. He often gets dragged along by the bull as a result. Hard thing to watch but amazingly, the bull riders usually walk away with just their pride hurt.

Jam: When a saddle bronc jumps high off the ground.

Out the back door: When a rider is thrown over the hind end of the animal—ouch!

Pick-up man: Mounted cowboy who helps bareback and saddle bronc riders off when the ride is completed and leads the horse out of the arena.

Pulling leather: When a bronc rider holds on to any part of the saddle before the eight-second buzzer. This disqualifies him. Clay would never do that!

Re-Ride: If the bull doesn't do his job and the judges agree, you can get a second chance--a re-ride. Catch is that if you got a score, though likely a low one, on the first bull, you might get bucked off on the next ride for a no score or score even lower. It's the re-ride's score that will count, not the best of the two. So the choice for the cowboy often is--do I keep this low score or try for a better score knowing I risk getting no score at all on the re-ride. Much like Clay's dilemma regarding going after Dusty--again.

Rowel: A small wheel that forms the extremity of a cowboy’s spur. In rodeo, rowels are required to be free-wheeling and blunt so they don’t mark the horse. A competitor that uses spurs that will cause a cut is disqualified.

Rank Bronc: a bad one

Seeing daylight: When the rider leaves the seat of a bucking horse

Slick Heeled: A person not wearing spurs (see rowel above)

Slinger: A bull that tries to hit the cowboy with his head or horns while the cowboy is riding him. Ouch again!

Spurring Lick: When the rider’s movements are in rhythm with the bucking action of the animal.

Turn Out: When a rider passes on riding an animal he has drawn or the officials decide to give the rider a different animal. The bull or horse is released from the chute, without a rider, so he can be corralled back into the holding pen.

Walking in Tall Cotton: Doing real good, thank you.

Now that you're all set for Wayback, Texas, got any terms of your own you want to share? Any one of the above that tickled your fancy?

Re-ride at the Rodeo, October 3rd, The Wild Rose Press

Will he get a Re-ride? Find out on October 3rd.

2008-09-19T10:59:00.005-05:00

Just found out that my book, Re-ride at the Rodeo, will be out in just 14 days!!!

Then you can find out if true love can exist between an footloose cowboy and a cowgirl who wants home and family. This romantic love story turns HOT when they decide to take a risk--on themselves and love. But sometimes those risks are more than either bargained for. Maybe they both need a life lesson. Here's the blurb:

Saddle bronc rider Clay Tanner is looking for a good time and the tempting little blonde at the rodeo looks like she could use one—except she turns him down. Feeling like he's been bucked off before the eight second buzzer, Clay's betting he can score if she'll give him a re-ride. But qualifying may call for more than he's prepared to give.

Dusty Morgan is determined to resist the sexy rough stock rider staking out her station. She's vowed never to get tangled up with someone who makes their living through rodeo and she's not interested in a hit and run. Though he may be what she desires, Dusty knows from experience he isn't what she needs—or is he?

Just $3 to take a Re-ride at the Rodeo. Available October 3rd at The Wild Rose Press

Re-ride at the Rodeo is the latest installment in the popular Wayback, Texas series.

Now you know why I've been late in posting!

Self-Reliance and Law and Order in the Old West

2008-08-04T19:26:00.006-05:00

Two books I just read have some great stories about the cattle era in Texas: a contemporary-to-the-time account called Cowboys and Cattleland by H.H. Halsell and an historian’s view regarding Fort Worth’s notoriety during that period in Hell’s Half Acre by Richard F. Selcer.

The common theme that struck me was self-reliance. I’m not talking just about taking care of yourself even though that’s part of it. I’m talking about the need to trust in your own sense of right and wrong and implementing your own brand of justice. Even the lawmen kept their own counsel about what laws to enforce and what ones not to.

Here’s a few interesting stories and facts I gleaned from these books regarding the state of law and order in Texas during the late 1800’s:

“In the early 1870s carrying a six-gun was not only legal, it was expected. Shooting galleries were licensed within city limits, allowing a man to sharpen his aim or test his skills against other men without leaving town. Even after a law was passed by the state legislature ordering all men east of Parker County to stop wearing sidearms in town, it was widely ignored.” p. 58, Hell’s Half Acre, Selcer.

Seems attempts at gun control failed back then, too. Partially because the lawmen didn’t enforce all the laws all the time leaving a lot of gaps in protecting a citizen the way he or she thought they should be protected. Instead, law officers tended to use their own judgment about where and when to impose what laws on whom. That left a lot of inconsistency in law enforcement but with everyone armed that was probably the sanest if not safer route. Long-haired Jim Courtright, Marshal of Fort Worth from 1876-1879 and well-respected for his ability with dual six-shooters, apparently thought so.

