YELLOWSTONE NATIONAL PARK - THE INSPIRATION FOR A ROMANCE SERIES

By Guest Author, Peggy L. Henderson

Thank you so much for inviting me to blog at Smart Girls Read Romance, and talk about what has inspired me to write the Yellowstone Romance Series.

Up until four years ago, I was a ravenous romance reader, not a writer. Historical romances are my favorite, especially those set in the American west. While there are plenty of cowboy romances to choose from, I had a hard time finding romances set in the mountains and the wilderness, during a time when fur trappers and mountain men roamed the Rocky Mountains.

One of my favorite places on earth is the Yellowstone and Grand Teton area of Wyoming and Montana, and my husband and I camp there every summer. It is my once-a-year, two-week escape from the hustle and bustle of city life.

During the summer of 2009, my husband had another commitment to take a group of boy scouts on a backpacking trip into the California High Sierras, so my Yellowstone trip that year wasn’t going to happen. Or was it? On a whim, I asked my good friend and boss at work if she would want to go on a girls-only camping trip with me to Yellowstone for a week. She had limited camping experience, and I had never gone without my husband. This trip would be a life-changer for me, in more ways than one.

YELLOWSTONE HEART SONG, my debut novel, was born on a lone stretch of Interstate 5, heading home from that camping trip in 2009. Driving through the Utah desert on the 1000 mile journey home, my mind had a lot of time to wander and reflect on the trip.

I had never thought about writing a book, and when the original concept for the story popped into my mind, it came as a complete surprise to me. I didn’t think much of it over the months, but it always stuck with me in the back of my mind. I kept searching for books, hoping to find something that had been published that was similar to what I had in my head, so I could read it. No luck.

The following year, on another trip to Wonderland, I took greater notice of all the places in the park that were part of that story in my head. The day after arriving home, I sat down to write. The story just wouldn’t let me go. I told no one what I was doing. The thought of letting anyone else see what I wrote was laughable. Another year later, 2011, I had a finished story. (Well, a story anyways) Now what? I checked around the internet. I wanted someone to read it, just to get some feedback, but never did I have publishing in mind. I found some RWA contests, and entered one. To my great surprise, I finaled! How shocking was that? My harshest judge said, “find a critique partner.” So I searched the internet again. And I struck gold when Carol Spradling answered my query. She tore through my manuscript with a loaded red pen and fine tooth comb.

Months later, she asked me when I would pursue publishing. What?!?! I basically ignored her. She wanted to know what I would write next. Huh??? Okay, I thought. I love Yellowstone, I can’t think of anything else to write, and I loved the interaction with Carol, so why not write a sequel? That’s how YELLOWSTONE REDEMPTION was born. I flew through that book, and had a first draft done in six weeks.

After that, I was gung ho to write another. YELLOWSTONE AWAKENING was a few chapters from completion before Carol put the brakes on me, and told me I needed to get something published. My husband suggested I self-publish. So, that’s what I ended up pursuing, and I published YELLOWSTONE HEART SONG on January 2^nd, 2012. The reader response has been overwhelming, to say the least.

The series, which had started as a stand-alone story that wouldn’t leave my mind, turned into a fictional journey through Yellowstone’s history, and weaving factual events into the books. YELLOWSTONE REDEMPTION contains a scene that was inspired by John Colter’s legendary escape from the Blackfoot Indians. YELLOWSTONE AWAKENING is a fictional account (with true facts and names sprinkled in) of the creation of the nation’s first national park, and YELLOWSTONE DAWN deals with some of the problems the park encountered in its infancy. The final book in the series, YELLOWSTONE DECEPTION, deals with a more current issue the park has faced, and I wrote that book due to overwhelming reader demand for a couple of minor characters from YELLOWSTONE HEART SONG to get their story.

I never in my wildest dreams expected readers to contact me and tell me how much they enjoyed learning about Yellowstone through my books. Many emails I receive are from people who have never been to Yellowstone, and now want to go visit, or the email I received from a reader who was planning a “quick trip to see Old Faithful,” but now wanted to see so much more. I ended up writing up an itinerary for her.

The following message is one of my favorites:

“I read YELLOWSTONE HEART SONG and YELLOWSTONE DECEPTION and I am impressed with how well you know the history and the ecology of that area. Most people don't even think about what the park looked like in the 1800's before they killed off the predators and stopped the fires from burning. I didn't even really think about it until I worked with a vegetation specialist who said the veg in the park was a joke and not how it was supposed to be at all. Good job on knowing your stuff! I hope you realize that most people who live in this area don't even know as much about it as you do.”

