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Tuesday, July 29, 2014

It’s Not a Myth—and a Christmas in July Giveaway

By Kathleen Rice Adams

My first few months as a bona-fide fiction author have been quite a whirlwind. Between December 2013 and June 2014, I saw the publication of five 10,000-word short stories. Creating that much usable content in so short a time is a spritely clip for anyone, but for someone who works one full-time job and one part-time job—and, for a while, was caring for an invalid—the pace is a mite grueling.

I mention the above only to let other authors and aspiring authors know the myth of the bleary-eyed writer who exists on coffee and adrenaline while toiling away in hermit-like seclusion is not a myth. Such writers exist all over the world. Call us obsessive-compulsive, self-destructive, or just plain idiotic…but also call us happy. There’s nothing like wrestling ill-behaved fictional people into submission and seeing the results in print. Creating stories of all lengths fuels our very existence.

It’s true, you know: Some of us write not because we can, but because not writing would represent an emotional and intellectual death sentence.

The first novella-length story to emerge from the marathon writing jag was “Peaches,” which—like a first child—always will occupy a special place in my heart. Originally published in Prairie Rose Publications’ debut anthology Wishing for a Cowboy, it’s now available as a standalone read with a gorgeous cover created by PRP co-founder Livia Washburn Reasoner. Cheryl Pierson, PRP’s other co-founder, proved to be every author's dream as an editor. (Please buy a copy of Peaches. I’m begging you. Only if everyone on the planet succumbs to my totally self-serving plea will I ever be able to quit the day job and save what little remains of my sanity. At only 99 cents, it's a bargain. Really!)


Peaches
Running a ranch and fending off three meddlesome aunts leaves Whit McCandless no time, and even less patience, for the prickly new schoolmarm’s greenhorn carelessness. The teacher needs educating before somebody gets hurt.

Ruth Avery can manage her children and her school just fine without interference from some philistine of a rancher. If he’d pay more attention to his cattle and less to her affairs, they’d both prosper.

He didn’t expect to need rescuing. She never intended to fall in love.


Wishing for a Cowboy remains a source of great pride for everyone at PRP. Reviews were overwhelmingly positive, leaving all of us feeling a bit like Sally Field, seemingly awe-struck when she won the Best Actress Oscar for her role in 1984’s Places in the Heart: “You like me. You really like me.” (The quote is erroneous, but it’s punchier than what Field actually said.)

I’m more disposed to echo Sean Penn’s parody of Field’s quote when he won the 1996 Independent Spirit Award for Best Male Lead in Dead Man Walking: “You tolerate me. You really tolerate me.”

“Charlie’s Pie,” Livia J. Washburn’s story in WFAC, won the 2014 Peacemaker Award for Best Short Fiction. Considering her story competed head-to-head with one penned by legendary western author Jory Sherman, Livia’s win was quite an honor, and one she richly deserved. (Charlie’s Pie also is available now as a single.)

I hope to see the other four anthology stories I wrote over the past six months published as standalones, too. I’m equally proud of those. Please indulge me while I mention them.


“The Second-Best Ranger in Texas”
in Hearts and Spurs
His partner’s grisly death destroyed Texas Ranger Quinn Barclay. Cashiered for drunkenness and refusal to follow orders, he sets out to fulfill his partner’s dying request, armed only with a saloon girl’s name.

Sister María Tomás thought she wanted to become a nun, but five years as a postulant have convinced her childhood dreams aren’t always meant to be. At last ready to relinquish the temporary vows she never should have made, she begs the only man she trusts to collect her from a mission in the middle of nowhere.

When the ex-Ranger’s quest collides with the ex-nun’s plea in a burned-out border town, unexpected love blooms among shared memories of the dead man who was a brother to them both.

Too bad he was also the only man who could have warned them about the carnage to come.


 

“The Worst Outlaw in the West”

in Lassoing a Groom
Laredo Hawkins has one ambition: to redeem his family’s honor by pulling the first successful bank robbery in the Hawkins clan’s long, disappointing history. Spinster Prudence Barrett is desperate to save her family’s bank from her brother’s reckless investments. A chance encounter between the dime-novel bandit and the old maid may set the pair on a path to infamy…if either can find a map.








“The Big Uneasy”

in Lassoing a Mail-Order Bride
To escape the unthinkable with a man about whom she knows too much, New Orleans belle Josephine LaPierre agrees to marry a Texan about whom she knows nothing.

