All six books in our Codys: First Family of Rodeo series have now been released, and we hope that you've enjoyed the stories of the Cody siblings and their world of ranching and rodeo. Now it's time to close up shop on this blog. We've tackled everything from movie cowboys to saddles to cowboy wooing advice, and we hope you've enjoyed each topic.
With only 10 days left until Christmas, you might still have some people left on your shopping list. Are they readers? Lovers of all things cowboys and rodeos? How about buying them the entire six-book Codys series? Now that all the books are out, they could read them one after another without having to wait. :)
And for those of you who love those cowboy movies, don't forget that the remake of True Grit opens Dec. 22.
Happy Trails!
Wednesday, December 15, 2010
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Breaking News!
HOWDY, PARDNERS!
Rodeo round up time for THE CODYS:FIRST FAMILY OF RODEO SERIES has come to an end for this 2010 season.
It’s been full of thrills and chills. We lucky ladies who were asked to write for this miniseries have lived through the heartaches and triumphs of a remarkable Wyoming family who made the rodeo into an art form.
Between the six of us, we authors are so gratified by the response from our readers. It’s clear from all your feedback that the rodeo is a great and loved part of our national heritage and always will be. I know I speak for everyone when I say we’re sad it’s over. If you haven’t had the opportunity to read the whole series, I’ve listed the titles here:
June 2010 Walker: The Rodeo Legend by Rebecca Winters
July 2010 Dexter: Honorable Cowboy by Marin Thomas
August 2010 Dusty: Wild Cowboy by Cathy McDavid
September 2010 Mark: Secret Cowboy by Pamela Britton
October 2010 Elly: Cowgirl Bride by Trish Milburn
November 2010 Jesse: Merry Christmas, Cowboy by Lynette Kent
For those of you who can’t get to the rodeo right now, you have the option of watching bull riding on television. I thought for a final farewell, I’d give you some quotes from some NON-FICTION rodeo champs who have drawn my attention to the bulls themselves.
Oklahoman J.W. Hart, veteran of 13 seasons as a pro rider in the PBR puts it this way: “The machine doesn't simulate the action of a bull. That's probably the very beginner stages of it, but once you get to this level, the machine doesn't move ahead. It doesn't roll. It doesn't back up. It stays in one place. So it's pretty easy to match moves. Bulls develop bucking patterns but don't always stick to them. So it's unwise to shift in anticipation of what a bull will do. All it is is a dance contest, really. I mean you're just dancing with him the whole time. He's the one leading the dance, and you've just got to match the moves.”
Adriano Moraes, a native Brazilian who won his record third PBR wor
ld title last season, is one of the bigger riders on the PBR tour at 5-10, 185 pounds. He has bulging muscles in his left arm — the arm he uses to hold the rope. He has added these thoughts: “Our riding arms are always a little bigger, a little stronger. Bull riders are strong, but no rider overpowers a bull. You don’t move before the bull moves because he's liable to go the other way. Then you're screwed because the bull leads, and you just follow. You're talking about animals that weigh 2,000 pounds. You bring me the strongest guy in the world, and he's not strong enough to ride on strength. It's why most of the bull riders you see look more like gymnasts than they do like a bodybuilder. Gymnasts don't work through their moves with brute strength. They work through them with finesse and correct form and correct timing. It's the same thing here."
Lastly, Canter, another champion, says: “When the chute opens, you have to rely on skills that have become second nature. Things are happening so fast, there's no time to ponder each move, but moves must be made in rhythmic harmony with the bull. Nothing is going through my head. I've just got to stay on. That's it! You know, it ain't but eight seconds, but it seems like it’s fifty!"
Interesting info from the horse’s mouth so to speak, don’t you think?
Well, that’s it for now, pardners. But y’all come back to view the latest exciting titles coming out from all our Harlequin American Romance authors in 2011, ya hear?
Rebecca Winters
Rodeo round up time for THE CODYS:FIRST FAMILY OF RODEO SERIES has come to an end for this 2010 season.
It’s been full of thrills and chills. We lucky ladies who were asked to write for this miniseries have lived through the heartaches and triumphs of a remarkable Wyoming family who made the rodeo into an art form.
Between the six of us, we authors are so gratified by the response from our readers. It’s clear from all your feedback that the rodeo is a great and loved part of our national heritage and always will be. I know I speak for everyone when I say we’re sad it’s over. If you haven’t had the opportunity to read the whole series, I’ve listed the titles here:
June 2010 Walker: The Rodeo Legend by Rebecca Winters
July 2010 Dexter: Honorable Cowboy by Marin Thomas
August 2010 Dusty: Wild Cowboy by Cathy McDavid
September 2010 Mark: Secret Cowboy by Pamela Britton
October 2010 Elly: Cowgirl Bride by Trish Milburn
November 2010 Jesse: Merry Christmas, Cowboy by Lynette Kent
For those of you who can’t get to the rodeo right now, you have the option of watching bull riding on television. I thought for a final farewell, I’d give you some quotes from some NON-FICTION rodeo champs who have drawn my attention to the bulls themselves.
Oklahoman J.W. Hart, veteran of 13 seasons as a pro rider in the PBR puts it this way: “The machine doesn't simulate the action of a bull. That's probably the very beginner stages of it, but once you get to this level, the machine doesn't move ahead. It doesn't roll. It doesn't back up. It stays in one place. So it's pretty easy to match moves. Bulls develop bucking patterns but don't always stick to them. So it's unwise to shift in anticipation of what a bull will do. All it is is a dance contest, really. I mean you're just dancing with him the whole time. He's the one leading the dance, and you've just got to match the moves.”
Adriano Moraes, a native Brazilian who won his record third PBR wor
ld title last season, is one of the bigger riders on the PBR tour at 5-10, 185 pounds. He has bulging muscles in his left arm — the arm he uses to hold the rope. He has added these thoughts: “Our riding arms are always a little bigger, a little stronger. Bull riders are strong, but no rider overpowers a bull. You don’t move before the bull moves because he's liable to go the other way. Then you're screwed because the bull leads, and you just follow. You're talking about animals that weigh 2,000 pounds. You bring me the strongest guy in the world, and he's not strong enough to ride on strength. It's why most of the bull riders you see look more like gymnasts than they do like a bodybuilder. Gymnasts don't work through their moves with brute strength. They work through them with finesse and correct form and correct timing. It's the same thing here."
Lastly, Canter, another champion, says: “When the chute opens, you have to rely on skills that have become second nature. Things are happening so fast, there's no time to ponder each move, but moves must be made in rhythmic harmony with the bull. Nothing is going through my head. I've just got to stay on. That's it! You know, it ain't but eight seconds, but it seems like it’s fifty!"
Interesting info from the horse’s mouth so to speak, don’t you think?
Well, that’s it for now, pardners. But y’all come back to view the latest exciting titles coming out from all our Harlequin American Romance authors in 2011, ya hear?
Rebecca Winters
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Cowboy Wooing Advice
Okay so we've established our love for the cowboy hero and heroine in romance novels. And the Cody men, Walker, Dexter, Dusty, Mark and Jesse are among my favorite all-time romance heroes, each unique in their own way—not to mention easy on the eyes. Elly, the lone Cody daughter is a strong, stubborn independent heroine whom all women can admire. Cowboys and cowgirls have a unique way of looking at life and love compared to the rest of us common folk.
Here's a bit of cowboy "wooing" advice from the book Just One Fool Thing After Another/A Cowfolks' Guide to Romance by Gladiola Montana and Texas Bix Bender.
Sometimes flowers don't say it very well. You need to explain yourself.
Attention without intention is flirtation.
To bring somebody into your life, take a step into theirs.
When you fall into somebody's arms you're fallin' into their hands as well.
A heart that ain't broke thinks it's okay to go around breakin' others.
Marry somebody with brains enough for two, and if you're lucky you'll come out even.
It may be more romantic to be the first love, but it's better to be the last.
A woman wanted by men but disliked by women is nothin' but trouble.
When you go to town, go together.
The only time a woman can easily change a man is when he's a baby.
Try not to make a ring around a finger feel akin to a rope around the neck.
It's a lot cheaper to borrow money than to marry for it.
Be quick to mend fences.
Never go to bed mad. Stay up and fight it out.
Most marital graves are dug with a lot of little digs.
Stolen kisses require and accomplice.
A man in love is incomplete until he's married—then he's finished.
If women are foolish it's because the good Lord made 'em a match for men.
For better or for worse means for good.
Don't get involved with anyone whose wishbone is bigger than their backbone.
The ties of marriage are not slipknots.
Men react to specific needs. Women seldom have them.
Big problems will pull you together. It's the little things that tear you apart.
The best way to get married is with ignorance and confidence.
Never use a knife to cut a tender connection.
Man is straw; woman is fire. When the devil blows, it's hell.
If you're gonna leave, leave while you're still lookin' good.
Don't waste your time lovin' somebody you can't laugh with.
When the horse dies, get off.
Women don't make fools out of men; they just give 'em the opportunity.
Happy Trails!
Marin Thomas
Dexter: Honorable Cowboy (July 2010)
4 ½ Stars Top Pick RT Magazine!
