Wow, I’m guest blogging at Petticoats and Pistols! When Tracy first mentioned it I actually had to ask her what to talk about! I’ve never guest blogged before. My own blog has been neglected this summer, but previous posts were about exciting things like noises in the night and runaway mules. If I’m going to guest blog, I’m sure I need something a little better than that, something a little more exciting.
Ummm, yeah, I got nothing. My life is about runaway mules, crazy kids, and chasing the Chihuahua down the road. In my spare time, I write for Steeple Hill Love Inspired. Most importantly, I write about cowboys. When I was searching for my niche, cowboys just made sense to me. It wasn’t about what was hot (not that cowboys aren’t) or what the publisher was looking for (although it’s always good to know). No, I picked cowboys because to me, they define HERO.
As an avid fan of the PBR (pro bull riding, for those who might be thinking Pabst Blue Ribbon) I love the sport because it is exciting, dramatic, and dangerous. But I also love it because cowboys are heroes. These men are competing against one another, and yet they are always there to help each other. They cheer for each other. They defend one another. They’re willing to jump into the arena with an angry, one ton bull if it means saving a friend’s life. And they pray for each other..
When I think of cowboys, I think of Cord McCoy, the professional bull rider who also competed on Amazing Race. Cord is a true cowboy. He’s a man of faith who smiles, even when the bulls are against him. Even when he’s losing, he’s smiling. He’s cheering for the guy who is beating him. He’s praying for them to do a great job and stay safe.
But these cowboys are also tough as nails. They can get stomped on by a two thousand pound bull, get back up and say ‘yes’ to a reride. They’ll ride with broken ribs, punctured lungs and torn ACLs.
Tough is the bull rider who jumps in the arena with bull fighters to grab hold of the rope that his unconscious buddy is tangled up in.
When we think of cowboys we think tough, gentle, heroic and chivalrous. A cowboy hero is the whole package–a man sent to rescue his woman. A man in faded jeans, five o’clock shadow and rip hard muscles sent to rescue his woman, and get rescued by her in the process.
John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, George Strait. What could be better than a hero in the mold of one of those men?
So, you ask, why do I write cowboy stories? Well, it should be obvious—the research is a wonderful way to pass a weekend. What better job than a job that takes a girl to th
e rodeo to watch men in wranglers!
In my August release, THE COWBOY’S SWEETHEART, the reader gets the combination of a tough-as-nails cowboy and the cowgirl who is having his baby. I’m so excited about this book that I’m giving away a copy to one of you who leaves a comment today. I hope you enjoy the story.
Good morning, Brenda! For someone who didn’t know what to post about, you did a fabulous job. And you would bring up Cord who my husband and I BOTH fell for in Amazing Race. It was great to have his back story at the time and be reminded of it now.
Folks, Brenda’s book is just great. She knows her cowboys and what pulls at the heartstrings!
Peace, Julie
Julie,
Thank you! And it is great to show up this morning and see a friendly face!
And thank you to the ladies of Petticoats and Pistols for inviting me to hang out with them today.
I’ll be back in a few hours. My kids (whos schedules dictate mine) have a parade to march in this morning.
I love stories about cowboys. Your book sounds very interesting. All the best with it!
Hi Brenda! Welcome to Petticoats & Pistols! I couldn’t agree more about cowboys defining “HERO.” I’ve also chased a Chihuahua down the street. How can a little dog be so fast?
Enjoy havingyour kids in the parade! It sounds like a fun and memorable morning 🙂
Welcome to the Junction, Brenda! There’s just something about a cowboy that makes my heart beat a little faster, too.
Brenda,
How right you are. The iconic image of the lone horseman, tall in the saddle, ready, willing, and able to do what is right is part of the image of the West.
Amazing Race is the only reality TV show we watch. This past season when Cord McCoy and his partner were on was a delight. They were the epitome of the nice guy. They competed with honor, humor and sportsmanship. We were crushed when they were beaten out by two guys who basically cheated. I can’t remember exactly what Cord and/or his partner said when they finished, but it was something to the effect that they were proud of the way they had competed with integrity. Two really nice guys you would be proud to know and not the least bit upset if your daughter brought one home to meet her parents.
