Welcome Guest KyLee Woodley

by

Inspiring Women of the West

Hi, everyone. I’m KyLee Woodley, and I’m delighted to join you here at Petticoats & Pistols to talk about my love for strong, western women.

When people read the tag line for my book—A holdup gone wrong, a reluctant outlaw, and the captive she’s sworn to guard—they often pause after the last clause and say something along the lines of, “Wait the outlaw is a woman?” To which I respond, “Yep.”

The female bandit element sets book one apart in the Outlaw Hearts series because western lovers find the outlaw motif thrilling; throw in the fact that she is a woman, and you have the start of a compelling character. But what drives a female bandit who is still smart, ladylike, and brave? Let’s look at the historical women who helped to inspire Lorraine Durand—the heroine of The Bandit’s Redemption.


“God intended women to be outside as well as men, and they do not know what they are missing when they stay cooped up in the house.” – Annie Oakley

Annie Oakley (1860–1926) was born in a log cabin in Darke County, Ohio, and grew up in poverty. She honed her shooting skills by hunting game to feed her family. When she was still in her teens, a local hotel owner invited her to compete in a sharpshooting contest against professional marksman Frank E. Butler, whom she later married. They joined Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show in the 1880s. Annie, known as “Little Miss Sure Shot,” was famous for her sharpshooting and trick performances, including shooting coins in the air, rifle spinning, breaking glass balls midair, and performing blindfolded shots.

Like Annie, Lorraine is a performer. Having spent part of her childhood with a Romani band outside Paris, where she learned acrobatics and equestrian skills, she used these abilities to make her way in America. Her expertise and moral compass landed her the job of robbing a gold shipment. At the beginning of the book, her gang of outlaws overtakes a wagon full of gold guarded by the hero. Lorraine, riding horseback, stands in the saddle and vaults herself into the wagon, knocking the driver and guard unconscious before one of the gang members can shoot them.


“I name you Calamity Jane, the heroine of the plains.” ~ Captain Egan

The next female heroine of the West that inspired Lorraine is Martha “Calamity” Jane (1856–1903). Since first reading about her, I have felt a deep sense of sadness on her behalf—mainly because she had to survive from such a young age and died alone. Still, her life told through the lens of a dime novel was impressive. Calamity Jane was bold, strong, intimidating, and ruthless. Orphaned at a young age, she had to rely on her skills to survive. Jane worked in men’s clothes when necessary and was even a scout for George Armstrong Custer.

Lorraine too lost both her parents and had to survive on her own. She relied on her skills, as did Calamity Jane. Lorraine also wore men’s clothes when the job called for it, but she enjoyed the tug of skirts about her waist and the support of a proper corset. Lorraine first appears in the book wearing a Stetson cowboy hat, britches, chaps, and boots, but when the gang of outlaws must travel by train, she changes into a sky blue summer dress, complete with a bustle, ruffles, French lace, soft cotton undersleeves, and a forward-tilting hat adorned with feathers and ribbon. She is a character that blends the ruggedness of the frontier with the grace and elegance of a lady.

 

In a small way Miss Pearl Hart (1871 – 1955) inspired Lorraine Durand’s character because of this simple quote from the Cosmopolitan when they said Hart was “just the opposite of what would be expected of a woman stage robber,” though, “when angry or determined, hard lines show about her eyes and mouth.” Lorraine is attractive and of a modest stature. She is generally quiet and melancholic, and unlike Calamity Jane, does not come across as intimidating.

However, when provoked, she can be quite formidable as Jesse seems to realize in the quote below.

Lorraine drew her Colt, the solid handle a comfort in her palm. She twirled it, took aim at the log just behind his head, then holstered it. “Just remember this—I may be the smallest, but I am the fastest.”

“And the meanest. Likely the best aim and the smartest too. All the more reason not to ask you for assistance.” He held her gaze, eyes veiled beneath thick lashes. “That, and the fact that you are a lady.”

