In my Western historical romance Christmas book, ROBYN: A CHRISTMAS BRIDE (which released last December), my hero, Max, is a tenacious business man who built a thriving freight company in Denver. His most unusual talent however is one he gave up—only to discover again while pursuing the love of his life, Robyn Llewellyn. That talent … Continue reading A Bride for Brynmor’s Woolly Inspiration
History
Feb 18: was it Presidents’ Day, Louis Riel Day, or Maud Lewis Day? Or all of these and more?
February 18th was a holiday for many people in North America, but depending on where you lived it was called something different and honored someone different. In at least one location, this difference is different EVERY year! Here are some of the differences... In the United States, it was PRESIDENTS' DAY. And in Canada, it … Continue reading Feb 18: was it Presidents’ Day, Louis Riel Day, or Maud Lewis Day? Or all of these and more?
Steam! Romance & Rails – Adella’s Enemy
I’m a reader who loves larger-than-life characters and vivid settings in stories that play like movies in my head. In those imaginary picture shows, a rousing time period can play a huge role. It sharpens the image and adds emotion. As a writer of historical romance adventures, I’m always searching for ways to create a … Continue reading Steam! Romance & Rails – Adella’s Enemy
Girl Guides & Scouts: Inspired by History & Cookies
Mmm, cookies. As I mentioned last Monday, after a chance encounter with some lovely salespeople on the street, I'm started pondering the history of Girl Guides. Their cookies were devoured quickly, but my curiosity about their history lingered and kept me asking... HOW DID GIRL GUIDING & SCOUTING BEGIN? In 1907 in England, Army General … Continue reading Girl Guides & Scouts: Inspired by History & Cookies
Roulette: a Deal with the Devil or a Search for a Perpetual-Motion Machine?
Last week, I pondered the popularity of the game of faro in the Old West, which lead to thinking about the history of the game of roulette. For me, this is a great way that interests can turn into inspiration and then story plots — in waves. From France to New France to New Orleans and … Continue reading Roulette: a Deal with the Devil or a Search for a Perpetual-Motion Machine?
Faro is it really “the Only Game in Town”?
While researching Wild West gamblers, the game of faro kept coming up. It seems that Westerners had a passion for the card game that was outlawed in France in the 17th-Century. Could that be part of the attraction? An outlawed game appealed to a land of outlaws and free spirits like these fellows... Scam artist Canada … Continue reading Faro is it really “the Only Game in Town”?
How Beer helped save the Clydesdale
The Clydesdale is a breed of draft horse (or draught horse in the UK and Commonwealth) named for and derived from the farm horses of Scotland's County of Clydesdale. Originally the Clydesdale was a compact draft horse smaller than the Shire, Percheron, and Belgian. In the 1940s, they were selectively bred to produce taller, more … Continue reading How Beer helped save the Clydesdale
How the Friesian Horse found a home with Knights, Farmers & the Circus
The FRIESIAN is a horse breed originating in the Netherlands' Friesland province. They resemble a light draft/draught horse but are graceful and nimble for their size. They may have been used as foundation stock for such breeds as Norway's Dole Gudbrandsdal, America's Morgan, and Britain's Shire draft horse, Fell pony, and Norfolk Trotter (ancestor of … Continue reading How the Friesian Horse found a home with Knights, Farmers & the Circus
Canada Memories: The Log Driver’s Waltz #CanadaDay
The Power of Music & Memory Last Friday while working at my parttime job at the bookstore (hey, an author needs other jobs if she wants to eat regularly), the usual question came up: what music should we play today? Since Canada Day/July 1st was only a few days away, I thought of these two … Continue reading Canada Memories: The Log Driver’s Waltz #CanadaDay
The Good, the Bad and the Villainous in Deadwood #WildDeadwoodTales #Inspiration
For my newest release, RESCUING RAVEN (part of the WILD DEADWOOD TALES anthology), I had great fun including real-life villain Al Swearengen in my story. For me, Swearengen is the ultimate bad guy. He's smart and determined. He hasn't had an easy life. He's keen to make a better life - for himself. He'll go … Continue reading The Good, the Bad and the Villainous in Deadwood #WildDeadwoodTales #Inspiration