Kari Trumbo

Knitting in the West

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kari trumbo header

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.

garter stitch image
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

Stockinette stitch image
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?

old knitting 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?

Therapy Horses Make a Tough Situation Better

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kari trumbo header

I released a book last week in a new genre

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).

Operation: Restoration book cover

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.

Grab your copy here.

I’ll give away an ebook copy of Operation: Restoration to one commenter today. Do you think you would find a ranch therapeutic? 

 

Researching a Historically Accurate Shooting Competition

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kari trumbo header

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?

Instagram and Research

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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

  1. 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….
  2. 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.

You can find me Here: https://www.instagram.com/karitrumboauthor/ 

New Release Coming Your Way Tomorrow

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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…)

An Impromptu Game Day

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I am a sufferer of random migraines. It’s not much fun and it also wouldn’t matter if I’d found the time earlier to do my post for today.

 

However, I did not. And now, it’s 9PM and I’d actually already climbed into bed before my bleary eyes flew open, remembering today was my day to post!

My lack is your gain.

 

Here is how this will work.

 

I will say a cowboy word and you post the first word that comes to mind when you hear it (PG 13 please) I’ll throw all names of those who respond into a hat (cowboy, of course) and the winner will get a print copy of Belle Fourche Legacy when it releases in a week. I’ll even sign it.

  1.  purdy
  2.  cowpoke
  3.  herd
  4.  trot
  5.  ranch
  6.  acreage
  7.  palomino
  8.  bandana
  9.  lariat
  10.  pistol                                                                                                                                                                                                                               Good luck to all who enter and thank you for understanding. Ah, the glamorous life of an author.

A New Old Hero Rides into Town

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You know the scene. He’s been around before and everyone wonders where he’s been. He’s a little shady, wears his hat low. He’s covered in trail dust. Even his horse has a swagger.

He’s the kind of hero who says things like, “Come here, darlin’,” and women swoon.

We all know that hero

That’s what writing a good hero is all about, right?

We want the guy who says just enough to seem like a man and those few words make our hearts melt or race.

He must be an upright man, or at least want to be.

He must possess some level of confidence. Confidence is attractive.

He must be skilled. Never will you see a hero who does nothing with the skills and talents God has given him. Even a man down on his luck will work in some way to prove his worth.

This is the gold standard for a hero.

So what is a ‘new’ old hero?

When you flip the script and an old hero returns changed.

I’m currently writing the final book in the Belle Fourche Chronicles. It’s set to release in about a month. In it, I’m tackling this sort of hero. He’s a man who once had swagger and zest. He was physical and brash. He would’ve made women swoon.

But after a serious injury to the side of his face, he fears the only swooning going on, will be in fear. He certainly doesn’t want to force the woman he loves to look at his face every day. He doesn’t even want to.

Unfortunately, he already promised her he’d marry her and now he’s broken that promise.

So, does he fit the criteria? Let’s see.

Does he talk little, but what he says is good? Check, he’s very much a grump and doesn’t talk but he has some sweet words for Alice.

Must be an upright man? He will do whatever it takes to save an animal or to rescue Alice. So, check!

He must possess some level of confidence. While he has lost confidence in his ability to be a good husband, he has an abundance of confidence in his ability to be an animal doctor. Check!

He must be skilled. Kent is both skilled at ranching and veterinary medicine. So, despite the reaction of the general female population towards him, he is most certainly a hero and–I think–he’ll end up being one of my readers’ favorites.

What do you think makes a great hero?

Saying Goodbye to Summer

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At least here on this side of the planet, we just said goodbye to summer (perhaps not officially for a few more weeks, but most consider the end of summer to be Labor Day).

I’ve sent one daughter off to college. I’m ordering the books for my other daughter whom I homeschool. My boys will be on the bus headed to their first day this morning. That’s it, the end.