 

Finally, Etta Place was a beautiful, young outlaw who ran with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid’s gang, known as the Wild Bunch. She had a romantic relationship with Sundance (and possibly Butch). Her origins and death remain shrouded in mystery, making her a figure ultimately lost to history. Some reports claim she sought the Sundance Kid’s death certificate in Chile years after he escaped, later residing in San Francisco. Others believe she married boxing promoter Tex Rickard. Another theory suggests she returned to teaching after Butch and Sundance left the US.

Lorraine too mirrors Etta Place because she lives a private life, sometimes using aliases when needed and is intelligent and attractive. Like Etta, she is a private person. Etta tried to stay out of the limelight, so to speak, as does Lorraine so much so that when her face ends up on a wanted poster (spoiler alert), she takes measures to change her appearance and avoid capture.

I hope you enjoyed these simple comparisons between Lorraine Durand and these truly unique historical women. If you enjoy a historical western romance with thrilling adventure, The Bandit’s Redemption is a must-read. This is a story about a female outlaw with a dangerous past and a disgruntled heir suffering recent tragedy. In a treacherous journey across the Idaho Territory, they will have to trust each other to find the freedom they seek.

Giveaway!

KyLee is giving away one print copy of The Bandit’s Redemption to someone who leave a comment.

Who are some unconventional women you admire?

A holdup gone wrong, a reluctant outlaw, and the captive she’s sworn to guard.

Life in the American West hasn’t been easy for French refugee Lorraine Durand. She has precious few connections and longs to return to her native land. So when the man who rescued her from a Parisian uprising following the Franco-Prussian War persuades her to help him with a deadly holdup, she reluctantly agrees. Despite his promises otherwise, the gang kidnaps a man, forcing Lorraine to grapple with the fallout of her choices even as she is drawn to the captive she’s meant to guard.

Jesse Alexander must survive. If not for himself, then for the troubled sister he left behind in Los Angeles. At the mercy of his captors, he carefully works to earn Lorraine’s trust, hoping he can easily subdue her when the time comes. But as they navigate the treacherous wilderness and he searches for his opportunity to escape, he realizes there may be more to her than he first believed.

With danger lurking at every turn, they must decide whether to trust each other enough to plan a combined escape or risk falling prey to the gang’s devious schemes.

Amazon | Barnes & Noble | Apple Books | Kobo

 

KyLee Woodley is a cheery romantic who loves to write about bygone days and heartwarming romance with a pinch of adventure. She teaches at Baylor University’s lab school in Texas where she lives with her husband of 18 years and their three teenage children. She is a writer for Wild Heart Books and is represented by Books & Such Literary Agency. On weekends, KyLee cohosts and produces the Historical Bookworm Show—a steadily growing author interview podcast for history lovers and readers of historical fiction.

In her spare time, she cares for a rescue mutt—Lucky—a feisty feline named Hazel, and two adorable Boston Terrier puppies. She listens to Cricket Country and K-Love radio, reads classic books with her children, and watches Marvel movies with her husband, who might resemble Superman.

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59 thoughts on “Welcome Guest KyLee Woodley”

  1. Harriet Beecher Stowe was the first female American novelist to use her own name. Her first book, Uncle Tom’s Cabin, made quite a stir and influenced the emancipation movement in the U.S.

  2. Welcome Kylie! There was a woman doctor I read about who I thought was interesting. Can’t remember her name. And the mobile library which moved around in the Blue Ridge mountains on mules. None of them were bandits, but played a part in the rugged areas. More modern day is Amelia Earhart. Not a bandit either, but tough as nails in the sunrise of aviation!

    Your book sounds good! Best wishes!

  3. I admire Amelia Earhart as a pioneer in the aviation field and also of Women’s Rights. She grew up in the Midwest, first in Kansas, then Iowa and Minnesota, ending up her high school years in Chicago. Amelia took her first flight in 1920 and immediately knew she had to fly. In 1923, she became the 16th woman in the U. S. to be issued a pilot’s license and as they say, the rest is history.