Falling in love with his brother was not part of her plan.









“Making Peace”

in Cowboy Cravings
After four long years in hell, Confederate cavalry officer Bennett Collier just wants to go home—assuming home still exists. Widowed Jayhawker Maggie Fannin will hold onto her home at any cost…even if she must face down the imposing Rebel soldier who accuses her of squatting. (Spicy.)






Peaches and ten other short, holiday-themed reads—plus three full-length novels and two boxed sets—are part of Prairie Rose Publications’ Christmas in July event. The complete list is available here.

Because I’m grateful to every reader who’s ever been kind enough (or brave enough) to give a debut author a chance, I’ll give away a copy of Peaches to two folks who comment today. Please don't forget to leave your email address.


Thank all of y’all for stopping by!


36 comments:

  1. Kathleen, I just love all your stories. Peaches really just grabbed me and hooked me right in. My favorite of all of your stories, I think, (if I had to choose just ONE) is The Second- Best Ranger in Texas. I could see that one being made into a movie at some point, and the characters...I can't even find the words. (And that's saying something, Tex!) Just an excellent story, and one that stays with you after reading it. I rarely go back and read a story because of time constraints, but I've re-read that one twice.

    I'm so glad you were the catalyst for Livia and me to take the plunge and get Prairie Rose Publications off the ground. (See what you did!???) LOL Just an excellent body of work in so short and time and I'm AHEM waiting for PG so we can get that first novel out there!

    Hugs,
    Cheryl

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    1. Hey -- y'all can't blame PRP on me! You two are the ones who lost your ever-lovin' minds and dove into publishing. :-D

      Seriously, though, I know a bunch of ladies who are extremely glad you and Livia founded your own publishing house. The Roses are a great gang of women, and I'm beyond proud to be the thorn in the bunch. ;-)

      Thank you for your kind words, Okie. They mean more than you can imagine, coming from an author and editor as prolific and talented as you are.

      Yes, I know: PRODIGAL GUN is past due. **skulking off to hide under desk**

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  2. Howdy Kathleen, yowzers, I'm tasting those peaches again right now. The PRP anthologies have been quite a ride, haven't they? I hear ya about skulking... I'm trying a New Adult right now but have to be realistic about how awful it truly is LOL. But...there's always another chance at PRP...the only publisher and editors who REALLY get it that authors have feelings too. Best of luck with your books, my friend! xoxox

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    1. YES! I agree the anthologies have been a wild ride, but the experience has been fun, hasn't it? I'm with you in appreciating the way Livia and Cheryl approach the business of publishing. Perhaps because both ladies are authors themselves, they've created something very special and "homey" for other women authors. I can't thank them enough.

      As for your new YA, I'm calling "bull" on the awful thing. You NEVER write awful stuff. Keep at it! :-)

      HUGS, sweetheart!

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  3. Your words are both calming and inspiring to other writers like me - someone no one has ever heard of...YET! Balancing writing with motherhood, family time, work and projects requires severe lack of sleep and a constant state of delirium, I feel certain! ;-) Looking forward to reading your work Kathleen, along with the works of other talented writers with the PRP!

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    1. Shayna, I can't wait to see a story from you. As devoted as you are to research and as well as you express yourself even in FB posts, I'm expecting great things.

      Keep at it, sweetie! I want to hear VERY SOON that you've submitted at least a short story for an upcoming anthology. :-)

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  4. Kathleen, I have read all the stories you mention and love them all. So very happy that you have found a great home for your creativity. We are all the beneficiaries. Here is to many, many more great reads. Doris

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    1. Doris, you've found a home for your creativity, as well! We're thrilled to have you among the Roses. Your debut story, HOME FOR HIS HEART, is at the top of my TBR pile (finally!). I can't wait to dive in and see what treasure you've set free.

      HUGS!!!!

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  5. Kathleen, you are so right about writers bleary eyes not being a myth. I remember when I started writing my historical novel (the one I'm busy translating in English now), I used to spend nights awake to write, particularly during the month I was on a sick leave, recovering from a surgery. My parents kept telling me: Liette, go to bed, it's late. And I kept telling them: Yes, right now. Of course, as soon as I saw that the light in their room was off, I got up and kept on writing.