“… Courtright preferred to enforce a personal rather than statutory form of the law. In his dealings with visiting cowboys, who were more unruly than dangerous, Courtright preferred tolerance and persuasion over coercion as the best way to keep a lid on things. In his own unique view of what a town marshal should do, he saw his job as being “to prevent the flow of blood, not liquor.” p. 92

Even killing a ranger could apparently be forgiven if the cowboy was deemed a good man. H.H. Halsell recalls how his brother shot a Texas Ranger in a well-documented gunfight outside a saloon in Hunnewell, Kansas over a woman who happened to be the town marshal’s girl. She apparently preferred O.D. Halsell and the marshal enlisted a Texas Ranger to intimidate O.D. on a false pretext. Add in some liquor along with the guns and the results are predictable. O.D. Halsell wasn’t a man to back down, especially when he had done nothing wrong, and being an excellent shot, the Texas Ranger died and O.D. fled. With a four thousand dollar bounty on his head (a lot in those days), dead or alive, O.D. asked his brother to broker a deal for his surrender.

Of course, H.H. went to the most influential man in town, the owner of the Hale hotel, and pleaded his brother’s case:

“Your gamblers and saloon men drug, rob, and kill our cowboys. And cowboys of the better sort resent that and shoot up your town, ride the sidewalks, and take the gals away from the town fellows because they are braver and have more money.” I said further that O.D. Halsell was well liked by all cowboys and they would follow him anywhere; and if they would put a stop to their devilment, we would do our part to keep the peace….Next day O.D. and two of his best friends, Dick West and Mat Laughlin, rode into town and Halsell was cleared of all blame. p.171

By all accounts O.D. Halsell was considered a man of integrity and maintained his role as a leading cattleman in Texas. Undoubtedly, killing a Texas Ranger quelled anyone else calling him out because there were no other accounts of O.D. Halsell being involved in a gunfight. But the argument made on his behalf is an interesting example of the Code of the West and the inconsistent application of the law. It’s hard to imagine many men would have gotten away with shooting at a town marshal and a Texas Ranger much less killing one of them, regardless of the circumstances.

It was clear people felt they couldn’t trust the legal system, such as it was, to do what they thought was the right thing. Thus the Code of the West backed by a six-shooter fostered self-reliance, at least where the law was concerned and has provided fodder for lot of good stories about the Wild, Wild West

Texas Rangers back in the day

Blogging at Petticoats and Pistols

2008-08-01T10:02:00.003-05:00

I'm blogging at Petticoats and Pistols as part of the Love Western Romances duo on August 1. Please stop by at

http://www.petticoatsandpistols.com/

and if you leave a comment you'll be entered into a drawing for a Love Western Romances mug for a little inspiration with your coffee! So come say "howdy'!

CONGRATULATIONS TO LINDA BRODAY: THE WINNER OF AN LWR MUG!

Interested in a Quickie?

2008-07-24T08:02:00.003-05:00

My short story, Ultimatum, the first prize winner of the annual Long and Short reviews contest is up on the site today, July 24th, as a free read--all 999 words of it. So if you're up for a Quickie, I hope you stop in at:

http://www.longandshortreviews.com/LASR/story.htm

And let me know what you think!

For the Love of It!

2008-07-08T17:29:00.008-05:00

Rodeo riders have to love what they do because they sure aren’t in it for the money. Except for those who make it to the top (to the National Final Rodeo) a rough stock rodeo rider often pays out more than he wins.

First there are entrance fees that can run a $100 or more, depending on the level of the rodeo and competition. A few years ago, that’s what cowboys competed for—a chance for a piece of the purse they all paid into. Now, most of the larger rodeos, at least, supplement the purse, some to a significant degree now that there are national sponsors.

Then there is all that gear they need to buy. My character, Clay Tanner in Re-ride at the Rodeo, is a saddle bronc rider. Rough stock riders, as those that ride bulls, bareback, and saddle bronc are called, may not have to haul around or feed and board horses like those in timed events, but they still have equipment needs.

In saddle bronc they supply their own saddle. New, it can run anywhere from $1300 to $2200. Then if they want a vest to protect them, that can be another $200 to $300. Bareback riders don’t have a saddle, of course, but they do have a rigging that goes for about $100 or so and their vest includes a neck brace so its pricier, running about $300 to $400. A bull rider might choose to wear a helmet which will set him back a little under a hundred and a vest that will cost $200-$300.

