WHR Writer Life - Writing Dialogue

Crafting authentic dialogue for a western historical romance presents both challenges and rewards. Achieving a language that feels true to the time period enhances the overall atmosphere of the story and helps immerse readers, but it isn't as easy as it looks.

The Challenges

The English language has evolved over time, and certain phrases or expressions that were common in the Old West might sound outdated or unfamiliar to contemporary readers. Striking a balance between authenticity and readability can be challenging. 

Each character's speech must also align with his or her background and experiences. Crafting characters who speak with a foreign accent adds another layer of difficulty. One must give their dialogue the flavor of the accent without making the reading burdensome.

Being true to the setting year is yet another challenge. It's crucial to avoid using words or phrases that didn't exist during the time period of the story. Anachronisms can jar readers out of the historical setting and disrupt the immersive experience. 

Conversely, use of some period language can anger modern readers. Many words that are socially unacceptable today were commonplace then. Writers struggle to balance historical immersion and cultural sensitivity. I personally lean towards being period correct, but I still avoid some words.

The Payoff

Dialogue is a powerful tool for character development. The way characters speak reveals their education, background, and personality. Crafting authentic dialogue allows the author to showcase the distinct voices of his or her characters. And, when readers feel that the characters speak and interact in a manner true to the historical period, it enhances the overall authenticity of the storytelling. 

While research can be incredibly time consuming, it also provides opportunities for discovery. Uncovering forgotten phrases or unique expressions of the time is enjoyable, and incorporating these into your dialogue adds depth to the narrative. It can also be a source of story inspiration. Some of my best scenes were inspired by research.

When done well, authentic dialogue transports readers to another place and time. It creates an immersive atmosphere that enhances the overall reading experience, making the setting come alive.

Writer life behind the scenes

Fans have asked for a peek behind the scenes of writer life. (Be careful what you ask for. LOL) Since I'm plotting my next western, I decided to post on the writing process today. 

Each book starts for me as a simple idea, such as a scene or concept. Or, in the case of a series, it often starts as quest to tell a particular supporting character's story. From there I brainstorm a basic plot. I pick a love interest for my MC, if the previous story hasn't already chosen one, and I decide on the couple's central conflict and their HEA.

To hammer out the basics, I do a bit of broad research. With my latest western, Fool's Iron, I needed a location that was fairly close to Ohio, where there would be (pre-transcontinental) railroad construction during the setting year. I entertained both Illinois and Indiana but settled on the latter. 

From there, I type some general plot notes into a document. Then I plug those into a plotting worksheet, to help me flesh them out and ensure I don't get sidetracked or neglect any major turning points. 

I also make a 'character list' document, in which I come up with names, birthdays, general descriptions, family members, and basic data regarding the MCs and other supporting characters. To aid that, I search for images that represent how the major players appear in my imagination. Looking at these pictures helps me when I'm describing them in the novel. 

When it comes time to start the actual writing, I print out any mention of the character(s) from previous books and double-check to make sure the setting year fits with the timeline of the series. Other items I collect are historical maps of the area and a calendar of the setting year. You might laugh, but it's necessary. I would've had a booger of a time keeping up with Maggie's pregnancy (or the letters to and from her mail-order-husbands!) had I not jotted the progress on an actual calendar.

Once the macro research has been done, the micro research begins. I pause and look up the little things as I go - foods they would eat, clothes they would wear, seasonal activities they would engage in. How fast does a horse walk? Was Utah a state yet? How much did lamp oil and stationery cost? How long did it take a letter to be delivered in 1853? 

Over two hours of research went into the funeral parlor scene, alone, to get all the details right. I kid you not.

As I navigate my way through the story, I do my best to stay true to the character's personality, his or her background, and the social mores of the period. I search word etymology along the way, too, to nix as much modern language as I can. It's tedious, but it pays off in the long run.

Despite my best laid plans, I sometimes get stuck. I hadn't planned for Luther or Liam to show up for any more scenes after the explosion. But Maggie had no reason to stay near Edgar once she reached Bloomington, and I had to keep them together long enough for him to sober up. While researching the real church that was the inspiration for the fictional church Maggie goes to for help, I learned of the split of the Presbyterian church and their support of the Underground Railroad. Liam's smuggling of Luther immediately got written in as a subplot.

