HAPPY NEW YEAR - WHAT'S NEXT?

Post by Doris McCraw aka Angela Raines

Photo property of the Author

Have you ever heard of the AdAMan club? It had its beginnings in 1922 when the "frozen five" decided to climb Pike's Peak and set off fireworks on New Year's Eve. From that first climb, they have added one person every year since. Now if you can imagine climbing from about 7000 feet to over 14,000 feet in the middle of winter carrying gear and fireworks that's what these folks do.

So, you may ask, what has this to do with 'What's Next?' It's the idea of building upon something that you have created. For many of us that is a writing career. So what are we going to be building in 2023?

New Year's is a time of resolutions, which I think are a waste of time, but people still write them down with the intent of making all these changes for the coming year. Maybe, we might want to think about taking what has worked and building upon that, much like the climb to the top of Pike's Peak in 1922.

Taking off in 2023
Photo Property of the Author

Taking a look at 2022, I spent some time with a couple of online conferences. There were online genealogy classes and other learning options. Growing that idea, I've created a 'living' document that I use to add classes, conferences, marketing options, etc. Now that it is started, I can add to it when something comes up. Once a week I look at the document to choose what I may want to add to my calendar.  

I am also all about supporting, sharing, and creating in ways that not only benefit me but also others. As we continue to carve out our careers looking at what we can do and build upon may be the best 'What's Next?'

Lastly, do I want to keep my website or transition to using a blog as a website or maybe even a Linktree option? Looks like more studying.

Of course, research, writing, and other creative endeavors will remain and grow. 

So I wish you all a wonderful 2023 and a glorious'What's Next?' 

For fun, some 'old' music as you plan your year.

Auld Lang Syne - Home Free

Let's Start the New Year Right - Bing Crosby

Happy New Year - The McGuire Sisters

Doris McCraw

And The Word For 2022 Is

 Post by Doris McCraw

writing as Angela Raines

Photo Property of the Author

A number of years ago a couple of friends and I would get together around the beginning of the new year. We would decide what our word of the year would be.

Fast forward to about a month ago, and I get this email that had the question 'Your word for the year'. Not only did it bring back lovely memories, but it also had some added questions.  As this new year begins, it seemed an opportune time to share the concept with others.

So what would your word for the year be? For me, the first one to pop up and stay was 'Joy'. So how does this work? Well, whenever I am looking to do something or have been asked to participate, I will take it through the filter of will it bring me joy.

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What was exciting was the pairing of the word for the year with making a list of things that you plan to include during the year. Not a resolution but what will fulfill your life and dreams.

So, what would your list look like, be it ten or more dreams? 

My list would include:

1. Finish hiking the trails in Garden of the Gods that I physically can.

2. Share my photography in ways that bring joy and some income

3. Start officiating weddings (Yes, I can do that, but ...)

4. Make up for the lack of published works by doubling down this year.

You get the idea. The above all sounds like fun to me.

We all have ways we plan out the new. As you head into the next phase of your year, what would your word be? What would be on your list?  

Until next time, have a pleasant journey through the following days, and all the best for your 2022.

Doris Gardner-McCraw -

Author, Speaker, Historian-specializing in
Colorado and Women's History

Books: Angela Raines Books

Angela Raines FaceBook: Click Here

RESOURCES I FIND USEFUL- PERHAPS YOU WILL ALSO

Post by Doris McCraw 

writing as Angela Raines

Photo property of the author

Here it is a New Year already. If you're like me it's a time of reflecting on what's gone before and preparing for what's to come. I thought I might combine both and pass on some resources I've used or will use in the future as I continue the author journey.

A number of years ago I spent many an hour listening to Bill Moyers interview Joseph Campbell. Campbell is known for his work on "The Hero's Journey", "The Power of the Myth" and "The Hero with a Thousand Faces". While all his work is fascinating, "The Hero's Journey" is the one most quoted, the most familiar. If you've watched "Star Wars" you've taken the hero's journey with Luke Skywalker. If you've watched "The Adventures of Merlin" you've taken the hero's journey with Merlin. (This is not to say women don't make the same journeys. Think "Xena, Warrior Princess".