Then the cowboy has to look the part. Those Stetson hats that we writers like our heroes to wear cost generally between $150 and $200 though you can get a wool one for a lot less and a fancy beaver one for a lot more. Boots? A good set of croc boots could set you back over $400—and they laugh at city women and their Jimmy Choos! Then you’ve got to add spurs which can go from $35 upwards, depending on how fancy you want to get. I already discussed chaps a few blogs ago but that can add another $300 more or less. Cowboys may laugh at women for the price they’ll pay for a pair of designer jeans and high heels, but cowboys know a thing or two about what it costs to look good .

Travel expenses are added on top of all this. And they are extensive and getting more expensive with each fill at the gas pump. Rodeo cowboys can travel over 100,000 miles in a year if they are covering the National circuit (instead of a regional circuit). Most travel is by car or truck. To save on gas, cowboys carpooled usually two or three to a car. With gas prices going so crazy, it’s now more like four or six if they can all cram in. Then there’s the issue of sleep, if you aren’t driving all night to the next rodeo. This is when it’s good to have friends in a town but if not, you’ve got to spring for a hotel room which you’ll generally share with those same guys you car pooled with. Now you know why rodeo riders are a tight knit group. In close quarters like this there’s no room for quarreling.

Those that are well-heeled often fly to the big rodeos but that is the exception rather than the rule. And consider the expenses of those in the timed events where they need to haul their horse with them. Even for the top-earner of 2007, Trevor Brazile, expenses can significantly eat into winnings. A recent New York Times article, July 5, 20008, A Sport on the Move, a Rider Who Never Stops, listed Trevor’s income and expenses as follows:

Though Brazile earned more than $400,000 in P.R.C.A. events last year and another $150,000 in unsanctioned events, he pays a lot up front. He spent $65,000 in event fees, which was his top expense. At almost every rodeo, cowboys pay a fee for each event they enter. They need to perform well to make their money back.

Fuel costs him $31,000. Horse feed another $15,000.

This year, with diesel fuel at almost $5 a gallon, Brazile says he expects that to become his top expense. To keep those costs down, he stopped using one of his two trailers and began traveling more with his team roping partner, Patrick Smith. (Brazile also travels with his wife, Shada, and 7-month-old son, Treston.)

Brazile and Smith arrived in Santa Fe pulling Smith’s silver, four-horse Elite trailer behind a white Dodge truck that gets 8.5 miles a gallon.

And then there is the schedule they have to handle. In the New York Times article, Brazile outlined his schedule for this past 4th of July holiday period, known as Cowboy Christmas because of all the rodeos with big prize money that are around:

"Well, start with the 30th [of June]. I’m at Greeley, Colorado, that morning and that night, and then I’ll drive to Cody, Wyoming, that night. I’m there the morning of the first [of July], at Livingston, Montana, the afternoon of the first at three, and back to Cody the morning of the second. Red Lodge, Montana, the night of the second. We’ll get on a private plane from Red Lodge to Prescott, Arizona. I’ll be at Prescott the morning of the third and the night of the third.”

Then Brazile will get on another plane and fly to back to Greeley. “Or, if we didn’t make the finals at Greeley,” he said, “we’ve got a backup plan to go to St. Paul, Oregon, on the fourth and Molalla, Oregon, on the fifth.”

Brazile said he expected to have only four days off from competition this month. He will fight fatigue and injury.

That's what Brazile has to do to maintain his top earner status; that and competing in three to four events per rodeo! Being a top competitor has its rewards though. According to RodeoAttitude, Brazile collected $23,813 during the above time-period (coming in second for the holiday period to my favorite saddle bronc rider, Cody Wright, who won $24, 288 just competing in saddle bronc). Apparently Brazile had to go with his back-up plan, winning $9,467 in St. Paul Oregon. But oh that expense.

Even discounting the dangers, rodeo is a hard way to make a living for the majority of cowboys. Reminds me of an author’s lot. Those at the top may make good money (and work darn hard for it) while those of us trying to get to the top do it just for the love of it. Ride ‘em cowboy!

Ultimatum took First Prize

2008-07-04T19:45:00.004-05:00

Just got the word that my short (and I do mean short) story, Ultimatum, just tied for first prize in the Long and Short Reviews first annual short story contest. I couldn't be happier since this was a particular challenge for me.

You had to write a story--beginning, middle and happily ever after ending--in 1000 words or less. Now, I'm known to be a little on the chatty side and my writing, at times, reflects that although I think I've gotten better over the years. To test that theory, I decided to try and meet their contest criterion and I guess I succeeded.