Still available through online retailers
www.marinthomas.com
Here's a bit of cowboy "wooing" advice from the book Just One Fool Thing After Another/A Cowfolks' Guide to Romance by Gladiola Montana and Texas Bix Bender.
Sometimes flowers don't say it very well. You need to explain yourself.
Attention without intention is flirtation.
To bring somebody into your life, take a step into theirs.
When you fall into somebody's arms you're fallin' into their hands as well.
A heart that ain't broke thinks it's okay to go around breakin' others.
Marry somebody with brains enough for two, and if you're lucky you'll come out even.
It may be more romantic to be the first love, but it's better to be the last.
A woman wanted by men but disliked by women is nothin' but trouble.
When you go to town, go together.
The only time a woman can easily change a man is when he's a baby.
Try not to make a ring around a finger feel akin to a rope around the neck.
It's a lot cheaper to borrow money than to marry for it.
Be quick to mend fences.
Never go to bed mad. Stay up and fight it out.
Most marital graves are dug with a lot of little digs.
Stolen kisses require and accomplice.
A man in love is incomplete until he's married—then he's finished.
If women are foolish it's because the good Lord made 'em a match for men.
For better or for worse means for good.
Don't get involved with anyone whose wishbone is bigger than their backbone.
The ties of marriage are not slipknots.
Men react to specific needs. Women seldom have them.
Big problems will pull you together. It's the little things that tear you apart.
The best way to get married is with ignorance and confidence.
Never use a knife to cut a tender connection.
Man is straw; woman is fire. When the devil blows, it's hell.
If you're gonna leave, leave while you're still lookin' good.
Don't waste your time lovin' somebody you can't laugh with.
When the horse dies, get off.
Women don't make fools out of men; they just give 'em the opportunity.
Happy Trails!
Marin Thomas
Dexter: Honorable Cowboy (July 2010)
4 ½ Stars Top Pick RT Magazine!
Still available through online retailers
www.marinthomas.com
Wednesday, November 3, 2010
Western Decor
A few years ago, I spent an afternoon and night in Cody, Wyoming, while driving back from seeing my sister in Washington State. I'd spent the previous day driving around one of my favorite places, Yellowstone National Park. While in Cody, I was able to pop into a couple of shops and purchase a few comfy, fleecy items at the Sierra Outlet. But it was the western decor and art shops where I could have done some serious damage, making my credit card scream for mercy. It was this trip that helped inspire the Tangled Antlers Gallery in Elly: Cowgirl Bride, where Elly showcases her photographs.I have always loved western and Native American-themed home decor. I have touches of it in my guest bedroom with some art I bought at the Red Earth Native American Festival in Oklahoma City a number of years ago. The wall is even painted a color called suede. But, wow, would I love to have one of those gorgeous western-style homes with a huge picture window looking out on the mountains. It'd be filled with big, comfortable furniture in browns and reds; large art pieces that captured the West; some antler chandeliers and cowboy lamps. Stuff like I found at a site called LoneStar Western Decor. The gorgeous chair and ottoman above are from their collection. Quick, someone give me a shopping spree! :) And remember, Christmas is just around the corner!
If I could have unlimited spending and a large truck (we're talking tractor-trailer rig here) to haul everything in, there would be three stops I'd definitely make -- one in Cody, one in Jackson, Wyoming, and one in Santa Fe, New Mexico. A few years ago, I was in Santa Fe for a work conference and had an afternoon to walk around the city. I loved it! I went to museums and shops filled with Native clothing, jewelry and home and lawn decor. And I have long loved the Southwestern, adobe homes, ones with an inner tiled courtyard with a fountain in the middle.Why am I not rich again? :)
Well, until I am, I'll just have to window shop when I'm out West and peruse magazines like Cowboys & Indians.
Do you like western decor? If not, what is your favorite kind of home decor? What speaks to you and who you are?
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
"Boss of the Plains"
A cowboy just wouldn't be a cowboy without a hat. The original "Boss" was manufactured by John Stetson in 1865. The hat was flat-brimmed, had a straight sided crown and rounded corners. The lightweight, waterproof hat was natural in color. A plain hatband was fitted to adjust to head size and bore Stetson's name. A cowboy riding the range wearing the "Boss of the Plains" showed the world that he was doing well.
The cowboy hat was made famous with 'Black and White' movies. Bad Guys wore the Black hats and the Good Guys wore White hats. Roy Rogers’ white Stetson with a silver hatband was one of the most famous Hollywood cowboy hats. We can't forget that The Lone Ranger and his White hat brought justice to the Wild West. Today, hats colors have changed into seasonal apparel. Black or felt hats for winter and straw or White hats for summer.
The modern Cowboy still uses his hat to communicate different messages. A man can stake his claim on a woman if he gives her his hat (signifies they are to start dating) If a cowboy gives a woman his hat in a bar and she accepts it and wears it that means she's agreed to go home with the Hat owner. As the old cowboy saying goes, "It’s the last thing you take off and the first thing that is noticed."
Other famous cowboy hat wearers….Clint Eastwood in The Good the Bad and the Ugly wore a distinctive hat. President Regan wore a cowboy hat not only in his movies but in real life. And we can't forget Festus' Gunsmoke hat or Hoss Cartwright's 10-gallon hat.
As an admirer of all things cowboy, the "Boss" along with boots and tight jeans makes any cowboy sigh-worthy.
Marin
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Cowboys and Country Music
It's a bit ironic that I live in Nashville and am not a big fan of country music. I like a song here and there, and mainly ones that either are more pop-ish or ones with more bluegrass in them by artists like Alison Krauss or Lady Antebellum, but as a general rule I'm more of a hard rock kind of gal. But in my mind, cowboys have always been linked to country music. After a rodeo or a day of riding the range, they might put on their best boots, cowboy hat and pressed Wrangler jeans and head out to a country western bar for a few drinks and some two-stepping.
Imagine my surprise when I attended a PRCA rodeo in Corpus Christi, Texas last year to do research for next month's installment in the Codys continuity, Elly: Cowgirl Bride. In between riders and events, they played...rock music! I don't know if this is common, but it surprised me.
But back to country music. I think cowboy songs and country music are forever entwined. CMT even did a special called The 20 Greatest Cowboy Songs. Here's their list. See if you agree.
Happy Trails (Roy Rogers)
The Cowboy in Me (Tim McGraw)
My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys (Willie Nelson)
Cattle Call (Eddy Arnold)
Back in the Saddle Again (Gene Autry)
Amarillo By Morning (George Strait)
Shoulda Been a Cowboy (Toby Keith)
El Paso (Marty Robbins)
Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old) (Garth Brooks)
Don't Take Your Guns to Town (Johnny Cash)
Even Cowgirls Get the Blues (EmmyLou Harris)
Rhinestone Cowboy (Glen Campbell)
Home on the Range (Gene Autry)
Ghost Riders in the Sky (several artists)
Cowboy Take Me Away (Dixie Chicks)
Cool Water (Sons of the Pioneers)
What'cha Gonna Do with a Cowboy? (Chris LeDoux)
The Streets of Laredo (Buck Owens)
I Can Still Make Cheyenne (George Straight)
Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys (Willie Nelson)
Here's a little tune to get you in a cowboy song kind of mood, Toby Keith's "I Shoulda Been a Cowboy."
Imagine my surprise when I attended a PRCA rodeo in Corpus Christi, Texas last year to do research for next month's installment in the Codys continuity, Elly: Cowgirl Bride. In between riders and events, they played...rock music! I don't know if this is common, but it surprised me.
But back to country music. I think cowboy songs and country music are forever entwined. CMT even did a special called The 20 Greatest Cowboy Songs. Here's their list. See if you agree.
Happy Trails (Roy Rogers)
The Cowboy in Me (Tim McGraw)
My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys (Willie Nelson)
Cattle Call (Eddy Arnold)
Back in the Saddle Again (Gene Autry)
Amarillo By Morning (George Strait)
Shoulda Been a Cowboy (Toby Keith)
El Paso (Marty Robbins)
Much Too Young (To Feel This Damn Old) (Garth Brooks)
Don't Take Your Guns to Town (Johnny Cash)
Even Cowgirls Get the Blues (EmmyLou Harris)
Rhinestone Cowboy (Glen Campbell)
Home on the Range (Gene Autry)
Ghost Riders in the Sky (several artists)
Cowboy Take Me Away (Dixie Chicks)
Cool Water (Sons of the Pioneers)
What'cha Gonna Do with a Cowboy? (Chris LeDoux)
The Streets of Laredo (Buck Owens)
I Can Still Make Cheyenne (George Straight)
Mamas, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up to Be Cowboys (Willie Nelson)
Here's a little tune to get you in a cowboy song kind of mood, Toby Keith's "I Shoulda Been a Cowboy."
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Herding Instincts
I have to admit, I was laughing out loud as I read Pam's post on horses a couple of weeks ago. So true, every last bit of it!
Horses do have their own agendas, but are usually willing to accept ours, if we ask the right way. Recently, my husband--a great guy but not a horseman--wanted to move my American Cream Draft horses from one place to another. He didn't have a lead rope handy, so he tried grabbing a fist full of mane and pulling. These ladies weigh about 1500 lbs each--not exactly portable! DH tried pulling one, then the other, without success.
