Kari writes swoony heroes and places that become characters with detail and heart.
Her favorite place to write about is the place her heart lives, (even if she doesn't) South Dakota.
Kari loves reading, listening to contemporary Christian music, singing when no one's listening, and curling up near the wood stove when winter hits. She makes her home in central Minnesota, land of frigid toes and mosquitoes the size of compact cars, with her husband of over twenty years. They have two daughters, two sons, one cat, and one hungry wood stove.
I’m sorry this is later than usual. It’s been quite the weekend so far. Frankly, this weekend kicked off with one of my favorite things, my birthday. I don’t know why it is, but I love that fresh-start feeling that comes for me with a birthday.
I’ve actually talked about my favorite things in other posts, just not as a revealing “this is something I love” but more so, “my characters do this”. I will occasionally weave things that I love to do in my stories, because that makes the story more real. One of those things is knitting. I’m not as fond of crochet, but only because I never got the hang of the patterns and stitches. Knitting was more straight-forward to me.
I’m currently knitting the Elisabeth Zimmerman Pi shawl (though mine is not knit in the round, there’s a slit to make it easier to wear). I’m close to binding it off. I love all the blue colors. It reminds me of my recent releases.
Another of my favorite things is music. When I need something to calm my brain, music is my go-to. I love Laura Story, Crowder, and Mercy Me. When I want to just listen, not sing, classical is my jam. Occasionally, when my brain is in squirrel mode, I need the sound of water moving to get my thoughts flowing in the right direction. It’s amazing to me what sound can do for you.
My two favorite things are calming. Are your favorite things more calming or exciting?
March of 2022 I signed a contract with Love Inspired Suspense for a book that was then titled, Blizzard Warning. Before signing, I’d actually gone through TWO complete edit/rewrites with two separate editors.
When I got the call, it was with an editor I had met at a conference in 2017 and that made meeting this goal all the sweeter. A few months later (after another full edit and rewrite), I was handed to one of the new Harlequin editors, not realizing at the time that my editor was going to be leaving.
And that editor wanted…you guessed it…another rewrite.
This isn’t surprising, every editor has their own things they like to see. They want to be proud of every book they sign off on. And, I’ve got to tell you, I’m incredibly proud of this book.
So, you get to be the first to meet the characters. Because you’re awesome.
Meet, Yellowstone naturalist, Tamala Roth
She follows bears and studies their habitat and movement. When she’s trapped by a poacher who takes aim at her, the hunter becomes the hunted. Tamala has to not only save the bears, but herself.
And did I mention she’s trapped in Yellowstone during a blizzard?
Law Enforcement Ranger Clint Jackson has a long list of things to do with an impending blizzard, but saving lives takes top priority. But what will he do when he and Tamala are locked alone in Yellowstone with a raging blizzard and nowhere to turn? Find out Oct, 24th when Deadly Yellowstone Secrets releases!
While this story isn’t outwardly western, Clint has the heart of a cowboy. He reads like a cowboy hero, so I hope you’ll accept him as a cowboy that wrangles bad guys instead of cows.
What would you do if you found yourself trapped in Yellowstone with a blizzard moving in?
I’d bet a lot of you, like me, assumed that knitting was probably done by every able-bodied woman in the West. Likewise with sewing. I’ve even had a few of my characters knitting because I readily assumed that was just the way things “must” have been.
But I was wrong.
Let’s start with a little knitting lesson, because I love knitting. The first stitch was the garter stitch.
This is what it looks like. Children would’ve started learning the garter stitch (all knit stitches, front and back) as their very first project.
Image courtesy knitpicks.com
That very first project would’ve been garters to hold up their socks/stockings. Seems appropriate, don’t you think?
It was said that before the Industrial Revolution, every child had to know how to knit and sew because there was no way one mother could keep all her children in socks and garters, plus keep up with all the other tasks involved in keeping a house. And if they lived in a colder climate, mittens and sweaters, too.
The same actually goes for sewing, before the Industrial Revolution, all clothing was hand sewn by either someone in the family or a tailor, but the fact is, after the Industrial Revolution, even middle class families would’ve just purchased these items and the poor wouldn’t have been able to afford yarn and needles by then. By the Victorian Era, knitting was a hobby for wealthy women with a lot of time on their hands.
The second stitch a child would’ve learned is stockinette, which again makes sense because it would’ve been used to make stockings. The stockinette stitch is knit stitches on the front side and purl stitches on the back
Image courtesy of Pinterest
This stitch is the one that is most commonly seen on sweaters and socks because it makes such a nice, flat fabric. The interesting thing is that knitting needles were costly. Unlike today where I have an entire drawer of needles to create the gauge and look I want, they probably had a more limited supply since needles were costly and artistic. This might explain some of the reason why Elizabeth Zimmerman was more concerned with measurements than telling knitters which needles to use. One blog I read suggested that fine gauge needles were used most often since they create a more delicate and expensive appearing garment.
Want to see some of those needles?
