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.