I walked out and got behind the girls. "Sssssss," I said, waving my hands a little. "Walk on."
Lucy and Joy looked over their shoulders at me like, "Do we hafta?"
"Come on," I said, with a shooing motion. "Sssss. Walk."
You could see each of them give a sigh. And then they ambled, at their slow, steady draft horse pace, back through the gate and into the pasture.
"How'd you do that?" DH demanded.
I just smiled. There are some things only a horse lover knows.
*******
American Cream Draft Horses are a breed developed in Iowa from the foals of one mare--Old Granny. Her babies all had pink skin, a cream-colored coat, white mane and tail and golden eyes. Cream Drafts were used on farms in the Midwest and in Pennsylvania by the Amish in the first part of the 20th century. World War II and the advent of the tractor cut back the draft horse population severely, until now there are less than 400 Creams in the world. I'm hoping to breed my mares and build the numbers for these beautiful, peaceful horses.
Horses do have their own agendas, but are usually willing to accept ours, if we ask the right way. Recently, my husband--a great guy but not a horseman--wanted to move my American Cream Draft horses from one place to another. He didn't have a lead rope handy, so he tried grabbing a fist full of mane and pulling. These ladies weigh about 1500 lbs each--not exactly portable! DH tried pulling one, then the other, without success.
I walked out and got behind the girls. "Sssssss," I said, waving my hands a little. "Walk on."
Lucy and Joy looked over their shoulders at me like, "Do we hafta?"
"Come on," I said, with a shooing motion. "Sssss. Walk."
You could see each of them give a sigh. And then they ambled, at their slow, steady draft horse pace, back through the gate and into the pasture.
"How'd you do that?" DH demanded.
I just smiled. There are some things only a horse lover knows.
*******
American Cream Draft Horses are a breed developed in Iowa from the foals of one mare--Old Granny. Her babies all had pink skin, a cream-colored coat, white mane and tail and golden eyes. Cream Drafts were used on farms in the Midwest and in Pennsylvania by the Amish in the first part of the 20th century. World War II and the advent of the tractor cut back the draft horse population severely, until now there are less than 400 Creams in the world. I'm hoping to breed my mares and build the numbers for these beautiful, peaceful horses.
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
The Show Saddle
BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN—OUT WHERE A FRIEND IS A FRIEND—
When I was a little girl listening to the radio, BACK IN THE SADDLE AGAIN, was one of my favorite cowboy songs sung by the great Gene Autry. My cousin Heidi was my age, and she loved cowboy music too. We’d play cowboys a lot using our cap guns. Oh boy did we have a lot of fun and a lot of caps. They were like golden treasure. I’d be Hopalong Cassidy, and she’d be Roy Rogers. We whooped it up in our back yards, climbed the apple and cherry trees and then pretended to jump onto our trusty steeds and take off for the bad guys.
Like most kids I went horseback riding once in a while either with family or a couple of friends. I just got on the horse that had been saddled for me and off we went, the horse often leading the way, of course. I had only a general knowledge of horses and equipment.
My great awakening came when I was asked to write the first book for the CODY’S FIRST FAMILY OF RODEO series. Did I ever have my work cut out! A ton of research goes into writing a novel at any time and a novel about rodeos and ranch life was no exception. Needless to say I came across so much fascinating information, I often got sidetracked and forgot to write. (It’s a hazard of being a writer.)
The guys in the Cody series are all headed to win at the World Championship Professional Rodeo Finals in Las Vegas, Nevada. In Walker Cody’s case, he’d already won his World Champion Gold Buckle in steer wrestling before he left for military service. After coming back from the war, he starts training again for the Cody Roundup in Wyoming. When he goes to the tack room on the Cody ranch, the saddle he’d won is still hanging in there.
After doing so much research, I got to thinking about his saddle. It wasn’t just ‘any’ saddle.
Do you know I never realized how many kinds of saddles there are? I’m talking types for a specific use. You know, like a woman who needs black, brown, white, tan, pink or red shoes for that certain occasion.
Would you believe all these?
Western Pleasure or Trail Riding saddle—
Reining saddle—
Cutting saddle—
Roping saddle—
Barrell Riding saddle--
Flexible Tree saddle—
Show saddle--
Take a close look at a couple of these and you’ll see differences.
The Reining Saddle
The Roping Saddle
The Barrel Racing Saddle
The Pleasure Riding or Trail Saddle
The next time you get on a horse, take a look and make an educated guess. You’ll impress everyone!
Until next time, see ya at the CODY ROUNDUP for the next novel in the Cody Series!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Horses & Cowboys
They're like salt and pepper. Oil and water. Chocolate and vanilla. Something that just goes together. A cowboy and his horse.
Since I happen to love horses it's never a problem for me to write about them. I'm lucky. We own five. A lot of authors have to rely on research books in order to get their facts straight, but I think I'm the human equivalent of a walking Wikipedia when it comes to the animals I love. And so when I run across the occasional book that, well, seems a wee bit unrealistic, I always have to chuckle. Since this blog is geared toward all things cowboy, I hope you don't mind me taking the opportunity to vent.
First of all, Sex on a horse would NOT be fun. Let's look at this anitomically. A horse's back is only a couple of feet wide. The place where you sit is maybe three feet long. And so, not only would you have a tiny little area in which to, um, conduct your business, you would have to do so while perched five feet off the ground. On something that moves. Sometimes quickly. Sometimes not all that comfortably, either. Nope. Not going to happen.
Sex in a saddle is impossible. Saddles--be they english or western--only have room for one butt. One. That's all. No other butts allowed. If you sat two butts in a saddle, one would hang off the back. Or be elevated thanks to the saddle's cantel. Try to, ah, connect the dots. Go ahead. Try it. I dare you.
And speaking of sex...hay is not a good place to conduct connubial relations. Holy guacamole, that'd be like having sex atop a pile of nettles. Hay is as brittle and prickly as cacti. It will give you slivers. Just the thought of a heroine's bare bottom being pounded into a pile of hay gives me the heebie jeebies. I can only imagine the medical bill.
Not all men ride stallions. This one always makes me shake my head. Stallions are not nice animals. They are rotten, stickin', testosterone-laden, opinionated JERKS. Granted, there is the rare exception. My trainer owns one--a perfect gentleman (on most days). But those animals are few and far between. Most of the time they're nasty little pills that require the use of leather and chains. Just ask the gal that led our own stallion to a turn out pen. He bit her in the boob. Yes, the boob. Can you imagine our hero asking the heroine to mount his magnificent, steed only to have said horse turn around and CHOMP. 'Nough said.
A palomino is not a breed, it's a color. Referring to a palomino as a breed is like using the word "white" in place of Poodle, or "tan and black" in place of German Shepard. Don't do it.
Galloping off into the sunset might take awhile. It takes a very well-trained horse--years of training, really--to scoot off into a run at the drop of a hat. Out of all our horses, only one will do this upon command, and he does so because he's been trained to do so; it's necessary for horse shows. But my husband's ranch horse? Or his rope horse? Get one of them out into the wild blue yonder and it's trot, trot, trot, faster and faster, and then faster still; until they absolutely. Must. Canter. In other words, horses are lazy. Most won't gallop off ala The Lone Ranger--not unless you make them.
Whatever you do, don't drop the ball. I see this one in movies all the time. You know the scene: Our hero will canter up to the heroine, dramatically stopping in front of his all-time love, jump off his horse, fly into the heroine's arms and kiss her senseless. Meanwhile, off camera, our gallant steed has decided now might be a good time make a run for the hills, you know, since the human that'd been riding him was stupid enough to drop the reins and leave him standing there. Alone. Truuust me. Most horses will run off at the first sign of freedom. If you look closely, you can sometimes catch this phenomena in action. Pay attention the next time you see a cowboy in a movie. Every once in awhile the camera doesn't pan away quickly enough. The cowboy's horse will spin around before s/he makes a strafing run in the opposite direction, usually bucking and a snorting the whole way. Cracks me up every time.
I'm sure I can think of more, but I'll just bet there are other horse experts out there that have similar pet peeves. Feel free to share them!!!
Since I happen to love horses it's never a problem for me to write about them. I'm lucky. We own five. A lot of authors have to rely on research books in order to get their facts straight, but I think I'm the human equivalent of a walking Wikipedia when it comes to the animals I love. And so when I run across the occasional book that, well, seems a wee bit unrealistic, I always have to chuckle. Since this blog is geared toward all things cowboy, I hope you don't mind me taking the opportunity to vent.
First of all, Sex on a horse would NOT be fun. Let's look at this anitomically. A horse's back is only a couple of feet wide. The place where you sit is maybe three feet long. And so, not only would you have a tiny little area in which to, um, conduct your business, you would have to do so while perched five feet off the ground. On something that moves. Sometimes quickly. Sometimes not all that comfortably, either. Nope. Not going to happen.
Sex in a saddle is impossible. Saddles--be they english or western--only have room for one butt. One. That's all. No other butts allowed. If you sat two butts in a saddle, one would hang off the back. Or be elevated thanks to the saddle's cantel. Try to, ah, connect the dots. Go ahead. Try it. I dare you.