Image courtesy of ebay
They came in bone, wood, or metal, though metal was least desirable. I’m not sure I would love to have that poking into my hand as I knit. Interestingly, the gauge seems to be burned into the ends, which is really cool. I am, frankly, a big fan of circular needles. The first patent for those was made in 1918.
Whether or not the Victorian women (for those of us who write historical novels) knitted or not, it’s really fun to look back on the history of this fun pastime. The fact is, just like we can’t say that “no one sewed their own garments anymore” we can’t say “no one knitted anymore”. There will always be people who make time for a craft, even with a busy household or too much work to do. I hope you have a hobby that you really enjoy too, and I hope you have a chance to pass on that love to someone else.
What’s something you enjoy doing that someone else might too?
I’ve been writing romantic suspense for a few years, but until recently it was only for my agent. Things changed with her when she became her own agency, allowing me to write romantic suspense both as an independent publisher and traditionally, which led to this passion project.
Operation: Restoration
I envisioned a healing ranch where victims of human trafficking could heal and acclimate to life “as normal” again. But, they would need somewhere they felt protected and a way to connect with something . . . like horses or dogs, because relating to people wouldn’t be easy.
That’s how the second aspect of the series came about. The ranch is run by a group of former military heroes, wounded warriors, who want to continue in service but different from how they did as servicemen.
Finally, I write romance (which also helps lighten a series that could get heavy with these topics) so I needed a series trope that people really love. Since the whole point of Wayside Ranch is to help victims heal and form healthy relationships, what if the guys were also tasked with healing from former relationships?
And with that, a series of second chance romances was born
I then started hunting for information on various horse therapy ranches. If you ever have a chance to look any up, do so. It’s really interesting. I found out that many of them use rescue horses (which means that literally every being on Wayside Ranch is there to heal).
Junior Morrison walked away from her to start a life with the military.
Now he works at a special ranch to help rehabilitate victims of human trafficking. When his boss is challenged to fix his one regret, he passes that challenge to all his men. Junior wants to see Gabby, the woman he left behind, again, but how can he explain that he’s not the man he was before?
Gabby Loftens abandoned her girlhood dreams of marrying Junior and went off to school to be a counselor, convinced she could help others heal where she couldn’t help herself. Her life is not full, but she gives wherever she can.
When Junior calls her to come help with a patient, Gabby is skeptical. Why call her? Especially when the ranch is an hour away and he hasn’t talked to her in ten years. She can’t deny she’s curious and what she finds at the ranch draws her in. She wants to help, but more than that, she wants to know what she did to make Junior walk out of her life. Because she wants him back, if he’ll accept her.
When Gabby unwittingly leads a victim back to her trafficker, Junior and Gabby, along with the team at Wayside Ranch, must keep her protected. If they don’t, their ranch, and all the people safely living there, could face their worst enemies all over again.
Good Morning Filly Aficionados!
I’m working on a super-secret historical novella right now and the main part of the story revolves around a shooting contest.
Well, I needed to find out what, exactly, that would’ve looked like. Interestingly enough, there are groups today that do live reenactments and some even allow people to enter and compete! How fun is that? What’s even more fun is that they expect those who enter to not only shoot the proper guns, but look the part!
Image from Pinterest
When we think of a gunfight, people often think of two men, like in the picture on the left, but that isn’t exactly what I had in mind for my book. The last man standing doesn’t really make for a good romance.
And I’m all about the romantic western.
In my story, the shooting contest is not only distance but precision.
Requirements for that type of contest would’ve been four firearms: 2 single action revolvers which could be either lever action or pump action but must be in pistol calibers.
Also required were 2 shotguns. These could be double barreled or slide action. The only caveat is that they could only have one live round loaded at a time.
Photo credit: Cowboy Action Shooting Mcall.com
While most people probably think this would be just one or two shots and the contest would be over, that’s not actually the case. At least in the recreations, it takes over 120 rounds (on average) for the pistol portion of the event, and another few dozen light shot shells. That’s a lot of shooting!
They carry so much that it often required a cart to carry it all (which I never expected, this is why we research!)
There are multiple stages to the event. In the first, shooters are divided into “posses” of three or so shooters, depending on the number of people competing. Contestants are not allowed to load their own firearms. They must aim at a target about 10-15 yards away. 5 shots from each pistol and 8 shells. They will be judged on not only accuracy, but speed. Winners from that round proceed to the next.
Further stages involve hitting targets in a certain order, accurately, and quickly. These stages get progressively harder as the contest continues. The fastest, most accurate shooter would take the prize. Can you imagine the noise and confusion of multiple contestants going through multiple stages at once?
I’ve never competed in anything like this before, though I might like to someday. Have you ever done any sort of competition with multiple stages and competitors?
I’m so happy to announce that about 2/3rds of us will be able to meet (and meet you, should you be able to come) at Wild Deadwood Reads this summer!
This will be my fourth Wild Deadwood Reads and it’s quite the event. If you come early, it falls during Wild Bill Days, giving you and whomever else you might want to travel with, plenty to do. There are shops, shows, actors in the streets who recreate the arrest of the man who killed Wild Bill, concerts, AND a huge author event held at The Lodge up on the hill.
