The long silence

Yeah, I know it's been a while since my last post. That title makes it sound all dramatic and everything, but it's just been my fault. I've been busy with work and neglectful of my blogging duties. Anyway, I've recently endured the tedious labor that is the copy editing process for the fifth BOOT HILL book and am pleased to announce Nick Graves came through pretty darn well. Editing isn't exactly my favorite detail of writing, but it is a very necessary one...especially when you write like I do. (Just thought I'd say it before someone else did) Anyway, the fifth book in that series is going to be called Reaper's Fee and I believe it should be out in April or March of '08.

I've also done the editing thing for the third ACCOMPLICE book and that one should be released in Feb of '08 (I think). Here's a peek at the cover. I am VERY happy with it and love everything from the layout of the title to the cut of Doc's suit. What do you think? It still strikes me as odd to be touching up the third book in the series when the second is still a ways off from being published. It's business as usual for publishing houses, since they're backlogged out the wazoo, but I get awfully anxious to see my stuff hit the shelves. Sometimes, I've forgotten what the book was about by the time I see it at a store! The numbers for both of those series have been coming in and things are looking pretty good, so hopefully there'll be more to come from both.

It's been a while since I've done any signing events. The last one was at the Western Writers convention in July and that was a lot of fun. I always enjoy getting out there and meeting some readers. Every writer has their horror stories of bad signings, but even those can turn out pretty cool. I went to one at a mall bookstore and was ignored for three solid hours. When I started packing up and signing the books that were there, people took notice and gathered around to form a real crowd! I guess I just blended in with the scenery too much on that one. Oh well. Live and learn.

First Compton

Well, my first Ralph Compton book is out. It's called THE BLOODY TRAIL and I'm curious to see what the Compton fans think about it. Most of the stuff I write isn't exactly "traditional" Western fare. I like to think I always stay true to the spirit of adventure and action that goes along with that genre, but I've gotten a bit of flack from the traditionalists. I've always looked at it as watching Gunsmoke vs Deadwood. Sure, they're both Westerns, but one couldn't be more different than the other. That's what makes a genre great. If there wasn't any variety, then there might as well just be one show, one author and one definitive movie. Of course, then there'd also be one funeral for whatever genre that decided to limit itself that way.

In writing the Compton books, I hope to put my mark on that series without stepping outside of

it. Comptons are more traditional and I had a lot of fun writing it. I read somewhere that a Compton fan saw I was going to write this, so they bought a BOOT HILL book to scope me out. He was thoughtful in his review and he said something to the effect that the tone of BOOT HILL wasn't for him, so he had some concerns about the upcoming Compton. To be honest, I wouldn't expect a fan of strictly traditional Westerns to like BOOT HILL. Not every fan of Gunsmoke will appreciate a show like Deadwood (and vice versa). Hopefully, that reader will pick up THE BLOODY TRAIL and enjoy it because I tried to write a Compton instead of another BOOT HILL.

I think I did the job and am very happy with THE BLOODY TRAIL. Hopefully, the Compton fans will like it too.

I hate Summer

Well, the title of this post pretty much says it all. As soon as school's out (forever), there's really no more reason to love Summer so much. That is, unless you're one of those people who like to be outside and sweat. Now, this may sound funny coming from a western writer. I mean, we're supposed to love the open range and ride horses, right? I love the open country, but just not when it's hot enough to cook a steak on a rock.

I'm more of an Autumn guy. Everything just flows better in the cool air. Even the cold is nice and quiet. Summer is just hot and sticky and loud. As you might have noticed, Summer makes me just a little irritable. Eh, that's mostly because it's been at or near the 100 degree mark around here lately and that just plain stinks. I didn't exactly mean to get on here and complain. I thought it's been a while since I last posted, so I'd write a little update.

Sorry about this. I'll get back to work and grumble to myself.

New desk, new chair

Sure, these things sound inconsequential. Just some new furniture. But it's amazing what a difference they make! Since I sit in or at these things for most of the day, switching them around really makes work seem all shiny and new. All right, maybe it's not that dramatic, but my backside sure feels better in the new cushion. Also, the desk I've been using is the same one I've had since Junior High School and it's a bit prior to the whole ergonomics thing. What's ergonomics? I sure didn't know. Apparently, it means being able to sit and type for hours on end without feeling like your arms and hands will rust and fall off. Progressive health functionality or making us into more productive worker robots? You decide.

Why share this with whoever reads this blog? Eh, it's a slow news day and I felt like writing an update. Lucky you.

