Austin: Second Chance Cowboy

 

Austin: Second Chance Cowboy

October 2012

BUY!

 

When I started work on the Harts of the Rodeo continuity series, I knew I was in for a treat. What a joy it was to work with so many fine authors! And, since writing is very much a solitary activity, it was great fun for me to get a chance to see how Cathy, Roz, CJ, Marin, and Linda plotted, researched, and approached their novels. For a few months, I was part of their club, and avid student of theirs, too.

I soon learned that I was not nearly as organized or as much of a plotter as I had previously thought! When other authors would ask me specifics about Austin’s western wear shop or Dinah’s apartment, I realized that I needed to become more detail oriented. Fast.

As I said, I learned a lot from them.

When I began Second Chance Cowboy, I was sure I’d feel closest to Dinah, but in many ways I connected with Austin the most.  I’ve always enjoyed writing about imperfect people, and Austin certainly had some imperfections. However, he also had some wonderful qualities. I liked how he looked after Dinah and bought coloring books for his nieces. I loved how he was just a little bit flirty, and just a little bit better than most folks realized.  In the end, I thought he was a perfect counterpart to Dinah Hart, Roundup’s sheriff.

One of my favorite characters of my book was Austin’s father, Buddy. He didn’t have a big part in the novel, but he did have a huge role in Austin’s character and motivations.  Thinking about Buddy, making him appealing yet real was a wonderful challenge for me. When I finished the book, I felt like I had done his character justice, and I was thankful for that.

 So, I hope y’all will enjoy Second Chance Cowboy.  It was a privilege to be a part of such a super series. And I have to say, I, for one, am already looking forward to Marin Thomas’s and Linda Warren’s books.

 

Cowboy Heritage

For most of us, putting on a pair of cowboy boots and a Stetson hat is not an everyday occurance. But in Calgary--where I live--this is something we all do for ten days of the year.

The Calgary Stampede is a 100 year old tradition. A Canadian festival, celebrating the cowboy way of life, Stampede fever takes over our city malls, our office boardrooms, our streets and our hearts. Many years ago (be polite and don't ask how many) when I was a university graduate, I moved to Calgary to start my new job as an articling Chartered Accountant. My first day at the accounting firm just happened to fall on the week of Stampede. I showed up in my tailored business suit and heels only to find that everyone at the firm--from secretary to managing partner--was in jeans and a western shirt. Awkward. But once I got over the shock, I soon grew to love the stampede--and what's not to love? Free pancake breakfasts all over the city, square dancing in the streets and of course, the rodeo...

Those of us who write and read American Romances know that the western spirit is more than something to celebrate at a festival once a year. It is also a way of life. A set of values. You'll see that in the new series, Harts of The Rodeo. It begins this July with Cathy McDavid's book: Aidan: Loyal Cowboy and continues next month with my debut American, Colton: Rodeo Cowboy. If you want a taste of what to expect, check out the book trailer. Then leave me a comment on what appealed to you most about the trailer and I'll choose a name at random to receive a copy of Cathy's book as well as a special Harts of the Rodeo bookmark. Happy Reading!