And part of me is super jealous that a bunch of my friends are going to St. Louis to meet for the ACFW (American Christian Fiction Writers) Conference. I haven’t been to one since 2017 and would love to go. Perhaps next year is my year. But, alas, I can’t this year.

However, I was able to do a lot of wonderful things with the time I had.

I saw my first child graduate high school and along with that, had the first big party in our new house (and finally planted grass).

We put a garden in for the first time in four years. My gracious that was a lot of work all summer and now as we head into the fall. I have more zucchini in my freezer than I know what to do with and it’s a very good thing we go through about a jar of pickles a day.

Summer was full of shopping trips to outfit my daughter with everything she would need for her first year away from home, and making sure we did memorable things as a family. We even visited the World’s Largest Ball of Twine (I live within an hour of it).

It was also my twenty-fifth wedding anniversary. So, after dropping my daughter off, the Hero and I bopped on over to Duluth where we spent a few precious hours on Canal Street and wading in the Great Gitche Gumee. I also got to eat at Grandma’s for the very first time (the namesake of the marathon). I also spoke last month about the writing retreat in July that was so refreshing. I plan to do that next year as well, and may be an ongoing thing.

As I list what I’ve done, I know that I’m forgetting things, because I’m trying to look forward. What have I got coming up? Deadlines? Jobs? Conferences? Interestingly, I’m one of those people who forever think, ‘in this next season of my life, I’ll have more time,’ and I’m always wrong. Something always crops up and I have just as much time (or less) to do what I’ve always done.

 

But each and every day is a blessing.

For a chance to win an ebook copy of Battle For Her Heart, my most recent release, tell me one fun thing you did this summer.

A Refreshing Author Weekend

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Have you ever run yourself so ragged that you just couldn’t even put two and two together?

 

That’s where I was about a week ago. This season of my life has been challenging. My oldest daughter graduated from high school in May and I’ve been doing ALL THE THINGS, like shopping trips for college, helping her apply for student aid, gearing her up to pack, scheduling last visits (like doctor and dentist). And…trying to keep my author business going.

It’s been a lot.

From left to right: Kari Trumbo, Elana Johnson, Cathe Swanson, Mandi Blake, Laura Ashwood, and Chautona Havig

I’m about to break the fourth wall here, but we are in a “pivot” season as far as being an author goes. Marketing books is vastly different from what it was pre-covid and even during covid. While I know there are still cases, the world’s way of thinking is different and authors are having to adjust to the way people are now consuming entertainment. Figuring out what works now, is challenging.

So, all that to say, I needed a reset!

I met with 5 other authors over the last few days in northern Minnesota. We talked, we had devotions. We worked through stuck plot points. We fellowshipped… It was fantastic.

AND, it was exactly what I needed to keep going. You see, even professionals get tired. We need someone to refill our cup too. I didn’t know who to ask, I wasn’t even sure exactly what I needed, but God knew.

The only thing I’m bummed about? Jessie Gussman was supposed to be able to come but had to cancel. Having her there would’ve been fantastic. I will meet her in person some day.

Other than myself, at least two of these authors have been on the blog before and all of them are fabulous.

The setting for the retreat was a very rural, rustic cabin out in the woods. We saw deer and one of the authors even had close encounter with a coyote. Luckily, they are afraid of people it turned tail and ran the moment it saw her.

 

Beyond the refreshment I got (and hopefully gave) to these great women, was the scenery. We took a day trip to Lake Superior, and everyone loved experiencing the ‘big water’, some for the first time. There is something incredibly relaxing about huge bodies of water. The waves, the sound, the scent, and the blue of the water

meeting the sky just creates this amazing internal worship. I can’t explain it any other way.

What do you do when you need a refresh?

In the past, I’ve been able to grab a good book or talk to friends and recharge my batteries, but I think I let myself get too low. I needed to get away from the ordinary for a short time (Thurs.-Sun. morning). While I can’t do a retreat every time I get in this situation, I now know that I can look forward to this every year and I’m excited for 2023.