Why We Love Being a Filly!

by

Wow. It’s been one year since the Fillies settled in at Wildflower Junction and opened our doors to all of you out there. We’ve been looking forward to celebrating our milestone birthday for weeks now, so it’s only natural that a bit of deep-from-the-heart ruminating goes right along with it.

Mainly, why we love being a Filly.

Petticoats and Pistols has truly been a part of me from its inception almost a year and a half ago. It’s a constant commitment, but only from hard work can anyone expect any rewards. Sure, our hits are climbing, our books are selling, we’ve done a good job spreading the word about western romances–not just our own, but scores of other authors, too–and we’ve made so many wonderful friends with you, our dear readers. Yet the Fillies are the biggest reward for me. We’ve become a family. We laugh together, stress together, work together–and Petticoats & Pistols wouldn’t be the success it is today without each and every one of them. The Fillies are the best! Yee-haw!

—-Pam

This is the greatest, most supportive group of women I’ve ever had the pleasure to know. Not only are the Fillies great to work with, but I enjoy their marvelous, informative and fun blogs each and every day too. I love seeing new faces on the blog and enjoy our regular, die-hard fans who come back every day to add their comments at Wildflower Junction. I think we’ve created a special bond with all of you! Heartfelt thanks goes to Pam Crooks for all she does, along with so many of the hard-working, talented authors I get to be associated with on a daily basis!

Now, if I only knew what my next blog would be about … 🙂

—-Charlene Sands

The more I learn about Western Romance, the more I love it. And the more of these blog posts I read, the more I know about all the details that make a good western romance great.
I consider my year on Petticoats & Pistols to be an education, a social life and a delight.
These Fillies know so many things that have made my writing better. And writing these blog posts has been pure fun for me. Except I do tend to go on rants in my posts. Can’t seem to control that. 🙂

—-Mary

To me, Petticoats and Pistols is like a “Sisterhood of the Traveling Blogs.” I love being a Filly and it’s helped build name recognition. With it being quite a while since my last single title was out, blogging here keeps my name fresh and in the minds of readers. And I don’t think I’ve ever met a more caring warm group of ladies to be associated with.

—-Linda

Through my participation at Petticoats and Pistols over the past year, I have met and worked with some incredible people. The Fillies are extraordinary ladies who have contributed much time, effort and heart to make this site work. We have evolved since our beginning. Looking back to our months with Lorraine Heath and Geralyn Dawson, I want to say what an honor it was to have them with us for our launch.

Then there are the wonderful readers who are the reason we are here and who inspire us to keep things fresh and exciting. Not only am I able to interact with the readers and writers who so faithfully blog with us, but I have also been privileged to work with our guest authors in setting up their weekend appearances. Our guests are the most special people one could hope to meet. Some I’d never met before, others were long-time friends, but I remember each of them as adding something unique to our community.

When thinking about what being a Filly has meant to me, I’m thankful for the opportunity to interact with exceptional people. I’m looking forward to the next year!

—-Cheryl

Being a Filly is just plain fun.   I love being a part of something that is so upbeat.  It has a lot to do with the charm and personalities of the other authors, which shines through in their blogs.  Behind the scenes, the women are just as funny and supportive.  So are the readers!  We couldn’t do any of this without you–people who take a break in their daily schedule to come and read what’s new, share a laugh, and learn something about the Wild West and our own family histories.  When the business side of publishing intrudes, Petticoats and Pistols is a place where we can concentrate on the joy of writing.

—-Kate

The call of Western Romance is deep in my blood. Not only do I love the genre, I have always loved the authors who write about it. When approached to be a part of this blog, it was like a dream come true. Not only did I get to blog with women whom I deeply respect, but I was presented with an opportunity to get to know each of these wonderful writers even better.

Yes, I’m an author, but I’m also a reader and a fan and so this has been like a little bit of heaven for me. Because I write Native American Historical Romance, my heroes are Indians and very rarely cowboys. But to me, the cowboy represents what the Native American became as the incoming civilization took root around him. To this day, Native America is steeply rooted in the cowboy legend, kept alive with pow-wows and rodeos and ranching.

I love being a part of this. My deepest thanks and respect goes out to each and every Filly.