The Yellowstone Romance Series

For Aimee Donovan, it started out as an unbelievable journey into the past. Little did she know that her time travel would shape the destiny of the place we know today as Yellowstone.

The Yellowstone Romance Series is an enticing mixture of adventure, love, and danger through the generations as we meet the Osborne and Russell families.

From the dawn of the rugged and untamed wilderness of Yellowstone to the majestic national park we know today, we feel the passion, heartache, and excitement on every page.

YELLOWSTONE HEART SONG Excerpt

For the better part of the morning, Daniel led her through the forest, showing her how to read different tracks, other signs to look out for that an animal had been in the area, where to look for edible roots and plants, and how to watch the skies for changes in the weather. Along with the berries, she filled her backpack with mint, wild onions, licorice, and various other roots and plants.

She had listened attentively as she tried to absorb everything Daniel told her. Some things she already knew, others were completely new to her. The subtle animal signs he picked up on astounded her. Silently, he had pointed out a black bear sow and her twin cubs in the distance, a moose in the thickets that she would have completely overlooked, and countless other smaller animals. He knew which critter made every track they came upon. He read the forest for information as someone in her time would read a newspaper. It was most refreshing to get a glimpse of this wilderness that she loved so much in her time from this man who carved out a living here.

Aimee savored the beauty of her surroundings. Aspen trees grew in abundance. Beaver lodges could be seen all along the streams, and countless otters played in the waters. With the coming of the fur trappers to these mountains within a decade of this time, the beaver would be trapped to near extinction. Wolves would be hunted until none remained, and without this predator, the elk would take over, causing the destruction of the aspen from overgrazing. This was a Yellowstone unfamiliar to her, but it was as nature had intended before the encroachment of man.

Peggy L. Henderson, author,
with lower falls in background

Peggy L Henderson is a laboratory technologist by night, and writes during the day. She has been happily married to her high school sweetheart for many years. Along with her husband and two sons, she makes her home in Southern California. They dream of moving to Montana some day.

Find her and her books (and audiobooks) at the following links!

My blog

Facebook

Amazon

Barnes and Noble

iTunes

How Do Side Characters Become Front And Center?

So how do side characters get their own headline?

Fan request.

When I wrote Running To You, I never dreamed that fans of the story would become passionate about the side characters. In fact, I never gave it any thought. I had the storyline and the following stories planned out.

So I thought.

When the book released and the comments started to come in, I realized that Harrison Brooks would need his own story, but what was it?

Side characters are there to develop plot. They are there to give the story substance. Sometimes, the readers want more from that character... They aren't ready to see the story end, but even more... They aren't ready to accept that the side character doesn't have more to tell.... Or is there more to the story?

Standalones and series are planned out, most often in advance. But, if you are a pantser like I am, your characters may take you in a direction you didn't plan. For a writer, that might be plan A, plan, B or even the use of an alternative alphabet :)

I didn't plan on Harrison having his own story. It was a difficult one to write. In fact, I told my writing friends that I HATED it. I ripped out chapter after chapter before I got close to anything that Harrison would have wanted.

I say that like he's a real person. In my mind he is. And what's worse... I struggled to give him the right story... His story.

The Running Series starts out with the story of Dr. Grayson Brooks and his quest to find love and hold on to it the only way he knows how. In Running To You and Two Sides of a Heartbeat, we find that Grayson and Harrison may be identical in creation, but they are not alike, except for the love they have for the "Love of their lives." What's more, they have to lose those loves, before they can finally realize the love lives for itself, if only they would accept it.

Harrison has to lose Monica Green so that he can find himself. His journey takes him through the sufferings and heartaches of others. He helps and guides damsels in distress, but he finds himself in that journey. It is at that time in his life that he can accept a love of his own.

My Confession is really about Harrison's own confession to himself. He is likeable, loveable and worthy. Even though some ill-fated issues from his past haunt him before he is finally able to put them to rest.

I hope that you will read Harrison's journey to love. I suggest that you read the entire series, although My Confession is written so that it could be a standalone.

I've learned to listen to the readers and I could not be more proud to be bringing Harrison's story to life. He has so much to tell.

Please join me for the release party on facebook Monday, Dec. 10th 7-8pm CST.

My Confession and The Running Series are both available at all major outlets.

All the best,


DeLaine


DeLaineRoberts.com
@delaineroberts
www.facebook.com/delaine.robertsauthor

When Stories Don’t Cooperate

So last year I started a new project. My romantic YA thriller series was winding down, and it was time for something new. I had several ideas I’d been toying with for a few years, but then out of nowhere, an entirely new concept came to me. Just one little sentence, but I loved it. My editor loved it. There was so much potential….

