Introducing Life Out Here by Lynn Allen

We had a booksigning at our library in our small town of less than 3,000 last evening. It was exciting for me for a variety of reasons. First, as a fellow writer, I always admire those who have something actually in print, a goal I’ve been striving to achieve for a long time now. Second, I happen to be a member of our local library board, so special events held there are exciting. Third, and probably most important to me, I met the author at the Colorado Christian Writer’s Conference last year.

Lynn Allen is an excellent Christian writer who contributes a column called “Ridin’ Fence” on a weekly basis to a rural newspaper in the area where I live. Her book, entitled Life Out Here, is a compilation of those slice of rural life articles.

Lynn captures the essence of the heart and soul of those who make their homes in a part of the country where the scenery outside your back door consists of acres and acres of prairie dotted by various critters; from cattle to horses to goats to chickens and everything in between. She entertains her readers with stories of everyday life that encompass hard work, hardship, and hard riding. Lynn reaches deep into the roots of our heritage with vivid word pictures that give us glimpses into the lifestyle of the descendants of the American west pioneers. She helps us understand the nature of the people who pour their blood, sweat, and tears into the cultivation of this great land and the nurturing of its livestock.

This book champions small community living, emulates rural America, and salutes the courage of those who live here. If you have ever wondered what it is like to live in an area where a one stoplight town is considered “the closest city” and the 25 mile drive to the next community is a run “up the street”, this book is a must read!

By the way, if you’re in the market for a gift for a man – this is the book. As Lynn says, “the chapters are short – and it’s got pictures!”

Congratulations, Lynn. I know Life Out Here will be an enjoyable read for country folk and city slickers too!

February drawing: Carla, you are the winner of The Plight of Mattie Gordon by Jeanne Leach. Congratulations!

Thanks for reading my blog.

Interview with Author Jeanne Marie Leach

Sorry for the delay in getting this interview posted. Jeanne had some problems getting back to me, but the weight was well worth it. She has some valuable information to offer. Read on!

Welcome, Jeanne. I’m delighted to have the opportunity to interview you and give you a chance to talk about your book, The Plight of Mattie Gordon. As you know, I could not wait to read your book because it is a western! What prompted you to write in this genre?


Actually, I have always been drawn to westerns. Having grown up in Deadwood, South Dakota, I became interested in American history, particularly that of the west, from an early age. It’s what I know and who I am. I’ve never been to either coast, so large cities and the cultural events they offer remain foreign to me. The west suits me.

I understand the book has recently been contracted to come out in audio form with a spring or summer release. Congratulations! Is this an indication that there has been considerable success in print or downloadable copies sold?


Thank you, Pat. I am still in shock. I’m not certain that I’ve seen “considerable” success in book sales, but my publisher loves my book and my writing style. She submitted it on my behalf to the Eppie Writing awards, and she sent a copy to Books in Motion. They read it and loved it, so they sent her a contract to do an audio version.

There have been many discussions surrounding the belief that “the western is dead”. Did you have a difficult time getting your story published?


No more difficulties than anyone else trying to get published. I initially wrote it with a specific publisher in mind. They rejected it. Because it was a shorter word count, and I didn’t feel like expanding the book would make it any better, I had to look for publishers who accepted short novels. So, the field was limited, which actually worked to my advantage.

What kind of future do you see for this genre?


I see this genre doing what it’s always done. It has ups and downs, but in the end, there will always be people who want to read it and write it. I think Hollywood sets the pace for westerns. They may go several years without putting out a good western movie. During that time, those who’ve always loved westerns will continue to read them. The newer readers may go more for the lits during that time. Then along comes another excellent movie that depicts the strength and fortitude of the early pioneers who settled the west by sheer will and grit. Then western book sales suddenly go back up because people are intrigued by the stories of those who carved the west with little more than their two hands, a few tools, and true character that often seems to be lacking in the world today. Their courage and ability to rise above all odds inspire people of all ages. I still believe in the code of the west. J

Are there any particular books you would recommend as “must have” references for the author with stories set in the 19th century?


Obviously there will be as many references as there are stories. It will depend upon whether you are writing about settlers, farmers, ranchers, cowboys, sheriffs, Native Americans, outlaws, loggers, miners, flatlanders or mountain men. Each requires a different set of references.

That said, there are a few books than can be helpful to anyone writing about the west:

· The Writer’s Guide to Everyday Life in the 1800’s, by Marc McCutcheon – from Writer’s Digest Books
· The Writer’s Guide to Everyday Life in the Wild West: From 1840 – 1900, by Candy Moulton – from Writer’s Digest Books
· The Antique Hunter’s Guide: American Furniture: Tables, chairs, sofas & beds, by Marvin D. Schwartz, copyright 2000 by Chanticleer Press, Inc. and distributed by Workman Publishing Company (This book gives pictures, full descriptions and what the furniture was called, as well as the dates they were introduced and used in the USA)
· The Antique Hunter’s Guide: American Furniture: Chests, cupboards, desks & other pieces, by William C. Ketchum, Jr., copyright 2000 by Chanticleer Press, Inc. and distributed by Workman Publishing Company (This book gives pictures, full descriptions and what the furniture was called, as well as the dates they were introduced and used in the USA)
· Holy Bible, King James version
· Hymns of Glorious Praise, copyright 1969 by Gospel Publishing House (I suggest looking for the oldest hymn book you can find on eBay. Each hymn has the year it was written or arranged, and many have the birth and death dates of the writer. This helps you to know whether it is in public domain.)
· Time Life series – The Old West – you can still find some of these on eBay. I used these as definitive books about the west.
· Story of the GREAT AMERICAN WEST, by Reader’s Digest, copyright 1977 – there are a couple of these on eBay right now, and would be well worth the investment.
· I also have purchased the following paper doll books from Borders. The clothes are amazingly true-to-life in color, prints, and styles. You will have to go to the library to look up the fabrics, though. But once you know the types of fabrics that were used back then, it will be very easy to look at the pictures of the paper doll clothes and give an accurate description.
1. Victorian Family Paper Dolls, by Brenda Sneathen Mattox
2. Victorian Children Paper Dolls, by Evelyn Gathings
3. American Pioneer Family Paper Dolls, by Tom Tierney
4. A New Century, by Lynette C. Ross

Do you have plans to write any other westerns? (I’m always looking for good western writers!)