—-Karen

My favorite thing about being a Filly is the connection with nine wonderful authors who are always teaching me new things, making me smile and occasionally bringing a tear or two.  What strong, amazing women!  And I love connecting with readers as well.  My favorite moments come when I bring up something so obscure that I think no one will remember it, let alone relate to it.  Then I get these responses from people who’ve been touched by the same thing.  That’s a real connection. 

Thanks, everyone, for making this past year one of my best ever!

—-Elizabeth

I am truly honored to be a part of Petticoats & Pistols. When Pam first mentioned her idea to create a group blog of western authors my heart leapt with excitement at the mere thought of an all western blog forum. As a long-time reader and lover of western romances, this was something I had longed to see–a cyber home for those who LOVE WESTERNS. Being a starry-eyed new author, to be included with such an amazing group of authors whose work I admire has been a huge thrill — as well as completely terrifying *g*. The culmination of all that fear and excitement has become a true joy in my life.

P&P is entwined with the start of my author journey and my fellow fillies have been an inspiring source of support and friendship. What I love most about being a filly ~ the wonderful interaction and energy our readers bring to the blog and the sharing of historical information that never fails to amaze me. I love having a place to go that’s fun, positive, informative and (of course) full of hunky cowboy inspiration.

Thanks to all for an incredible year, and wishing us many, many more 🙂

—-Stacey

I’ve loved being a part of the Fillies this past year. The excitement, enthusiasm, knowledge and support of my fellow Fillies and our community of writers and readers have been a joy. I’ve learned so much and have so enjoyed sharing my interest and love of the West.

Wishing all of you a second great year!

—-Patricia

There you have it, dear friends!  Our heartfelt feelings not only about each other, but also about YOU!

Now, let us know–have you enjoyed our first year as much as we have? 

Can we make our second year even better? 

What would you like to see on Petticoats & Pistols?  Anything different?

Pam Crooks
Website | + posts

Pam has written 30 romances, most of them historical westerns, but she's proud of her contemporary sweet romances featuring the Blackstone Ranch series published by Tule Publishing, too! Stay up on the latest at www.pamcrooks.com

54 thoughts on “Why We Love Being a Filly!”

  1. Congratulations, ladies, on your first anniversary. I’ve loved this blog from the very start. I learn amazing facts, find out what inspires you, learn a bit about you and your families, laugh at your cleverness (Mary esp. cracks me up), and enjoy “meeting” your readers and fans out there in cyberspace. I’m humbled and honored to be a guestblogger sometimes.

    I can’t think of one single thing I’d change. I love you all just the way you are! 🙂

    Thanks for all your hard work keeping everything at Wildflower Junction running so smoothly.

  2. Hi Happy Anniversary! I’m really a newcomer of about a month. I’ve really enjoyed a lot of the facts about the Old West time period. Keep them coming! I also like the insight into your careers and how you got to where you are today. Many of you are authors that I’ve read before,some of you are new to me. So far I’ve enjoyed the website and I will be back.

  3. Happy Anniversary!
    There is always something interesting on this blog and it’s a pleasure to spend a little time visiting it. I really enjoy the different historical facts related to the books I read and the guest authors.

  4. Happy Anniversary!!

    I can’t remember a day that hasn’t included y’all in it. The amazing facts and the wonderful laughter has made my day on a many occasion (this is one of two things you all are great or I seriously need life (lol).

    I have meet alot of new authors I would not have otherwise gotten to know.

    I can’t think of a thing that could be added to make it better. I believe you all have it covered already.

  7. I love it here! I come here almost every day and the days I dont get a chance to make it over – Im wondering what Im missing!!! LOL

    For someone like me who dearly loves reading-especially reading western (historical) romance…this is a dream come true! I get to come here and hang out with some of my most favorite authors!!!

    I appreciate ya’ll taking the time to make this place fun and exciting and I can not think of one thing I’d like to see changed around here! I say keep up the great work ladies and I wish P&P a very happy 1st anniversary!

  8. As a reader I’ve loved getting to know wonderful authors and learning how their minds work.

    As an author, I’ve loved getting to know wonderful authors and learning how their minds work. Really! 😉

    And I’ve learned so much by stopping by the Junction every day. The wealth of information found here is amazing. And inspiring. (Chocolate Brownies anyone?) Even for someone who writes mostly fantasy romance. 🙂 And I thank ya’ll for that!

    This site shows that a genre specific site can be a huge draw and entertaining for everyone!

