How Writing Historical Western Romance Transports Me to a Simpler Time
As the sun dips behind the rugged peaks of the Rocky Mountains, my mind wanders, as it often does, back in time, envisioning a world where adventurers, seekers, and settlers roamed the vast landscapes and frontier towns bustled with life.
(And yes, I’m ignoring the realities of poor hygiene and a dearth of men who look like my characters, but I write fiction, so go with it.)
Growing up, tales of the Wild West—of fearless outlaws, resilient pioneers, and rugged cowboys—always captivated me. (Again, I’m okay with the fiction versions.) These stories painted a picture of an untamed world where every sunset brought new adventures and every thunderstorm whispered secrets of the land. The captivation was fueled by summer vacations in Colorado, where horse rides on mountain trails awaited, and sitting by campfires was the way to unwind after a busy day. The thrills continued when, from an early age, my family made the Rocky Mountains our home and still do today.
In my writing, I strive to capture the essence of the American West—the raw beauty of the untamed wilderness, the code of honor that defined interactions, and the unshakeable spirit of those who braved the unknown. Each character is a testament to the resilience and courage of the people who shaped the history of the American frontier, accepting the bad with the good. If authors play up the fiction quite a bit with romance, adventure, and mystery, all the better!
Every day, I feel the crisp mountain air on my skin and hear the whisper of the wind through the pines, allowing me to transport myself to a time long before the mountains became overcrowded with modern-day developments, hikers on cell phones, and so much traffic heading to some mountains that you wonder if you’ll ever reach the peaks.
With each word, we can be drawn deeper into an era where time moved a little slower and the vast expanse of the frontier held endless possibilities. The rugged beauty of Montana serves as the ideal backdrop for many of my tales of love, courage, and adventure, allowing me to escape into a world where the untamed spirit of the frontier still triggers dreams of what was and could have been had we had allowed it to remain wild.
As a fellow Western romance enthusiast, likely seeking a respite from modern life, I invite you to join me on a journey through pages where love knows no bounds and the spirit of the frontier beckons us to explore its untold wonders.
Thankfully, books allow us to escape to these times and places whenever we want.
I’m happy to give away either a paperback set of the three Crooked Creek books or an e-book set (1 winner, US only, reader’s choice on format). What do you do to escape life when it starts to wear on you? What brings solace and peace?
Everyday heroes who find the courage to believe in extraordinary love.
Two years after the devastations of war left their mark on a country torn apart, Wesley Davenport, a former soldier haunted by his experiences on the battlefield crosses paths with Leah Tennyson, a teacher who helps him heal his emotional wounds—and discovers unexpected love in the most unlikely place.
The Trail to Crooked Creek, a novella, is a tale of resilience, compassion, and the triumph of the human spirit set in the breathtaking and sometimes unforgiving landscape of post-Civil War Montana Territory.
The mountains of Northeast Tennessee bring me peace. When I can’t get there, give me a cup of tea and a book or a movie.
I’ve visited those mountains, and I agree, they are very peaceful!
I like to just sit and read. That really brings me peace.
I agree, Bonnie! Sometimes the simplest acts bring the most peace.
We live in a state that is land locked, so when I need to escape my crazy chaotic life I flee to the ocean. Something about sitting by the water, listening to the surf, feeling the breeze and realizing the vastness of it- settles my soul. When I am not able to get to the ocean, a good book always takes me away for a little while.
My editor would agree with you, Danielle! She loves the ocean. One of these days I’ll get her to the mountains. Here’s to hoping you get back to the ocean soon.
I do aroma therapy while reading a good book to escape
That would be peaceful, Chrystal. I light the occasional candle, but I haven’t tried actual aromatherapy while reading. Next time I read, I’ll try a fragrance that matches the book’s setting.
Walking gives me peace.
Right there with you, especially when I can just hear nature sounds. Thanks for visiting today, Kim!
Walking, listening to the birds,, enjoying the beauty around me and talking to God!