The story--and yes it's a western, what else?--will be run in all of its 999 word glory on the website on July 24th so I'll remind you all when its time. I hope you'll mosey on over and check it out. Let me know what you think of rancher Cole Hutton and lawyer Lila Parks.

Happy 4th of July!

The Quintessential Western Alpha Males: Those Earp Boys

2008-06-18T13:45:00.008-05:00

Just got finished reading Tumbleweed, Jane Candia Coleman’s fictionalized version of the life of Allie Earp, the wife of Virgil Earp, based on Allie’s diaries. Though I love all things western, I’ve never really understood the overwhelming fascination with the Earp brothers. Now I do.

Besides the riveting eye-witness to history account of life in the west (she was in Deadwood when her friend and childhood hero Jim Hickok got shot in the back in addition to being in Tombstone and a lot of places in-between) this is a story of the life long love affair between an outspoken little bit of a woman and a tall, handsome and commanding lawman of the West.

Here’s a little snippet of the book so you can see what I mean:

“Virge watched me serving, still all twinkly-eyed, like he was waiting for me to say or do something, or like he was taking the whole of me into his head and wouldn’t forget. I’m old, but in my heart I’m that young girl, moving around my sister’s table, trying not to spill or make a fool of myself just because a stranger had knocked me endways.”p.57

Reads like a romance doesn’t it? But laced with a lot of history and perspective.

“But I told Virge how lonely it felt sometimes, knowing there wasn’t nobody but me, and that life went on no matter what.

He listened without saying a word, just listened, his head bent down toward me to catch every word. He always was a good listener, taking everything in before passing judgment. It’s what made him and his brothers good lawmen later. They never went off half-cocked like so many others—the outlaws, the crazies, the riff-raff that made up most of Tombstone and near every place else they ever went.” p. 62

Of course the events in Deadwood and Tombstone are all here—and a lot more. A woman’s point of view lends a different perspective than just who shot who and who was right or who was wrong. Allie believed, for instance, that Wyatt’s love affair with Sheriff Jimmy Behan’s lady (who later became Wyatt's wife) had a lot to do with increasing the tension in town. Allie’s story gives you lots of nuances to ponder. But most interesting, it gives you a multi-faceted portrait of men who meted out their own justice when they felt the law was either corrupt or ineffectual. And there in lies much of the interest in the West. A unique set of circumstances that tested men and women like no other period in our history.

You can read a full review of Tumbleweed at http://www.lovewesternromances.com/bookreviews.html

Allie, toward the end of her life,with writer Frank Waters whose biography of her she later disclaimed.

Where Else Can You Find So Many Cowboys?

2008-06-10T13:52:00.004-05:00

Nowhere but at the rodeo and that's where I was this weekend. Our local rodeo is on the small side but that allows me to get right up there and take some wonderful pictures of some very nice and accommodating rodeo riders. Lots of good action shots for my book video for Re-Ride at the Rodeo as well as just plain fun. Now this is the kind of research I can really get into.

Besides all the cowboys-who were just the nicest gentlemen--I really enjoy all their gear. All those cowboy hats, taped riggings and how about those two-toned boots--aren't they a hoot? And then there are those chaps. Fringed, dyed and decorated they really say ride 'em cowboy.

Take a gander and let me know what pictures you like best; give me some ideas for that book video.

Get Ready For A Re-Ride at the Rodeo--Enjoy Some Pics of My Favorite Cowboys!

2008-06-10T10:57:00.001-05:00

Woman of the West: Sarah Bowman, The Great Western

2008-05-28T13:34:00.008-05:00

She fought with Zachary Taylor’s army during the Mexican-American War, kept the mess hall open during the bombardment of Fort Brown, loaded cartridges and carried wounded during the battle of Buena Vista, marched with the army from Texas to California, was cited as El Paso’s first prostitute, mothered several adopted children, was known as Dr. Mary for her compassionate nursing of the sick and received a government pension for her army duty. Colorful and larger than life, topping out at over six feet and weighing 200 pounds, Sarah Bowman tamed the West on her terms.

People must have naturally commented, “What a woman!” when they met her. She was nicknamed “The Great Western”, most likely after the world’s largest steamship at the time. Described as dark-eyed and voluptuous there was no disguising The Great Western as anything but a woman. She stood out if not for her physical attributes than for the way she braved danger—meeting it head on. “She carried a pistol, could shoot a rifle and knock down any man who tried to bother her.” (Sarah Bowman and Tillie Howard,Borderlands.com)

During the siege of Fort Brown in May 1846 she refused to take refuge underground with the other army wives and instead operated the officer’s mess while the fighting went on for over a week. Legend says even as bullets hit her bread tray and bonnet she continued to keep the men fed earning her another nickname: The Heroine of Fort Brown. She was a woman who handled the west with grit, gumption and a heap of courage.