    Besides, if we’re honest–who can resist a hunky cowboy? Or a majestic Native American hero? Uh…not me!

    Happy Anniversary!

  9. Happy Anniversary ladies. I love stopping by here every day to read the posts. I learn some interesting facts and have found some new authors to read through the guest posts.
    Thank you for your wonderful blog.
    I can’t think of anything I would change.

  10. Happy Anniversary Fillies! I think I’ve been popping by here since you all got started. I love this place and can’t think of anything you need to change.

    When I drop by P&P, I get that moment in my day to stop and catch my breath, take a load off and relax. The atmosphere at the Junction makes you feel at home and gives you the chance to learn something new and have a good laugh. It quiets the rat race of my modern day life with all it’s gadgets and noise and busyness- almost like stepping back in time…

    I can almost imagine seeing the horses hitched in front of the saloon and the rattle of a buggy or two rolling past as men and women stroll along the street- some headed toward the merchantile to shop for new fabrics, or men traveling through who need a place to stay- the men tipping their cowboy hats and giving a quick short nod in the direction of a pretty young lady who’s on her way to the Larkspur Library to meet with the other women in the local book club. The sound of boots on boards, the snuffle of a horse, the wind through the tall trees and the smell of wildflowers blooming on the hill.

    That’s the sense of peace and tranquility I get when I come to visit Wildflower Junction and the Fillies. 😀 Especially cause I know that when I leave, I get a “Ya’ll come back now, Ya hear?” And that’s what keeps me coming back- the friendly faces, the amazing and cool information and the wonderful conversations. Thank you ladies so much. Big Hugs!

  11. Happy Avviversary Ladies,
    You ladies have one of The Best sites and all of you have wonderful qualities you bring and so much information! I always learn something each time i read one of you ladies post. You each are so wonderful.

  12. Omm sorry about that speeling there someone must have changed my computer keys lol!
    HAPPY ANNIVERSARY LADIES!!!

  13. Happy Anniversary Ladies!!!

    I love this site and I wouldn’t change a thing.

    Not only do you hightlight western romance novels exceptionally well, but you offer so much information on American and Canadian western history so that I learn something new every day. It’s just wonderful and a great way to start the day.

    I also enjoy reading about your guest authors and their books. I have discovered many new authors this past year this way and the LIH line as well.

    So thanks again for all of your efforts. I truly do appreciate P&P and I think you all are just really nice, down to earth wonderful authors.

  14. Happy one year anniversary!!!!! I love this site. You always have great guest and post such interesting things. I have found many great authors and books through this site. I wouldn’t change a thing about this site. Thank you for all you do and making petticoats and pistols such amazing fun!

  15. I am touched by your comments, dear readers. Taryn, you painted a picture so vivid, it brought tears to my eyes! I’m so pleased by how many of you make this a daily stop.

    And I was touched by how each Filly said something so similar about the great sense of community that has been founded here.

    We are a mutual admiration society!

    Now I’m off to think up a new story–one of my favorite things to do.

  17. Congratulations, Fillies! I enjoy this blog very much, and I’m glad there are still good books for us western loves to enjoy! Thanks to you all!

  18. Happy Birthday Petticoates and Pistols!!

    I love this blog. Of all the blogs I visit this one is my favorite. I wouldn’t change a thing about it. I love to hear about the old west and love the books you write. Keep up the good work ladies and we will all come back ya hear.

  22. Thanks to everyone for the congratulations. Really, we couldn’t keep this site going and fresh blogs coming out without each of you. You’re all so wonderfully supportive that you drive us to do our best.

    My sister Fillies are the most generous warm group of ladies I’ll ever meet. I love them all. I so appreciate that they let me hang out with them. 🙂

    So, we’re on to another year. We’ll have lots more fun and a ton of prizes to give away. Stay tuned and come back now, y’all hear!

    Have a wonderful glorious day.

  24. Congratulations, ladies, on your first anniversary! I can’t believe it has only been a year! You have done a wonderful job on this site. I visit daily because you always have entertaining, interesting, and yes…educational posts. The prizes are fun, too! Thanks, authors and regular commenters for being a bright spot in my day!

  25. Happy Anniversary. and Congratulations on the first year. What a wonderful, interesting and informative blog which I thoroughly enjoy. Thanks so much.

