Kate Condie - Writer Interview

Post (C) Doris McCraw

aka Angela Raines

Kate Condie via Amazon Author Page

A fascinating and enlightening interview with Kate Condie. Fans will enjoy her background and new readers can look forward to some great stories.

Do you write for the market or yourself?

I definitely want to sell books, so I try to keep the market in mind, but I would say I write more for myself. I put too much time into my stories to write ones I’m not completely in love with. How grueling would that be?!

I think where I try to use the market would be in my blurbs and titles. I like to use what I call “Trope-y titles”. It’s exactly what it sounds like; I list things like “Cowboy” or “Bandit” in the title. This way when someone is looking for a cowboy romance, they can clearly see mine is a great option.

Same for my blurb, I call out the parts of my book that are trending at the moment. A blurb can be changed rather easily, but a genuine book cannot.

What life experiences influenced your writing?

My grandparents have this cabin in Wyoming. It’s a few miles away from a ghost town called Kirwin. Throughout my life, I’ve taken many trips to that town and read the signs telling about the town’s mining history. I read about how the town’s remoteness required many miners to mail-order brides. I just HAD to figure out a scenario that would be severe enough that a woman would agree to be a mail-order bride. I decided she’d have to literally be facing death to agree to a marriage sight unseen. By the time I started writing my book “A Winter’s Vow,” I had already worked out most of the bride’s situation and personality. The story just flew from my fingertips. It is still the easiest book I’ve ever written. I think the story was just in me for so long begging to be released

Amazon

Where did you get the idea for your latest release?

I often work backward in my idea process. In the case of my latest release, I had this idea to send a family of brothers west. I wanted the first book to conclude at the start of the trail, which meant they would have to be a couple with history, but I also wanted enough content for an entire book so that history had to be disrupted in some way.

I toyed with the idea that the female main character would have forgotten their love in an amnesia type of scenario, so the male character would have to win her heart all over again. He would already be all in, and she would logically know that this man is good for her, all she needs is to FEEL the love that used to be there.

I thought, what if they were more than just in love? What if they were engaged, and she’d forgotten everything? Heartbreaking! I ran with that for a bit, but I wanted more. So I thought, what if they were married? But remember, I’m writing in the past, and back then a woman was literally her husband’s property.

So I came up with the idea that theirs was a secret marriage and she lost her memory before anyone else learned what they’d done. So our hero would be the only person in the book to know the truth. And he’d be disinclined to “trap” her with the information until he was sure she wanted to be married to him again. He wants a woman at his side because she loves him, not because she belongs to him.

So there we have “To Win His Wife”, a husband trying to win a woman who already is his wife.

Amazon

Care to share your writing routine?

My day-to-day routine is waking up before my kids and writing every morning. If I have a deadline I’m trying to meet, I sometimes do a 6-hour workday on Saturday while my husband takes the kids somewhere.

As far as the writing process goes, I consider myself more of a pantster, at least in regards to the plot. I write character-heavy books and before I write, I have a good idea of who my characters are; their past, their wounds, their secret dreams. As I write, their needs or personalities influence the direction the story takes. Meaning, that the trouble they get into is either self-inflicted or author-inflicted to induce growth.

I love it when I get an idea and try to plug it into my manuscript, but I can’t because I know the character would never do that thing. Those are the times when I know I’ve got a well-fleshed-out character.

 Do you research while writing or before?

When I first started writing, I tried to write a historical book and got too caught up in the research to write much of anything. So I went back to contemporary romance. It was only when I decided to write a historical romance about an area and history I was already familiar with that I had the confidence to write until the end.

Now, I do some research before I start writing, but I am no historian. I’m a Google-as-needed author. If I have an idea that needs historical details, I’ll read a website or two to get a feel for the events and attitudes, but then I close that tab and get going on the writing part.