I am sure I will enjoy your books if such men are your heroes and I have a daughter that I know will enjoy them. Thanks for the uplifting post today.
I’ve read all your cowboy books and just love them. I look forward to each new one.
Hi Brenda! Welcome to the Junction. We’re so glad you’re here. We love talking about cowboys. It’s our favorite subject. 🙂 There’s just something about a mannerly guy in tight-fittin’ jeans, Stetson and boots! Oh, and he has to love horses. You have the right idea in hanging out at rodeos, girl.
I watched (and rooted for) those McCoy brothers on The Amazing Race. They almost won. Loved how they were always nice to their fellow contestants. That’s the way it should be. Too bad other contestants play so dirty. People still have to live with themselves once the race is over. Can’t believe they forget that.
Wishing you lots of success with your new release. It looks really good.
Cathy,
Thank you so much. I’m glad you’re enjoying them. I love writing them. It’s a tough job, but someone has to do it. 🙂
And to the McCoy fans. Aren’t they terrific guys! When we started watching the PBR we became big fans of Cord McCoy. His mom is a wonderful lady and when I started researching for the cowboy books, i emailed and she helped answer questions and gave great insight.
Chasing Chihuahuas. lol. This dog is a spoiled brat. The other night I wouldn’t let her sleep in the exact spot she wanted. She hid from me.
The parade was a great event. Small town parades are always entertaining.
Hey Brenda, it was so fun to meet you in Orlando. Oh yeah, Cord was great on the Amazing Race, eh. Really symbolized the whole cowboy image.
I’m so glad you write contemporary westerns. Regardless of what the animal rights activists say and want, rodeo is a way of life and the guys and gals who dominate the sport know what they’re getting into and wouldn’t have it any other way. I thrive at the rodeo although I don’t cotton to the dust. Kinda mucks up the mouth, if you know what I mean.
One editor told me I have a cowboy voice, which was nice. Just a country gal at heart. 😀
Hoping your well of words never dries as you pour out your cowboy tales.
Anita Mae,
It was great to meet you, too!
And it’s great to be a ‘little bit country’ at heart. Hey, I think that’s a country song!
In the PBR the bulls are really protected so that they aren’t injured or mistreated. There are bulls that get bottled water because they won’t drink tap water. They have rules about how long the cowboy can take to get out of the gate, because they don’t want the bull injured or stressed.
They actually suspended a rider for throwing his hat at the bull. The bull is an athlete in his own right and the PBR officials saw that as an act of disrespect.
I love rodeo for that aspect…respect is still very important.
brenda
Enjoyed reading the coments and who doesn’t love a cowboy?
The book sounds really good and I am glad there are more romance authors writing these kinds of stories.
You nailed the concept of cowboy/hero perfectly, Brenda! Welcome to Wildflower Junction today! Boots, Stetson, Wranglers, oh my.
I attended a Friday night rodeo in Bandera TX recently and loved every second of it. Your book sounds terrific.
I love cowboys and their stories..especially John Wayne-type cowboys… in fact, today his movies are featured all day on one of the tv channels..I intend to watch some of those old movies..again. Think I’ll get a copy of your book ..thanks for the excerpt.
Give me a cowboy anyday! Thank you for sharing your post with us… enjoyed reading it! Have to look for your books!
exactly..who doesn’t love a cowboy!
When I was trying to find my place at Love Inspired I tried several different books, heroes. Nothing worked. I started a cowboy story (HIS LITTLE COWGIRL) and it really clicked.
I love cowboys too, historical setting or contemp, love them all. There is something so inherently sexy about them! Must be the hero thing as you said!
All the best for your release!
Loved the blog! I have a friend who used to be a bull rider. Love to listen to him talk about that and his years as a rancher in western Nebraska. He is just plain fun to be around, a true cowboy!
Brenda,
What a wonderful post. I cannot wait to get my hands on your book. I write Native American Mystery/Romance.