Off I went. Awesome new characters, my first ensemble cast. An utterly fantastic settling. A super cool premise…

I wrote, and wrote, and wrote.

And deleted, and deleted, and deleted.

My editor said, “Hurry!”

I wrote some more.

Deleted some more.

And my frustration grew. I had all the ingredients at my fingertips, and they were perfect. But no matter how I tried to put them together, the result was not what I wanted. I tried different combinations. I tweaked. I experimented with various openings. Deleted some scenes. Tossed out a few characters, whipped up a few new ones. Still…meh. It was like having a counter full of sugar and flour and eggs and butter, baking soda and pecans and chocolate chips and vanilla...and knowing they would make an amazing cookie…but having no idea how to make it happen. I wanted to pull my hair out.

Finally, I had to submit something. I made it the best I could, and hit send. It was okay, I guess. It didn’t suck. My agent gave it a thumb’s up. My editor loved it. The publisher green-lighted the project. An offer came….

…but I felt no sense of excitement, not like when I sold my Midnight Dragonfly series, when I was breathless with the thought of bringing the story of my teenage psychic to life. This time I felt…dread. It all just felt so…wrong. Wrong, wrong, wrong.

When I first started in this business, I never imagined turning down an offer from a publisher, much less my dream publisher (and my dream editor), but in the end, that’s what I had to do. Because…something was wrong, and I knew it. (Admittedly, the offer wasn’t over-the-top-great or anything, but still…it was a publishing contract!)

Flash forward a year, and suddenly I find myself practically bursting out of my skin to write that story, the one that nearly killed me last year…the one that just wasn’t working. I’ve had a lot of time to think about it…or not. While days and weeks and months have gone by, the story has swirled around in the back of my mind, and my subconscious has done that amazing, wonderful thing that subconsciouses do. The story has changed. A lot. A little here, a little there. Some big Ah-ha’s!, and some little ones. Same characters, same setting, same premise, but with time, the ingredients have settled into place, and I finally know how they need to be arranged.

And here’s what I’ve come to realize: writing is a whole lot like cooking.

Have you ever made a soup, or maybe a lasagna, or a chili or a gumbo? And you add all the ingredients just so and serve it up, take that first bite, and…meh, it’s just kinda bland? But then the next day, after sitting over night, and all those flavors having a chance to mix and mingle and settle, you heat it up and try again and….voila! Yes. THAT is how it’s suppose to taste.

Writing is the same way. Sometimes a story needs time to simmer for awhile, to sit on the back burner so all the ingredients can settle together in just the right way. If everything doesn’t come together at first, you can’t give up, you just have to realize that stories, like the best of foods or drink, can’t be rushed. Remember Orson Wells's famous commercial for Paul Masson wine? 

"We will sell no wine before its time."

In today's fast-paced publishing environment, there's such a rush to market, but sometimes you just have to slow down and let the story finish cooking. 

Writers Just Wanna Have Fun

All writing and no living make for a dull story.  

When I first started writing, I asked Meg Chittenden what she thought was the most important thing for a writer to remember.  She said, "Live."  And went on to explain that while it's important to park your butt in the chair and write, it's equally important to get out and experience everything you possibly can.  Because that's where our stories come from.

Actually, I think that's good advice for any profession.

We've had a lot excitement around Seattle these days, what with our too-young football team with the too-small quarterback, who won it all.  I'm not a big football fan, but I'm always interested in what motivates those who are successful beyond what most of us would deem possible.  Russell Wilson summed it up, and I'm paraphrasing a little here: "My dad said, 'Why not you?' so I said why not us?"

It gets you to thinking.  In our new publishing world, which is the equivalent of the new frontier--the Wild West, why not us?  For the first time, we can write anything we want, and for the first time, the readers can read anything they want.  No one is telling us what can or can't be published.  Those 100 gatekeepers who dictated to the readers what would be available no longer have the power.  So why not us?

Those moments are what Meg calls living.  And of course there are social events, dances, lessons, or just trying something new.  We can't have new experiences if all we do is sit in front of the computer and surf Facebook.  On the other hand, there's lots of fun to be had on Facebook, and let's face it, I'm in more of a partying mood than in a philosophical mood.

So let's party!

To celebrate the release of the new Prairie Rose Publications anthology, Hearts and Spurs, we're having the Valentine's Day Fandango.