    I'm happy you found such a place as PRP for your stories. And I'm dying to read Peaches... which is part of the anthology I won the other day. Sadly, the said anthology hasn't appeared on my doorstep yet (there must definitely be something wrong with Canada Post).

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  6. Oh good heavens! I am about to come unglued with Canada Post. Grrrrr... (I'll check to see where that package keeps disappearing. This is really aggravating.)

    I'm very happy to have found PRP, too, Liette. Maybe one of these days we'll see your translated novel? :-)

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    1. Well, you let me know what Canada Post says... I'm real curious. Seriously, it's not the first time it happens and I'm sure it won't be the last.

      I'm working like crazy on my novel. It's such a lot of fun to play with words again. It is just too bad I can't stay at it for too long at a time. But, the little bit I get done every day is simply wonderful. :)

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  7. Tex, I've gotta grab up my copy of PEACHES! It's such a wonderful story, and it's about time I read it again. Plus, I consider it saving the world from one wild writer at a time. :) I hear ya about writing and the day job. I worry I'm adding some of my cowboys to the ranch timeline.

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    1. Add all of your own cowboys you like to the ranch timeline Rustler. Just keep your sticky paws off everyone else's! :-D

      As for saving the world from wild writers? I think that battle's already lost. ;-)

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  8. Kathleen,

    You don't even mention all of the wonderful reviews you have written for so many western authors. I might add, exquisite reviews that will stay out there along with the publication for so many to review and read and decide whether or not to buy.

    I'm grateful and I KNOW others are as well.

    Congratulations on your stories and I am sure you will continue to be prolific!

    Charlie Steel

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    1. Aw, Charlie. You are such a sweetheart. Thank you for your kind words, my friend. I enjoy reading and reviewing westerns. Y'all keep me on my toes. :-D

      I haven't seen anything new from you in a while. When can we expect your next rousing, impeccably researched wild ride?

      HUGS, darlin'!

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  9. Kathleen, I have a couple of books downloaded with your stories and am looking forward to reading them. Congratulations on the success you've had with PRP. I'm looking forward to becoming one of their authors this fall because it seems like such a wonderful group.

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    1. Agnes, we're looking forward to the release of your upcoming book! Isn't it due to hit shelves in August or September? Cheryl mentioned it to me the other day, and it sounds like quite the read. Can't wait to see it.

      The Roses compose one of the finest groups of wild women you'd ever want to know. We're all crazy, but we have a lot of fun. :-)

      HUGS, sweetie!

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  10. I have enjoyed your stories I have read so far. I look forward to reading more. I had to chuckle at your description of yourself and your writing endeavors. I resemble that.....

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    1. Oh, Robyn, I feel for you, honey! No one's life should resemble mine. :-D

      I'm so glad you stopped by. I always love to see your smiling face and warm disposition. HUGS!!!!

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  11. Kathleen,

    I've read all of your stories, and I'm tapping my foot and peering over the top of my bifocals at you for making me wait for Prodigal Gun. bwahahaha! (not to worry, though, I told Cheryl I'd have a novel ready for her by, um, the end of July... Now I'm skulking off to hide under my desk. (Writing my PRP Halloween story sort of took precedence over tackling the novel's edits right now) ;-)

    Your statement - "Some of us write not because we can, but because not writing would represent an emotional and intellectual death sentence." - is so true for me. Even if I never see another one of my manuscripts published, I will continue writing to tell my stories. *shrugging* I can't NOT write.

    *hugs*

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    1. Scoot over under that desk, Kaye. I'll join you in the hidey hole. Cheryl's about to strangle me. **making self look small**

      It's funny how words and stories just grab us around the throat and refuse to turn loose, isn't it? Not funny-amusing, but funny-odd (in the same sort of way nuclear warheads are funny). "Fish gotta swim, birds gotta fly. Writers gotta write..." Wait. That's not how the song goes, is it? ;-)

      I can't wait to see your novel AND your Halloween short! I've really enjoyed your characters and plots and way with words so far. Get crackin'!

      HUGS, crazy woman!!!!

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  12. Kathleen,
    I'd never heard that Sean Penn quote. Love it. You're an extremely talented writer, both in blog form and fiction. When you hit your stride, we're all in trouble. No one will read our stuff anymore.

    Frankly (an ode to Tanya and her adverb post), I have no idea how you managed to crank out 5 stories in such a short period of time. It's truly impressive!