I work on the manuscript until the first draft is complete, then it gets several polishing passes before going to my critique partners, my beta readers, and finally my proofreader. 

That was probably more than you wanted to know, but that's the basics of how I write a novel.

Is there something you're curious about that I didn't mention? Ask me!

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I have a small announcement. 

The story I entered in the 7th annual Insecure Writer's Support Group anthology was chosen as one of the winners. First Love: The Art of Making Doughnuts released on September 6th. My contribution, My Heart Approves, is a western historical mail-order bride story. 

First Love is published by Freedom Fox Press, an imprint of Dancing Lemur Press. Its collection of romance stories is clean and wholesome, and ranges from historical to contemporary. There's something for everyone! 

First Love features the talents of Linda Budzinski, Melissa Maygrove, Michael Di Gesu, Sylvia Ney, Katie Klein, Kim Elliott, Templeton Moss, S.E. White, Denise Covey, and Sammi Spizziri. Hand-picked by a panel of agents and authors, these ten tales will touch your heart and rekindle lost feelings. 

Prepare to return to that first love...

###

Get your copy at one of these retailers:

Amazon  https://www.amazon.com/First-Love-Art-Making-Doughnuts-ebook/dp/B09QH3Z28P/
Barnes & Noble  https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/first-love-insecure-writers-support-group/1140884369?ean=2940165751301
iTunes  https://books.apple.com/us/book/x/id1605240999
Kobo  https://www.kobo.com/us/en/ebook/first-love-the-art-of-making-doughnuts
Scribed  https://www.scribd.com/search?query=9781939844897&language=0

I hope you'll buy a copy. Anthologies are a great way to try the writing of several authors at once.

FALL CELEBRATIONS By Kathleen Lawless @kathleenlawless

 

Halloween is just around the corner and I expect it will look different from past years for everyone.  Several of my historical western books are set in the fall, and Halloween figures into the story line—because, of course it does. 

In ANORA’S PRIDE, As part of his plan to properly woo Anora, Jesse stops by her home with a pumpkin they carve together as he regales her with tales of the history of All Hallow’s Eve. 

The lighting of bonfires and donning of costumes as a means to ward off evil spirits are activities the entire town of my SEVEN BRIDES FOR SEVEN BROTHERS characters gets behind in BISHOP’S BRIDE, where the citizens of Bullet gather together for a night of celebration, complete with costumes, a bonfire, taffy pulls and apple bobbing.  The party is interrupted by an intruder being killed—but I digress.

Rose, the heroine, is new to what her missionary father considered a “pagan celebration” and takes to heart the myth that whoever bites their apple first will be the first to marry.  She’s intrigued with the notion that by placing her bitten apple under her pillow, she will see her soulmate in her dreams.  Of course, like any true heroine, much as Rose might try to deny her heart, she already knows the identity of her soul mate.

Historians credit Irish immigrants for the North American tradition of carving pumpkins and placing a light inside, a tribute to “Sting Jack”, a mythical trickster.  Back in Ireland, they carved potatoes or turnips which were in abundant supply, but when they arrived in the new world pumpkins were more readily available and no doubt more fun to carve.

I’m Canadian, so October is a double celebration month with first Thanksgiving, then Halloween, and an excuse to decorate and celebrate all month long, which I love.

Wishing everyone a safe and Happy Halloween,

Kathleen

You can learn more about my books here.  https://www.amazon.com/Kathleen-Lawless/e/B001IXS2SA

The first 3 books in the Seven Brides Series are available in a box set which includes a bonus novella you can’t get anywhere else.  https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07ZW9SVZK

Sign up here for my VIP Readers Group to receive a free book and be the first to hear about contests, new releases and fan-priced specials.  http://eepurl.com/bV0sb1

WEBSITE | FACEBOOK | TWITTER | BOOKBUB

WHEN RESEARCH IS FUN by Kathleen Lawless @kathleenlawless

I’ll never forget my first road trip with my youngest son, just the two of us.  We headed for the prairies because I was researching the old West and I had heard about a recreated western town from that time period, complete with staff (actors?) dressed in period costume, depicting everyday life in those times.