WWA Convention '07

Back from the Western Writers Convention. Whew. It wasn't a very long drive this year, but I still feel like I was shot from a cannon! It's just one of those things where I'm always on the move and looking for the next thing I'm supposed to do. Even when I'm "relaxing" at the bar, I'm still watching for a familiar face, wondering what panel is coming up, etc. Even so, it was as fun as ever.

I've never been to Springfield, MO before so that was cool. There were a ton of great used bookstores there, any one of which I could have spent an eternity poking through. I stayed at The Oasis hotel which was a funky little place with a great restaurant.

The signing went pretty well. For all of you who showed up and said hello, I appreciate it VERY much! I find that I'm not doing a lot of signings anymore, simply because I don't have the time. Of course, I'll post when the next signing will be on my website, but there just aren't as many as there were. This signing was very nice and I met plenty of readers who were kind enough to stop at my spot when I was sitting in such esteemed company. For any reader of the western genre, these annual signings are simply amazing. There were at least 40-50 authors there. I don't know the exact number, but it was A LOT! Considering how rare it is to get western writers together in those numbers, it's quite an event.

The rest of the convention was well organized and had some great food. Writers ALWAYS appreciate good food. Maybe it's a hold-over from the starving days. Whatever the reason, I had steak a few times in as many days and it was good.

I also talked to my editor over at Berkley (who works on THE ACCOMPLICE). Hello, Carolyn! It was nice to meet you. Thanks again for the invite!

That's about it for the convention. Next year, I believe it's going to be in Arizona. That should be a fun road trip, so I'll hopefully be able to attend. Until then, I've got a lot to keep me busy. I'll check in later.

Off to Springfield

I'm on my way to Springfield for the Western Writers Convention. I wrapped up the second draft for that Ralph Compton book just in time, so I can relax a bit and enjoy the convention. Never been to Springfield, MO, so this should be a lot of fun. I'll pay my respects to the James boys.

Checking in

Not a lot going on at the moment. I'm making nips and tucks to the Ralph Compton book and am pretty happy with the way it's turning out. It's funny how something can seem better when I'm reading over it than when I'm working on it. It's like that with just about everything I write, though. I suppose it's kind of like staring at inch-wide squares of a painting as opposed to stepping back and seeing the whole picture. Maybe a little cliche, but true.

I'm getting ready for the Western Writers Convention next week. That's always a good time and I hope to see some of you at the signing. In fact, come down for the whole convention. Some of those other writers aren't half bad, either. (Since I refuse to use those smiley faces, I could use some exposition here like, "he said in a joking tone")

All right. It's back to work for now and I'll check in before I leave. I just got a shiny new laptop computer, so maybe I'll post something while I'm at the convention.

Changing gears

Well, I suppose this is technically Spring, but it feels like Summer to me. It's heating up, the big movies are coming out and my air conditioning is on more often than not. I hate the heat, but it doesn't matter too much, since I haven't left my office very much lately. After putting the final edits onto (into?) the third ACCOMPLICE book, I'm working on another western in the Ralph Compton series. So far, I'm liking the book but it's taking a bit to hit my stride.

That's a funny thing with writing. Since I write more than one or two books a year, I often find myself switching from one story to the next. Not only are there different characters, but different tones, moods, and pacing that go along with those other books. Writing an ACCOMPLICE is a whole different ball of wax than writing a BOOT HILL. If they weren't, they'd all just be the same thing.

Now, don't get me wrong. I do love switching between stories and characters. It keeps my job fresh and I wouldn't have it any other way. It's just easier to switch gears some times than others. Maybe it's the heat. Everything seems to slow down when it gets hot. Maybe it's just me. Maybe it's just me in the heat. I also tend to babble more when it's hot. Have you noticed?

Heh.

Oh well. That's about it for now. Go see one of the big movies that are coming out. Have some popcorn. In my opinion, that's the best part of Summer now that I'm out of school and don't get to be. . .well. . .out of school during the Summer. Big budget blockbusters may not be the most intellectually stimulating fare, but they do a hell of a good job of keeping our eyes busy.

And I'm back!

I'm back from the Wine, Writers & Song event in Brownville, and boy are my arms tired. Wait a minute, I guess that doesn't make sense since I didn't fly. Anyway, I'm back and the festival was a lot of fun! I've never been to Brownville so that was something new. I didn't know there was such a great little spot so close to home. It's an artistic community with plenty of book shops (that I loved) and plenty of antique stores (that my wife loved). It also looks like a town from a western. See for yourself:

Ok...it looks like a western town if you don't think about the SUVs and cars parked outside. You know what I mean.