  27. Happy Anniversary and many more great years. I find your blog fascinating and the topics unique and special. Wishing you all the best.

  28. Happy Happy 1st Anniversary Ladies!!!! 😀 I love this blog… you gals are very informative and I have learned alot about the Old West… Keep on a bloggin!

  30. Wow, happy anniversary to the lovely fillies! Thank you for starting this wonderful blog. I love all the historical insight you ladies provide. I think it’s amazing how gracious you are to introduce and promote other Western authors as well as yourselves. Thank you!!!

    ~Renee Ryan~a huge fan!

  31. (oh regarding things to change: This is one minor thing that would help ME out but I don’t know if it’s possible, to have a “preview” of a comment before we hit send?

    Most of my posts end up having a spelling boo-boo that makes me look like a first-grader LOL.)

    Love you all. keep up the great work.

  32. Happy Anniversary Petticoates & Pistols!!!!!!!

    It has been a wondeful year we all have learned so many interesting things here. We have meet so many authors and special friends. We have a really big family now and it keeps growing, it is nice to be able to come somewhere there are so many caring people. Each and everyone of you have brought some very interesting things to this blog and we have learned so much from all of you…
    I hope Petticoats & Pistols is here to celebrate for several years this has been a great year…

    Congrats to all you…

  33. Happy Anniversary! I can’t think of any changes – really. You have a great site. A variety of authors, lots of guest authors, contests, different subjects but best of all interaction. Congratulations to you all!

  35. Happy Birthday to all the Fillies!

    I’ve been a daily visitor for much of this year,
    except for having power out for 13 days due to
    Ike’s visit to Houston! Today is my first day back!
    My suggestion is don’t change anything, I love the site as it is!!!

    Pat Cochran

  36. You little ladies shore know how to have a party!

    I can’t think of how to improve what you are doing–I enjoy looking at the photos and reading how you do your research.

    Even though I have to read a lot of genres in my day job, I personally prefer historicals,
    and further on that–Westerns. I grew up watching western movies because of my
    dad loving them.

    I may have missed this over the year, but how did each of you exactly get involved in writing Westerns? Was there a specific novel or movie or event that drew you to write your first one?

  37. Congratulations on your first anniversary. A blog which brightens my day and makes life fun. Thanks for the excellent topics and fabulous authors.

  38. Tanya, great suggestion. The Fillies have the capability to edit our comments, but unfortunately, our visitors don’t.

    Alas, it’s a Word Press thing. When they designed the program, they didn’t build that option in.

    Bummer, eh?

  40. Happy first anniversary, Fillies! I’ve really enjoyed the last year and how much I’ve learned about all kinds of things western! Plus I’ve added a ton of books to my to-buy list! Thanks for such a fun community of writers and readers!

  41. Happy first anniversary!

    I love Petticoats and Pistols just the way it is. It is the most fun and informative blog that I visit.

  42. Happy Anniversary!I love coming in here,I havent gotten too as much lately,im keeping my 2 young grandsons while my daughter goes back to work,whewwwwwww,age 9 months an 3 yrs,so they are keeping old gramma on her toes,an wont let me type

  43. Happy Anniversary! Ladies I cannot think of a single change I would like to see you make. I love stopping by. You set my imagination free and bring memories to mind. I count you all as friends.

  47. Happy first anniversary, fillies!! Thank you all for this wonderful blog. Your posts are always interesting, informative, and fun! I wouldn’t change a thing. Keep up the great work!

  49. Happy first anniversary, fillies! Thank you for everything you do here at Petticoats & Pistols! We appreciate all of your hard work and dedication.

  50. Happy Anniversary Fillies! I love this site and really enjoy the posts. It would be fun if a post could be done on recipes from the Old West. Being a cookbook addict myself I thought it would be fun to find out about recipes that were served back in the old days. For example, pies and cobblers were very popular.

  52. I’ve enjoyed reading the posts in the wee hours of the morning before work. I tend to just lurk and not post, but I’ve been with you all year. Thanks for a great site. Happy Anniversary!

  53. Congratulations, ladies, on your first anniversary.
    I love the blog just the way it is. We never know what you ladies are up until we get here. Which most of the time is alot of fun.

  54. Congratulations ladies! I loved reading this and wish you many more anniversaries to come!

    I am a big fan of all of you and look forward to reading many more books as well! 😉

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