The Steel Guitar ~ Julie Lence

 With the exception of the 50’s/60’s era rock-n-roll, I grew up on country music. Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, Charlie Pride; Dad had his favorites, and it wasn’t long until his favorites became my favorites. To this day, I still remember how I couldn’t wrap my head around Mom telling me Loretta Lynn wasn’t married to Conway Twitty. I stared at her as though she was the crazy one and not me. Loretta sang with Conway (Dad had the albums) just like Tammy Wynette sang with George Jones (He had those albums, too). And since Tammy was married to George, my little girl mind reasoned Loretta was married to Conway. But Mom explained that just because a girl and a guy sang together didn’t mean they were married. I remember walking away completely dumbfounded, and still loving Dad’s albums. 

Fast forward a few years and my love of country music shifted to the background as disco and 70’s/80’s rock became my norm. I enjoyed school dances, and club hopping with friends hubby before ricocheting back to country music in the late 80’s. I don’t recall the reason for this, but blame George Strait (lol!). He’s my all-time favorite and all I can think is I must’ve heard him sing and realized how much I missed this type of music. Through George, I gravitated toward other artists, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Lorrie Morgan, to name a few. I became a concert junkie, collected cd’s, tee-shirts, and magnets, and through the madness, one thing stood firm in my admiration for the genre; the steel guitar. Every time George or someone else featured the steel guitar on a song, chills ran up and down my spine, which is probably why George’s, Amarilla By Morning, is one of my all-time favorite songs.  

Native to Hawaii from the late 19^th century, the steel guitar is a guitar in which one hand lightly presses a steel bar (or something similar that is hard) against the strings while the fingers on the other hand pluck the strings. The bar is the ‘steel’ part and is different from a regular guitar in that is has no frets, only markers that look like frets, and produces both a crying sound and deep vibrato imitating a human singing voice.    

Known as the Hawaiian guitar, from its shortening the length of the strings to change the pitch, the instrument became popular in the U.S. in the 1920’s and 1930’s, and saw a change in design to accommodate the shortening of the strings. The steel lap guitar came on scene, allowing the player to hold the instrument flat on his lap, but the guitar was not as loud as other instruments and often couldn't be heard at large performances. George Beauchamp and Adolf Rickenbacker changed that in 1934 with their invention of the pickup; picking up the sound of the strings through electrical signals which could be amplified.     

The earliest use of the steel guitar in country music is believed to have occurred in the 1920’s when cowboy movie actor Hoot Gibson brought Sol Ho ‘opi’ o to L.A. to perform in his band. From there, duo Darby and Tarleton featured the steel guitar on their recording of ‘Birmingham Jail’. The 1930’s ushered in the western swing, played on the newly electrified steel. The 1940’s saw Hank Williams, Lefty Frizzell, and others using the steel in their honky-tonk country music songs, with the pedal being perfected and added to the steel in 1948, creating a new sound for the guitar and for 1950's Nashville. Through the 1990's and even today, cowboys and cowgirls hit the dance floor Friday and Saturday nights to two-step or slow dance to the twang of a steel guitar, what I consider the true heart and soul of country music, alongside the fiddle.     

***A fret is a metal strip embedded in the neck's fretboard   

 

Humor ~ Julie Lence

Most of us enjoy a good laugh. Clutching your sides… tears seeping from the corners of your eyes… a hiccup or two; laughter is good for the soul. This month, let loose a few giggles at unique phrases and housekeeping/life hints from the olden days.

Phrases:

Airin’ the lungs: cussin’

Blow-pipe: a rifle

Fodder-forker: Cowboy jargon for a hay hand or farmer

Educated thirst: a man who drinks champagne or fancy mixed drinks

Greasy-sack ride: a group of riders sent to scour the country-side for stray cattle without a chuck wagon

Huckydummy: baking powder bread with raisins

Idaho brain storm: a twister

Paint the tonsils: to drink whiskey

Ranny: a top hand

Scratching gravel: climbing a steep bank on horseback

Housekeeping and life:

Early rising is one of the secrets to successfully managing, but never exit the bed from the left side. It’s unlucky.

While painting, keep the room ventilated, and eat acid fruits.

If you have clothing that smells bad, bury items in the ground for a day or two

A good husband will eat a cold dinner without complaint on wash day

When at the butcher, be a good judge of chicken. If the butcher doesn’t twist the wing in front of you, do it yourself & pork is unfit for female food. Never trust your stomach with its digestion.

Once must always be pleasant at basket socials, even if the one bidding on your basket is an oaf.    

Blow in the ear to remove a foreign object from the throat.