To me, a story is about the characters’ growth. A reader isn’t there to see what happens to the land after a tornado hits it, they’re there to see what the people do after their lives have literally been turned upside down. I don’t think human emotions have changed all that much (if at all) since the beginning of time. They say write what you know, so I prefer to focus on the human experience.

That being said, I read to escape and I think being transported to another time in history is icing on the cake. Also, I adore learning about history through fiction, so I am deeply grateful for the authors who share their knowledge of history through well-researched novels.

Amazon

What advice would you give to those who dream of writing, or what advice would you give your younger self?

It’s never too late to chase your dreams. When I was in college and deciding on a major, I was far too pragmatic to pursue art as a career. I never would have pictured myself as a writer.

I believe there are seasons in life and it’s okay if the timing wasn’t right before, or even if it isn’t quite right at the moment. Life is long (in a good way!) and as long as we’re deliberate, we can accomplish the things that are important to us.

What books or authors inspired you?

I am from Southern Oregon and when a friend told me about a book series written in Northern California, I was excited to read it. I’d visited the area loads of times and it was so fun to picture familiar places as I read. The series was Virgin River by Robyn Carr. The only downside (for me) was that there was too much heat for my preference. I kept thinking, “I could write this without the sex.” I think all of us writers are cocky like that at some point.

I started writing and realized just how difficult it is. But after a few manuscripts, I found my groove. I wrote a few contemporary romances, similar to Carr’s, but clean. Then I tried my hand at historical romance and discovered that’s where my heart is.

Thank you, Kate, for sharing your writing journey and process. Fans and new readers alike can learn a lot.

Until Next Time: Stay safe, Stay happy, and Stay healthy. 

Doris

 

"Dreams" by H. H.

Post by Doris McCraw

aka Angela Raines

It is no secret I love poetry. Not just reading but also writing it. In my journey with Helen Hunt Jackson, I've had the privilege to read and recite her poetry. She inspired my journey of three years of writing Haiku and posting it with a photo. I eventually published a book of Haiku and Helen is the reason.

One analysis is that the poem is satirical in nature. I can see that, but for me, it is about our actions and how they affect what we dream. Her last line: 'we forever choose what we will dream!' reinforces that idea. 

Below is the poem. How do you see it?

Dreams

Helen Hunt Jackson

Mysterious shapes, with wands of joy and pain,

Which seize us unaware in helpless sleep,

And lead us to the houses where we keep

Our secrets hid, well barred by every chain

That we can forge and bind: the crime whose stain

Is slowly fading ’neath the tears we weep;

Dead bliss which, dead, can make our pulses leap—

Oh, cruelty! To make these live again!

They say that death is sleep, and heaven’s rest

Ends earth’s short day, as, on the last faint gleam

Of sun, our nights shut down, and we are blest.

Let this, then, be of heaven’s joy the test,

The proof if heaven be, or only seem,

That we forever choose what we will dream!

Much like poetry, the words we write may have special meaning to us, but our readers might see or feel something else. For me, that is the joy of writing, touching the emotions of the reader. It is my goal that they finish and have a sense of being a part of the story they've just read. 

How do you see your writing?

Amazon - Kindle Edition

For anyone interested, I have a monthly substack newsletter: Thoughts and Tips on History if you wish to read or subscribe.

Until Next Time: Stay safe, Stay happy, and Stay healthy. 

Doris

WHY BLOG?

Post by Doris McCraw

aka Angela Raines

PHOTO  (C) DORIS McCRAW

June is almost over. For most of us, we are more than halfway through the year. I like to take the time to take stock of where I am in my plans and goals.

Perhaps you’ve asked yourselves these same questions. Am I on target in our writing? How about that ‘blessed’ thing called marketing? How does blogging, and the time it takes, fit into all that? Why blog if no one reads or comments on what I’ve taken the time to think, research and write about? I rethink this every year, asking myself the same thing, why blog?

For me, the answer is a bit complex. I’ll break it down into three sections. 1. Marketing 2. Research and 3. Name recognition, (the one that’s a bit tricky for me.)