At the battle of Buena Vista she wasn’t prepared to sit on the sidelines but helped load guns and tended the wounded on the battlefield and was often referred to as Dr. Mary for her efforts. When her second husband lost his life in the battle, she was told only married women could march with the army to California, the regiment’s next destination. Supposedly, “she rode along the line of men asking, ‘Who wants a wife with fifteen thousand dollars and the biggest leg in Mexico? Come, my beauties, don’t all speak at once. Who is the lucky man?’” (Handbook of Texas Online, s.v.) In any event, David E. Davis was the lucky man and Sarah went to California. But I’m guessing Sarah didn’t squirrel away fifteen thousand dollars from supplying just food to the army. In any event, she reportedly received a lifetime government pension; for her public service and bravery, one assumes, not her private services.

Despite her rather loose ways, Sarah must have enjoyed being married because, whether divorced or widowed from Davis, she married Albert J. Bowman, her fourth and last husband, when she returned to El Paso in 1849. According to her biographer, Brian Sandwich, the hotel “business was good” as she offered entertainment with a room and is largely believed to be El Paso’s first prostitute. When her husband was discharged from the army in 1852, they opened another hotel and brothel in Fort Yuma. “Lt. Sylvester Mowry, a soldier stationed at Fort Yuma in 1856, wrote of Sarah that “among her other good qualities she is an admirable pimp.’” (Handbook of Texas Online, s.v.)

One of those other good qualities was evidently her compassion. Not being able to bear children, she adopted several orphans. What kind of example she set is debatable but she was widely regarded as a tender-hearted woman, the quintessential soiled dove with a heart of gold.

The Army thought highly enough of her to bury her with full military honors in the Fort Yuma post cemetery when she died somewhere in the mid 1860s from a tarantula bite. Her body was exhumed in 1890 by the U.S. Army, along with 159 other servicemen’s, and moved to the presidio in San Francisco, California.

A fighter and a lover, unconventional and compassionate, Sarah Bowman, the Great Western, was a woman who did it her way.

Sources:
Handbook of Texas online, Borderlands

Biographies and historical novels on Sarah Bowman:
Brian Sandwich, The Great Western; Legendary Lady of the Southwest
Lucia St.Clair Robson, Fearless: A Novel of Sarah Bowman
(Note: there are no known pictures of Sarah Bowman but the picture inserted fit my expectations.)

Happy Birthday Love Western Romances--plus current "Fav" books!

2008-05-18T17:59:00.012-05:00

It’s officially one year since Karyna DaRosa and I started Love Western Romances.com to help readers who love the genre find new authors and authors who write western historical romances find new readers.

A lot of people told us that western historical romances were declining in popularity. Really? You wouldn’t know it from the readers who come to our site! Or the number of western historical romances being published. The support of those who Love Western Romances--readers and authors--has been phenomenal.

We’ve reviewed over 60 western historical romances on the site in the last year from over 30 different authors and that’s certainly not every author or book that has been published in the genre—try as we do to capture as many as possible.

Here are a few of my favorite books just released or soon to be released—and this list is by no means comprehensive because I wouldn’t have enough room to fit every one. You can find a complete listing of great western romances on http://www.lovewesternromances.com/. Let me know if there are any recent releases you'd add to the list.

(Just released in paperback)

(out in June)

(out in July)

(Released in February)

Those Western Women

2008-05-04T19:43:00.007-05:00

One of the reasons the period of the Old West fascinates me is because I wonder if I would measure up to the men and women who risked everything, including their lives, for the chance at a new beginning. I love to research, in particular, the women who made the journey, generally following their menfolk or taking the leap of faith to become a mail order bride. With little respectable opportunities beyond marriage and teaching open to women, admittedly their options were limited. But what drove them to take on the hardships and deprivations that awaited them? How did they survive the loss of family members that were a certainty in such a challenging environment?

Take a woman like Mary Low, who came to Washington Territory at the age of nine with her family as part of the first settlers of what would become Seattle, Washington. Presumably she had no say in the matter when her father decided to leave Illinois for the new land. It was a cold and damp November when the family arrived by ship expecting a settlement with four cabins ready and found none completed. One can imagine she had to work hard, even as a youngster, to help finish those cabins by Christmas. According to an essay by Dorthea Nordstrand, (www.historylink.org/essays), that first Christmas was celebrated not only with four finished cabins but a feast consisting of two wild geese, salmon, wild potatoes and a few dried applies for pies as their bountiful supper.