 

 

 

The Belt Buckle ~ Julie Lence

 

my belt buckle

One distinct image comes to mind when I hear the term cowboy; a broad-shouldered, handsome man wearing scuffed boots, denims, chaps, checkered shirt, Stetson, and a wide belt buckle. Often featuring colorful gems or tri-colored metal, the belt buckle is crafted from sterling silver, brass or pewter, is either oval or square in shape, and offers several different center motifs, to include a bucking horse, a bull, a logo, a lasso, or a person’s name. Some are won at rodeo competitions, but mostly, they’re bought at a western store. Back in the day, I had several; my go-to was my Wrangler buckle, which I still have and sometimes wear.       

The buckle itself traces back to the Romans. Made of metal, it was developed for military to hold straps for sword scabbards and horse riding gear, to secure clothing, and to fasten armor. As the metal industry evolved with time, so did the buckle. Now made of silver and brass, the buckle was added to European fashion as a decorative feature and was sometimes engraved to signify wealth. Eventually, the buckle found its way to the United States, with the army using the metal for fastening clothing and gear, as the Romans did, and for belt buckles. The cowboy also used the metal for belt buckles and for their saddles. Today, the buckle is featured in several different manners, including automotive seat belts, ratchet straps, and decorative ornaments on shoes.       

Montana Silversmith

Sunset Trails designers are credited with creating a belt buckle Kevin Costner’s character on Yellowstone. Molly’s Custom Silver is another maker of belt buckles, but it’s Montana Silversmiths who lead the way in manufacturing today’s cowboy belt buckle. Always sparkly and shiny, the belt buckle is more than a necessity in clothing. It’s jewelry and fashion, and in a cowboy's blood.   

Bathhouses of the Old West ~ Ruthie L Manier

 

Hello, welcome to Cowboy Kisses blog.

I was on the phone talking to my sister the other day, and for some odd reason we talked about bathhouses and how gross and scary it was for women with only a partition between them and men. I know if I lived in the nineteenth century and was married, my husband would be standing guard.

If you went to a bathhouse in the nineteenth century this is what you would Pay:

Baths:

First water - .50 cents

Used water – .25 cents

Soap & Towel – .20 cents

 

It’s hard to imagine bathing in used water even though as a child my mom would have three or four of us kids in a bath at a time. And if I you’ve been out on the trail for a long while I suppose some wouldn’t care.

There was no indoor plumbing so someone would have to go to their water supply outside and bring in five to six buckets of water. Then they boiled the water on the wood stove.

As a child, when I stayed at my grandparent's house, this is how we bathed. My grandparents had no indoor plumbing until I was in my teens.

Bath houses were essential for travelers, miners, and cowboys of the old west coming off the dusty trails. When they reached town sometimes, they had not showered for weeks or even months.

Bathhouses could be found at hotels, barbershops, and sometimes taverns depending on the size of the town.

Bathhouses served as a social spot where travelers would exchange information.

Some bathhouses used natural hot springs. People would go to them for healing purposes.

It was during the 1880’s when Railroads, and mining in the bigger cities brought with them the first modern plumbing systems to the wealthier sides of town. It took a long while for everyone to receive inside plumbing.

Thanks for reading. I hope you enjoyed this little tidbit

Exciting News

Cooper’s Snoopers 4^th edition “The Fake – Out” release date is on August 15^th!

“He fooled the School Board. He fooled the town. But he didn’t count on Cooper’s Snoopers.” Cooper’s Snoopers fans get ready for book #4 “The Fake - Out” on August fifteenth.

Cooper’s Snoopers.” Cooper’s Snoopers fans get ready for book #4 “The Fake - Out” on August fifteenth.

'Life' is my Inspiration ~ Brandi Creek

Hi everyone! Brandi Creek here.

One of the questions I get asked most often is where my story ideas come from. The answer is...life.

Most of my books have roots in experiences I've had over the years. The Majestic Run Bloodstock series grew from my love of horse racing and the time I spent as a training jockey. The Mountain Tide Ranch Retreat series was inspired by the ranch my parents managed when I was in high school. Even my reining stories come from my fascination with the incredible partnership between horse and rider.

So when it came time to create Whispering Creek Ranch, it wasn't just my imagination at work. It was another unforgettable experience from my own life that found its way onto the page.

Today, I thought I'd take you behind the scenes and share the real inspiration behind my Whispering Creek Cowboys series.

From a Trail Clinic to Whispering Creek Ranch

Years ago, I attended a horse trail clinic in the beautiful mountains of Washington. It wasn't a fancy resort or luxury getaway. I loaded up my camper, hauled my horse across the state, and spent several unforgettable days learning from some incredible trainers.

The first part of the clinic was spent in the arena, working through trail obstacles designed to build confidence and communication between horse and rider. Every obstacle taught us something new. Sometimes the lesson was for the horse, and sometimes it was for us. Watching nervous horses slowly relax and gain confidence was just as rewarding as learning new skills myself.