Campbell is quoted as saying in the book, "Joseph Campbell, The Hero's Journey, Joseph Campbell on His Life and Work"    "You know, I didn't write my books for critics and scholars. I wrote them for students and artists. When I hear how much my work has meant to them - well, I can't tell you how happy it makes me. That means that this great stuff of myth, which I have been s privileged to work with, will be kept alive or a whole new generation. That's the function of the artist, you know, to reinterpret the old stories and make them come alive again, in poetry, painting, and now movies." (and I would add books)

Photo property of the author

Most say the journey is composed of twelve stages. 

1. Ordinary world 2. Call to Adventure 3.Refusal of the Call 4.Meeting the Mentor 5. Crossing the First Threshold  6. Tests, Allies, Enemies  7. Approach to the Innermost Cave  8. Ordeal  9. Reward  10. The Road Back  11. Resurrection  12.  Return with the Elixer

With my background in theater and film, the three-act structure is almost second nature. 

1. Introduction of the characters and conflict  2. Develops the story, heightened drama, twists, and turns 3. Final confrontation, climax, and conclusion.

Although I may not always use all the above options, I think they follow the natural flow of a person's story. When I find a story idea, I tend to think in terms of the above structures. 

To continue the idea of the hero/heroine's journey, Steven Pressfield, in his book, "The Artist's Journey", writers have already taken the journey. He lists the stages of the journey a follows:

1. The Ordinary World,  2.  The Call,  3. Refusal of the Call,  4. The Mentor Appears,  5.  Crossing the Threshold,  6.  Trials and Tribulations, Friends, Foes,  7.  Primal Ordeal,  8. The Payoff,  9.  Getting Our,  10.  Resurrection,  11.  A Gift for the People.

Pressfield contends that prior to our writing we have taken and completed the journey. It is the journey that has allowed us to write. It is our gift for the people. 

So where do the ideas come from? For me, they may be the 'what if' for a minor character in a story I've read. It could have been an article in an old newspaper or history book. It could even be a snippet from a television show or movie. There are ideas all around, even your home town or family stories.

Here are some books, tools, and ideas you may find useful.

The interview between Moyers and Campbell and/or any book by Campbell

"Fill-in-the-Blank Plotting by Linda George

Although I've not used it, friends have spoken of the software 'Plottr'

I hope some of these resources will spark anew your desire to tell the stories only you can tell. The world needs them. Here's to a year of creativity and fun as we all take this 'author' journey. Please share any readings or resources you have used. Sharing is one of the ways I learn since time is not always on my side. <Smile>

Doris Gardner-McCraw -

Author, Speaker, Historian-specializing in
Colorado and Women's History

Angela Raines - author: Telling Stories Where Love & History Meet

Books: Angela Raines Books

Legacy -The Beginning?

 Post by Doris McCraw writing as Angela Raines

Photo property of the author

As this year 2020 winds to an end my mind reflects on endings. The long-running show 'Supernatural' came to an end in November. Now you may ask what a television show has to do with endings, with legacies. There was a line in one of the early shows in which the writer, Chuck, says "No doubt endings are hard, but then again, nothing ever really ends." after which the character disappears from the screen.

The end of that line "...nothing ever really ends." is what brought the thought of legacies to the forefront.

So what is a legacy? The online dictionary has among its definitions: a thing handed down by a predecessor.

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We are those predecessors for those who will come after us. What are we leaving. As authors, our work will live on past us. To me, that is a very good thing. But we have more to offer, don't we?

Perhaps all the hours of researching the lives of pioneers, inventors, farmers, lawmen, and ladies of the evening, especially this year, has made me aware of what we have. We can still access old books, diaries, and letters. In this digital age, what are we going to be able to leave to those who come after us? What do we want them to know?

I'll be taking a look at, and sharing some of those 'legacies' over the next month or so. The lure is just too strong as I move toward 2021 and another year to my chronological age. It's the human aspect, the errors, and the following corrections that give me hope. No one is perfect but who we are is important. Share your stories, write those books, and give of your time to what is important to you. That is a wonderful legacy, and then as the line says, "...nothing ever really ends."

Photo property of the author

I share my walks and photos online, Will they go away, perhaps someday, but for now I can share with those who don't have the options I have. I also appreciate all that you have shared with me on my journey. The larger legacy, we are all in this together and I've loved the company.

Doris Gardner-McCraw -

Author, Speaker, Historian-specializing in
Colorado and Women's History

Angela Raines - author: Telling Stories Where Love & History Meet

Books: Angela Raines Books

NEW YEAR - NEW/OLD IDEAS

Post by Doris McCraw
writing as Angela Raines

Photo property of the author

First post of 2020. So what kind of year will it be? One of the writing prompts from the December 26 improv writing session was, "What do you want to accomplish in 2020?" Well, I wrote, "I want to finish this blasted book."