And speaking of sex...hay is not a good place to conduct connubial relations. Holy guacamole, that'd be like having sex atop a pile of nettles. Hay is as brittle and prickly as cacti. It will give you slivers. Just the thought of a heroine's bare bottom being pounded into a pile of hay gives me the heebie jeebies. I can only imagine the medical bill.
Not all men ride stallions. This one always makes me shake my head. Stallions are not nice animals. They are rotten, stickin', testosterone-laden, opinionated JERKS. Granted, there is the rare exception. My trainer owns one--a perfect gentleman (on most days). But those animals are few and far between. Most of the time they're nasty little pills that require the use of leather and chains. Just ask the gal that led our own stallion to a turn out pen. He bit her in the boob. Yes, the boob. Can you imagine our hero asking the heroine to mount his magnificent, steed only to have said horse turn around and CHOMP. 'Nough said.
A palomino is not a breed, it's a color. Referring to a palomino as a breed is like using the word "white" in place of Poodle, or "tan and black" in place of German Shepard. Don't do it.
Galloping off into the sunset might take awhile. It takes a very well-trained horse--years of training, really--to scoot off into a run at the drop of a hat. Out of all our horses, only one will do this upon command, and he does so because he's been trained to do so; it's necessary for horse shows. But my husband's ranch horse? Or his rope horse? Get one of them out into the wild blue yonder and it's trot, trot, trot, faster and faster, and then faster still; until they absolutely. Must. Canter. In other words, horses are lazy. Most won't gallop off ala The Lone Ranger--not unless you make them.
Whatever you do, don't drop the ball. I see this one in movies all the time. You know the scene: Our hero will canter up to the heroine, dramatically stopping in front of his all-time love, jump off his horse, fly into the heroine's arms and kiss her senseless. Meanwhile, off camera, our gallant steed has decided now might be a good time make a run for the hills, you know, since the human that'd been riding him was stupid enough to drop the reins and leave him standing there. Alone. Truuust me. Most horses will run off at the first sign of freedom. If you look closely, you can sometimes catch this phenomena in action. Pay attention the next time you see a cowboy in a movie. Every once in awhile the camera doesn't pan away quickly enough. The cowboy's horse will spin around before s/he makes a strafing run in the opposite direction, usually bucking and a snorting the whole way. Cracks me up every time.
I'm sure I can think of more, but I'll just bet there are other horse experts out there that have similar pet peeves. Feel free to share them!!!
Wednesday, August 18, 2010
Family Brawls
When the editors told me that the hero in my book, Dexter, and his twin, Dusty, team-roped together I knew what team roping was—I've been to a few rodeos in my day and had watched the event several times. But I wasn't as familiar with the difference between the header (Dusty) and the heeler (Dexter) http://rodeo.about.com/
gives a brief overview of the event.
Team roping is the only team event in rodeo. It grew out of ranch chores from the past. Larger cattle would have to be immobilized for branding and doctoring by two ropers due to their strength and size. Today, team roping is a timed event that relies on the cooperation and skill of the cowboys and their horses. The two cowboys involved in team roping have unique goals. The first, known as the header, does just what the name implies and ropes the head of the cattle. The other cowboy, known as the heeler, ropes the heels or legs. Team roping is great event to watch due to the amazing coordination and cooperation of all the competitors. Team members must work well with each other and with their horses respectively.
American Romance is all about family. When family dynamics suddenly change in a dramatic way, everyone's lives are thrown into chaos. What made writing Dexter: Honorable Cowboy (July 2010) so much fun was knowing that while the twins were supposed to cooperate and work together to prepare for their next rodeo, the exact opposite was happening. Dusty split and left town after his old flame returned and dropped a bombshell on him. Dexter was so ticked off at Dusty and confused about his feelings for his brother's old flame that any practicing they did was ripe with tension and frustration. Of course, any cowboy story worth its salt includes an all-out brawl.
In the end Dexter and Dusty butt heads and throw a few punches. Like true brothers, especially twins, they resolve their differences and make nice.
So how about you….do you like an occasional family brawl in your western romances?
Marin
Marin
Wednesday, August 11, 2010
Codys, Behind the Scenes
Have you ever wondered how Harlequin romance novel covers come into being? Well, now you can get a glimpse via the new Love That Cowboy page on Harlequin's website. Here you can see some shots from the photo shoot for Merry Christmas, Cowboy, the sixth and final installment in our currently releasing Codys: First Family of Rodeo continuity series. As I looked through the photos, it was interesting to see how everything came together to make Lynnette's gorgeous cover.
And if you look at the next-to-last photo, next to the small shot of the cover, you'll see our fabulous editorial team at Harlequin American. To the very nice-looking cowboy's left are Johanna, Kathleen and Laura.
~~~
I did a bit of searching online to see if we'd be fortunate to have any westerns coming out anytime in the near future and found out that Christmas day will see the release of the remake of True Grit by the Coen brothers. The original was a John Wayne film, but news accounts say the new version will be truer to the novel by Charles Portis and be told from the point of view of the 14-year-old heroine, Mattie Ross. I don't believe there's a trailer yet available. The new film has some big names in Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon and Josh Brolin. The lead will be played by a young actress named Hailee Steinfeld.
And if you look at the next-to-last photo, next to the small shot of the cover, you'll see our fabulous editorial team at Harlequin American. To the very nice-looking cowboy's left are Johanna, Kathleen and Laura.
~~~
I did a bit of searching online to see if we'd be fortunate to have any westerns coming out anytime in the near future and found out that Christmas day will see the release of the remake of True Grit by the Coen brothers. The original was a John Wayne film, but news accounts say the new version will be truer to the novel by Charles Portis and be told from the point of view of the 14-year-old heroine, Mattie Ross. I don't believe there's a trailer yet available. The new film has some big names in Jeff Bridges, Matt Damon and Josh Brolin. The lead will be played by a young actress named Hailee Steinfeld.
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Cowboy Songs
Welcome to Wednesday!
I'm Lynnette Kent, and I'm one of those authors who can't write with noise in the background--that includes music as well as TV and conversation. Like Becky said last week, I'm watching a movie in my head as I type out the words. I want silence around me so I can hear the tone of each voice and see the look in a character's eyes as they speak. Rather than making things up, I feel like I'm transcribing a scene in my head that's happening independent of me as the writer. The least distraction messes with my attention to details.
But when I'm not actively writing, I love to have music going that reflects my vision of the story. My first book for Harlequin was a rodeo story--One More Rodeo, in which the heroine, Mickey, was a champion bareback rider and the hero, Jeff, was a veterinarian. I spent hours watching rodeo on TV, went to as many live events and talked to as many authentic cowboys as I could find. And since I was living in the Washington, D.C. area at the time, hunting up cowboys wasn't easy!
I drew on that research again for Jesse: Merry Christmas, Cowboy, the last of the Cody Family series. I also pulled out the music I listened to for my first rodeo tale. Garth Brooks was the biggest name in country music then (it was 1994) and I loved his big hit, "Rodeo."
His eyes are cold and restless, and his wounds have almost healed.
And she'd give half of Texas, just to change the way he feels.
But she knows his love's in Tulsa, she knows he's gonna go.
Hell, it ain't no woman of flesh 'n blood, it's that damned ol' rodeo!*
I discovered Chris LeDoux at the same time and enjoyed his many rodeo tunes, including "Hooked on an 8-Second Ride." Chris, in case you've never heard of him, was a rodeo star himself, and winner of the National Finals Championship in Bareback Riding. He started making tapes of his music to sell at the shows where he competed, then retired from rodeo and took up music full time. Garth and Chris did a duet I love: "What You Gonna Do With a Cowboy When He Don't Saddle Up and Ride Away?"
In fact, Garth used Chris in one of his earliest songs, "I'm Much Too Young to Feel This Damned Old," about a cowboy driving to his next rodeo. Garth says..."A worn-out tape of Chris LeDoux, lonely women and bad booze seem to be the only friends I've left at all."* And Chris didn't even know about the song until he heard it one day on the radio in his truck! Of course, after that, everybody started looking for Chris LeDoux.
Some of my favorite country music tunes turned out to be songs that didn't get much airplay, including more Garth Brooks--"The Cowboy Song," "Night Rider's Lament," and "Cowboy Bill". That last one still makes me cry. Trisha Yearwood was always good for some cowboy inspiration, especially during "The Song Remembers When." I can't leave out Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings, with "Mama, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys" and "Good-Hearted Woman, Lovin' A Good-Timin' Man," "Luchenbach, Texas," and "Blue Eyes Cryin' In the Rain." Or Kris Kristoferson--"Help Me Make It Through the Night" and "Me and Bobby McGee."
Of all the songs I love to hear while I'm writing western stories, the best is probably one of the very earliest I encountered, another Willie Nelson classic. I saw "The Electric Horseman," with Robert Redford, when it first came to theaters in 1979, and the main song has been with me ever since...
I grew up dreamin' of bein' a cowboy, and lovin' the cowboy ways.