The last three days were something I'll never forget.

Instead of staying in the arena, we headed into the mountains, riding through towering forests and along breathtaking trails. The scenery was incredible, but what made the experience truly special wasn't just the landscape; it was the people.

By the end of the week, a group of strangers had become friends.

Evenings were spent around the fire pit, laughing, sharing stories, talking horses, and encouraging one another after long days in the saddle. The trainers never made anyone feel intimidated. They created an atmosphere where everyone wanted to learn, help each other, and celebrate every little success. It felt less like attending a clinic and more like becoming part of a family.

On the final day, we competed in a timed trail course that combined everything we'd learned. I didn't take first place, but I was thrilled to finish third. More important than the ribbon was the confidence I brought home, for both my horse and me.

Years later, those memories stayed with me.

When I started building the world of Whispering Creek Ranch, I realized I wasn't trying to recreate that clinic. I wanted to recreate the feeling it gave me.

That's why Whispering Creek became more than just another ranch. I imagined cozy cabins where guests could stay, a welcoming dining hall where everyone gathered for meals, beautiful riding trails, evening campfires, and a ranch where strangers quickly became friends. While the setting in my books is fictional, the sense of community is very real.

One thing you'll notice if you've read my books is that I love writing large casts of characters. Every novel follows one couple, but I never want the story to feel like they're living in isolation. Life on a working ranch doesn't happen that way.

There are shared breakfasts before the workday begins, friendly teasing around the dinner table, neighbors who show up when they're needed, and campfires where conversations last long after the stars come out. The ranch family becomes just as important as the romance itself because that's what makes a place feel like home.

Of course, the horses have their own place in my heart, too. They're never just background scenery. Every horse has a unique personality, and every partnership between horse and rider tells its own story. Growing up around horses taught me that no two are exactly alike, and I love bringing that authenticity into my books.

Whispering Creek Ranch is a place where people arrive carrying burdens they never expected to share. Along the way, they find healing, friendship, laughter, and sometimes the love they've been missing all along.

That's exactly the feeling I hoped readers would experience when they opened One More Chance, Cowboy, the first book in the Whispering Creek Cowboys series. I can't wait to continue the journey with Not a Chance, Cowboy, Half a Chance, Cowboy, and Last Chance, Cowboy.

I'd love to hear from you. Have you ever visited a place that stayed with you long after you left? Maybe it was a ranch, a trail ride, a vacation, or somewhere that simply felt like home.

Sometimes the best stories begin with memories we never expected to keep.

If you'd like to visit Whispering Creek for yourself, I'd love to welcome you there.

Grab your copy of One More Chance, Cowboy TODAY.

Happy reading,

Brandi

 

Summer Cooking ~ Julie Lence

 

It’s July 1^st.  Sunshine… warm temps… Can you believe we’re halfway through the year? And getting ready to celebrate our nation’s independence? For me, oftentimes New Year’s Day and January feel like ages ago. Other times, I feel as though I just put away Christmas. Either way, I’m all for pleasant weather, morning walks with the pup, and cooking outside; I’m not a fan of cooking in a hot kitchen and can’t imagine how pioneer women cooked over an open fire those scorching months of summer, especially wearing those long dresses and numerous un-mentionables. But they did, and if they were lucky, they sometimes escaped the kitchen’s heat for a picnic, or for social celebrations in town. What might one find in those picnic baskets or box lunches?  A variety of cold meats such as roast beef and ham, sandwiches made with thick slices of bread, and tinned sardines were popular. Pickles, stuffed eggs (our version of deviled eggs using the yolk, mustard, cayenne, vinegar, and butter), and baked beans were also found beneath the lid. And don’t forget jam tarts or puddings for dessert and lemonade to drink. An over-abundance of food, just like at many of today’s 4^th of July celebrations. Check out a few quick recipes below to combat the heat of the kitchen.

 

Turkey Apple Panini

Ingredients:

4 slices of hearty bread

2 tbsp butter softened

¼ cup apple butter

4 oz sharp cheddar cheese thinly sliced

1 apple thinly sliced

½ pound sliced deli turkey

 

Directions:

Pre-heat the panini maker.

Spread the butter evenly on one side of each slice of the bread.

Place one slice of the bread on the preheated panini maker, buttered side of bread down.

Working quickly, spread apple butter evenly on that piece of bread.

Add the cheese, then the apples.

Layer the turkey evenly

Top with more apples and then cheese.

Add apple butter to the other side of the remaining piece of buttered bread.

Place that piece of bread on top of the sandwich.

Close the panini lid and press the sandwiches together.

Cook for 3-5 minutes until the bread is crispy and browned. Serve warm.