All so peaceful! Thank you for visiting, Molly.
The Appalachian Mountains always lift my spirits, but to escape, I go to a good book where I can be transported to another time and place.
I haven’t had the pleasure of visiting the Appalachians, though I hear they are quite beautiful. I hope your next escape is a wonderful one!
I just go and curl up with all my cats and watch reality TV.
Fur-friends really are great for relaxing! Thanks for visiting, Audrey.
Sometimes music soothes whatever is bothering me. So I play the piano, sing, or listen to the radio. Worship also brings me peace especially in solitude where I can express my emotions. Jesus also brings me peace so I read scripture to find the assurance I need. Sometimes peace is found in tears.
Your book covers are amazing! Wow!
What lovely thoughts, Kathy, thank you for sharing. I agree, music is quite powerful for bringing peace. Thank you for stopping in today!
just a walk out in the pasture with the horses and llamas can reset me!
Horses are such an amazing gift and joy! I’m glad you have the opportunity to spend time with them. Thank you for visiting, Teresa.
Reading – either the Bible or a book (usually a historical) can give me the peace I seek. Of course praying helps immensely.
Most definitely to all of this! Thank you so much for visiting, Karijean.
My escape is to go camping and or draw and paint. Or all I have to do is look at pictures of my grandbabies. Since most of them live in another state.
Camping is always a nice escape, and I wish I had the talent to draw and paint. I hope you get to see your grandbabies again soon.
Unless I can escape to our small home up north (yes, in the mountains and in a small town), which isn’t always possible, I escape into a book for however long time allows! I live in a busy suburb of a big city and sometimes it is just too much so I am grateful to authors who can pull me into a time when life was much simpler.
I hope you get to escape to your small mountain town again soon, Karin! Thank goodness for the magic of books.
When I was a librarian, I remember attending a conference where the speaker talked about using exercise as a way to relieve stress. I took up yoga and walking to escape to my happy place, that and reading helps me to deal with the unpleasantness that life sometimes brings to me.
Yoga is a favorite activity of mine as well. I hope you find more escape and less unpleasantness in future, Becky! Thank you for visiting.
Jesus is the only One that can truly give me peace, especially during a hectic season! However, reading is always a nice escape; when life doesn’t allow for a trip to the mountains I like to visit new places and people through stories. 🙂
Very true for many of us, Sabrina. I’m more homebody these days than I used to be, so I’m grateful for all the different places to see and do in books. Thank you for visiting!
Welcome! I enjoyed your post today! As a girl, who lived on a farm, I would go to the south pasture and climb the old oak tree. It was huge then. Sometimes I took a book to read. Now days, I sit on my back porch and listen to the birds and enjoy God’s creation. And will read….until it get’s too hot! We live in Florida. Heh.
Many blessings to you MK!
By the way! I have read the first Crooked Creek book! And then looked some more and have read 3 of the Callager books. I need to finish them I see! LOL I have Kindle Unlimited. So I can read them. Give your give away to another wonderful reader here! Heh. I’m excited that I can finish that other series! Thank you for stopping by MK!
Reading up in an old oak sounds like a lot of fun, and relaxing! I’m such a baby in the heat, which is why I live in the cold. Thank you for visiting, Tracy.
Reading my bible early in the morning, before the family is up and I have a few quiet moments to myself, it brings me peace and helps me recharge
That sounds very peaceful, Laura. Quit moments alone for contemplation can really set the stage for a nice day. Thank you for visiting!
Walking in the foothills gives me peace of mind. The beauty surrounding me makes me relax and appreciate the environment.
The environment is a wonder for offering peace and solitude. Here’s to many more foothill walks for you to enjoy the beauty. Thank you for visiting, Anne.
My sister has a lake house about an hour from home. I like to go out there and fish. Or if it is too windy or stormy I will just sit out on the porch deck and relax. Totally the plan for today since I have had a lot of things going on.
Lake houses are so nice for relaxing, especially when it’s quiet. I hope you enjoy your next visit there, Kerah!