Walk in harmony,
Melinda
We love us some cowboys, any cowboys in this house! Honey loved playing cowboys as a child, but had to be Roy Rogers every time. He refused to respond to anyone unless they addressed him as Roy! Brother-in-law Jack rodeoed as a young man. Our eldest son’s first Christmas gift was a cowboy outfit and a tiny rocking horse, he was 10 months old! Both boys as toddlers had big rocking horses which they “rode” daily! Does that give you an idea of how much we esteem the cowboy life? BTW, we live in Texas! LOL.
Pat Cochran
I think just about everyone likes cowboys, I know I do. I’ve never been to a rodeo though. I like your cover and the book sounds great, I can’t wait to read it.
Melinda,
Native American Mystery/Romance sounds great to me. I’ll have to go google now!
Pat, I’ve always been horse crazy. As a kid I always ended up with the most unbroke thing around. Typically the horse and I were broke at about the same time…my body and the horse to ride.
I’m not that brave these days. The horse I have now is 20 and I pet her a lot.
Linda, I hope you do get to go to a rodeo!
And I love that cover, too. The cover for the January book..The Cowboy’s Family, is great, too
mmmm, who doesn’t love a cowboy?
really??
it’s what a true man should be
ah..you did a great job with your first post here–made me feel all happy inside 🙂
thanks for offering to give away one of your books–i checked it out on amazon–looks like it’s a great story with some gushing reviews 🙂
I love the cover. I can’t wait to see the cover of your January book. Linda, I hope you get to a rodeo. I live in Gerry, NY where there’s a rodeo every year in August. We’re just a small town and I’m sure compared to other’s it’s a small rodeo. My favorite thing is bull riding and the clowns. I’ve been going for 38 years.
I love cowboy stories and a rodeo!
CathyAnn, small town rodeos are great. I’m a small town girl, so that’s really all I know.
And Thank you all for the warm welcome! I enjoyed spending the day here talking about COWBOYS!
The only cowboy exposure and experience I receive is through an author’s eyes. It was interesting learning about the McCord brothers and their practicing the Golden Rule. I wish more people would do so and pass it on to their children. I’ve never been to a rodeo or Texas. But I’d love to read about them in your book “The Cowboy’s Sweetheart”!
A big howdy, Brenda, and welcome to Wildflower Junction! This book sounds wonderful! I’m a native Oklahoman–I think Cord McCoy is from someplace here in OK because they did a story about him on the news when he was going to be on The Amazing Race–I think he and his brother started off together, and in their interview they were both so polite and just seemed like genuinely nice guys. I don’t follow The Amazing Race, so I never got to see what happened.
Although I live in Oklahoma, my parents were not the rodeo type. My uncle (mom’s brother) took me to my first rodeo when I was about 10 or so, along with my cousin who was my age. Larry Mahan was riding that night. We were in love from that moment on.
I love cowboys. So I know I am going to love your story! Glad to see you here!
Cheryl
Howdy, Brenda!
I was lucky enough to attend the Calgary Stampede way back in the seventies. It was SOOO exciting! Perhaps that is part of the reason I really enjoy cowboy stories, as I can imagine myself there with the hero (minus the heroine, because “I” am the heroine, LOL)!
I hope you’ve had a great weekend! It was nice having you here!
abdub alain es un nuevo talento dentro del mundo del rodeo, un excelente bullrider quien hace dos años tubo una lecion considerable pero sorpresa ya esta de vuelta para competir y ganar los mejores lugares dentro de los rodeos de chihuahua chih.
ADBUB ALAIN SALIO DE LA ESCUL DE RODEO DEL SR JAVI PEREZ, HACE VASTANTE TIME YA, ACTUALMENTE SIGUE LLENDO A ENTRENAR CUANDO HAY MONTAS DE TOROS DE HECHO HAY FOTOS, EN INTERNED SOLO HAY QUE PONER SU NOMBRE Y SALEN ALGUNAS, LAS ULTIMAS VECES QUE LO HE VISTO HA SIDO EN EL NIDO DEL JABALI AHI EN CHIHUAHUA. TAMBIEN HAY RODEOS LOS FINES DE SEMANA EN EL NIDO QUE ORGANIZA EXTRAVAGANZA, AL QUE SE ESPERA QUE MONTE PRONTO ES AL SRÑOR IVAN CASTRO UN EXCELENTE JINETE…