 

 

Cheese Tortellini Pasta Salad

Ingredients:

20 ounces Three Cheese Tortellini

10 ounces Mini Pepperonis

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

6 ounces Whole Medium Black Olives, pitted

1 cup Banana Pepper Rings

2 cups Italian Dressing (Bottled)

5 ounces Shredded Parmesan Cheese

 

Directions:

  Cook tortellini pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse. Set aside to cool.

  Mix the pepperoni, tomatoes, olives and banana peppers in a large bowl. Toss with cooled

  tortellini. Gently stir in the Italian dressing and cheese until all ingredients are evenly coated.

  Refrigerate for 1-2 hours before serving. Serve cold.

 

 

Hawaiian Grilled Chicken

Ingredients:

1 ½ pounds boneless skinless chicken thighs

1 cup soy sauce

1 cup packed brown sugar

1 cup canned pineapple juice

4 cloves garlic, chopped

1 tablespoon minced fresh ginger

Directions:

Place the chicken thighs in a bowl or large resealable plastic bag to get ready for marinating.

Mix the soy sauce, brown sugar, pineapple juice, garlic, and ginger until the sugar dissolves completely, creating a rich marinade.

Pour the marinade over the chicken, seal it up, and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight to let the flavors soak in deeply. This step is crucial for authentic Hawaiian Style Teriyaki Chicken taste.

Remove the chicken from the marinade but save the liquid for later use.

In a medium saucepan, simmer the marinade for 5-10 minutes until it thickens slightly, turning it into a glossy sauce.

Preheat your grill, place the chicken on it, and brush on the cooked marinade while grilling for added flavor; cook for about 5-6 minutes per side until the internal temperature hits 165°F.

Wrap the chicken in foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes to keep it juicy.

Serve chicken whole or sliced, with extra hot teriyaki sauce on top for a finishing touch.

 

The Ranches ~ Brandi Creek

 

Hello, you lovely people. Brandi Creek here.

When I finished writing The Cowboy I Left Behind, the first book in The Cowboys of Majestic Run series, I thought I was simply introducing readers to Majestic Run Bloodstock.

But somewhere along the way, the farm became more than a setting.

The training barns, the breeding program, the horses, and the people carrying old history through those pastures all started to feel alive in a way I couldn't quite walk away from. The more time I spent at Majestic Run, the more I realized there were still stories left to tell.

This series allowed me to explore a world that combines two things I've always loved: cowboys and horses. Some of it came from research into breeding programs, bloodlines, and the quiet pressure that exists behind every promising racehorse. Other parts came from my own love of horse racing and the wonder of watching foals find their legs for the very first time. There's something special about a place where legacy, new beginnings, and big dreams all exist side by side.

That love of horses started long before I became a writer. When I was in high school, my parents managed a ranch in Washington. We spent our days leading trail rides through the forest, riding horses along the beach, and gathering around bonfires at night while campers shared stories beneath the stars. It remains one of my favorite times in life.

One of my strongest memories is walking out into the pasture each morning with a bundle of lead ropes slung over my shoulder. I'd clip halters onto twenty horses, climb onto one bareback, and ride back to the barn while the others followed behind me. At the end of the day, we'd do it all again in reverse. Looking back, I realize those experiences shaped so much of the way I write ranches, horses, and the people who dedicate their lives to them.

The characters who call Majestic Run home lived in my head for months. They made mistakes, carried old wounds, fought for second chances, and refused to take the easy path. Watching their stories unfold across these rolling Kentucky pastures became one of my favorite writing experiences.

If you'd like to spend more time in these worlds, I'd love to invite you to visit two of my favorite ranches.

The Cowboys of Majestic Run is a complete duet set in the world of Kentucky horse breeding, where wounded cowboys, second chances, family legacy, and healing hearts collide.

Men of Mountain Tide Ranch Retreat is a five-book western romance collection spanning more than 2,700 pages. Inspired in part by those years spent on the ranch in Washington, the series is filled with damaged cowboys, resilient heroines, healing after heartbreak, family bonds, friendship, and happily-ever-afters set against breathtaking mountain views.

More than anything, I hope you'll saddle up, spend some time at Majestic Run Bloodstock and Mountain Tide Ranch Retreat, and fall in love with these ranches, horses, and characters the same way I did while writing them.

Happy Reading,

Brandi Creek

Visit the Ranches 

Men of Mountain Tide Ranch Retreat

Available on Kindle and through Kindle Unlimited

Get It Now!

The Cowboys of Majestic Run

Coming to Amazon July 17, 2026

Available in Kindle Unlimited

Cowboy Kisses News ~ Julie Lence

 

Good Morning Cowboy Kisses Readers & Authors. To keep you up-to-date with blog happenings,  Amanda A. Brooks is on hiatus until further notice. Her 9-5 job is keeping her extra busy, and rather than leave the group and take a chance there won't be a slot for her when she can return (she really doesn't want to leave us), a hiatus is the best thing for her and for us. I will let you know when she resumes dazzling you with her blogs. 