You see I've been working on a book that I hope to finish and submit soon. It is a story that has taken on a life of its own and I've been learning so much about the characters. That is one of the reasons for the delay. I want to make sure their story is told the best I can tell it.

In the meantime, I continue to read and perform as Helen. In honor of the New Year, I want to share a poem of hers that resonated with me. Additionally, I like to share what I garnered from her writing practices that may be helpful. I'll start with the poem.

Photo property of the author

New Year's Morning
by Helen Hunt Jackson

Only a night from old to new!

Only a night, and so much wrought!

The Old Year's heart all weary grew,

But said: "The New Year rest has brought."

The Old Year's hopes its heart laid down,

"The blossoms of the New Year's crown

As in a grave; but, trusting, said: Bloom from the ashes of the dead."

And cried: "I have not half I need.

The Old Year's heart was full of greed; With selfishness it longed and ached,

True love it shall understand;

My thirst is bitter and unslaked. But to the New Year's generous hand All gifts in plenty shall return;

I was a slave; it shall go free,

By all my failures it shall learn. I have been reckless; it shall be Quiet and calm and pure of life.

The Old Year had its work to do;

And find sweet peace where I leave strife." Only a night from old to new! Never a night such changes brought. No New Year miracles are wrought.

All nights are sacred nights to make

Always a night from old to new! Night and the healing balm of sleep! Each morn is New Year's morn come true, Morn of a festival to keep. Confession and resolve and prayer;

Each sunrise sees a new year born.

All days are sacred days to wake New gladness in the sunny air. Only a night from old to new; Only a sleep from night to morn.

The new is but the old come true;

Each sunrise sees a new year born.

What I learned from Helen's writing and business practices

1. Helen would rise and start writing around 5 AM and continue until about Noon every day of the week, unless she was feeling ill.

2. When she wrote "Ramona" she spent eight months in a hotel in New York writing the story. (Remember this was hand written)

3. If a publisher did not want to pay her what she thought her work was worth, she would find someone who would.

4. She kept a journal where she would track her submission and what she was paid for them.

5. Helen started writing late in life, but the amount of work she turned out was amazing

6. Helen observed the world around her, vividly writing about the people, places and things she saw. 

7. Helen did not limit her work to just one genre. She wrote poetry, essays, novels and of course non-fiction books. 

8. Helen not only read other authors, she reviewed their works and encouraged others to put their work out into the world. (This also included her friend, Emily Dickenson)

So there you have what I've garnered from my study of Helen (Hunt) Jackson. I find her a great role model.

I wish all of you the very best in 2020, that your stories find their readers, that your fingers fly across your keyboards, and you find joy in the books you read. I also thank each and every one of you for the continued support and ro Prairie Rose Publications for bringing our stories out into the world.

Doris Gardner-McCraw -

Author, Speaker, Historian-specializing in
Colorado and Women's History


Angela Raines - author: Where Love & History Meet



Books: Angela Raines Books

Angela Raines FaceBook: Click Here

Should old acquaintance be forgot... by Kaye Spencer

2018 is just around the corner. Only eighteen days away, in fact. While I don't have traditions attached to seeing the old year out and the new year in, a good many people around the world will sing a rousing rendition of Robert Burns' Auld Lang Syne in the midnight hour as an optimistic welcome to the New Year and as a sentimental tribute to the Old Year.

But did you know that Robert Burns didn't write the poem for which he is well-known? He wrote down the lyrics to an old Scottish folk song and added to it, which is not unlike Francis Scott Key repurposing the tune of an English tavern ballad then adding the lyrics that became the Star Spangled Banner.

According to the website, "Poems for the New Year", Burns wrote this in a letter to a friend:

“There is an old song and tune which has often thrilled through my soul. You know I am an enthusiast in old Scotch songs. I shall give you the verses on the other sheet... Light be the turf on the breast of the heaven-inspired poet who composed this glorious fragment! There is more of the fire of native genius in it than in half a dozen of modern English Bacchanalians.”

Another tidbit from this website explains, "Though the history of the authorship of the poem is labyrinthine and disputed, Burns is generally credited with penning at least two original stanzas to the version that is most familiar to revelers of the New Year."

