Living part-year in Jackson, Wyoming, it’s fairly easy for me
to pick up magazines concerned with the West on any newsstand there. But back in New York, well, that’s a
different matter as one can imagine. And
why would I—or any of my fellow authors writing westerns or western
romance—want these magazines? Because
they are an absolute wealth of information!
Take True West. If you're writing about the historical west, True West provides a load of ideas for background,
setting, and complementary historical facts.
Recent articles dealt with Wild Bill Hickok; the difference between
buckaroos, vaqueros, and cowboys; General Custer; and the photographs of Edward
Curtis. It also has articles regarding
lesser-known western tales, such as that of the Power brothers, jailed for
draft evasion for over forty years. In
addition, if you’re planning your western explorations for the summer, it has
travel information, plus recipes, book reviews, and auction listings with a
wealth of info on Old West firearms.
Cowboys and Indians reminds me of the
glossy magazines one often finds in resort hotel rooms. While this magazine seems to concentrate
heavily on western arts and design, it is a terrific way of keeping up with
what’s happening out west if you either don’t live there or don’t get around
very much. For anyone writing
contemporary westerns, it proves an excellent supplement. This month had articles on Kevin Costner’s
new TV series, Yellowstone, as well
as an article on Yellowstone Park itself. There’s always a list of forthcoming
events in western states, and it keeps you abreast of western films and TV
programs.
Western Horseman is a gem of a
magazine. I only recently discovered
this one, but what a find! Not only does it have some cowboys you can drool
over, but for the writer of contemporary western fiction/romance, it really is
the best complement. Need to know a
cattle disease for your ranch? How about
what bit your hero will be putting on the mare he’s saddling up for the
heroine? You get the idea: it has a ton
of info the non-rancher/writer can use.
There are a few others that might be of use,
such as Wild West, which is similar to True West but comes out
less frequently, but the above three are my personal favorites. If you’re considering
a subscription, I strongly recommend ordering it through your local newsstand
first. Each magazine contains a
subscription postcard, which had a lower rate than the rates I’ve found online.
Generally, the subscriptions are around $29.95 a year—tax deductible to
authors, I believe.
On the other hand, if your light reading
happens to be a western romance novella, mosey on over to https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Boy-Big-Heart-Book-ebook/dp/B072MKG48B/
for my Bad Boy, Big Heart, Book 1 of
the Heart of the Boy duo.
(previously in Come Love a Cowboy)
When New Yorker & college student K.C. Daniels meets high-school drop-out,
rodeo star Chay Ridgway, sparks fly. But
is Chay the ‘bad boy’ he’s made out to be? And will this just be a summer
romance or a love for all time? From InD'Tale Magazine:
". . . One cannot help but instantly fall
in love with the characters, feel their connection and share the struggle they
face. . . the writing is beautifully vivid and the characters likable, with a
plot that any romance lover could easily sink their teeth into." Get your copy now at https://www.amazon.com/Bad-Boy-Big-Heart-Book-ebook/dp/B072MKG48B/
And now Part 2 has just been released:
(previously published in A Cowboy to Keep), this stand-alone novella
continues the story of K.C. and Chay. Now in New York while K.C. finishes her
studies, can Chay survive? Can K.C. keep a rein on Chay’s heart or will the
wide-open spaces of Wyoming call this country boy home? https://www.amazon.com/City-Boy-Country-Heart-Contemporary-ebook/dp/B07DN2S3F1/
2 comments:
Chock full of information as always, Andi! I follow True West on Facebook and Twitter and more often than not, they put out interesting nuggets, and it often comes just at a time when I'm looking for a certain detail or inspiration for a story I'm writing. I never heard of Western Horseman, but I'm sure going to seek it out now. You know I'm looking forward to Yellowstone! Best of luck with your new release! I loved both Bad Boy, Big Heart and City Boy, Country Heart. You have such a talent for putting the reader right in the story, whether the setting is NYC or Wyoming.
Thanks for those kind words, Patti. And like you, I often find a mention of someone or something interesting in True West that gives me a bit of inspiration. It's certainly worth a look.
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