The book I was researching, GRACE’S FOLLY, featured a female physician as the heroine, a career choice that was unusual for the time, but not unheard of.  I had been struggling to research what Grace’s medical bag would have looked like, and what instruments it would have held.

Imagine my delight when we came across a doctor’s home as part of the old-time town, and laid out across the doctor’s bed were the contents of his/her medical bag.  I wasn’t allowed to touch the display, but I did get close enough to snap some useful photos to refer to once I was back at my computer.   That trip was a lot more fun and meaningful than any other research to date. 

Although, recently I set a contemporary book in a spa, for which copious hours of research were required.  Weeks and months of research . . .            

GRACE’S FOLLY IS part of an award-winning, four-book set of Historical Western Romances, WIDOWS, BABIES, AND BRIDES. 

Grace’s life is a lie.  Dex lies for a living.  Will these two ever admit their feelings and face the truth?  https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F9D1AF6

Starting on Saturday, May 23rd, just in time for the long weekend, the boxed set is on sale for the bargain price of only .99 cents, reduced from its regular price of $9.99
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B086GGVGP2

Here’s a teaser from GRACE’S FOLLY.  Earlier in the story, Grace hired the hero, Dex, to pretend to be her husband.

Warning:  This is not a sweet romance, and has a medium heat level.

    Grace’s breath caught in her throat. Was it

possible Dex really, truly understood? “Are you

saying we’re not so different, you and I?”

     “On the contrary,” Dex said, his voice a sexy

rumble in his throat. She glanced up, recoiling at the

smoldering look in his eyes as his gaze traveled her

length.

    “You’re afraid to get close to me, afraid to touch

me. I, on the other hand, can’t seem to fight this

compulsion I have to touch you.”

     As he spoke, he pushed her blouse off one

shoulder. Grace trembled at the feather light

sensation of his fingertips grazing her skin.

     “Not so bad, is it?”  He caught her hand in his 

and placed it on his chest. She could feel the steady 

beat of his heart, not nearly so erratic as her own. 

His skin was warm and smooth, textured by the 

thicket of hair which spread across his pectorals, 

angled into a thin line, and disappeared into his trousers.

She moistened her suddenly dry tongue, and the

movement seemed to catch and hold Dex’s

fascination.

     Her knees started to tremble as he stared

hungrily at her mouth, then pushed her blouse off

the shoulder and down her arms. Wet cloth clung

stubbornly to her skin. As he peeled the

uncooperative fabric away from her, she could feel

the faintly abrasive rasp as he worked to separate

her from the garment.

     At last he managed to free Grace from her

blouse. He dropped the sodden garment, and it

landed on the wood floor with an ungracious flop.

He trailed his hands lightly up her bare arms.

     “Put your arms around my neck.”

     When she didn’t comply, he took the initiative

and did it for her, looping her arms across his

shoulders and pulling her close. “I faked being a

doctor today, with your help. It’s your turn now.

Your turn to fake being a wife.”

Get this book and three others for only .99 cents, this weekend only.  

The sale starts Saturday, May 23rd.

If you’re a fan of mail-order brides and secret babies, make sure you check out the sweet western series Widows, Brides and Secret Babies.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B084WYL1QX

Kathleen blames a misspent youth watching Rawhide, Maverick and Bonanza for her fascination with cowboys.  Historical or contemporary, cowboys continue to resonate with her today.   

Sign up for her VIP Mailing List and receive a free western novella, as well as updates, special fan-priced sales, and other goodies.  http://eepurl.com/bV0sb1

WHY WE LOVE COWBOYS By Kathleen Lawless @kathleenlawless

There comes a time in every writer’s life when suddenly it feels like someone flicked a switch.  All kinds of writerly things that had previously eluded me suddenly made sense.  My “ah ha” moment came about at my first romance writer’s conference when I crowded into a room with hundreds of other hopefuls to soak up the wisdom of Jayne Ann Krentz.

Ms Krentz spoke about the “basic core fantasies” which we now bandy about as “tropes” but back then for me, her workshop was a defining moment.  She listed about a dozen of these fantasies that readers respond to on a primal level including but not limited to: vampires long before they were a popular romance trope, secret babies, marriage of convenience, sheikhs, and most notably for me the Cowboy Fantasy which, as she said, needs no explanation.  The cowboy as hero is simply etched deep in our psyche. 