Thank you! 

Julie        

Character Interview with Barbie Bennett ~ Julie Lence

 

On a warm, spring afternoon in Reno, Nevada, I’m visiting with pop music star and CEO of Bella Cosmetics, Barbie Bennett. Exiting the elevator into Bella’s newly renovated offices of charcoal grey and raspberry, Barbie’s niece and assistant, Tina, strides toward me, a red skirt swishing around her knees and the hum of typewriters and hushed voices wafting behind her.  After a warm greeting, Tina leads the way to Barbie’s office; a large room with the same grey and raspberry colors, floor-to-ceiling windows offering a stunning view of the mountains outside of town, and an over-stuffed sofa and chairs grouped around a coffee table. Seated in one of the chairs is Barbie Bennett. Long dark hair, flawless makeup, and a blue pin-striped suit tailored to fit her slim figure, Barbie’s smile puts to ease any jitters I may have regarding the famed singer. Tina is quick to make introductions and point me to a chair, then she leaves and Barbie turns her attention my way.         

 ‘Thank you for meeting with me today, Ms. Bennett.’

‘Please, call me Barbie.’

‘All right,’ I swallow nervously. Afterall, she is famous world-wide. ‘Barbie, can you tell my readers a little about yourself? Please?’

A small crease in her brow, she lifts a silver coffee carafe off a tray on the table before us and pours coffee into two cups. ‘I’m not sure what I can tell your readers that hasn’t already been printed about me.’ She sets the pot down, pushes the creamer and sugar my direction, and a platter of pastries, which I decline, even though they look sinfully delicious. ‘Everyone knows I have a twin sister—Bailey. She’s a big star in country music.’ She fixes her coffee then, with cup in hand, sinks back into the chair’s cushions. ‘We grew up on a ranch outside of Reno with our six older brothers. They’re all married now, with children of their own. Mom and Dad still live on the ranch, along with our several head of cattle and numerous horses. Almost everyone in the family rides, and alongside our ranch hands, we have three barns to house most of the horses. The others are housed at my brothers’ private barns. A smile spreads across her heart-shaped face. Zach works the ranch. He and I have been together ever since the afternoon he rescued me at the Cheyenne Frontier Days.’              

‘When was that? And how did he rescue you?’

‘Four years ago. At the time I didn’t know, but Zach was a bull rider. He was at Frontier Days to compete in the rodeo. I was there to sing. My tour bus and trucks had just pulled in to the back lot when my crew decided to go in search of turkey legs, including my bodyguard, Seth. I wasn’t hungry, so I decided to walk behind the chutes and pens housing small animals. Two days on the tour bus and I really needed to stretch my legs.’ She pauses for a sip of coffee. ‘Anyway, my ex was there, which I didn’t know. He and I didn’t part on good terms.’ She grips the cup, and hard. ‘He came up behind me, accused me of sabotaging his career—he’s a musician. I tried to get away, but he grabbed my arm and yanked me to him. That’s when Zach pulled him off me and shoved him to the ground. Before I could react, Seth appeared and squired be back to the bus. Later, I sent Seth in search of Zach, to ask him to join me for supper.’       

‘How did that go?’

Her eyes twinkling, a blush creeps into her cheeks. ‘He was… I was…’ She swallows hard. ‘I don’t remember what we ate, but I can tell you, I wanted him to kiss me. So much, I actually ached for his touch, which surprised and scared me. As I said, my ex and I didn’t part on good terms. He broke my trust and my heart, so much that another relationship was the last thing I wanted. But Zach was different. He was every bit the cowboy; polite, quiet, and so gosh-darn handsome. And those muscles…’  She sighs dreamily. ‘He’s still all of those things. There isn’t a day that goes by that I’m not thankful I met him the following afternoon behind the chutes.’         

‘How would you describe Zach?’

‘Honest, hard-working, loyal; someone you’d want for a friend. Lucky me, I’m the one who has his heart.’ 

‘How would Zach describe you?’

 ‘A total mess.’ She emits a small laugh. ‘Anxiety-ridden, spoiled, stubborn, demanding to a fault… Sometimes, I can’t believe he willingly puts up with all of that, but he does. And I love him more than words can say.’    

‘What is your biggest fear?’

‘Losing Zach. He’s everything to me, the one person except for Bailey who knows me better than I know myself. He keeps me grounded, and warms my heart every time he smiles my way. The fame and fortune; I’d give it all up in a heartbeat. But not him. There’s no living without him.’