  4. Western female I admire , as a kid loved reading about Annie Oaklay.
    Truly admired the poverty life and mountain life of Margaret Tobin Brown. Poor until her mountain, man hunter turned gold rich husband.
    After she helped many survive the sinking of the Titanic, nicknamed the Unsinkable Molly Brown
    Lived much of her rich life in San Francisco.
    Loved Debbie Reynolds interpretation.

  5. Welcome today. I love to listen to K-Love also. thank you for sharing about these women of the west. I have long loved to read about them.
    Who are some unconventional women you admire?
    I grew up on a farm. There were lots of women who were not conventional. My mom was one of them. She was a godly woman who raised 5 children. (two girls and three boys) but she did the best she could to raise us right as well as raise us to think for ourselves. She was a “lady” when needed and a “mom” when needed and so many more hats. We lived in the Mojave desert had to learn a lot. She taught my brother and I how to shoot a rifle just in case. Several times she had to shoot off coyotes or snakes. Once she pulled her rifle on a man who thought he would fool around with her 12 year old daughter (me) that was the last we saw of him. Especially once the word got around to other ranchers who had daughters. I could go on but you see where I am going with all of this. Yup I cant wait to get to heaven and join her again.

    • Lori,

      Your mother certainly sounds like an amazing woman. Thank you for sharing.

      I grew up in the Pacific Northwest in a rural area. My dad was a logger and not home much. My mom taught my sisters and I to do about everything. Taking care of the animals, playing in the woods, building chicken coops, smoking salmon and deer jerky. I guess my mom is someone I admire, and like you, look forward to seeing her in Heaven someday.

  6. I admire Sojourner Truth and I loved her speech “Ain’t I a Woman?”. I understand she has a book by that name.

  7. The unconventional woman who comes to mind is Eleanor Roosevelt. She was the first lady, but was so strong in her own right. She advocated for women and others, using her position of influence to help others.

    • Probably! To think if you didn’t make it in the paper or show business, you were probably lost to history. I think there are plenty of ladies who just did what needed to be done on the frontier.

    • So true. This is why I love reading diaries and such. To hear about the regular, everyday people who were brave and strong in their own right.

      Emma Ray was a missionary with her husband in Seattle Washington at the turn of the century. They wrote Twice Sold, Twice Ransomed. It’s a pretty impressive story but not very well known.

    • Barbara,

      Thank you so much. This is my day being novel. Having it out to the world makes you feel very vulnerable. I’m trusting that God will be strong on my weakness, that the hard work I put in will pay off, and that the fun story adventure and historical details will shine through.

  12. Corrie Ten Boom comes to mind. Such a Godly woman who saved many lives hiding Jews from the Nazi’s. Courageous!

    Your blog was so interesting. Thank you for sharing with us today! I visited Calamity Jane’s gravesite a couple years ago in Deadwood, SD. Such a hard life she lived.

    • I remember my mom telling my sisters and me about Corrie I when we were kids. A really powerful story.

      That is awesome that you got to see Calamity Jane’s grave. I enjoy going to cemeteries and seeing all the grave markers, just reading inscriptions and dates. I find them peaceful.

  13. Hi KyLee, welcome to P&P. I loved your post and the unconventional woman who came to my mind was Margaret Borland who led 2500 head of cattle up the Chisholm Trail in 1873. She became the first female to accomplish a trail drive totally by herself, her children, and a few hired men. She was tough. Enjoy your visit and have a good day.

    • “Hello Linda,

      Thank you for the kind welcome. I couldn’t remember Margaret Boreland’s story. I knew there were some passionate, strong ranching women, but I couldn’t remember her name for this post. Quite a feat, driving 2,500 head of cattle. I suppose sometimes you just do what you gotta do.

      Have a lovely day,

      KyLee

  15. Good morning, I enjoyed reading your post . There have been alot of women and there are still alot of women that I admire. Florence Nightingale , Helen Keller , and alot of women who are making it on working really hard for their own children . Your book sounds like a great read , Thank you for the chance.