Here are the first two, familiar, stanzas as Burns recorded them:

Auld Lang Syne by Robert Burns

    Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
    And never brought to mind?
    Should auld acquaintance be forgot,
    And auld lang syne!

    Chorus.-For auld lang syne, my dear,
    For auld lang syne.
    We’ll take a cup o’ kindness yet,
    For auld lang syne.

So, from me, in southeastern Colorado, to you, wherever you may be on New Years Eve, here is a bagpipe presention of Auld Lang Syne performed by the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.

Until next year,

Kaye Spencer

Website/Blog- http://www.kayespencer.com
Instagram - kayespencer
Twitter - http://www.twitter.com/kayespencer
Pinterest - http://www.pinterest.com/kayespencer
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/kayespencer23
Amazon - http://www.amazon.com/author/kayespencer
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/kayespence
Prairie Rose Publications - http://prairierosepublications.com/
YouTube Channel - http://www.youtube.com/user/kayespencer?feature=mhee

References:
Poems for the New Year - https://www.poets.org/poetsorg/text/poems-new-year
Robert Burns - http://www.robertburns.org/
Image: Morguefile.com (by 5demayo)

Cleaning Out and Starting Fresh by Sarah J. McNeal

My street a couple winters back

I know everyone is making a few resolutions, or maybe just thinking what they want to do to change things for a new year and a fresh start. We all know we can start fresh any time we want to whether it’s January, June, or September—just any time we take a notion. Well, I’ve decided the beginning of the year is a good time to clean out my closets, throw away, re-purpose, or donate stuff I’ve been hanging onto for years—like that sequined, long, chiffon skirt I never wore, and to free up my mind as well. Honestly, it's too cold outside now to do anything out there. It hasn't snowed here like it has for some of you, but it’s still winter now and I am not venturing out to do yard work, so I’ll have to settle for some indoor work.

You may not believe it, but I have an old VHS tape player and over a hundred videos to play on it. Now I’ll grant you, I cannot afford to replace all those videos with DVDs, but I am tired of hanging onto them thinking I might want to watch them one last time. Forget it. I’m donating the player and all those videos along with all those clothes I’ll never wear. Besides, I need the hangers anyway. Now that I have Netflix, I probably don’t need to hang on to all those DVDs, either, but let’s just say I’m taking baby steps here.

Toys and PEZ dispensers

I’ll confess I’m a collector of ridiculous things like PEZ dispensers and Minions—okay, toys actually. I say I’m gonna quit, but my nephew ends up getting me a new PEZ and, well, who can resist a new PEZ? Unlike some collectors, I don’t care if they’re going to be worth something someday. All I care about is they’re fun to look at today. I don’t think there’s a room in my house that doesn’t have a PEZ dispenser lurking somewhere. I even have some of the PEZ chewing gum dispensers like the monkey, whale, and pig.

Some of my teapots

I also collect whirligigs, teapots, and cookie cutters. I have some awesome ones that are very old and some new ones that are just so cool. I haven’t found a Big Foot one yet, but alert me if you ever come across one. I also am very fond of old kitchen utensils like ice picks and egg beaters. Since I still have the original pink wall oven from 1957, I’ve come to like the retro look. No granite countertops and stainless steel appliances for me—not until that oven dies anyway.

A few of my cookie cutters and retro kitchen utensils 

As for Minion toys, they just make me laugh. I’m certain my nephew has caught on to my new craze because he just sent me a picture of all the Minion items they have for sale at Target today. I like other toys, too, like dinosaurs, whistles, bubble blowing devices, and marbles.

I have collected other things like Netsuke, but mine were all ivory. Because I don’t want to promote killing elephants or any other creature, my conscience wouldn’t let me continue collecting them even though mine are antiques. A Netsuke, by the way, is a Japanese figure used to act as a slide knot on a pouch that holds things like pens and ink or some such items to use during the day.

I am a Pinterest addict, but I’ll confess right here and now that I have no intention what-so-ever of giving it up. That’s probably my biggest confession. Next thing you know I’ll be attending those 12 step meetings. “Hello, my name is Sarah and I’m a Pinterestaholic.” There is something about looking at neat pictures, beautiful scenes, interesting people and things I wish for that just brings me a quiet, peaceful, satisfied mind.

Well that’s it on confessions and cleaning out my mind and closets. What dark secrets or things are you holding onto?