‘How do you relax?’

‘Friday nights, I snuggle against Zach on the couch in my suite at Ringo’s, the family casino. The lights are low, soft music plays on the radio, and with his arms around me, that’s the best way to forget the tension and stress of the week.’ 

 ‘Where do you see yourself in 5 years?’

‘With Zach. Hopefully, in our own home either on Bennett Ranch or in town. I see him promoted to one of the three foreman we have and me continuing to find ways for Bella to remain successful while singing at the casino.

 ‘I can positively say I and my readers wish you and Zach all the best. The way you glow when talking about him, I’m certain you’ll have that home with him in less than five years.’

 Blushing, she ducks her head. ‘Thank you.’

‘Thank you for taking time out of your day to talk with me. And for those of you who haven’t read Barbie and Zach’s story, pop on over to Amazon and grab a copy of, The Pop Star Loves Her Cowboy. You’ll be glad you did!’

 www.amazon.com/dp/B0FG48TFYH

 

 

The Wild West of Nicknames ~ D. K. Deters

Names didn’t carry much weight in the Old West, but reputations did. More often than not, a reputation earned a man a new name to match.

I wanted to do something fun this month, so I decided to explore nicknames in the Old West. The following information is based on historical accounts of frontier life and naming practices.

Some nicknames served a practical use. Communities often sprang up fast in mining camps or cattle towns, and several men may have been named “John”. A nickname like “Red,” “Slim,” or “Texas Jack” instantly identified who you meant.

The West drew folks who wanted to reinvent themselves and leave their pasts behind. One way to do this was to create a new identity that fit their reputation better than their given name. One desperado, Harry Alonzo Longabaugh, became known as The Sundance Kid.

In just a few words, “Silent Bill” or “Mad Dog” could tell a story, reflecting personality, appearance, or reputation—useful in rough places where first impressions mattered.

Storytelling, newspapers, and dime novels loved colorful names. Think of Henry McCarty, better known as Billy the Kid, or William H. Bonney. A good nickname traveled faster than a plain one.

Literacy levels varied, and record-keeping wasn’t always consistent. Nicknames helped identify individuals whose names varied in spelling over time.

In the Old West, nicknames were not only plentiful but also useful for recognition, reinvention, and storytelling—where they mattered a great deal.

Would you have recognized these names?

Butch Cassidy (Robert Leroy Parker)

Kid Curry (Harvey Logan)

Black Bart (Charles E. Boles)

Big Nose George (George Parrott)

Curly Bill (William Brocius)

Rustling Bob (Roscoe Bryant)

Little Britches (Jennie Stevenson)

Cattle Annie (Anna Emmaline McDoulet)

Doc Holliday (John Henry Holliday)

Buffalo Bill (William Frederick Cody)

Welcome to the Team ~ Julie Lence

 

Psst.... Deborah Camp and Reggi Alder are no longer with the group. We hate to say goodbye to friends, and will miss them dearly, but both need to focus on other aspects of their lives. We wish them well and invite them back anytime they wish to guest blog. Replacing them are 2 very talented authors, Brandi Creel and Dalyn Weller. Brandi is filling the 2nd Wednesday slot and slated to begin dazzling you on May 13th.  Dalyn is taking over the 4th Tuesday slot and will have her 1st blog ready for you to read on June 30th. Please give each a warm welcome and check out the right hand side bar for author pages to enable you to know them better and connect with them on social media. 

Welcome to Cowboy Kisses Brandi and Dalyn! We are truly blessed to have both of you on our team. 

Julie      

Character Interview with Zach Maldonado ~ Julie Lence

 

Nothing says springtime like horses playfully chasing each other around a corral. I’m at Bennett Ranch this morning asking Zach Maldonado some of the same questions I asked Barbie Bennett last month. A former bull rider on the rodeo circuit, Zach now works the Bennett Family Ranch. Standing outside the corral with him, it’s easy to understand why Barbie is completely enamored with his dark hair and broad shoulders.

‘Thank you for talking with me today, Zach. What can you tell my readers about you?’

‘Ain’t much to tell. I grew up in San Diego. Dad worked a ranch outside the city. He had me work alongside him and the other cowboys every summer of my teen years, to keep me off the streets. He cracks a grin. Probably the best thing he ever did. That grin widens. Anyway, I learned to rope and ride, and when I turned 16, he took me to the rodeo. Bull riding was my favorite event and it stuck with me. I spent the rest of that summer learning to stay on the back of one for eight seconds. Good thing. Those lessons helped me take care of Mom after Dad passed away.’

 ‘I’m sorry for your loss.’

He nods.

‘How long were you part of the rodeo circuit before you met Barbie?’

