The two questions I have been asked the most since becoming a published author have been about why I chose to write what I write about, and how I edit my books. I was drawn to write Historical Western Romance by a number of factors. I could identify with the spirit of the Old West since I grew up on a farm. While we had a lot more conveniences than people did in the 1800’s, some things never change. The livestock must be fed and watered every day, no matter what the weather or what you had planned. For example, my sister-in-law grew up in North Dakota on a dairy farm. When there was a wedding they partied hard, until it was time to go milk the cows; then everyone would go home, change into their work clothes, milk the cows, then change back into their tuxes and go back to partying! It was just something you did, without complaint, without being asked, and not expecting anyone else to come over and help. That type of rugged individualism was epitomized with the pioneers, ranchers, and business owners of the Old West. I applaud the courage and strength it took to make a life in the untamed wilderness.
Reading is also a huge part of why I write and why I write Westerns. I have read every single one of Zane Grey and Louis L’Amour’s books – multiple times! Their descriptions were so accurate that when I took my first trip to New Mexico, it felt like going home, the scenery and sights were so familiar to me. I also found fascinating tidbits of information from researching my family tree, I discovered most of my ancestors migrated West. My roots are out here, so it was a natural choice to write about the West.