Y’all pull on your fanciest cowboy boots and join the Prairie Rose Publications authors for a rootin’ tootin’ Valentine’s Day Fandango! We’ll bring spirited western women and a bunch of wild, to-die-for cowboys. Be prepared to win because we’re giving away prizes every hour. It’s one heckuva party, so don’t miss out!

11am to 9pm Eastern Time.
10am to 8pm Central Time.
9am to 7pm Mountain Time.
8am to 6pm Pacific Time
(and a bonus for the Dessert Divas)

Your featured authors:
Cheryl Pierson
Livia Washburn Reasoner
Jacquie Rogers
Sarah McNeal
Kristy McCaffrey
Tracy Garrett
Tanya Hanson
Sara Barnard
Kathleen Rice Adams
Linda Broday

Valentine's Day is coming up, and what better time to celebrate romance novels.  Pick up a book by one of the Smart Girls Read Romance authors.  It's a win-win!  And don't forget to come to the fandango on Saturday.  Lots of fun stuff, including Idaho Spud Bars (how often do you get those?) and Owyhee Butter Toffee (bet you never had that) to win your heart--or to give to that special someone.

♥ Hearts of Owyhee ♥

Much Ado About Marshals

Much Ado About Madams

Much Ado About Mavericks

Much Ado About Miners

Coming soon: Much Ado About Mustangs

REVISITING FAVORITE BOOKS

By Caroline Clemmons

So many books, so little time. As an author, hundreds of my friends and acquaintances are authors of fine books. My already long TBR list grows every day. Thank goodness for my Kindle Fire. I'm sure you who love to read have a similar problem.

But do you ever reread books? Among my friends, we’re divided about evenly in this. I’m in the group that rereads favorites. Why?

Each time I read a favorite book I learn something new. How the author phrases description, the emotions evoked, and the setting not only entertain me, but teach me for my own writing. Each read reminds me why this book is one I treasure. I embrace the characters and their story again.

The characters in these books are old friends who I love to revisit. The authors excel in writing a memorable book. I dissect the most memorable passages to discover what about this book made it unforgettable.

Here are some of those I reread:

PRINCE CHARMING – As with most of Julie Garwood’s historicals, this one begins in Great Britain. But Taylor Stapeleton and Lucas Ross move quickly to the United States and their frantic race to rescue Taylor's nieces and escape a truly evil villain.

FOR THE ROSES – Julie Garwood takes a group of orphans from New York west to establish a home. Imagine children caring for an infant and surviving on their own as they escape pursuit. Not only surviving, but thriving to establish a dynasty.

THE PROMISE OF JENNY JONES – Maggie Osborne creates the opposite of most governess-type stories when Jenny Jones—a tall, gangly, red-headed muleskinner—give her promise to a dying woman. Against seemingly insurmountable odds, Jenny Jones safely delivers her young ward to the girl’s father to fulfill her promise.  

LORD PERFECT – Loretta Chase always uses vivid descriptions, but I believe this one is her finest. Bathsheba Wingate is a delightful heroine and the perfect foil for Lord Perfect, Benedict Carsington. Ms Chase’s description of the first meeting is especially priceless.

TO KISS A TEXAN – Jodi Thomas. Wes McClain’s story and that of the woman he rescues touches my heart each time. I have long wondered why women captured by Indians and recovered ceased to be human to bigoted pioneers.

Louis L'Amour

FALLON – For some reason, this Louis L’Amour story relaxes me each time I read it. But that goes for all Louis L’Amour stories. The man was one of America’s most gifted storytellers. My husband and I have each of his books from the Louis L’Amour Book Club and reread them occasionally.

MUCH ADO ABOUT MARSHALS – Like all Jacquie Rogers’s books, this one makes me smile while she leads me through a twisting plot. Cole is one of my favorite heroes. By the way, that's her nephew on the cover. She has a new cover, but this is the one on the book I have.

OUT OF THE DARK – Geri Foster writes great romantic suspense filled with sexy adventure. This one, her first of the Falcon series, is my favorite. I can easily picture Geri as the heroine, Emily.

Among other authors I reread are Jayne Ann Krentz/Amanda Quick, Nora Roberts, Agatha Christie, Dorothy L. Sayers, and Marjorie Allingham. These authors make us believe that good triumphs over evil and people can live happily ever after. I like that. They write hope in their stories.

MOBY DICK and CRIME AND PUNISHMENT are not on the list. No, these cited are not heavy reading, although I have favorite classics also. Among them are THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO by Alexander Dumas and A TALE OF TWO CITIES by Charles Dickens. You’ll note that both of those is  romantic, although in a different context than a modern romance novel.  