If the rest of her life is any indication, the trek west and an upbringing in primitive conditions formed a life long pioneer spirit in Mary. When she was old enough, she became a teacher in Kitsap County near the lumber camps. In fact, at the age of twenty, she married a lumberman, Woodbury Sinclair, in 1862. Woodbury was seventeen years her senior. And when her husband decided to strike out and establish himself as one of the first residents in what would become Snohomish City in 1865, Mary followed him. On April 30 of that year she boarded a steamer with a month-old baby in her arms to make the trip across the Puget Sound and up the Snohomish River to her husband’s claim. She would be the first white woman in the area. Their new beginning would not come without cost. Twenty days later the baby died.

In her book, “Sketches of Early Snohomish Life” (1911) she reminisced in almost Whitmanesque terms about those early days giving some insight as to how women coped during a time of deprivation and hardship, loss and isolation:

“There was much to do, but the pioneers were hustlers and could turn their hands to anything -- no specialists in those days. The women, young and hopeful, fearing neither danger or privation, soon began to make things look homelike. A large fireplace assisted considerably in clearing the dooryard, in which later bloomed old-fashioned flowers -- Sweet Williams, Marigolds and Hollyhocks. There was no time to be lonesome; frogs sang cheerily in the nearby marshes; mosquitoes kept the people busy building smudges. Wild game was plentiful. The Indians brought venison, wild ducks, fish and clams. Also the ranchers from Snoqualmie Prairie brought delicious hams and bacons of their own curing."

Mary had two more children before her husband, then 46, died suddenly in 1872. Mary was a widow at the tender age of 29. Her husband, being one of the first settlers, had left her with prime real estate in the newly settled outpost and it is reasonable to assume she used the proceeds from rents and land sales to maintain her household. Besides being the first white woman in the area, she also became the first teacher when she opened her home as a classroom. You can’t help but wonder if she imbued her students with her pioneer spirit.

She died in 1922 at the age of 79, still in residence in Snohomish City in her original home on Pearl Street. During her lifetime she had seen Washington Territory move from a wilderness to a thriving state, had witnessed the area’s struggle to give women the vote (Washington Territory had given women the right to vote two times in the late 1800’s only to have it repealed both times due largely to saloon interests who feared women would vote in support of prohibition), had lived through the Civil War period, the Nez Perce war and the First World War, had witnessed the invention of the car and the airplane and most importantly, had participated in claiming a wilderness. A woman surviving despite extraordinary circumstances.

Cowboy Gear--For More Than Looking Good.

2008-04-27T14:17:00.016-05:00

Chaps are not just for decoration though they can be pretty decorative. They help to protect the cowboy’s legs from getting cut up, whether from thorny bushes on the range or the horns of bucking bulls at the rodeo. There are different styles of chaps but rodeo cowboys like my character, Clay Tanner, in Re-Ride at the Rodeo usually ride with batwing chaps. Barrel racers often wear chaps too. Batwing chaps only have a couple of fasteners to go around the thigh and their loose fit allows the air to circulate. It’s also easier to mount a horse or bull with batwings and because they are loose they allow for the spurring movement that is part of score when riding broncs.

As the picture below illustrates, they look a lot like batwings when in motion.

In the Old West, there were several versions that were popular depending on the region. Stovepipe or shotgun chaps were straight and narrow and were used by Texas cowboys beginning in the 1870s.

Chaps influenced by the vaquero tradition are the shorter chaps called Chinks and the slightly longer Armitas which enclose the leg and have to be put on like pants. The first guy in the photo to the right looks like he might have on Armitas.

Woolie chaps were used mainly by plains and mountain cowboys. Made of angora wool on hide, they were the warmest of the chaps—good for those cold winters in the Rocky Mountain states.

Chaps aren’t exactly cheap. Though a thrifty cowboy can buy a used pair of chaps for around $100 on e-bay if he’s not particular, a custom hand-made pair can run upwards of $250 to $350 or more. But then you can have it decorated with different colored fringe, add conchos, a fancy buckle and really express yourself. You could blow a day’s worth of hard-earned rodeo winnings just on a slick pair of chaps. Dress 'em up cowboy!

Who Rides Tall in the Saddle?