Yup! I’m working on my galleys right now for my next book, Shadow of Danger, which will be released in early March. It takes place during the gold rush days in Leadville, Colorado in 1879. Rachel Ringhold is sent away from home because of an undisclosed danger. She reaches Colorado and locates her old friend, Seb. Will she find the love she hopes for, or will the danger get her first?

I also have a series about early western loggers that I’m shopping around to various publishers.

Tell us a little bit about what you have to offer writers through your editorial service.


I offer several services to my clients.

My favorite is coaching/mentoring new writers. My book, WRITING BASICS FOR BEGINNERS, was released in January, and is available from http://www.booklocker.com/books/3274.html.

I guess it would be easiest to tell you who would benefit from my freelance editing services:

· Authors being subsidy published
· Aspiring writers – those who have written much and need guidance on the steps to becoming a writer
· Beginning writers – those who have begun writing, but need to understand the “ins and outs” of writing in order to better their craft
· Intermediate authors – already understands how to write, but needs their work polished before sending it to a publisher
· Authors who are ready to send their manuscript to an agent or publisher, but need help with their novel proposal

You can visit my website for pricing structure and further information.
http://www.jeannemarieleach.com/

Jeanne, thank you for such an informative interview. I wish you much success with all facets of your writing career.


I am holding a drawing for a copy of The Plight of Mattie Gordon this month. Anyone who responds to one of my posts with a comment will be automatically entered. Good luck! Please be sure and leave some form of contact information so I can get back with you if you win.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Review of Writing the Christian Romance by Gail Gaymer Martin

I finished a good writing craft book today, Writing the Christian Romance by Gail Gaymer Martin.

Having read some of her novels, I was looking forward to reading Gail’s book and gleaning all the advice she had to give about writing romance. Gail covered most of the essential elements of a good story: characterization, dialogue, tension, POV, and plotting. She leads the reader through the process of developing the hero and heroine as multi-dimensional, believable characters and escalating their romantic interest throughout the story.

Gail does a thorough job of speaking to the specific elements of a Christian romance verses other genre fiction. She gives excellent information on how to handle delicate subjects without offending the Christian publisher or reader. She explains how to develop the spiritual thread of a story.

Her suggestions and tips are backed up by examples from a wide variety of authors. The exercises at the end of each chapter are thought-provoking and geared to teach the writer how to improve in specific areas.

Gail provided an example of a query/cover letter, short synopsis, a one-page synopsis, and a long synopsis. There may be others out there, but this is the first writing craft book I have read that gives a complete example of all four. This will be most helpful to those who struggle with this integral step in making a sale. She also gives sound advice on publication options, choosing a publisher, and searching for an agent.

Thanks for a great book, Gail!

Writing craft books are a wonderful source of motivation. They always leave me with a larger than life feeling that I can do this! I read the suggestions for technique, and my brain starts thinking about the scenes in my own WIP. Did I accomplish the point being discussed? If not, how can I improve my scene? Every book I read on writing somehow holds me to a higher standard. Does anyone else feel this way?

Let me know your thoughts.

Thanks for reading my blog!

Special Day for Gunsmoke Fans!

This is a great day for my favorite TV show of all time, the legendary Gunsmoke. For almost two years now, there has been a web site running a fan power TV Hall of Fame. We Gunsmoke fans have been battling a hard fight against the sci-fi shows to put Gunsmoke in the top five. Today we did it!

The requirement was 250,000 votes (that’s a quarter of a million!), and a voter could only place a vote once every hour. Some people voted once or twice a day, and others, like me, voted every time we were on the computer within the time constraints.

If you like the old TV westerns and remember Gunsmoke in particular, go to http://richlabonte.net/tvvote/power.html and see the wonderful banner Rich has created for us to celebrate our special day. It contains a fantastic selection of cast pictures and Gunsmoke scenes in addition to a great rendition of the Gunsmoke theme song.

The banner will only be up today since Rich honors whichever show reaches a higher goal in increments of 5,000 votes every day, so if you want to see it, check it out sometime within the next twelve hours or so!

Long live Gunsmoke – the longest running drama in television history with continuing characters!

Thanks for reading my blog.

February Preview

The winner of my January giveaway book, A Soldier’s Promise, is Maureen. Congratulations, Maureen! Please contact me at gunsmokefan@hotmail.com with your address so you can receive your book. Thanks to all who participated.

This month, I will be interviewing Jeanne Marie Leach and discussing her book, The Plight of Mattie Gordon. I happened to be the first buyer who purchased her book when it came out in downloadable format through Treble Heart books. It is, after all, a western!

Check back in later in the week to hear what Jeanne has to say about this time-honored genre, her other writing accomplishments, and her future plans as a writer.

I will be doing a drawing for a copy of The Plight of Mattie Gordon this month. Anyone who responds to one of my posts with a comment will be automatically entered. Good luck!

Thanks for reading my blog!