    • Hello Alicia,

      Those are some courageous women. I think when I became a mother, I was instantly stronger. Being brave for my children was easier than being brave for myself. I suppose God always makes sure we have what we need.

      I hope you enjoy the book.

      Have a lovely day,

      KyLee

    • It is hard to believe that they were battling for women’s rights so far back. The Seneca Falls Convention was in 1848, and women didn’t even get the right to vote until 1920—more than 70 years later—when women finally gained the right to vote.

    • Annie is a favorite of mine too. We watched a lot of old movies growing up. My first exposure to Annie Oakley was “Annie Oakley” (1935) starring Barbara Stanwyck as Annie Oakley and tells the story of her life as a sharpshooter and her involvement with Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show. I was hooked from then on. 🙂

  20. I admire any woman that stands up for herself and does the right thing.
    I also love all the history you all share here.

    • That’s the key, isn’t it? Doing the right thing. I think some of the ladies above were just trying to survive, but doing the right thing—like so many strong mothers, daughters, and grandmothers throughout history—that is real heroism.

      I am a fan of the blog as well. So insightful!

      Have a lovely day,

      KyLee

    • Hello Diana,

      All these comments have got me on Google! I just love learning about women in history. Sally really was an incredible lady. I just went through a list of her accomplishments. My goodness! She was amazing.

  22. The most unconventional woman I know is my Aunt Pat Thomas. She can do ANYTHING! She’s only 5 years older than me so she’s like a sister. She learned from her daddy to do whatever it takes to run a farm. She learned from her mama to do whatever needs to be done in the house & garden. She was married for 40 years & raised 2 boys. She has 4 grandchildren and they love her dearly. She’s my hero!

    • I love it when the most incredible women you can think of are someone you actually have in your life! Your aunt sounds amazing. You are so very blessed! It’s truly wonderful to have such inspiring figures in our lives.

  23. I’ve always admired Annie Oakley, she seemed like a real fun character. This was a fun post, thanks for sharing all these facts. And for the giveaway!

  24. Both my grandmothers. One was orphaned when she was 7 and placed in a home to help them do laundry. The other one came over alone on a boat from Eastern Europe when she was 13 or 14. Both strong woman who survived and where wonderful examples to our family.

  27. Thank you for the interesting post. There are many well know women who didn’t quite fit the mould of what society expected of the average woman. Those who came over as settlers or headed west as pioneers had courage and stamina. They faced many hardships, had to make due with what they could find, and adjust to any situation that arose. Mary Jemison whose story was told by Lois Lenski in a children’s book, was kidnapped and sold to the Senaca when she was 12. She learned the native way of life and settled to that life. She was given the opportunity to return to the white world but decided she preferred her way of life. She was a survivor, intelligent , a good negotiator, and lived to be 91. I admire her and the many other Native American captives that adjusted to a different life often under dire circumstances and managed to adapt, thrive, and live a good life.

  28. Thanks for sharing about these women . I admired my grandma. She took care of her parents who were both bedfast for many years until they both passed away within a month of each other. She survived losing 3 children early in life and raised 4. She lived by herself until she was in her late 80’s when she moved in with my mom and lived with her until she passed away at the age of 101. She also cooked meals on Sunday for visiting preachers and her grandchildren . I loved spending the summers with her.

  29. They is quite a bit of interesting women that I recently read about. Anne Bailey comes to mind, she became a widow and she took her husband place and became a horseback courier in the wild Frontier, she was the first women
    100 mile rider and she was great shot. She came a horseback heroine by delivering vital supplies to the isolated fort. Her nick name was Mad Anne.

  31. A woman at our church who is Auntie/Mama Liz to all. Nothing spectacular in her appearance or in her life.
    She is just a normal, down to earth lady. But I admire her for how accepting she is of EVERYONE … no judgments made.

  33. I also would have to say Susan B Anthony is one of my admires in life. This book sounds like an intriguing read!

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