Here are the authors able to attend:
From top to bottom, left to right: Karen Witemeyer, Pam Crooks, Linda Broday, Julie Benson, Shanna Hatfield, Winnie Griggs, Jessie Gussman, Kari Trumbo, Mary Connealy, and Kit Morgan
I’m SO excited about meeting these ladies, most of whom I’ve never met in real life. We are hoping to get some great writing time in together, maybe see some wonderful historic sites, and fellowship together. I wish all of us could be there.
If you are interested in making this a vacation so you can meet us, you can find out more information at: https://wilddeadwoodreads.com/
We will have a few tables there FULL of great books and swag (things to give away).
The date of the main reader event is June 17th, 2023 and entry is free for readers. In fact, there are many free events most of that week and into the weekend. It truly is an event where anyone can find something fun and interesting to do.
If someone would’ve told me a year ago that I’d be using Instagram for anything but entertainment…
I wouldn’t have believed them.
But here I am, telling you that it is now one of my favorite forms of research. And not only for contemporary. I use it for historical research too. “Back in the day” I used Pinterest a lot and it is still a great resource, but now I love Instagram because I can watch videos that are real life examples of what I want to to know for my books.
Want to know how often a rancher feeds their cattle in Wyoming in the winter? Sure you do, and you might get to watch an adorable kid honking the tractor horn at his mother while you’re at it.
And this isn’t the only thing! There are so many ranchers I now follow. I grew up watching my mom and dad raise sheep but they sold them when I was about eight (so my memory was faulty at best). But I watched videos on Instagram that showed me how farmers do it now. When I wrote about the two types of dogs in To a Brighter Tomorrow, some to protect and some to herd, that was all from watching videos on Instagram!
I don’t want to advertise any specific content creators here (because I don’t feel like it’s right to endorse anyone) but if you like Instagram or are open to it, you can find so many interesting things. You can learn how to construct period clothing in period ways. You can learn about woodworking. You can watch short videos about the weather and landscape in Cody, WY. It really is fascinating.
There are two things you have to be wary of though on Instagram
It can be a time suck. Just like Pinterest or YouTube. You can go on there to find a specific thing and realize an hour has passed and you now know more than you ever thought you would know about cats with neurological disorders….
While the Instagram algorithm learns very quickly what you like and don’t (within a few weeks they were serving me Amazon clothing ads that were spot-on, even though I never bought a thing) you will still occasionally be served content that you won’t like. They are very good at finding similar content, but similar does not equal ‘the same’.
I know quite a few of the Fillies are on Instagram (I follow many of them). If you’re on Instagram, be sure to follow us!
Are you on Instagram?
One surprising thing I learned there was about ranching in Montana and how cowboys dress in all seasons there. The non-fiction part of Instagram is really interesting and can be a lot of fun. If you do follow me, you can even see who I follow to help you find interesting content in a safe way.
I’m so excited to share my new release with you! Well, it will release officially tonight at midnight. It’s special because you still have a chance today to get it at the preorder price. And saving a dollar is a good thing.
If you prefer print, the print book is available now.
The thrilling conclusion to the Belle Fourche Chronicles
Alice has always been the good daughter, the one who does what everyone expects. She promised Kent Douglas she would wait for his return even though her family has fought his for the past thirty years.
Then he left and never contacted her again.
Five long years have gone by and Alice is an adult. Despite the occasional annoyance by the Douglas patriarch, they hear nothing from their neighbors. When word comes that Kent not only returned, but has been back for quite some time without contacting her, tensions rage. Alice wants revenge for her humiliation.
Kent was heavily scarred protecting Alice from a bomb, and he’s returned home with worse scars to his heart.
He went to school to become a doctor, but along the way found out the teachers thought he’d be better suited to a barn. No patient wants to look to a monster for hope. He never wanted to work on a ranch again, but now his training — the training he ran away and fought to have — will be in a barn.
He loves Alice Johlman like she’s half of his heart, but he can’t accept the failure he is and won’t force her to follow through on her promise from years before.
If only he could forget her.
Wounded hero Kent will do anything for the only woman he’s ever loved, except ask her to keep her promise.
It’s so hard to say goodbye…
This was the first series I started as a filly so I’m excited to share this book with you. It also feels like “the end” in other ways because I’ll be writing mostly contemporary cowboy romances next year. I have a contract with Love Inspired Suspense and my first book with them will be coming out in Oct or November of 2023. So, saying goodbye to these characters feels different from a usual “book goodbye”.
Don’t worry though, it’s not permanent. I like historical books to stay away from them for too long.
What’s one type of book you said goodbye to, but you know you’ll be back because you love it?
For me: Westerns are my favorite, but I used to love Medieval romance (for many of the same reasons, rugged heroes, chivalry, horses…)
I’m sorry this is later than usual. It’s been quite the weekend so far. Frankly, this weekend kicked off with one of my favorite things, my birthday. I don’t know why it is, but I love that fresh-start feeling that comes for me with a birthday.