Sarah J. McNeal is a multi-published author of several genres including time travel, paranormal, western and historical fiction. She is a retired ER and Critical Care nurse who lives in North Carolina with her four-legged children, Lily, the Golden Retriever and Liberty, the cat. Besides her devotion to writing, she also has a great love of music and plays several instruments including violin, bagpipes, guitar and harmonica. Her books and short stories may be found at Prairie Rose Publications and its imprints Painted Pony Books, and Fire Star Press. She welcomes you to her website and social media:

Website 

My Amazon Author’s Page

Facebook

Twitter

The Wildings

Fantasy and Dreams Blog

Sweethearts of the West

Prairie Rose Publications Blog

New Year's Unresolutions

Sarah McNeal is a multi-published author of several genres including time travel, paranormal, western and historical fiction. She is a retired ER nurse who lives in North Carolina with her four-legged children, Lily, the Golden Retriever and Liberty, the cat. Besides her devotion to writing, she also has a great love of music and plays several instruments including violin, bagpipes, guitar and harmonica. Her books and short stories may be found at Publishing by Rebecca Vickery, Victory Tales Press, Prairie Rose Publications and Painted Pony Books, and Fire Star Press, imprints of Prairie Rose Publications. She welcomes you to her website at

Website 

My Amazon Author’s Page

                                            New Year Resolutions?—Forget It!

Resolutions are not my thing.  Oh, I’ve given them a try many times in the past but I can say, without reservation, that I have never kept a single New Year resolution. 

Seems like a good way to start the year though with a fresh outlook and new goals.  Trouble is I just reach too high or expect too much.  So, over the years I have developed a different kind of New Year resolution—or unresolution, if you will.  They are my New Year Intentions.

Intensions are different.  They are about the inner self, about attitude and growth from the inside.  Intentions are about how I want to improve my way of connecting with others and how I want to treat people—even people I don’t like or don’t like me.  Yep.  There are actually people who don’t like me.  Can you imagine that?

So, here are a few of my New Year Intentions:

Forgive everyone every day.

Let go of the things that happened in the previous year that made me sad.

Find something positive in everyone I meet or know no matter how they feel about me or treat me.

Show respect for all people, no matter how low their circumstances.

Accept compliments without negating them.

Love more and hate less.

Volunteer for something that is important to me.

I wish for everyone a year filled with hope, joy, prosperity and love.

Last year we had a wonderful Valentine anthology, Hearts And Spurs . My contribution was Hollow Heart which is now for sale as a single.
This story takes place in the aftermath of World War II.

Lost love and the hope for possibilities

Blurb:

Madeline Andrews is a grown up orphan. Sam Wilding made her feel part of his life, his family and swore he’d come home to her when the war ended, but he didn’t return. With the Valentine’s Ball just days away, the Wildings encourage Madeline to move forward with her life and open her heart to the possibilities.  But Madeline is lost in old love letters and can’t seem to let go.

Excerpt:

February 13, 1946

    Madeline Andrews opened the cedar box of letters from Sam Wilding once again. Dinah Shore sang Laughing on the Outside on the radio that sat on her dresser. Snow flurries drifted by the window and added to the foot of snow already accumulated on the ground. The letters, although worn from their travel across the many miles from the war in Europe and her frequent readings, brought her a small amount of comfort. The lingering smell of cedar, leather, some foreign place, and Sam’s particular scent wafted in the air as she lifted the last letter gently from its envelope. It was dated June 4, 1945—the day before the invasion of Normandy.

 My Darling Madeline,

I can’t tell you where we’re headed, but I hear it’s something big and probably dangerous. Don’t worry though; you know how tough I am. I’m used to sleeping under the stars on hard ground and chasing after big animals who don’t want to cooperate. I think I can handle a few Germans.

Buy Links:
for Hollow Heart
 B&N NOOK
SMASHWORDS
AMAZON

Buy Links forHearts and Spurs
Valentine Anthology
AMAZON KINDLE
AMAZON PAPERBACK


Give Away Alert!!!
I will be giving a digital copy of Hollow Heart to someone who comments.

   

SETTING PROJECT GOALS FOR 2015..........By Gail L. Jenner

Okay, so it's now 2015......

Weren't we just "getting ready for Y2K?"  Every year since 2000, my husband and I have looked at each other and remarked on how quickly the years have gone by. And now it's another new year: WOW!

Of course, talking about New Year's goals is inevitable. With every January, we hear about what others have set as their project goals: perhaps to lose weight or find a new job or get that clothes closet or attic cleaned up and out, yada yada.....