The ocean soothes my heart and soul. It is too infrequent that I get to travel there but it is the one place where I can relax.
The ocean is so soothing. It’s been far too long since I’ve been there – I hope you make it back there soon. Thank you for visiting, Sharon!
I live in Arizona, so I take a walk in the desert to view the plants, the sunrises and sometimes the animals that cross my path. I also stay busy .
I went to one of my schools in Arizona (briefly because I don’t handle heat well), but I do remember the gorgeous sunsets and evening hikes. I hope you enjoy many more sunrise walks, Joye.
Walking in the sunshine gives me hope and strength. It allows me to enjoy and appreciate the beauty.
Sunshine has such a special way of brighten almost any moment! I hope you feel it upon your face often. Thank you for visiting, Ellie.
The Black Hills of Northeast Wyoming are my go-to place. The Hills are a spiritual place for the Lakota and I can totally understand why as they bring a peaceful, calming feeling to me. Walking through a pasture filled with cattle is an escape as well. Look forward to reading your books.
I love the Black Hills! They are so beautiful and elemental, and there’s definitely a special calm when walking the hills and through the forests. Thank you for visiting, Carol.
Interesting blog post. I am eager to learn more about your 3 books in this post. I have 3 things I do to escape life: read or reread a great book, watch a western on TV, and play a strategy game on my phone.
Thank you!
Thank you, Susan! Rereading books is also a favorite pastime of mine. I usually reread one book for every 2-3 new books. Your mention of western TV reminds me I’m do for another Lonesome Dove marathon.
I resort to watercolor painting or sit in my recliner reading with my dog by my side.
What a lovely way to spend some relaxing time. I, too, like reading with my pup. Thank you for visiting, Jackie!
Good morning, wow , you describe Montana like a very beautiful and nice place to go visit, I have never been to Montana and would love to someday, and also Wyoming both those 2 states make me think of the western movies which I grew up watching and still love. I like to escape to my backyard patio swing and just sit there and listen to the birds chirping away and seeing the butterfly’s and bees take a sip of the flowers or I sit and read there. I also go on walks with my pup, and I like planting flowers. Your books sounds like Great reads and I love your book covers. Have a Great day and a great weekend. I enjoyed reading your post.
Thank you, Alicia! Montana and Wyoming are both amazing places, and offer a lot of inspiration. Though I could say that about so many beautiful states I’ve visited. A patio swing sounds perfect right now. I hope your weekend is filled with plenty of those peaceful joys.
There is a conservation park near me that I love. It brings peace to me.
Conservation areas make for such nice escapes! I hope you get to spend time there often. Thank you for visiting, Debby.
Reading or crocheting calms my mind!
Sounds perfect! That could really work well if you crochet while listening to audiobooks. I should knit and listen more often. Thank you for visiting, Rhonda.
Love your comments about the old west. That’s what fiction does exactly, allows us to imagine ourselves in a time when people mattered more than things, than talking on a cellphone, or getting someplace as fast as possible. Reading does that for me. It transports me back to simpler times, not easier, but more meaningful I guess. Thank you for your insights and your books.
Thank you, Sarah! That is exactly why I write. I hope you’re transported again soon to one of those simpler times.
I like to put on classical music and just relax. I enjoy coloring and word games and of course reading while listening to the music.
Those all sound like great ways to unwind, and engage your mind while relaxing! Thank you for visiting today, Barbara.
I love being by the water and watching the beauty of God’s creation. There’s a creek in my backyard and it’s nice to just look outside my window and see the water flow.
That sounds absolutely lovely! There’s something so peaceful about being near water. It must be wonderful to have a creek right in your backyard. Thank you for visiting, Bridget.
Prayer and cuddling with my pup in the comforts of my home brings me peace
I completely agree about cozy moments with your pup and the comforts of home. It’s great that you find peace in those simple pleasures! Thank you for visiting, Lynn.
watching movies
Watching movies can definitely provide a nice escape! Thank you for visiting.