2008-04-07T19:39:00.003-05:00

In Re-Ride at the Rodeo, Clay Tanner is a Texas rancher who has come to the saddle bronc event to earn some much needed money. At six feet, Clay’s not overly tall by hero standards but pretty tall by rough stock cowboy standards.

Take the current top ten saddle bronc riders. Only Anthony Bello tops out at six feet. Instead, 5’8” seems more the median height with Cody Wright, Samuel Kelts, Bradley Harter, J.J. Elswhere and Rod Hay, all either in the top ten or past NFR winners, reaching those heights.

Why is being a little shorter an advantage in rough stock riding?

http://www.shortsupport.org provides an answer: Shorter people of the same proportions as taller people have many physical advantages based on the laws of physics, and these advantages are supported by many researchers. Shorter people have faster reaction times, greater ability to accelerate body movements, stronger muscles in proportion to body weight, greater endurance, and the ability to rotate the body faster. They are also less likely to break bones in falling. As a consequence of these physical attributes, shorter people can excel as gymnasts, divers, skiers, martial artists, rock climbers, figure skaters, rodeo riders, soccer players and long distance runners.

So where do all those really tall cowboys go? Those who participate in the timed events (where the cowboy and his horse team up) tend to top the height scales of the rodeo cowboy. The current top three steer wrestlers and tie-down ropers all measure out at six feet or more.

That’s not to say Clay won’t be successful. Technique is more important in saddle bronc riding than in either bare back riding or bull riding. And tall cowboys sure look good when they mark out and do the required leg action in the event. Saddle bronc calls on traditional cowboy skills (no one had to ride bulls in the Old West) for breaking in a horse and is considered the hardest rough stock event to learn. But once you learn, they say, it’s easier to perfect. So how is Clay going to do in meeting the eight second challenge? You'll just have to read Re-Ride at the Rodeo to find out!

My Cover is Here! My Cover is Here--Hot enough for you?

2008-04-01T10:17:00.011-05:00

My cover is here for Re-Ride at the Rodeo, part of the Wayback, Texas series from The Wild Rose Press! What do you think? Think Dusty will take a re-ride on love with him? Would you?

Saddle bronc rider Clay Tanner is looking for a good time and the tempting little blonde who’s working the beer concession at the rodeo looks like she could use one—except she turns him down. Feeling like he’s been bucked off before the eight second buzzer, Clay’s betting he can score if she’ll give him a re-ride. But qualifying may call for more than he’s prepared to give.

Dusty Morgan’s nonplussed when hard-bodied cowboy Clay Tanner hits on her. She doesn’t exactly have the kind of figure that attracts Texas cowboys. Besides, even though Clay’s deep timbered voice sends tingles clear to her toes, he’s an undependable rough stock rider and a player to boot. Though he may be what she desires, Dusty knows from experience he isn’t what she needs—or is he?

Drop me a comment and let me know what you think! Hot enough for you!:)

Re-Ride at the Rodeo contracted by The Wild Rose Press

2008-03-30T18:28:00.004-05:00

Woo-hoo! My contemporary western romance, Re-Ride at the Rodeo, has been contracted by The Wild Rose Press.

While Re-ride at the Rodeo takes place against the backdrop of the rodeo, it is not a rodeo book as there are no rodeo event scenes in the story. It’s a romance, pure and simple between two people, Dusty Morgan and Clay Tanner, who meet as a result of the Wayback Rodeo.

She wants the happily ever after, he just wants a good time. She would never hook up with his type; he had never looked twice at her type. But when the rodeo gets them together, it’s anyone’s bet if they’ll take a re-ride on love.

I wrote Re-ride at the Rodeo expressly for The Wild Rose Press rodeo-themed series, Wayback Texas. I was checking out a friend’s book when I saw the invitation for submissions. I’ve got a strange obsession with the rodeo (it’s really for the cowboys :-) and for a girl from the east I’m pretty much out here by myself. We have a local rodeo in June in my town so I do get to see some now and again.

In any event, I hope you’ll pick up a copy of Re-ride at the Rodeo when it is released this summer. You don’t have to enjoy rodeo to enjoy this romance. It’s just that love can be found in the darnedest places!

Cowboys with attitude

2007-11-11T12:09:00.000-05:00

Last week I talked about positive characteristics of cowboys. How about those romances about cowboys with attitude?

What do I mean by attitude? Surely you know the type: stoic, judgmental, chip on their shoulders? And they often take it out on the poor women who fall for them—at least initially. Yet, as I read those stories, I find myself attracted to these calloused alpha heros. In “real life” I’d probably run in the other direction if I stumbled across a man who treated me like I was on the low end of the food chain—handsome cowboy or not.