Pursuin' the life of my high-ridin' heroes, I burned up my childhood days.
I learned all the rules of the modern day drifter--Don't you hold on to nothin' too long.
'Just take what you need from the ladies then leave them' were the words of a sad country song.
My heroes have always been cowboys.
And they still are it seems.
Sadly in search of and one step in back of
Myself and my slow-moving dreams.***
Man, what a portrait. Listening to the music, I can see him out there, riding his favorite horse as he checks out the fenceline or herds the cattle. Despite all the outfits bought up by big business and all the machines they use to do the ranching these days, he's still out there, if you look hard enough--a bonafide American hero. As Chris LeDoux reminded us:
He's still out there ridin' fences.
Still makes his livin' with his rope.
As long as there's a sunset, he'll keep ridin' for the brand.
You just can't see him from the road.****
And I hope to keep writing about him for just about that long.
Happy Reading!
Lynnette
So I won't get sued:
*"Rodeo" written by Larry Bastien, performed by Garth Brooks on "Ropin' the Wind," 1991.
**"Much Too Young" written by Randy Taylor and Garth Brooks, performed by Garth Brooks on "Garth Brooks," 1989.
***"My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys," written by Sharon Vaughn, performed by Willie Nelson for the film "The Electric Horseman," 1979.
****"You Just Can't See Him From the Road," written by Donnie Blanz, Ed Bruce and Judith Bruce, performed by Chris LeDoux, "The Capitol Collection, 1990-2000," 2002.
I'm Lynnette Kent, and I'm one of those authors who can't write with noise in the background--that includes music as well as TV and conversation. Like Becky said last week, I'm watching a movie in my head as I type out the words. I want silence around me so I can hear the tone of each voice and see the look in a character's eyes as they speak. Rather than making things up, I feel like I'm transcribing a scene in my head that's happening independent of me as the writer. The least distraction messes with my attention to details.
But when I'm not actively writing, I love to have music going that reflects my vision of the story. My first book for Harlequin was a rodeo story--One More Rodeo, in which the heroine, Mickey, was a champion bareback rider and the hero, Jeff, was a veterinarian. I spent hours watching rodeo on TV, went to as many live events and talked to as many authentic cowboys as I could find. And since I was living in the Washington, D.C. area at the time, hunting up cowboys wasn't easy!
I drew on that research again for Jesse: Merry Christmas, Cowboy, the last of the Cody Family series. I also pulled out the music I listened to for my first rodeo tale. Garth Brooks was the biggest name in country music then (it was 1994) and I loved his big hit, "Rodeo."
His eyes are cold and restless, and his wounds have almost healed.
And she'd give half of Texas, just to change the way he feels.
But she knows his love's in Tulsa, she knows he's gonna go.
Hell, it ain't no woman of flesh 'n blood, it's that damned ol' rodeo!*
I discovered Chris LeDoux at the same time and enjoyed his many rodeo tunes, including "Hooked on an 8-Second Ride." Chris, in case you've never heard of him, was a rodeo star himself, and winner of the National Finals Championship in Bareback Riding. He started making tapes of his music to sell at the shows where he competed, then retired from rodeo and took up music full time. Garth and Chris did a duet I love: "What You Gonna Do With a Cowboy When He Don't Saddle Up and Ride Away?"
In fact, Garth used Chris in one of his earliest songs, "I'm Much Too Young to Feel This Damned Old," about a cowboy driving to his next rodeo. Garth says..."A worn-out tape of Chris LeDoux, lonely women and bad booze seem to be the only friends I've left at all."* And Chris didn't even know about the song until he heard it one day on the radio in his truck! Of course, after that, everybody started looking for Chris LeDoux.
Some of my favorite country music tunes turned out to be songs that didn't get much airplay, including more Garth Brooks--"The Cowboy Song," "Night Rider's Lament," and "Cowboy Bill". That last one still makes me cry. Trisha Yearwood was always good for some cowboy inspiration, especially during "The Song Remembers When." I can't leave out Willie Nelson and Waylon Jennings, with "Mama, Don't Let Your Babies Grow Up To Be Cowboys" and "Good-Hearted Woman, Lovin' A Good-Timin' Man," "Luchenbach, Texas," and "Blue Eyes Cryin' In the Rain." Or Kris Kristoferson--"Help Me Make It Through the Night" and "Me and Bobby McGee."
Of all the songs I love to hear while I'm writing western stories, the best is probably one of the very earliest I encountered, another Willie Nelson classic. I saw "The Electric Horseman," with Robert Redford, when it first came to theaters in 1979, and the main song has been with me ever since...
I grew up dreamin' of bein' a cowboy, and lovin' the cowboy ways.
Pursuin' the life of my high-ridin' heroes, I burned up my childhood days.
I learned all the rules of the modern day drifter--Don't you hold on to nothin' too long.
'Just take what you need from the ladies then leave them' were the words of a sad country song.
My heroes have always been cowboys.
And they still are it seems.
Sadly in search of and one step in back of
Myself and my slow-moving dreams.***
Man, what a portrait. Listening to the music, I can see him out there, riding his favorite horse as he checks out the fenceline or herds the cattle. Despite all the outfits bought up by big business and all the machines they use to do the ranching these days, he's still out there, if you look hard enough--a bonafide American hero. As Chris LeDoux reminded us:
He's still out there ridin' fences.
Still makes his livin' with his rope.
As long as there's a sunset, he'll keep ridin' for the brand.
You just can't see him from the road.****
And I hope to keep writing about him for just about that long.
Happy Reading!
Lynnette
So I won't get sued:
*"Rodeo" written by Larry Bastien, performed by Garth Brooks on "Ropin' the Wind," 1991.
**"Much Too Young" written by Randy Taylor and Garth Brooks, performed by Garth Brooks on "Garth Brooks," 1989.
***"My Heroes Have Always Been Cowboys," written by Sharon Vaughn, performed by Willie Nelson for the film "The Electric Horseman," 1979.
****"You Just Can't See Him From the Road," written by Donnie Blanz, Ed Bruce and Judith Bruce, performed by Chris LeDoux, "The Capitol Collection, 1990-2000," 2002.
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
I See My Books As Movies
While I write my books, I see them as movies and hear the music. In WALKER: THE RODEO LEGEND, I saw my wounded vet suffering in the hospital before returning to Wyoming. When he did arrive, he hung out in Markton, Wyoming, at an old motel for a few days, and ate a meal or two at a dive before contacting his older brother Jesse at the CODY ranch to let him know he was back. I think of these as my mood pieces.
Those two segments of my film didn’t make it into my final, polished creation and ended up on the cutting room floor. Neither did my title, RODEO WARRIOR. (Tears) I think maybe they were my favorite segments because, to me, they caught the flavor of this particular western, and summed up the feelings of this all American hero rodeo cowboy who’s been carrying around baggage for a long, long time.
I told you I hear the music as well as visualize the movie in my head. My first scene showed Walker lying in his hospital bed recovering from his IED wounds. His nurse, who has already fallen under his spell, comes in to take his vitals and flirt with this former rodeo hero, hoping he’ll bite, but no such luck. He’s so morose, she wants to cheer him up and turns on the radio to a country western station. Below is the song being sung by a female vocalist. (I wrote the words) When the song is over, he mutters, “That’s a flattering opinion you have of me.”
Hey rodeo fans, can you hear me? Better hold your sweetheart tight.
There’s an exciting new bulldogger coming into town tonight.
He’s hot out of the box, and he’s hot with the women,
He’ll mess with your gal, consider that a given.
Tall, dark and sexy, handsome as sin,
He’s the rodeo warrior lover who’s about to gallop in.
If you don’t want a broken heart before daylight,
Keep your gal out of sight and locked up tight.
Better put her in the barn and throw away the key,
Don’t let him near her, or believe you me,
He’ll take her for a horseback ride, And rob you blind,
Before he throws a steer, and leaves your gal behind.
He’s a charmer, he’s a talker, he’s a no-strings guy,
He’s the rodeo warrior lover, in town on the fly.
The other segment that didn’t make it into my movie shows Walker at the local dive. He’s just come into Markton. Since he doesn’t want company, he tells the waitress to find him a table away from everyone. “Right back here, cowboy,” she says before turning on the old juke box, picking the song that suits him to a T. For her understanding, he leaves her a fat tip at the end of the meal. Below is the song (again written by me)
Hey, Wanda? Bring the blue plate special, I’m eating alone tonight.
Put me in the corner, away from the light.
If anyone should ask for me, you know what to say, all I want’s the blue plate special, everyone else just stay away.
Don’t come any closer, don’t sit down with me, don’t tangle with me, honey, just leave me be.
I want the blue plate special, without the company.
Other gals have tried, much braver than you, save yourself the trouble, I’ll give you a clue. I want the blue plate special, I don’t want you.
You don’t want to be around me, you don’t know who I am, you think you have the answers, but honey, I don’t give a damn. I want the blue plate special, did you hear me? Scram!
Hey, Wanda? If anyone should ask for me, you know what to say. All I want’s the blue plate special, everyone else just stay away.
Hope you enjoyed this little insight into Walker’s psyche before he rejoined his family and met the love of his life. Read the whole Cody series and thrill to the challenges and joys of this first family of Rodeo.