At a recent Reader’s Group Launch Party I asked readers some of their all-time favorite character traits for a western hero.  No surprise; the answers were all very similar.  #1 was strong yet gentle.  Closely followed by loyal, fair, brave yet humble, tough yet gentle, always willing to help, seeker of justice and willing to fight for it.   These traits easily apply to both historical and contemporary stories and, as a writer, are definitely something I aim for with my cowboy heroes. 

In my Seven Brides for Seven Brothers series, I have my favorite hero of the brothers.  He’s cocky and arrogant to start with and although the heroine puts him smartly in his place, not everyone loves him as much as I do. 

The most popular, well-liked brother, hands down is Blake, the quiet, humble one.  Blake feels like an outcast, out of step with the rest of them because he can’t learn to read.  But the lengths he goes to for his lady!  I have to admit there is one scene where even I get a little misty-eyed every time I read it.  Blake truly is a hero.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W8B7ZH1

     
IN BLAKE’S BRIDE STORM, THE HEROINE, HAS BEEN USING SOME INTERESTING TECHNIQUES TO HELP BLAKE TO READ DESPITE HIS DYSLEXIA, WHICH BACK THEN WAS REFERRED TO AS ‘WORD BLIND’.  IN THIS SCENE SHE IS PREPARING TO LEAVE TOWN.
         

          Blake pulled his hand out from behind his back.  “I wanted to give something to you to take with you.”

          “Scissors?” she said, puzzled.

          “I made them special.  So you can use your other hand in them.”  He demonstrated, snipping the air between them, before he tucked the fingers of her left hand into the holes.  The metal of the scissors was warm from his hand. 

          “Oh, my word,” she said.  “They feel so good.”

          “Made ’em smaller on account of you have such little hands,” he said.

          “They’re perfect.  How did you know?”

          “When we were touching the sand letters.  I was taking a picture in my head of your hand on top of mine.  That way I knew how to make them the right size for you.” 

          Storm swallowed past the suddenly huge lump in her throat.  “No one has ever, in my entire life, done anything so nice for me.”

          He looked at her and nodded.  “Funny.  I feel the same way about you and the letter learning.” 

          Once again, her eyes threatened to fill with tears.  There was a painful weight on her chest.  Her lungs felt constricted, as if she couldn’t quite draw a deep enough breath. 

          “You okay?” He was watching her with concern.

          She gave her head a shake to clear her thoughts and her vision.  “Never better.”

          “Good.  Then I got something that needs said before you go.  Stay here, Storm.  Marry me and be my wife.”

          Dizzily, she swayed toward him, afraid she might faint. 

          He caught her and held her.  Safe.  If only she could stay and feel safe forever.

          “I can’t.”  Her words came out in the barest of whispers.  “I’m already married.”  

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07W8B7ZH1

The series books can be read as stand alone, or enjoyed in the order they were written.  A free prequel is yours when you sign up for my VIP Readers Newsletter here.  http://eepurl.com/bV0sb1

Website:  www.kathleenlawless.com

Twitter:  https://twitter.com/kathleenlawless

Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/kathleenlawlessnovels/

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Blog:  http://www.romancegems.blogspot.com

Navajo Spirits

By Kristy McCaffrey

The Navajo, from the southwestern region of the United States, believe a chindi is the ghost of an individual who has died. It is the part of that person that was imbalanced, or unreconciled, with the Universe. The Navajo believe that it’s best for death to occur outdoors, since this was the best way to disperse the chindi. If a person died within a homestead, or hogan, it was abandoned after the death; the chindi would likely be trapped inside the dwelling.

A skinwalker, or yee naaldlooshii, is a medicine man who has chosen to use his powers for evil. Navajo don’t like to speak of them for fear of retribution, believing them to move among their people undetected. Skinwalkers have the ability to transform into animals or other people. They often take the form of coyote, owl, fox, wolf or crow.

Some Navajo taboos:

Do not mention a dead person’s name or the ghost may come and haunt you.