‘A handful of years. I always liked her music. Never thought I’d meet her.’  He wipes a hand over his jaw. ‘Was nothing but dumb luck that day I happened upon her. I didn’t even know it was her. Just saw a guy grab a girl and stepped in to help her.  If she hadn’t sent her bodyguard to find me later that afternoon, that woulda been my only time seeing her face-to-face.’

‘What did you think that night when you had supper with her?’

‘Lots of things.’ He hooks his booted foot on the bottom rail, stares at the horses on the opposite side of the corral. ‘I always thought she was pretty, but up close, she was more than pretty. She was drop-dead gorgeous; the kind of face guys dream about.’ He pauses. ‘But, she was more than that. She was sweet… kind… and thanked over and over for helping her. All the time she was talking, I wanted to kiss her, but didn’t dare.’       

‘Why not?’

‘Her crew and bodyguard were lollygagging around outside the tour bus; some bigger than me. Had a feeling if I tried, they wouldn’t hesitate to trounce me.’

“Did Barbie want you to kiss her?’

He shrugs. ‘Too scared to ask. I mean… I was with Barbie Bennett. Her face was on the cover of every magazine in the country… six brothers, cars, homes, money, thousands of screaming fans chasing after her…I was just a bull rider who helped her. I didn’t find out until months later that she would’ve let me kiss her.’  

‘You and she have been together for a long time. How would you describe you relationship?’

‘Barbie’s the best thing to have happened to me. I like to think she feels the same about me.’ He pauses again. ‘She stood beside me when that bull threw me and busted my knee, made sure I had the best doctors, and then badgered the heck outta her brother to give me a job. When she was away on summer tours, she called me every night. I woulda called her, but she wasn’t always back on the tour bus the same time each night. We learned to trust each other, to ignore the gossip magazines… I tell her every day how much I love her. She swears the same to me, and that’s all I need, ‘cause deep down, I know she isn’t leaving me for anyone else.’  

‘How would you describe Barbie?’

‘A sweet, kind, fun, loyal, bossy when it comes to her career, anxiety-riddled woman I’d give my life for.’ 

 ‘How would she describe you?’

 He thinks a moment, cracks another grin. ‘She says she likes my muscles, so I have that going for me.’ He faces me. ‘I think she thinks I’m honest. Someone who would never hurt her.’

‘Between working the ranch and trying to carve out a life with Barbie, how do you relax?’

 ‘Friday nights on the couch with her at my side. Don’t know how she does it, but she brings a calm to me that I’ve never experienced.’

 ‘Where do you see yourself five years from now?’

 ‘With her, in a home of our own on. If not on this ranch, then somewhere close. Could be a condo or a tent, as long as she’s with me, I don’t care.’

 And that, readers, is true love. To learn more about Zach and Barbie, pop on over to Amazon and grab a copy of The Pop Star Loves Her Cowboy. You’ll thank me!  

 www.amazon.com/dp/B0FG48TFYH

 

Loving Small Old-Fashioned Towns ~ Ruthie L Manier

Have you ever explored the charming town of La Conner, Washington? If not, it's definitely worth a visit the next time you're in Washington state! I moved to Skagit County in the 1970s and remember the first time my mom brought me to La Conner so vividly. I thought it was the prettiest little old-fashioned town I had ever seen. The town’s older buildings are next to the waterfront. Restaurants, art museums, and shops run along both sides of the street. We ate ice-cream sitting by the channel. Then drove over the Rainbow bridge and stopped at the park to play for a while underneath the bridge. Today La Conner is still my favorite lunch destination. If you ever visit, make sure to go to the La Conner Pub, it has delicious food, kid-friendly restaurant side, you can sit outside looking over the water and enjoy a spectacular view. 

Some early History: La Conner is nestled on the delta near the mouth of the Skagit River. Swinomish was the original name when it was founded in the early 1860s. The name changed to La Conner in the 1870s after the town and 70 acres of land were deeded to John Conner for only $500. Conner renamed the town after his wife, Louisa A. Conner. 

 La Conner is the oldest community in Skagit County. The first non-native settlers came right after the Civil War, including Alexander Underwood, Michael Sullivan, Sam Calhoun, and A.G. Tillinghast. 

In 1869, John Conner bought the trading post built by John Hayes on the west side of the Swinomish Slough and set up a post office. For a time, La Conner even served as the county seat before Mount Vernon took over. 

After the early settlers diked hundreds of acres of land, creating farmland that surpassed per-acre yields around the world, it became a popular farm community and a hub for steamers carrying freight and passengers from Seattle. The population grew quickly due to La Conner’s proximity to the river. Logging and fishing lured people in until the Great Depression. 