Those listed as favorites are books that lighten my heart, renew my appreciation for the printed word, and confirm my belief that great writing is not limited to the classics or only in “literary” works. Great writing happens every day with thousands—maybe hundreds of thousands—of writers working alone in their writing caves or on the laptop surrounded by family.

Reading is exercise for the mind. Imagination allows us to visit anywhere in this world or another, to vicariously become any profession. It also sharpens our appreciation for the here and now.  Is it any wonder Smart Girls (and Guys) Read Romance?

Author Interview: Gemma Dufranse

Author Interview with Gemma Dufranse

K: I am thrilled to interview self-published erotic romance author, Gemma Dufranse. Welcome, Gemma!

G: Thanks for having me, Kimmie. You’re my very first interview! And what better place than Smart Girls Read Romance!

K: Sweet! A newbie! Let’s jump right in, good with you?

G: That’s how I like to work. Let’s do it!

K: Yes, so I’ve heard *grins*! It’s kind of a cliché, but what inspired you to write your first book?

G: I’ve always wanted to write. Storytelling is my passion, but it wasn’t until last year that I decided to buckle down and get out my first novella: Tinsel, Tidings, and Temptations. I think being surrounded by fellow writers giving it their all inspired me to jump in with both feet.

K: It’s funny how we thrive on the motivation of others. Do you have a specific writing style?

G: I write steamy stories. I like to be uninhibited and write whatever flows. I don’t like to let others hinder my writing style by what they might think.

K: Do you think that’s rare in authors today?

G: Unfortunately, I think it weighs on authors greatly what others might think, whether it’s their friends, family, or readers. I know it weighs on me. When I say I don’t like to let it hinder me, doesn’t mean I’m immune. I just struggle to write through the scrutiny.

K: Agreed, on all accounts. Is there anything you find particularly challenging in your writing?

G: Authenticity. I’ve read some erotica where I sit back and go, there’s no way that would really happen! I never want that to happen to me as an author. Some things might be hard to believe, but not impossible.

K: I’ve read a few of those also, and not just in the erotic genre. That’s a challenge we should all be facing in our writing. Did you learn anything from writing your book and what was it?

G: Spellcheck is flawed.

K: *snort* Short and to the point! What book are you reading now?

G: I’m reading My Confession by DeLaine Roberts. I am so in love with the passion she has for her characters. My Confession on Amazon

K: You and DeLaine have another connection as well, right?

G: Yes, she’s also my cover designer. I can’t say enough positive things about working with her on Tinsel, Tidings, and Temptations. And the feedback I’ve gotten on the cover is priceless.

K: It is most definitely a hot cover. What are your current projects?

G: Oh, there’s so much going on! This year is going to be a big one. I’m looking to release a few novellas this year in various box sets with some amazing ladies; Abbie St Claire, Geri Foster, Vatonia Boone, DeLaine Roberts, and of course, yourself. The particular project we’ll be working on together is going to be ground breaking. 

*Links to the above authors*

DeLaine Roberts       

Abbie St Claire           

Geri Foster

Vatonia Boone

Kimmie Easley

K: Yes, I’ve never been a part of anything like it and it’s going to be good! That brings me to another question. Have you ever hated something you wrote?

G: Pretty much everything up until last year.

K: I guess we won’t be seeing any of your early stuff. Name one entity that you feel supported you outside of family members.

G: The people I surround myself with in the writing world. There are many talented men and women out there looking to give back to new authors like myself. Some I may never even meet in person, social media is very instrumental in the literary world. I’ve been very fortunate to make some amazing lifelong friends.

K: I’ve experienced the same thing. It’s a whole new world! Do you have any advice for other writers?

G: Go for it! Don’t wait. Don’t let others hold you back. Don’t write to the market. Don’t lose yourself.

K: Words to live by. Do you have anything specific that you want to say to your readers?

G: I can’t thank you enough. Every kind word, every constructive criticism, every review, there aren’t enough words to say how much you are appreciated. Read on, loves! Xoxo

K: Thank you so much for joining us, Gemma. It’s been a real honor, and we’re looking forward to great stuff in 2014.

G: Thank you for having me. I’m a little awestruck! I’ll never forget my first interview!

Buy Tinsel, Tidings, and Temptations: on Amazon on Barnes and Noble

Gemma Dufranse: on Twitter

Gemma Dufranse: on Facebook

Gemma Dufranse: on Goodreads

Author Bio: Erotica writer, completing my 'Tramps' series. My novella Tinsel, Tidings, and Temptations is available in Kindle and Nook! I also like the color red. Louisiana