I’d have to leave the bad hygiene and death too~
I enjoy heading to my sister’s house. She live on Captiva Island in the Gulf of whatever they are calling it now. I seem to find the most peace there. Scared to death of drowning so odd that my peace is on an island. When I can’t get there, I read many genres.
Have a blessed 2025 and a pie for Pi Day.
It sounds like your sister’s island is a special escape! I haven’t heard of that island, but will now look it up. Just “the Gulf” sounds pretty good. 🙂 Ooh, I didn’t know it was Pi Day, but I do have pie! Thank you for visiting, Carrie.
I like to get lost in a good story, it takes my mind off of my present problems.
Getting lost in a good book is a great escape from all the zigs and zags life throws our way. It’s definitely where I turn when I need to shut out everything else. Thank you for visiting, Connie, and I hope things brighten for you.
I have a number of things I can do to help me have some peace. I read, bake, spend time in prayer and meditation. Sometimes I will talk it out with someone I trust.
It’s wonderful that you’ve found such comforting activities to bring you peace. Baking is a great go-to escape. Just turn on the music and spend a few hours in the kitchen. Thank you for visiting, Cherie!
When life starts to wear on me I usually escape via a good book. It’s wonderful to be able to “live” in someone else’s shoes for a an hour or so, to visit a place I probably won’t ever get to, and to just explore another version of life. That’s why reading is so wonderful.
I completely agree! Every time you open a book it’s like having a mini-vacation. Thank you for visiting, Megan.
I will escape into books or watch movies. Also, it helps to hug/pet/cuddle with my dogs. They’re really good at helping find peace and solace and they really don’t have to do anything other than be there.
There’s nothing quite like the comfort of cuddling with dogs. They have a special way of bringing us peace, don’t they? Thank you for visiting, Joannie!
Reading a good book or watching something interesting on TV.
I’m about to go and do both of those, one after another. 🙂 Thank you for visiting today, Diana!
I usually take a walk or just set around and read for a while.
Walks are such a nice way to clear your mind, especially when you can end up somewhere quiet to read! Thank you for visiting.
I like to take a walk, or see my nieces and nephews.
To escape & find peace I read books, read my KJ Bible & write for fun and pray to God & remind myself how beautiful the woods and Country life is and how I’m so blessed
I read a book , my Bible or listen to southern gospel music.
When I need to get away from a stressful day I like to curl up with a book or go for a walk. I especially like to walk “up top” as our daughters called it. The field north of our barn is a high spot where on a clear day you can see Mt. Rainier, the high peaks of the North Cascades and Rattlesnake Mt. on the .Hanford Reach National Monument. Rattlesnake is the closest to us as it is only 90 miles away.
I live in Ct. and I have small piece of land in Vermont that’s by a bubbling brook that runs on the side and back on lovely wood area. So peaceful and serene, it’s just perfect place for relaxing. Have a tiny mobile home there, love being in nature and surrounded by all it’s beauty! If I can’t go there I’ll head for a state park and go for a hike love listening to the birds and seeing all nature as to offer. The great outdoors is definitely my happy place
When things get to be too much, my preferred outlet is to get out in Nature. It can be to go for a ride in the mountains, or hike. If we can, we may go camping for a few days. If none of these are possible, I grab a book and escape for as long as I can. Our time in Colorado was the best of my husbands 24 year career in the Air Force. The whole family enjoyed it and we hated to have to move when he got orders. That entire region along the Rockies is special. We try to get back when we can. We took our grandson out for 4 weeks and did the full Western tour from New Mexico to Montana, hitting most of the National Parks and many State Parks. He was about 14 at the time. We hope to do the same with our granddaughter. The area is a very special place. You can feel the power of the land around you.
What do you do to escape life when it starts to wear on you? What brings solace and peace?
I like to escape to the beach. While there, I like to walk along the shore and listen to the waves. If I am stuck at home, I like to sit on the patio, in my rocking chair at dusk, listening to my wind chimes.