Monday, December 24, 2012

Would You Like to Win these Earrings?

Only two and a half more weeks to get your name in the hat for the drawing. The wires on these Zuni bear earrings are sterling silver. To enter, email me at Linda@lindalaroque.com with A Stolen Chance in the subject line.

Also, on January 9, 2013, the price of A Stolen Chance goes up from $2.99 on Amazon.com to $4.99 and will be added to Barnes and Noble and other online book stores. If you haven't done so already, get your copy.

Here's wishing you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Linda

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Christmas is Almost Here

When I was a child, time seemed to move by slowly. Impatient as all kids my age, I constantly complained about it taking so long for Christmas to get here. My mother told me to just wait as the older I got, the faster time would fly. Of course, I didn't believe her.

After gifts were put under the tree, I'd shake and rattle each one with my name. Eventually I learned to carefully unwrap and then re-wrap them. I know, that's terrible isn't it? My husband rarely puts any gifts out for me until it's time to open them.

I worked as a teacher for thirty years, and often said, "I can't wait for Christmas vacation, or two more weeks until school is out for summer." One day I realized I was wishing my life away. Each summer made me a year older. Now the years fly by so fast it's hard to catch up.

I hope this Christmas you will enjoy and make the most of every moment you can spend with your loved ones and friends. It's impossible to make more time, so cherish every second now and in the coming new year.

We'll be celebrating Christmas with our grown children and our grandson. I can hardly wait.

If you haven't entered my contest for the Zuni Bear earrings, see the post below for details. The drawing will be on January 9, 2013. A Stolen Chance was released early at Amazon.com and is just $2.99 until January 9th when it will be released to The Wild Rose Press and other online book stores and will be $4.99.

Next month I'll share some of my research details from A Stolen Chance--mainly men's fragrances of that time. Very interesting.

Happy Reading and Writing and Merry Christmas and a Blessed New Year!

Linda




Sunday, December 9, 2012

Switching from a PC to a MAC

In late October my PC started giving me problems, to the point I contacted an online tech company. They thought it was fixed, but the next morning I had another set of problems. I decided it was time for a new computer. Fortunately, the company that had worked on my PC refunded my money.

I shopped every place in town that carried computers but didn't find what I wanted, actually I wasn't sure what I wanted. I've had a Dell for the past 12 years and have been happy, but wanted to try something else.

I came home with a MacBook Pro. I have a friend that's used a Mac for years with very few problems and my daughter recently bought one and loves hers. So, I decided to give it a try.

Everything is different. I'm having to relearn how to use Microsoft Word and it's taken me a day and a half to get my newsletter done. Hopefully next month will be easier. When it comes to storing documents, I'm not sure where anything is, but I'm getting there. And let's not talk about saving pictures. Actually, I need to take a class. But, I have to say, I've had no problems so far.

Except for using Word. If you use a Mac and can offer advice, I'd appreciate any help you can pass along, email me at linda@lindalaroque.com/ My major issue, at the moment, is I can't figure out how to get the line number in the bottom tray so I never know what line I'm on.

Before I close, I want to remind you that January 9, 2013 is the deadline to enter the drawing for the Zuni Bear and sterling silver earrings. Plus, we're short on entries. Email me at linda@lindalaroque.com with A Stolen Chance in the subject line and I'll add your name to the hat.

A Stolen Chance is doing well at Amazon.com/ If you haven't gotten your copy, please do. It won't be available at The Wild Rose Press, Barnes and Noble, and other outlets until January 9, 2013.

Also, it would be very helpful if you'd leave me a short review and I would appreciate it greatly!

Thank you for stopping by and Happy Reading and Writing!

Linda




Monday, November 12, 2012

A Contest for A Stolen Chance

To celebrate the release of A Stolen Chance I'm hosting a contest. I always try to find a prize that is significant to the the story.  Since Zuni fetishes play a significant role, the prize is a pair of Sterling Zuni bear earrings.

They come with a letter of authenticity. “Created by Dennis Lewis ~ ‘King of the Wind’ Dennis is an enrolled full-blooded tribal member of the Ho-Chunk Nation. His workmanship shows in all that he creates.

The ‘King of the Wind’ fancy danced for over 15 years and was a longtime head dancer at the Stand Rock Indian Ceremonial in Wisconsin Dells, Wisconsin.”

To enter, email me at Linda@lindalaroque.com with A Stolen Chance in the subject line. The deadline for entries is January 9th. 

I hope you'll enter and that you've downloaded your free copy of A Stolen Chance. It is no longer free at Amazon but is now $4.99. On January 9th, 2013 it will be available on The Wild Rose Press website as well as Barnes and Noble and others.

Happy reading and Writing!

Linda
www.lindalaroque.com

Saturday, October 20, 2012

My Fetish Collection -- Zuni Fetishes That Is!

When I mention I have a fetish collection, I get odd looks. After I explain I collect Zuni fetishes, small animal carvings often believed to have magical powers, they grin and say, "Oh."

Both the Zuni and Navajo make fetishes, but the Zuni are famous for theirs.  In the 1970s the Navajo began copying and passing theirs off as Zuni which has been a problem ever since. "When a carving has been blessed during  a Zuni Medicine ceremony at the winter solstice, it becomes a fetish and is considered sacred."(1) Otherwise they are basically a rock carving but are referred to as fetishes. Also, fetishes need to be fed. Those who carry theirs in a pocket usually sprinkle a little cornmeal in it for food.