Rebecca Winters
If anyone should ask for me, you know what to say, all I want’s the blue plate special, everyone else just stay away.
Don’t come any closer, don’t sit down with me, don’t tangle with me, honey, just leave me be.
I want the blue plate special, without the company.
Other gals have tried, much braver than you, save yourself the trouble, I’ll give you a clue. I want the blue plate special, I don’t want you.
You don’t want to be around me, you don’t know who I am, you think you have the answers, but honey, I don’t give a damn. I want the blue plate special, did you hear me? Scram!
Hey, Wanda? If anyone should ask for me, you know what to say. All I want’s the blue plate special, everyone else just stay away.
Hope you enjoyed this little insight into Walker’s psyche before he rejoined his family and met the love of his life. Read the whole Cody series and thrill to the challenges and joys of this first family of Rodeo.
Rebecca Winters
Wednesday, July 21, 2010
Gotta Love Those Cowboys
I used to hate cowboys.
I know that sounds odd, especially since I’ve written half a dozen cowboy romances for Harlequin American. But the truth of the matter is, I used to be the world’s biggest snob. Cowboys? Yuk. Give me a military man or a sports action hero, not someone who made his living roping steers or trying to ride bucking broncs.
And then I met a bull rider.
Honestly, I didn’t want a thing to do with the man. What kind of fool mounted a two-thousand pound animal as a way of making a living? Stupid, thy name is cowboy. But a funny thing happened on the way to the rodeo.
I fell in love.
Somehow the world’s biggest idiot turned out to the be the world’s sweetest man. And he loved animals. I don’t know about you, but I’m a sucker for a man that’s not afraid to bottle feed a baby calf.
I married my cowboy and now I enjoy writing about them. We even moved to what I call Cowboy Country California, way up in the northern part of the state. Ten miles away from my house is one of the west coast’s largest stock yards. It’s not uncommon for them to house up to three-thousand head of cattle in a weekend. And if you follow a crow due north, you’ll bump into Four Star Rodeo, a leading breeder of bucking bulls. You might have seen some of their stock at the NFR. And, of course, one can’t forget Growney Brothers right down the road. Their bull, Red Rock, became a household name thanks to a little movie called EIGHT SECONDS.
It’s not uncommon to hear the chink-chink-chink of spurs on the sidewalk. Horses neigh and the lull of cows can be heard in the distance. The men who care for these animals are everywhere, even waiting in line at the local espresso house. Yes, cowboys love triple shot lattes, too.
I’ve learned a few other things along the way. Here’s my Top Five Things I Bet You Didn’t Know About Cowboys.
1. A true cowboy hangs up his hat…always. Failing that, he’ll set it down open side up. To place a hat open side down is bad luck…and God forbid you set a hat down on a bed. Yikes!
2. Most cowboys always leave their spurs on, yes, even with they take off their boots…and if you’ve never stubbed your toe on rowels, you’ve never experienced true pain.
3. The shape of a cowboy’s hat will tell you what kind of stock he works with and where he’s from. Low brim with curled edges—probably rides broncs or bulls. Tight crease: horse show exhibitor. Flat hat with no crease—a high desert rider.
4. Cowboys love starch, and I’m not talking potatoes. Wrangler jeans are so heavily coated with the fabric hardening substance that they can literally stand up on their own.
5. If you want to know what type of rodeo event a cowboy competes in, look at his boots. Rough stock riders wear boots with rawhide heels. Why? Rawhide is harder than leather. The abuse a boot takes from the constant spurring action causes the soft leather to shred.
And that’s it! Don’t forget to enter my COWBOY CONTEST at http://www.pamelabritton.com/. One lucky reader will win a super cool cowgirl necklace. Good luck!
Pamela
I know that sounds odd, especially since I’ve written half a dozen cowboy romances for Harlequin American. But the truth of the matter is, I used to be the world’s biggest snob. Cowboys? Yuk. Give me a military man or a sports action hero, not someone who made his living roping steers or trying to ride bucking broncs.
And then I met a bull rider.
Honestly, I didn’t want a thing to do with the man. What kind of fool mounted a two-thousand pound animal as a way of making a living? Stupid, thy name is cowboy. But a funny thing happened on the way to the rodeo.
I fell in love.
Somehow the world’s biggest idiot turned out to the be the world’s sweetest man. And he loved animals. I don’t know about you, but I’m a sucker for a man that’s not afraid to bottle feed a baby calf.
I married my cowboy and now I enjoy writing about them. We even moved to what I call Cowboy Country California, way up in the northern part of the state. Ten miles away from my house is one of the west coast’s largest stock yards. It’s not uncommon for them to house up to three-thousand head of cattle in a weekend. And if you follow a crow due north, you’ll bump into Four Star Rodeo, a leading breeder of bucking bulls. You might have seen some of their stock at the NFR. And, of course, one can’t forget Growney Brothers right down the road. Their bull, Red Rock, became a household name thanks to a little movie called EIGHT SECONDS.
It’s not uncommon to hear the chink-chink-chink of spurs on the sidewalk. Horses neigh and the lull of cows can be heard in the distance. The men who care for these animals are everywhere, even waiting in line at the local espresso house. Yes, cowboys love triple shot lattes, too.
I’ve learned a few other things along the way. Here’s my Top Five Things I Bet You Didn’t Know About Cowboys.
1. A true cowboy hangs up his hat…always. Failing that, he’ll set it down open side up. To place a hat open side down is bad luck…and God forbid you set a hat down on a bed. Yikes!
2. Most cowboys always leave their spurs on, yes, even with they take off their boots…and if you’ve never stubbed your toe on rowels, you’ve never experienced true pain.
3. The shape of a cowboy’s hat will tell you what kind of stock he works with and where he’s from. Low brim with curled edges—probably rides broncs or bulls. Tight crease: horse show exhibitor. Flat hat with no crease—a high desert rider.
4. Cowboys love starch, and I’m not talking potatoes. Wrangler jeans are so heavily coated with the fabric hardening substance that they can literally stand up on their own.
5. If you want to know what type of rodeo event a cowboy competes in, look at his boots. Rough stock riders wear boots with rawhide heels. Why? Rawhide is harder than leather. The abuse a boot takes from the constant spurring action causes the soft leather to shred.
And that’s it! Don’t forget to enter my COWBOY CONTEST at http://www.pamelabritton.com/. One lucky reader will win a super cool cowgirl necklace. Good luck!
Pamela
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Ever since my third Harlequin American, I've been writing cowboy or rancher heroes, and I couldn't be happier. There's something incredibly sexy about a good looking man in a well-worn Stetson hat and faded jeans. A man who sits a horse with the same ease and comfort he does a kitchen chair. A man who knows how to hold a gal close as he two-steps her across the dance floor.
When my editor first approached me about being one of the authors in THE CODYS: FIRST FAMILY OF RODEO, I was understandably thrilled. I got to write about cowboys AND rodeos. What could be better? That's like getting to meet Brad Pitt at his newest film premier AND sit next to him during the showing (forgive me if I have Brad Pitt on the brain, my hero in DUSTY: WILD COWBOY is supposed to look like a young Brad Pitt - check out the cover, I think he does :)
Okay, I digress. Back to rodeos. I've been a fan of them since I was a teenager, when it wasn't cool to like anything having to do with cowboys. But I was a horse lover, a horse owner, and lived in Scottsdale, a town that once claimed to be the west's most western town (that is SO not true now ). I didn't care if none of my friends wanted to go to the rodeo, I went anyway. The biggest rodeo in Scottsdale was and still is the Parade del Sol.
Speaking of my mom, she read an advance copy of DUSTY: WILD COWBOY and loved it. Okay, she's my mom, and she loves all my book. That's not much of a recommendation. But she complimented me on my research and, I have to say, that pleased me because I did a lot for the book.
Watching rodeos is one thing. To be as accurate as possible, I had to immerse myself in the sport, particularly calf roping. Yes, it was hard and required a great deal of personal sacrifice, but I spent many hours in the company of cowboys and ropers, learning everything I could. When I wasn't getting lost in just watching them, that is.
Here's a couple pictures of the Payson Rodeo, which is the oldest rodeo in Arizona. I took them last summer when my friend and I went there to watch cowboys...I mean, research my book.
And here's a couple pictures from when I went to my first ever Professional Bull Riding event a few months ago, which wasn't quite like a regular rodeo but still fun.
As the saying goes, you should love what you write about. And I have to say, I do love cowboys. Wait, I think I already said that!
Warmest wishes,
Cathy McDavid
PS - Check out the other books in THE CODYS: FIRST FAMILY OF RODEO continuity. I had a blast participating and know you'll enjoy reading about Dusty's five siblings: Walker, Dex, Mark, Elly, and Jesse
When my editor first approached me about being one of the authors in THE CODYS: FIRST FAMILY OF RODEO, I was understandably thrilled. I got to write about cowboys AND rodeos. What could be better? That's like getting to meet Brad Pitt at his newest film premier AND sit next to him during the showing (forgive me if I have Brad Pitt on the brain, my hero in DUSTY: WILD COWBOY is supposed to look like a young Brad Pitt - check out the cover, I think he does :)
Okay, I digress. Back to rodeos. I've been a fan of them since I was a teenager, when it wasn't cool to like anything having to do with cowboys. But I was a horse lover, a horse owner, and lived in Scottsdale, a town that once claimed to be the west's most western town (that is SO not true now ). I didn't care if none of my friends wanted to go to the rodeo, I went anyway. The biggest rodeo in Scottsdale was and still is the Parade del Sol.