BUT, for writers, the goal-setting process seems to take on a whole new level of importance...good grief, writing a 250 page novel doesn't just "happen" for most of us. Even plotting or developing a good storyline is about PLANNING.....

Clearly then, setting goals, or objectives, are a necessary part of the writing process, right? But do they have to be carved in stone? Does that work for every writer?  If only....

It certainly doesn't work well for me.

At the same time, those long range plans are always "out there!" And they may be pie in the sky, but they are part of the drive or motivation needed behind clicking those keys and digging through stores of research material to find just that unique detail or storyline....

Ideally, writers ought to limit the number of goals or project ideas they pursue....however......

I'm guilty of taking the "shotgun" approach in developing writing projects. I seem to have a natural inclination to try my hand at everything, or at least dabble in more than one genre at a time.  Is that wise? I used to think it was foolish; even now I admire those single-minded writers who work diligently on one project until it's well-honed and ready for publication.

However, I've also come to know myself well enough to recognize that I am not a linear writer. It would be nice if I started with project A, went to B, then finished with C. Unfortunately, I might start with project A -- clearly motivated and focused -- then suddenly deviate and jump over to C, D, or even E before returning to # B!

Anyone else find themselves jumping into a variety of projects in the course of any given year? 

In the last few years, I've given myself permission to accept/work on a variety of things all at the same time, including smaller projects (ie: essays, short stories) and a number of larger projects (ie: novel/book/script). And if I try to deny myself the luxury -- or folly -- of working on multiple projects during the same time span I often get stymied and end up producing less in the long run.

Thus I have learned to accept my rather unorthodox methodology even while developing a strategy and long-range plan for myself. I've come to accept that my lifestyle (ranching, teaching, babysitting grandkids, gardening, etc.) frequently keeps me from maintaining a rigorous and predictable writing schedule, and I'm "okay" with that. I don't beat myself up if I don't write, ie: 4 hours a day, everyday.

I've given myself permission to paint outside the lines by accepting my individual limitations and peculiarities. So what do my goals/objectives look like? How do I identify what it is I will achieve this year?

My approach is fairly simple:

1. I keep a calendar and I monitor my time by making use of the odd hours where I can work quietly on my more serious projects. I also make use of the more random hours where I squeeze in work that is easier to finish.

2. I identify/enumerate deadlines for myself. Some are imposed deadlines, eg: the three monthly historical essays I write for Jefferson Public Radio/NPR; the blog I write for Prairie Rose each month; and the historical article I write for the regional publication Jefferson Backroads every month. Others are for deadlines I seek out, eg: for short story contests or anthologies (like the PRP collections). A few are merely exercises in writing that I suspect or hope will be fleshed out sometime in the future. These often become my project goals for the future.

3. I collect and file notes and thoughts for the various nonfiction projects I am planning to pitch sometime in the future. I don't labor over these things, but keep them close at hand.

4. I write in the wee morning hours and sometimes in the midnight hours on bigger projects so that I'm less likely to be interrupted. Maybe I don't zip through them, but I keep moving forward. And when I can't concentrate as much as I'd like, I start with revisions or some specific research questions, then wend my way back into my story. In this way, I don't waste time staring at the blank page!


So, how do we establish our individual writing goals for 2015? How do we isolate those things that seem to be coming to the surface? I suppose some writers find it easier to develop a strong master plan with goals 1, 2, or 3 all spelled out and posted to the wall.

However, my over-riding motivation to write and my unquenchable love of writing have more sway in the evolution of my yearly goals than a constructed or rigid list of goals.

* * * * * * * *

Gail L. Jenner is the author of two novels, including ACROSS THE SWEET GRASS HILLS,   WINNER of the WILLA Literary Award from Women Writing the West, recently re-released by Prairie Rose Publications.

She has coauthored five nonfiction regional histories, and has contributed to a number of anthologies, including Prairie Rose's LASSOING A BRIDE, PRESENT FOR A COWBOY, and the upcoming Valentine's anthology, COWBOY KISSES. Her work has been published in numerous women's and Christian publications, including Better Homes & Gardens, Everyday With Rachel Ray, Country Woman, Range, Parenting Teenagers, Living with Teens, Keys for Kids, Decision, and more. Her second novel, BLACK BART: THE POET BANDIT, placed in the Jack London Novel Contest.