1. Marketing:

If we write stories, be they short, flash, or full-length, we want people to read them. Even with non-fiction, we want the information to get to those who might enjoy what we’ve researched and written.

For someone like me, who writes slowly, there can be a long time between the various stories. Added to that, I write fiction in two historical genres: Western and Medieval. I love both equally. You add to that the poetry I write, along with non-fiction work, and it gets busy. Facebook can only do so much, as well as emails. Plus, how do you expand your readership? To me, blogging is one of those ways.

I realize not everyone will like what I write, despite my desire that they do. At the same time, finding those readers who will like my work, is a challenge. It helps to use all the options at my disposal, and blogging is one of those for me.

Photo (c) by author

2. Research:

This is probably the primary reason I blog. I want to share the research I have done with others. History and the people who made it are a compulsion for me. To tell the stories of the people and places from history is something I want to do. I don’t want those pieces from the past to be lost. The nice thing about blogs, especially with the tags, your posts are available via searches almost forever.

For close to ten years I’ve been researching the story of a Colorado criminal. I haven’t written much about him, for he has been hiding the rest of his story. Since the Pikes Peak Library History Symposium presentation on June 9 of this year, I’ve started telling his story via the written word. In fact, I recently submitted the paper based on the presentation for possible publication in the book the library will publish on the topic, Remarkable Rascals, Despicable Dudes and Hidden Heroes.

The other research that’s important for me to share is the story of the early women doctors in Colorado. While ‘Doc Susie’ is a part of that story, it has been slanted her way for far too long. There were so many others who did as much if not more than she did. The first book of the lives of the Doctors in Colorado Springs is written. I’ve shared enough that others have a place to start and find out more based on the blogs I’ve written, and will continue to write.

The stories of the doctors and so many others need to be preserved for future generations. When you feel like you can’t do something, just take a look at what those who preceded you did. It sometimes helps when put into that perspective.

Amazon Link

3  Name Recognition:

Since I write fiction under a pen name: Angela Raines, it is important I share that information in my posts. When you add my online name, Renawomyn, it gets a bit tricky.

At the same time, my non-fiction work is important. I simply do not want readers of romance to pick up a book with my real name expecting a sweet story and they are reading about juvenile delinquents, early criminals, or lynchings. By using pen names I hope to avoid that problem. Of course, the reverse could also be true. Can you imagine buying one of my books about the trials and tribulations of early women doctors, and finding yourself reading a story about a medieval woman and the man she loves?

In the end, whether anyone reads or comments on my blog posts, I have things I want to say. Yes, it hurts when no one seems to care, but in the long run, it’s the future I write for. So, here’s to the future and to the readers who just have to know what I have to share.

Amazon Link

For those interested, you can read and subscribe to my newsletter here: Newsletter

Until Next Time: Stay safe, Stay happy, and Stay healthy.

Doris

A Marketing Idea

 Post by Doris McCraw aka Angela Raines

The author's motto: "keep on going".
photo property of the author.

A post about marketing. Hopefully the information I glean from the marketing department where I work, or other sources will be useful to some of you.

I am starting with what we call a content calendar. I try to begin with a calendar that lists holidays for that month. The one below was available online. I also note if the month has significance. For example, March is National Women's History Month. These pieces of information are the baseline I will use as I schedule the various posts, both blog, and other social media.

Once I print the below calendar, I fill in the days when blog posts are scheduled. Next, I will note the days for social media. If I have a bookversary or new release coming soon, I will tie those pieces in with the holidays for that month. 

I do not post 'marketing' pieces, ie. where I ask people to buy my book. Instead, I work to develop relationships or followers who like what I share. Most know my passion is history, women's history, Colorado History, the Old West, philosophy, and of course, Authors. Therefore, if it is an original post, it will usually be one of the above subjects.