Speaking of my mom, she read an advance copy of DUSTY: WILD COWBOY and loved it. Okay, she's my mom, and she loves all my book. That's not much of a recommendation. But she complimented me on my research and, I have to say, that pleased me because I did a lot for the book.
Watching rodeos is one thing. To be as accurate as possible, I had to immerse myself in the sport, particularly calf roping. Yes, it was hard and required a great deal of personal sacrifice, but I spent many hours in the company of cowboys and ropers, learning everything I could. When I wasn't getting lost in just watching them, that is
Here's a couple pictures of the Payson Rodeo, which is the oldest rodeo in Arizona. I took them last summer when my friend and I went there to watch cowboys...I mean, research my book.
And here's a couple pictures from when I went to my first ever Professional Bull Riding event a few months ago, which wasn't quite like a regular rodeo but still fun.
As the saying goes, you should love what you write about. And I have to say, I do love cowboys. Wait, I think I already said that!
Warmest wishes,
Cathy McDavid
PS - Check out the other books in THE CODYS: FIRST FAMILY OF RODEO continuity. I had a blast participating and know you'll enjoy reading about Dusty's five siblings: Walker, Dex, Mark, Elly, and Jesse
Tuesday, July 6, 2010
Long Live the Cowboy
“Each year since 2005 the U.S. Senate has passed a resolution designating the fourth Saturday of July National Day of the American Cowboy.”
"Whereas pioneering men and women, recognized as cowboys, helped establish the American West...that cowboy spirit continues to infuse the nation with its solid character, sound family values, and good common sense; Whereas the cowboy embodies honesty, integrity, courage, compassion, respect, a strong work ethic, and patriotism."
What woman in her right mind doesn't love a Cowboy--the kind in romance novels, that is! Before I make my case for Cowboy Addiction I'd like to remind readers we're hosting our second One Day Only Media Blitz on July 16th
On July 16th I'll be blogging at www.harauthors.blogspot.com about Dexter: Honorable Cowboy book two in The Codys: First Family of Rodeo continuity.
Help spread the word by mentioning my book and posting a link to http://www.harauthors.blogspot.com/ on all your favorite social media sites--Facebook, MySpace, Twitter. The more places you link to and mention Dexter: Honorable Cowboy the more chances you have to win a copy of my book and some neat "cowboy stuff".
Return to www.harauthors.blogspot.com and tell us where you're spreading the word in the comment section of the blog--that way I can keep a tally of your activity. I'll post the winners' names in the comment section of the blog on July 17th--be sure to return to see if you're one of the lucky winners!
How many different kinds of COWBOYS are there anyway? Cowboys in romance novels are darn near perfect, but in real life, cowboys come in all shapes, sizes and cognitive abilities. Here are a few of those Wild West men we can't resist.
Cowboy Outlaw
Naked Cowboy
Calendar Cowboy
Old Buckaroo Cowboy
Real Working Cowboy
Urban Cowboy
Seen-better-days cowboy
Now that we've had an eyeful of Cowboy Candy….what is it that women find so sexy about the Cowboy Way of Life? It for sure ain't the food these guys eat.
Sonofabitch Stew
2 pounds lean beef
Half a calf heart
1/2 pounds calf liver
1 set sweetbreads
1 set brains
1 set marrow gut
Salt, pepper
Louisiana hot sauce
Kill off a young steer. Cut up beef, liver and heart into I -inch cubes; slice the marrow gut into small rings. Place in a Dutch oven or deep casserole. Cover meat with water and simmer for 2 to 3 hours. Add salt, pepper and hot sauce to taste. Take sweetbreads and brains and cut in small pieces. Add to stew. Simmer another hour, never boiling.
2 tablespoons flour
1 cup cold water
4 eggs, beaten
5 tablespoons vinegar
2 1/2 tablespoons butter
Combine sugar and flour. Add the rest of the ingredients and place in a saucepan. Cook until thick and pour into a prepared pie crust. Bake in a 375-degree oven until the crust is brown
Okay, so maybe Cowboy Food isn’t romantic, but let's talk about COWBOY INCOME--how much do these rope-throwin' chaps make? The average Old West cowboy drew $25 to $40 a month--I can't get my nails done for that little money. Today, a typical salary for a cowboy in New Mexico is about $1,600 a month. Cowboys may also get free housing, paid utilities, insurance coverage and perhaps some beef. Thanks, but I'd rather be wooed with diamonds instead of a side of beef.
Okay, so we don't chase after Cowboys for their cooking or money or gifts of beef…. We do however love these guys because they practice the
COWBOY CODE OF THE WEST .
Don't wave at a man on a horse. It might spook the horse and the man will think you're an idiot.
After you pass someone on the trail, don't look back at him. It implies you don't trust him.
Riding another man's horse without his permission is nearly as bad as making love to his wife.
Never shoot an unarmed man. Never shoot a woman at all.
Always be courageous. Cowards aren't tolerated in any outfit worth its salt.
A cowboy always helps someone in need, even a stranger or an enemy.
Real cowboys are modest. A braggert who is "all gurgle and no guts" is not tolerated.
A cowboy doesn't talk much; he saves his breath for breathing.
Cuss all you want, but only around men, horses and cows.
What about Cowboy Codes of Wooing?
Here's some Cowboy relationship advice found in Just one Fool Thing After Another: A Cowfolks' Guide to Romance by Gladiola Montana & Tex Bix Bender
Just because you learned a lot from you last lover's leap don't mean you ain't jumpin' off a different cliff this time.
When a man asks a woman to share his lot, she has a right to know how big it is.
You gotta wear the boot to know where it pinches.
When you don't have a thing to worry about, you go and get married, and suddenly the world is a worrisome place.
For better or for worse means for good.
A man in love is incomplete until he marries--then he's finished.
No matter how much he loves you sometimes he'd just rather have an inch of rain than anything else in the world.
Most marital graves are dug with a lot of little digs.
When a woman makes up her mind you can always be sure she's gonna do exactly what she says--or not.
Have I made my case that Cowboys are addicting? Okay, now it's time for you to share—what do you find addicting about cowboys?
"Whereas pioneering men and women, recognized as cowboys, helped establish the American West...that cowboy spirit continues to infuse the nation with its solid character, sound family values, and good common sense; Whereas the cowboy embodies honesty, integrity, courage, compassion, respect, a strong work ethic, and patriotism."
What woman in her right mind doesn't love a Cowboy--the kind in romance novels, that is! Before I make my case for Cowboy Addiction I'd like to remind readers we're hosting our second One Day Only Media Blitz on July 16th
On July 16th I'll be blogging at www.harauthors.blogspot.com about Dexter: Honorable Cowboy book two in The Codys: First Family of Rodeo continuity.
Help spread the word by mentioning my book and posting a link to http://www.harauthors.blogspot.com/ on all your favorite social media sites--Facebook, MySpace, Twitter. The more places you link to and mention Dexter: Honorable Cowboy the more chances you have to win a copy of my book and some neat "cowboy stuff".
Return to www.harauthors.blogspot.com and tell us where you're spreading the word in the comment section of the blog--that way I can keep a tally of your activity. I'll post the winners' names in the comment section of the blog on July 17th--be sure to return to see if you're one of the lucky winners!
How many different kinds of COWBOYS are there anyway? Cowboys in romance novels are darn near perfect, but in real life, cowboys come in all shapes, sizes and cognitive abilities. Here are a few of those Wild West men we can't resist.
Cowboy Outlaw
Naked Cowboy
Calendar Cowboy
Old Buckaroo Cowboy
Real Working Cowboy
Urban Cowboy
Seen-better-days cowboy
Now that we've had an eyeful of Cowboy Candy….what is it that women find so sexy about the Cowboy Way of Life? It for sure ain't the food these guys eat.
Sonofabitch Stew
2 pounds lean beef
Half a calf heart
1/2 pounds calf liver
1 set sweetbreads
1 set brains
1 set marrow gut
Salt, pepper
Louisiana hot sauce
Kill off a young steer. Cut up beef, liver and heart into I -inch cubes; slice the marrow gut into small rings. Place in a Dutch oven or deep casserole. Cover meat with water and simmer for 2 to 3 hours. Add salt, pepper and hot sauce to taste. Take sweetbreads and brains and cut in small pieces. Add to stew. Simmer another hour, never boiling.