Characters that epitomize the “Cowboy with Attitude”?

Caleb Black in Elizabeth Lowell’s Only His. Not only does he treat poor Willow like she’s a harlot, he sets about seducing her even though he thinks she’s another man’s wife! Initially it’s all about him and his needs. Go figure. But hey, what a seduction scene in that natural pond.

Quinn Lassiter in Jill Gregory’s Cold Night, Warm Stranger. The man’s a gunslinger and takes advantage of Maura Reed’s hospitality and vulnerability because he wants a warm woman in his bed. Then gives her a hard time when she finds him to tell him she’s pregnant. Gratefully he does “warm” up before the story ends.

Rafe McCay in Linda Howard’s Touch of Fire. A fugitive in need of a doctor, he not only abducts Annie Parker, the town’s doctor, at gunpoint but puts her through a grueling trek and then figures he can warm himself by her fire. Of course, he blames her for his being attracted to her. But what his seduction technique lacks in finesse, he sure makes up for in passion.

John Rafferty in Linda Howard’s Heartbreaker. Linda is one of the best creators of “cowboys with attitude”. John is no exception. Lusting after the rich girl next door, when she hits rock bottom, he humiliates her with an offer of becoming his mistress and then sets about wooing her instead. He’s one of those men, though, that once you become “his,” treats you like a queen.

North Grayhawk in Joan Johnston’s The Next Mrs. Blackthorne. Paying homage to the beauty and the beast myth, North Grayhawk is both verbally abusive and excessively controlling as he seeks to make Jocelyn Montrose submit to his will. But when he succeeds, he’s the one who loses control.

Cole Mitchell in new author Karyna DaRosa’s Dry Moon. He’s a gunslinger hired to keep Cassie in line with regard to water rights. When circumstances throw them together, he strikes a bargain with her—essentially getting her to trade her favors for his protection. Then afterwards, he treats her like “she done him wrong” because he didn’t realize she was a virgin. Hummmm.

Yet, I confess, I found every one of these attitudinal alpha males attractive—but strictly in a fantasy way. I’d surely give any of these cowboys a big piece of my mind if they tried to put me in my place—or rather the place they felt I belonged. Of course, in the end, each of the heroines tames her man. And each of these heroes comes to understand the blessing and benefits of a good woman—but it sure does take awhile. Half the fun, though, is the journey. Do you find these alpha males attractive—in real life or just in reading? What romance characters would you add to the list of cowboys with attitude?

What Makes Cowboys So Hot!

2007-10-30T07:40:00.000-05:00

Every week I'm going to be discussing hunky cowboys--either ones I'm reading about for Love Western Romances.com, ones I'm watching in movies or T.V. shows or cowboys I'm writing about in one of my manuscripts. All in an attempt to determine what makes cowboys so hot!

Have you seen the WE TV show Girl Meets Cowboy? Unfortunately, many of you may not get WE TV (Women's Entertainment Television) as it is a specialty cable station but if you do--check out 10 pm on Sunday nights. (And, no, I am not affiliated in anyway with WE TV!)

Premise: four women from the city, frustrated with love urban-style, come out west to a ranch to meet one cowboy. Over two weeks, he gets to know the ladies and then must choose one he'd like to continue seeing by the end of the hour. Each week it's a different cowboy with different women. For the women, it's the whole "duck out of water" thing. So far, they've mostly come dressed in stilettos, halter tops and tight skirts or pants. When they change into western wear,the fun begins.

In the first three episodes, the guys have all been hunks and sweet as can be. Gentle and tender but also sensible and resolute, by the end of the show they've pretty much figured out who is not right for them and who could be right for them. (Of course, the producers always include at least one high-maintenance "Paris Hilton wannabe" in the bunch.)

But the show may provide a clue about the cowboy (or myth of the cowboy) appeal. These are real people (well as real as anything is on reality TV). And the cowboys, so far, have demonstrated an engaging combination of strong but vulnerable, determined but caring, protective but independent. Next week's teaser showed a very hunky cowboy with a seductive smile and a mischievous twinkle in his eye so we'll have to wait and see if he has these intriguing combinations.

Now my own "cowboy" is anything but a cowboy--he's a sports loving PhD if you can believe it. But he does embody those combinations of characteristics. So is it that combination of characteristics or something else that appeals to you about cowboys?

Next blog I'll discuss cowboys with attitude from some of the Western Historical Romances I've been reading. Check in before next Wednesday for more.

And remember, if you love western romances,

check out http://www.lovewesternromances.com/--Anne