I also started a newsletter where I share my thoughts, tips, quotes, and photos. I felt it was time as blog readings and posts have been ebbing lately. I don't worry, for everything is ebb and flow, but I wanted to have something that would be in addition to other social and blog platforms. If you're interested here is the link: newsletter

Hopefully some of the above will help you out. If you have ideas please share them in the comments.

I've also spent time realizing a goal- a book about women doctors. I've released a short reference book about the early women doctors who are buried in Evergreen Cemetery in Colorado Springs, CO.

Amazon

Until next time, happy reading and writing. 

Doris McCraw

Why Westerns?

 

Post by Doris McCraw aka Angela Raines

This post is about a question and book list of sorts. 

I have a good idea why I chose to write in the Western Genre, but often wonder why others decided to tell stories in this time frame. For me, it's the idea of wide-open spaces, being independent and responsible for one's self, and the possibilities that came from that westward movement. When you think about it most of the people who headed west were doing so because they were wanting something new, something different. Ultimately they were the risk-takers, for it takes courage or desperation to make that decision.

I do confess that watching Saturday morning television shows, Roy Rogers, Hopalong Cassidy, Sky King, the Cisco Kid, and of course Gene Autry probably had something to do with my love of the West. Additionally, an inherent love of history and the stories of the people who came before are also part of that inspiration.

To that end, some of the authors that inspired and continue to inspire me are:

Peter Dawson, L. P. Holmes, Gwen Bristow, Louis l'Amour, Andre Norton's Space Westerns, Lauran Paine just to name a few.

I would like to know whether you chose to write in the Western genre or it chose you? Who were the Western authors that inspired and perhaps still continue to inspire you? Most of the authors that I listed above not only tell character-driven stories but many times their secondary characters catch my fancy. I find myself wondering what happened to them. As a writer, I get to try to answer that question. Do you ever find yourself doing that?

Photo Property of the Author

Until next time happy reading and writing, and if you so choose feel free to contact me if you would like to have a discussion about some of the questions I've asked. I know I would enjoy that.

Doris McCraw

AH! THE OLD STORIES

Post by Doris McCraw writing as Angela Raines

Photo property of the author

Old stories. What is meant by that? We've all heard of Zane Grey, Bret Harte, even Ned Buntline. How about Andy Adams, Todhunter Ballard, B. M. Bower, or Owen Wister? We've heard of these writers, but how many have we read?

I love the old stories. The writing may be a bit old-fashioned, but the stories are quite nice to read. I remember reading Bret Harte's "The Luck of Roaring Camp" in school, along with Twain's "The Celebrated Jumping Frog".  

Here is a link to a Ned Buntline story about Buffalo Bill courtesy of Google Books. Buffalo Bill

Edward Zane Carroll Judson aka 
Ned Buntline - from Wikipedia

The Guttenburg Foundation has digitally preserved some of Andy Adams's work that can be found here: Andy Adams  I suppose I have an affinity for some of Adams's work since he is buried in my adopted hometown.

Now if you want to have some real fun, read William MacLeod Raine. He also lived for a time in my adopted state. For a list of his work you can check out Wikipedia: Raine

Believe it or not, Andre Norton, SWFA Grand Master, Science Fiction and Fantasy Hall of Fame, writer, also wrote a Western. (Actually many consider her "Beast Master" a Western, although it takes place on another planet)

Portrait of B. M. Bower, circa 1890
from Wikipedia

If anything, reading the stories written during and just after the settling of the west gives you a perspective on how things might have been or how the writers wished they could be. I've noticed that women were not the passive, stay-at-home save-me type women. In many of the early stories, the women were strong and capable. Of course, the men were strong and would save the day. 

If you get the chance, read some of the stories that were the beginnings of what we call 'Western Stories'. It is a wonderful and sometimes challenging exercise, but oh so fun.

There is also the book "Women Writers of the American West, 1833-1927" by Nina Baym, for anyone who would like to see what and how women told the stories of the life they were living. There is also the series "Covered Wagon Women" which is a compilation of diaries and writings of those early pioneers.

