Loving the West

Doris is right. Writing does feel good. It's something that you have to do. You can't put it aside, or it looms over you. It's a constant learning process - one I know will never end. I think that's what makes it so exciting.

I've been planning out my WIP not only on the computer, but driving down the road, talking with my husband, or walking through the grocery isle. Ideas just pop up at the oddest times. I love to sit at the computer and immerse myself in the West, or crack open the myriad of books on the many subjects of the 19th century (my favorite time period). Characters, places, and events are constantly appearing up on new websites. I just can't get enough!

Summertime

As I write this I keep thinking of the song Summertime from Porgy and Bess. That piece, along with the whole opera, was ahead of its' time in many ways. As writers I wonder how many times we are willing to be ahead of our time or do we stay with the tried and true?

There is something comforting about what we know and knowing we usually do it well. Still for me there is that small voice that says 'go ahead give it a try'. In many ways that voice has allowed me to do many things I may never have thought of. I wrote my first murder mystery play because someone said can you do it and I said yes. The same went for the one woman show I wrote and performed over ten years ago.

Now I am returning to my writing roots. It feels good, but am I ready to write what I feel I need to say or will I go with what is popular? As I plant the seeds of my future garden in this summer heat, I do hope they will grow to be useful. If not, at least I had fun tending the garden.

Doris McCraw

Linda Sandifer - New Book Now Available

My new book, The Last Rodeo, is now available. You can order it from your favorite bookstore or through Barnes and Noble online, as well as Amazon. If you'd like an autographed copy, contact me personally at linda@linda-sandifer.com . Here's the cover and back cover blurb:

The long road home --

Dev Summers wants nothing more than to quit the grind of the rodeo and return to his grandfather's Nevada ranch. At thirty-five, and battling serious injuries, his decision to retire from professional bull riding thrusts him into conflict with his freewheeling dad and brother. . .and into the arms of July Jones, a woman he dare not love.

Running from a failed marriage and an empty life, July is searching for meaning to her existence. She seeks sanctuary at the ranch with Dev, her long-time friend and confidante. As she struggles with her own inner conflict and her growing desire to be more than Dev's friend, she becomes the catalyst that sets his family on a course they did not seek, nor could have foreseen. But before their broken lives can mend, tragedy and a murderous plot will force them to face what they have become.

Filled with heartbreak, passion, and hope, The Last Rodeo, is an enthralling story of love, regret, conviction, and the unforgettable journey of a family in transition.

"Great story-telling, a stunning sense of place. . .one of the finest and most authentic western novels to come along in ages." Irene Bennett Brown, author of The Bargain

"The Last Rodeo brings the world of professional bull riders into sharp focus--the swagger, the glory, the danger, the pain--along with the pride and heartache of the women who love them." Dee Marvine, author of The Lady Rode Bucking Horses


Strathaven Books
ISBN 978-0-9816332-0-6
U.S. $16.95
www.linda-sandifer.com
http://lindasandifer.blogspot.com