Vinegar Pie
1 cup sugar2 tablespoons flour
1 cup cold water
4 eggs, beaten
5 tablespoons vinegar
2 1/2 tablespoons butter
Combine sugar and flour. Add the rest of the ingredients and place in a saucepan. Cook until thick and pour into a prepared pie crust. Bake in a 375-degree oven until the crust is brown
Okay, so maybe Cowboy Food isn’t romantic, but let's talk about COWBOY INCOME--how much do these rope-throwin' chaps make? The average Old West cowboy drew $25 to $40 a month--I can't get my nails done for that little money. Today, a typical salary for a cowboy in New Mexico is about $1,600 a month. Cowboys may also get free housing, paid utilities, insurance coverage and perhaps some beef. Thanks, but I'd rather be wooed with diamonds instead of a side of beef.
Okay, so we don't chase after Cowboys for their cooking or money or gifts of beef…. We do however love these guys because they practice the
Don't wave at a man on a horse. It might spook the horse and the man will think you're an idiot.
After you pass someone on the trail, don't look back at him. It implies you don't trust him.
Riding another man's horse without his permission is nearly as bad as making love to his wife.
Never shoot an unarmed man. Never shoot a woman at all.
Always be courageous. Cowards aren't tolerated in any outfit worth its salt.
A cowboy always helps someone in need, even a stranger or an enemy.
Real cowboys are modest. A braggert who is "all gurgle and no guts" is not tolerated.
A cowboy doesn't talk much; he saves his breath for breathing.
Cuss all you want, but only around men, horses and cows.
Here's some Cowboy relationship advice found in Just one Fool Thing After Another: A Cowfolks' Guide to Romance by Gladiola Montana & Tex Bix Bender
Just because you learned a lot from you last lover's leap don't mean you ain't jumpin' off a different cliff this time.
When a man asks a woman to share his lot, she has a right to know how big it is.
You gotta wear the boot to know where it pinches.
When you don't have a thing to worry about, you go and get married, and suddenly the world is a worrisome place.
For better or for worse means for good.
A man in love is incomplete until he marries--then he's finished.
No matter how much he loves you sometimes he'd just rather have an inch of rain than anything else in the world.
Most marital graves are dug with a lot of little digs.
When a woman makes up her mind you can always be sure she's gonna do exactly what she says--or not.
Have I made my case that Cowboys are addicting? Okay, now it's time for you to share—what do you find addicting about cowboys?
Marin
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Loving Cowboys Started Early
My lifetime love of cowboy stories started very early. When I was growing up, we lived in a rural area where we only received three TV stations and sometimes we had to go outside to physically turn the antenna to get better reception. TV stations actually signed off at night after playing the national anthem. There was no TV channel where you could get westerns almost all the time, so my first exposure to them came on Saturday afternoons. I would curl up in the recliner and watch old movies starring actors such as John Wayne. I loved the whole idea of the white hat (good guy) versus the black hat (bad guy). Yes, it was simplistic and some would say formulaic, but I ate it up. I loved the western vistas, the horses, the cowboys, the triumph of the good guys. I was still too young to be annoyed by the fact that the Indians were not played by real Native Americans, something that thankfully has pretty much gone away with the emergence of many wonderful Native actors, or that they were often horrible caricatures that bore little resemblance to real Native peoples of the era.
As I got older, I'd get excited any time there was a western brought to the small or large screens. Unfortunately, they became less common. The heyday of the western was a bit before my time. Still, I can remember loving the TV show The Young Riders, about Pony Express riders, and the newer version of The Magnificent Seven starring Michael Biehn.In 2005, TNT aired a mini-series called Into the West which told the stories of two 19th century families -- one of white settlers, one Native American. I loved it so much that I bought the DVDs and the soundtrack that was inspired by the mini-series. Not only did it have cowboys and beautiful western vistas, it starred many of my favorite Native actors like Irene Bedard, Gil Birmingham, Russell Means, Eric Schweig and Michael Spears. More recently, I really enjoyed the remake of 3:10 to Yuma with Christian Bale and Russell Crowe. Pretty much if a western is released, I'm going to see it.
When I began reading romance, it was no surprise that westerns were a favorite. Initially, it was just the historical westerns that reminded me of the western movies I'd always loved. But then I branched out into contemporary westerns too, tales of modern cowboys still ranching the gorgeous lands of the American West. I've also always enjoyed rodeos -- both live and on TV. I'd watch bull riders and cowboys atop bucking horses and get the same feeling I get when I watch Deadliest Catch on the Discovery Channel -- "These guys are crazy, but it sure is entertaining."So when I was asked to take part in Harlequin American's first continuity, The Codys: First Family of Rodeo, I couldn't say yes fast enough. It was such an interesting experience to work with five other authors to create the Cody family, their ranch, the town in which they live, their relationships with each other and with the men and women with whom they'd eventually share their happily ever afters. I got to explore a setting -- the area around Cody, Wyoming, between Yellowstone National Park and the Big Horn Mountains -- that I've visited and absolutely love. If I wasn't so averse to cold weather, I'd love to live in Cody.
It's been a thrill to see the covers for the series as they've been created, to see the first book in the series hit store shelves. I'm eagerly anticipating seeing my October cover for Elly's book. I hear from my editor that it's great.
So, are you a fan of westerns, both historical and contemporary? If so, how were you introduced to the genre? Has it been a lifetime love? What's your favorite western movie?
Tuesday, June 15, 2010
Media Blitz Contest
Dear readers—let's rodeo!
June kicked off the debut of Harlequin American Romance's first-ever six-book continuity The Codys: First Family of Rodeo with Rebecca Winter's book, Walker:The Rodeo Legend. Following are the titles of the books in the series and their release dates.
June 2010 Walker: The Rodeo Legend by Rebecca Winters
July 2010 Dexter: Honorable Cowboy by Marin Thomas
August 2010 Dusty: Wild Cowboy by Cathy McDavid
September 2010 Mark: Secret Cowboy by Pamela Britton
October 2010 Elly: Cowgirl Bride by Trish Milburn
November 2010 Jesse: Merry Christmas, Cowboy by Lynnette Kent
In honor of this exciting occasion we ran a Social Media Blitz Contest at www.harauthors.blogspot.com on June 6th. Next month on Friday July 16th we'll be running another One-Day-Only Media Blitz Contest.
Contest Scoop: One day each month, one of the authors in the continuity will post a blog at www.harauthors.blogspot.com and discuss her contribution to The Codys: First Family of Rodeo series. After reading the author's blog, post the link http://www.harauthors.blogspot.com/ the title of the book and the author's name to your Facebook, MySpace and/or Twitter pages as well as your favorite blogs.
The more places you post the link and mention the book and its author the more chances you have to win! You can earn additional chances to win if you refer a friend and they in turn post a link to their favorite social media websites and blogs. Be sure to return to www.harauthors.blogspot.com and tell us where you're spreading the word so we can keep a tally of your activity. Remember its one day only each month through November 2010!
Authors will be giving away prizes to several lucky winners. Your name will be entered into a drawing for each social media site you promote Harlequin American's Continuity The Codys: First Family of Rodeo and for each friend you contact who in turn spreads the word through their favorite networks. You have twenty-four hours to link us and win!
The author will post the winners in the comment section of her blog the following day--be sure to return to see if you're one of the lucky winners.
Mark your calendars for Friday July 16th and stop by http://www.harauthors.blogspot.com/ to join the fun! Marin Thomas will be giving away copies of her book Dexter: Honorable Cowboy--RT Book Reviews Top Pick for July 2010 along with a few cowboy goodies to several lucky winners.
June 2010 Walker: The Rodeo Legend by Rebecca Winters
July 2010 Dexter: Honorable Cowboy by Marin Thomas
August 2010 Dusty: Wild Cowboy by Cathy McDavid
September 2010 Mark: Secret Cowboy by Pamela Britton
October 2010 Elly: Cowgirl Bride by Trish Milburn
November 2010 Jesse: Merry Christmas, Cowboy by Lynnette Kent
In honor of this exciting occasion we ran a Social Media Blitz Contest at www.harauthors.blogspot.com on June 6th. Next month on Friday July 16th we'll be running another One-Day-Only Media Blitz Contest.
Contest Scoop: One day each month, one of the authors in the continuity will post a blog at www.harauthors.blogspot.com and discuss her contribution to The Codys: First Family of Rodeo series. After reading the author's blog, post the link http://www.harauthors.blogspot.com/ the title of the book and the author's name to your Facebook, MySpace and/or Twitter pages as well as your favorite blogs.
The more places you post the link and mention the book and its author the more chances you have to win! You can earn additional chances to win if you refer a friend and they in turn post a link to their favorite social media websites and blogs. Be sure to return to www.harauthors.blogspot.com and tell us where you're spreading the word so we can keep a tally of your activity. Remember its one day only each month through November 2010!
Authors will be giving away prizes to several lucky winners. Your name will be entered into a drawing for each social media site you promote Harlequin American's Continuity The Codys: First Family of Rodeo and for each friend you contact who in turn spreads the word through their favorite networks. You have twenty-four hours to link us and win!
The author will post the winners in the comment section of her blog the following day--be sure to return to see if you're one of the lucky winners.
Mark your calendars for Friday July 16th and stop by http://www.harauthors.blogspot.com/ to join the fun! Marin Thomas will be giving away copies of her book Dexter: Honorable Cowboy--RT Book Reviews Top Pick for July 2010 along with a few cowboy goodies to several lucky winners.
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