Whatever you choose, we have a lot to thank these early writers for. If it were not for them, who knows what we would be writing.

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

TALKING WITH THE DEAD - NEWSPAPERS

 Post by Doris McCraw writing as Angela Raines

Photo (c) by Doris McCraw

I recently came across the phrase 'talking with the dead'. Initially, I thought it sounded rather morbid until I thought about what it was really about. To me, it's connecting with the past in ways we might not think about. This also follows an earlier post about what inspires your stories. For those who would like to take a look at that post, here is the link: What Inspires Your Stories 

The second post on inspiring stories: Talking with the Dead- Photographs

The third of what I include for inspiration is Cemeteries: Talking with the Dead - Cemeteries

My fourth post is about newspapers. I know most people use them to find out about certain people like the below piece from an 1882 edition of the Gunnison, Colorado newspaper.

However, there is also the 'editorial' which gives a writer an idea of what some people were thinking about the events around them. In the below piece the writer is voicing their opinion about what another writer has said. It is a response to an event that occurred in a town to the north of Gunnison. This gives a glimpse into what could bring people to the point of anger, protest if there were enough who could be inflamed by the words. This writer spells out what is perceived as an injustice. What wonderful, although scary information to use as you write about the conflicts. This writer is talking to us from the year 1882. A glimpse into human nature.

Finally, there are those pieces in the newspaper that allow us to glimpse what is important to the founding and growth of a town. The below piece is from an 1873 issue of the Colorado Springs newspaper, The Gazette. This writer is offering suggestions for a safe and fire-proof town. Fire is something many early settlements dealt with as they struggled to grow. In this case, the town of Colorado Springs was only two years old at the time of this article.

So the next time you decide to delve into the historic newspapers, remember there is more than just news to read and use for your inspirations. They are full of humor, news, and those blessed editorials, a glimpse into what people thought was important to their lives and those around them. 

Amazon

My short story in the recently released "Under Western Stars" by the Western Fictioneers is about a newspaperman. Below is a short excerpt from 'Gilbert Hopkins is Going to Die'.

Gilbert hurried through his day. He wanted to have a chance to speak with Zoe about what she might expect. He had to admit to himself that he’d become very fond of the young girl, almost as if she were his own child.

Hurrying down the street to the Widow Harkins place, Gilbert hoped he would be in time to join Zoe and the widow, who had taken her in, for the evening meal?

Knocking on the door Gilbert smoothed his hair after removing his hat. He was in the act of replacing it just as the door opened. Quickly removing it again, Gilbert smiled, “Good evening Mrs. Harkins, I've come to speak with Zoe if she's available."

Mrs. Harkins smiled, the edge of her gray eyes crinkling in her aged face as she replied, "Yes she is. She's been excited all day. I’ve had my hands full keeping her occupied," the lady smiled even wider, "and you are just in time for dinner."

Gilbert knew that he should dissemble but somehow that didn't fit his mood. "Now how did you know I'd not eaten?"

Mrs. Harkins laughed, "I know you young man, homemade bread, jam, and beef stew are a sure thing with you."

"You know me so well Mrs. Harkins, I never could pass up a slice of freshly baked bread, and you make the best."
"I swear Gilbert, your enthusiasm for my cooking makes me wonder if you ever get a decent meal," Mrs. Harkins said stepping aside to let Gilbert in.
Gilbert placed his hat on the hat rack, following Mrs. Harkins as she entered the kitchen. Zoe sat at the table her hair shining and wearing a new dress. If Gilbert had been so inclined, he would be jealous of this relative that was coming to take Zoe away. What started as a scary, tenuous journey had blossomed into a community’s love for the young orphan. Once they heard her story they were all eager to do what they could to make her stay in town as enjoyable as possible.

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

Website: Angela Raines - author

Angela Raines FaceBook: Click Here