Artists flocked to La Conner in the 1940s, drawn by the breathtakingly scenic landscape and unique light. The nature-inspired them to put a paintbrush to canvas. Some artists were leaders of the Northwest School of Art. With the artists came more tourists. By the 1970s, tourists from all around the world came for the Tulip Festival, the art galleries, the museums, the restaurants, the history, shopping, and to see the Rainbow Bridge. Some came for the old-fashioned feel. Others for peace. 

2026:   La Conner is a favorite town to visit if you want to watch the waterfront or enjoy fine restaurants, inns, and bed & breakfasts. You can also enjoy the natural beauty and wildlife, including birdwatching. La Conner is the wintering grounds for swans and Canada geese. The fertile farmlands continue to produce food and seed crops. Other facts: La Conner is on the National Registry of Historic Places. The Civic Garden Club was the first courthouse north of Seattle. New Series Check out my new series “Snooper’s Coopers!” Amazon.com/dp/B0GSS9CW9X Follow me on Facebook, @ruthielmanier Instagram BookBub Website, ruthielmanierbooks.com Xoxoxo

Writing Scams Aren't A Joke ~ Julie Lence

 

Today is April 1^st.  Many refer to it as April Fool’s Day, the day to pull harmless pranks on the unsuspecting.  Some are elaborate schemes that require time to plan and carry out. Others are spur of the moment, with both hoping to achieve an end result of laughter. What isn’t funny is the elaborate scheme meant to cause harm, and in the writing world, such has been happening as far back as last summer.  

Authors are individuals who spend their days (and nights) sitting alone in front of a computer writing a story in the hopes someone will read it and enjoy it enough to brag about it to friends and family. Some may think we’re loony shutting ourselves off from society, and they may be right. But any author will tell you that days of eating potato chips for lunch and tuning out the sights and sounds around us are worth it just to hold our published book in our hands. What isn’t worth the blood, sweat, and tears we poured into a novel are the tricksters looking to steal our dreams.

Daily, authors are bombarded through email and social media accounts by people claiming to be professional book marketers wanting to help them succeed. They’re offering to put your book in front of book clubs to net you Amazon reviews… to market your book to thousands of readers via their own social media pages and groups… to turn you into the hot new break-out author earning thousands in just a short amount of time. Most will have the title to your book and offer a quick sentence stating they read the book and loved the plot and the interaction between the characters, which is nothing more than a lie. With the use of AI, it’s easy for them to locate character names and plot points to make you believe they are legit. In reality, these book clubs and social media accounts don’t exist; the sender (scammer) being from a foreign country hoping to steal your hard-earned money and then disappear faster than you can blink. 

Since last year, I’ve received plenty of these emails and inquires. I’ve also been contacted by fake profiles of legitimate authors who want nothing more than to hook me up with an unscrupulous agent who is going to do the same thing; take my money and run. The best I can advise—be aware that these scams exist, and if you are contacted by someone, err on the side of caution by doing a thorough search on that person before inviting conversation with them. Keep your money (and sanity) out of the hands of the wicked.   

 

Dime Novelist Laura Jean Libby ~ Julie Lence

Last month, I discussed the romance dime novel and gave three samples, to include what is considered the first romance dime novel, Malaeska, the Indian Wife of the White Hunter. Laura Jean Libby penned a story for that work, and it wasn’t her last. During the course of her career, she sold over fifteen million copies of her books.

 

Born in Brooklyn, New York on March 22, 1862 to Thomas and Elizabeth Libbey, Laura lived most of her life in the city and began writing around age 20. Some of her earlier works appeared in The New York Family Story Paper, The Fireside Companion, and New York Ledger and were popular with readers, enabling her to negotiate exclusive contracts at higher salaries during the 1880’s. Her earlier works were later reprinted in dime novels by publishers George Munro, Arthur Westbrook, and John Lovell, with Laura striking it big in 1889 with The Pretty Young Girl, which sold over 60,000 copies in one month.  Though she had little formal education, Laura was a savvy businesswoman and went on to edit Munro’s Fashion Bazaar from 1891-1994, earning over $10,000 per year, according to her financial records.

 During her career, when fellow authors changed genres according to public likes and dislikes,  Laura stayed true to her genre and voice. Many believed she used a format for her stories since they had the same elements, but she denied the claims. As time progressed and interest in the dime romance dwindled, she moved away from penning stories to writing a love advice columnist for the New York Mail. Sadly, she met with little success in this endeavor.

Little is known about Laura’s private life, other than her mother forbid her to marry young. At age 36, (two years after her mother’s passing) she married Brooklyn lawyer Van Mater Stilwell. They had no children, as Laura’s writing career and being identified as an author were more important to her, so much that even after marrying Stilwell, she was still publicly known as Laura Jean Libbey. She passed in 1924 due to complications from cancer surgery and was laid to rest in Greenwood Cemetery in Brooklyn, New York.