    I can't even pick a favorite of yours, they all have such great characterizations and descriptions. You excel at bringing together two people who, on the surface, really don't fit together. And you make it look effortless.

    I'm really looking forward to your novels, and I've no doubt you're obsessively working on the details until they're perfect, but perfection isn't necessary. Release them into the wild, or else they might eat you alive. And that wouldn't be good, because you have lots more to write, dearie.

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    1. Kristy, I keep thinking about your advice a few months ago: "They're just words on a page. Move on. You'll always have a chance to do better." That's golden. Now if I can just make myself embrace it... :-D

      You're one to talk about someone's else's work, young lady! I've always been impressed by yours. I still remember how well you hit the emotional notes in your "bird" books. I'm eager to see those when they're re-released. If they get any better, I don't know how the rest of us will manage to measure up. :-)

      That's one of the good things about the Roses, though, I think. We're very supportive of one another, and at the same time we challenge one another. It's a beautiful -- and beneficial -- dynamic, I think.

      BIG HUGS all the way Arizona!!!!

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    2. I've been quoted!! That doesn't happen too often. I think I'll make a graphic, LOL.

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  13. Well, Tex...you know exactly how I feel up here north of the Mason~Dixon, having been there every step o' the way in your amazing journey with you...Nonetheless, it bears repeating: I'm so dang proud o' you I could pop!

    {{Biggest hugs}},

    ~Owl

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    1. Oh dear. Who let a dang Yankee in here? Where is that lookout? I want him hogtied! :-P

      Yep, Owl, for a Yank and Reb, we've done okay, haven't we? Your second novel is due out next week, and I'm just tickled pink about that. I know you'll have many, many more success stories like the one you've had with NO GREATER GLORY, and you deserve every one of them :-)

      BIG HUGS!!!!

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  14. I love your stories. I hope I win. But, even if I don't I'll still be adding Peaches to my TBR list. mango8@msn.com

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    1. Hi, Alisa! It's so good to see you over here! I'll got you on the list, sweetheart. :-)

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  15. Kathleen,
    I love your stories and I am so glad that you did some ramrodding to help get PRP off the ground. I know that when there is any event that you are always on hand to help with all you can. Working a full time job and creating your wonderful stories is amazing. We all are glad that you so. bbromstyck@yahoo.com

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    1. Aw. Thank you, Lynda! I have a lot of fun with this rowdy gang. I haven't actually done any ramrodding. All that rabble-rousing can be laid at Cheryl's and Jacquie Rogers' feet. THEY'RE the misbehaved ones, not me. Haven't you notice my halo? ;-)

      I'm so glad you stopped by. You always brighten my day.

      HUGS!!!!

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  16. I need to pick two winners, don't I? All right. Drumroll, please!

    ...

    And the winners are: CHARLIE STEEL and ROBYN ECHOLS! Congratulations, y'all. :-)

    (Charlie, I'm afraid you've just been saddled with a western romance. It's short, though. Shouldn't be too painful. ;-) )

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  17. i miss all the competitionss as prp send me the email the following day its twelve noon on fri 30th and its only noe i had email off prp many authors have uk fans who would like to join in the reason i subscribed to emails was so i could find out the same day what was going on as i dont always have time to check the blog i thought it was a way of being kept updated obviously i was wrong please think about us non usa fans

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    1. Sally, you make an excellent point. We in the U.S. tend to forget not everyone in the world is on our time schedule. Thanks for reminding us! I'll send you a copy of PEACHES, and we'll remember to give our non-U.S. readers more time to chime in. Hope that works for you! :-)

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  18. Kathleen, your stories are amazing! Heartfelt, exciting, full of drama, humor, passion, and a true feel for the West. I love them!

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    1. Thank you, Lorrie! That means a LOT to me, coming from you. I've loved your stories since I encountered TERMS OF SURRENDER. After that, I had to read the whole series. I can't say enough good about them. When is your next historical due? Soon, I hope!

      BIG HUGS!!!!

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  19. I'm losing my mind. I thought I had come over here when it first posted to tell you how amazing you are, Kathleen. Your knowledge of the media is so helpful to all of us. I'm still learning these things. Mostly, you are one of the kindest supporters of all the roses and truly sincere. Best of all, you are a wonderful author whose stories are quirky and endearing. I don't know what we would ever do without you to guide us.

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