There were a lot of poets and artists there, which was fun because I don't normally get a chance to hear poets do their thing. I found out there's a lot of poetry societies in my area, so I'll have to check some of those out. In general, I've never been very good at writing poetry. I'm just too long-winded, I suppose. I saw a group called Echopoetico and they were phenomenal. They had a mix of traditional Andean instruments along with spoken poetry. Personally, I wasn't expecting for it to be my sort of thing, but it was really great! I'm really glad I sat back and gave them a chance because it was definitely worth it. I'll put a link to them on the blog so you can check them out if you want. I recommend it!

On Saturday, I spoke at a great place called the Carson House. I didn't get a chance to take a full tour of it, but it looked like an old house that was restored to be historically accurate. It was truly a beautiful place. Here's a picture:

I did a reading from THE ACCOMPLICE and talked a lot about Doc Holliday. For those of you who were able to stop by, it was great seeing you. For those of you who didn't make it, you missed a historical event because it was the first time I ever did a reading from any of my books. It wasn't poetry or music, but I thought it fit with the tone of the event. Hopefully, I didn't look like too big of a fool up there.

All in all, it was a fun weekend. My thanks to Jan, who did a great job organizing everything. The food was excellent and I highly recommend that anyone in the Nebraska area give Brownville a visit. Right now, it's back to work for me. I'm starting in on my second book in the Ralph Compton series. My first Compton book, THE BLOODY TRAIL, will be released in August. I won't be poking my head out again until June for the Western Writers Convention being held in Springfield, MO, but I'll check in here as much as possible.

I'm off!

I'm on my way to the Wine, Writers & Song event being held in Brownville. Sounds like it's going to be great and I hope to see plenty of folks there! At the moment, I'm looking forward to the Latin Beats dinner being held tonight. Mostly, that's because I'm HUNGRY!! Heh. Seriously, though, this event has a lot going on and I'm really looking forward to seeing Brownville. It sounds like there's tons of bookstores there and I'm sure my wallet will be taking a major hit. Also seriously. . .I am hungry.

BOOT HILL # 4 is out

And just when I'm done talking about how things take so long to get published, one of my other books sneaks up on me. I knew the fourth MAN FROM BOOT HILL book was due to be released soon, but it's out right now! NO ANGELS FOR OUTLAWS is a great one and I'm very happy with the way it turned out. I got a call from a friend of mine who told me he spotted it in a Barnes & Noble. He also faces my books out, which is something that is greatly appreciated (hint, hint).

The funny thing is that I don't get any author copies of a book until it's been out on the shelves for around a month! I suppose I can see the sense in wanting to sell them before they are given away. Now, I only hope I can get some copies to show up with me at the Wine, Writers & Song festival this weekend. I'm really looking forward to that. It sounds like a lot of fun and there's going to be plenty going on. I hope to see some of you there and I'll post to let the rest of you know how it went.

Editing Accomplice # 3

Publishing is certainly not for the impatient. The first ACCOMPLICE book has just been put onto store shelves. The second is in the process of being edited by the good folks at Berkley and the third is being edited by me. I believe I wrote the first one close to two years ago now. By the time they come out, I forgot what happened in them! Heh.

It is definitely fun writing about Doc Holliday, which makes everything worth the wait. This third book takes place in a time where Doc was particularly wild and running into some well known folks along the way. Sure, there's some embellishment on my part, but there's plenty of clay to mold here.

Just look at Doc up there. Seems pretty calm, doesn't he? That even looks like the picture you might expect of an educated dentist dressed in his Sunday best. Of course, you can't see the two .38s holstered under that jacket. Doc represents everything that makes westerns so exciting. You just can't ride off into the wild like that anymore. Sure, you can raise a little hell and play some poker, but that's child's play compared to the good ol' days. Most of the folks who claim to be wild now are just drunks with big mouths. Doc might have been a loud drunk at times, but at least he was ready to back it up. They don't make 'em like him anymore.

What ya drinkin'?

For those of you who have come to this site before, you'll notice a difference here. Mostly, I've set up a blog so I can keep up with posting and not have to put my ever-diligent webmaster through the bother of constantly updating the old fashioned way. He does a great job and the site always looks great, but this way I can post all the time and interact a little better with folks who want to say hello.

I'll be posting about whatever comes to mind, but most of it will have to do with writing and other things related to my books or westerns in general. I'm sure I'll go off on more than a few tangents, so that should be fun as well.

I plan on posting here frequently, so feel free to post right back at me. If anyone gets too rowdy, I reserve the right to use the shotgun I keep hidden behind the bar. So long as you're civil, you can kick back and shoot the breeze, start a card game, or whatever else strikes your fancy. I hope to hear from some of you. If not, I got more than enough of my own hot air to spout.