Do not say chindi (evil spirit) or one will come to you.

Do not let a strange dog follow close behind or you may turn into a wolf man. The dog might be a skinwalker.

In my historical western romance novel, INTO THE LAND OF SHADOWS, Kate Kinsella and Ethan Barstow are forced to confront a chindi.

For the month of April, I'm offering a print copy of this book to one lucky winner. Hop over to my website to enter. No April Fools!!

Excerpt

Kate wondered how far she’d get on foot before the man standing a few feet away caught her and did God-knew-what.

Ethan Barstow.

Of all her bad luck. She had never met the man, but Charley’s recollections of his brother filled her head. Liar. Swindler. Killer.

“You must be Charley’s fiancée,” he said, watching her closely, his gaze dark.

Swell. He knew who she was. She nodded, deciding now wasn’t the time to share the truth about her and Charley's relationship. Instinct told her she needed to ditch Mister Barstow, but losing the donkey was a bit of a problem. Maybe she could find the animal herself on foot. But what if the three buffoons who’d stolen her horse were still out there?

“I arrived in Flagstaff three days ago looking for Charley,” Ethan said. “I was told he’d left town unexpectedly so I’ve been trailing him. I take it you don’t know where he is, either?”

She cleared her throat. “No, I don’t.”

“Is there some reason why he wouldn’t tell you where he was going?”

Well, it’s not me, but Agnes he didn’t tell. It was far too complicated to explain, least of all to this man, so she uttered, “We’ve had a bit of a misunderstanding.”

“Yeah, Charley and I’ve had a bit of a misunderstanding as well,” Ethan said quietly, almost to himself.

Kate plastered the biggest smile she could onto her face. “I think I’ll just go look for that donkey myself. I really don’t want to be a bother to you.”

She moved past the man who was a dead ringer for Charley, possessing the same angular cheek bones and long nose, the same dark hair, the same lean build as her fiancé. Her fiancé! What a ridiculous mess that was. There had been a time, far back in the beginning of her acquaintance with Charley, when she’d found him attractive and fun. It had been short-lived, especially once Agnes entered the picture. Now, she was face-to-face with a man much like Charley, but while his eyes had been green and his demeanor inviting, Ethan’s eyes were blue, almost gray, like a lake frozen over.

There were other differences, as well, and none of them flattered Ethan. He was a man who had killed other men, and Kate knew she would never find anything appealing in that.

“Hang on a minute,” he said. His hand wrapped around her forearm to stop her—a large, warm hand. “I don’t suppose you have any idea who I am since Charley and I haven’t spoken in over five years, but I came to Flagstaff to hopefully put the past in the past. I came to see if Charley and I could bury our differences. The least I can do is to help you find him, especially since we’ll be kin one day.”

She made the mistake of looking into his eyes. Up close, she could see flecks of gold buried within the blue, and a few wrinkles in the skin around the edges of his eyes. It must be her imagination that he seemed the slightest bit more friendly. Charley had charm and it would seem Ethan did as well, although Kate sensed it wasn’t without shadows.

A killer of men would undoubtedly have many shadows to keep him company. She couldn’t think of how to reply. The last thing she wanted was company, and least of all Ethan’s company. She’d find her damned fiancé herself.

“Yes, it would make sense to look together.” So much for thinking fast on her feet. Her brother, Owen, had always said she was a little slow off the mark. It would seem he was right.

“You can ride Brandy,” Ethan said as he released her arm.

He moved to his other horse and began untying the bags of supplies he’d brought with him. He moved the largest satchel to his horse and tied several knots swiftly to anchor it in place. Kate chewed her lip. She could just make a run for it. The only after-effect of her fall from the donkey was a splitting headache—her legs were perfectly fine. But Ethan would probably chase her down. And then, he’d wonder what was wrong with her. And then, maybe he’d just shoot her in the back if he decided she wasn’t worth the trouble.

The image horrified her. Perhaps she should at least be civil to the man, to ward off her immediate murder. An opportunity for escape would surely present itself.

She had a plan. This was good. Her plan was to make small talk with Charley’s brother, then run for her life when she got the chance.

Copyright © 2013 K. McCaffrey LLC

Available at Amazon and Kindle Unlimited

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