Because of their size, they are not signed and when you purchase one it's best to ask for some type of authentication. Usually it's a small card. Today some artisans are signing theirs. If you decide to purchase a few, research and become familiar with the names of the Zuni craftsmen. If you visit the Zuni Reservation, individuals selling carvings independently may approach you. Depending on what you're looking for, you might get a good deal. The reservation is filled with artists.

Very old, early fetishes are crudely made, many are hard to recognize as the animal they represent. They're very valuable, especially to the Zuni community.

My fetishes are collected merely for their beauty and artistic qualities and have no religious connotation for me. I enjoy looking at them in my china cabinet.

My research on the Zuni Indians and Chaco Canyon for Flames on the Sky, the second book in The Turquoise Legacy, spurred my interest in the small animal carvings. They were perfect for adding mystery and mysticism to the story and special attributes to the hero and heroine. Lonan Stone's fetish is the bear, the protector--his job is to protect the hunter who's hair spits fire--Madison. In the journey he and heroine, Madison Evans must travel back in time to fulfill an ancient prophecy. Madison is given a badger fetish to wear around her neck at all times. It represents aggressiveness and perseverance and it will help her use her inner resources when the time comes.

To the left are pictures of my second and third purchases--Lonan's bear and Madison's badger. Both have turquoise strapped to their backs. Some have feathers and other adornment.



Here is a short excerpt from Flames on the Sky. It takes place the first time Madison and Lonan travel back to 1000 AD together and encounter the ancient Anasazi. Lonan walks down the cliff path to meet the warriors but insists Madison stay where she is.

Once in the circle, their fighters moved back to allow the Elders to approach. Madison could see they were talking, but couldn’t hear and it sounded liked gibberish. Suddenly, she heard Lonan shout. There was a struggle and his arms were grabbed from behind and tied.

Panic inched up her spine. She had to do something. He wasn’t supposed to face this task alone. It was hers and he was her protector. Lonan struggled and kicked out with his feet knocking several people down. The badger fetish at the pulse point of her neck grew warm, reminding her the figure represented fierceness.

Someone swung their war club, hitting Lonan on the head. He fell like a tree. Stunned, she stared down in horror. Oh, God. What am I going to do? Please help me.

Lonan’s lookalike strode toward the path that led up the cliff. Rage consumed her, her scream of fury and panic echoed off the canyon walls. She knocked her hat off, removed the clip holding her hair up, and using her fingers scrubbed the mass into a wild bird’s nest. The sun was behind her, so no doubt her head looked on fire.

At her scream, the warrior stopped. Hat hanging against her back, she started down the cliff, picking up speed until like an angry bull she met the man head-on, her momentum knocking him on his butt. She went down with him, but was on her feet, running before he could recover.

Yelling and chanting like the crazy witch woman she’d become, she snarled and snapped at people in her way. No one challenged her, but let her pass, mouths agape. She dropped beside Lonan, pulled the large knife from the scabbard in his boot and cut the bonds on his wrist. His head wound wasn’t bad but bleeding profusely. She had nothing with which to staunch the blood. Afraid to turn her back on her audience for more than a second, she stood and strode around him, swinging the big knife warningly, growling at anyone rash enough to test her. If they did, she knew without a doubt she’d kill to protect Lonan. 


Here are my raven and porcupine. They are significant in my newest release, A Stolen Chance. 

Here's a blurb:

Mystery and danger lead two people on a path of discovery.

Running from an ex husband bent on revenge, Susan Lawton finds refuge at a small motel along old Route 66 in Siesta, New Mexico. Albuquerque police detective Carson Rhodes can’t live with the atrocity he committed, so he resigns his commission and returns home to run the haunted Siesta Motel and Café. As they battle their demons, and locate a lost Zuni treasure, will Susan and Carson win their war against evil and will a lasting love be their reward?

Reference: (1) http://www.horsekeeping.com/jewelry/Fetish-about-page1.htm/

For a chance to win a PDF copy of Flames on the Sky, leave a comment and tell me what the white bear fetish is known for.

Thanks for reading and writing!

Linda
www.lindalaroque.com

Tuesday, October 9, 2012

A Stolen Chance out Early and Free!

Woot!!! A Stolen Chance is out EARLY! It's part of the KDP select through amazon. Right now it is FREE for PRIME members and 4.99 for non-members. The link is here.

I hope you'll get your copy asap!

Happy Reading and Writing!

Linda
www.lindalaroque.com



Wednesday, October 3, 2012

A Release Date for A Stolen Chance

I'm still floating on cloud 9 due to my cover for A Stolen Chance and then yesterday I got a release date. Yea! It is January 9, 2013. That's just three months away. So, now I need to decide what to give away as a contest prize to celebrate. I usually give away a piece of jewelry so would like to continue that tradition. If you have any ideas, please let me know. For ideas look back at my last post that includes a blurb for A Stolen Chance.

Since my story involves Zuni fetishes, I've decided I need to blog about them and share my small collection. Stay tuned. I hope to get it posted by the end of this week.
My book Flames on the Sky also used Zuni fetishes. In my next post, I'll explain the significance of the ones in Flames, but you'll have to wait to lean about the ones used in A Stolen Chance. Here is the blurb.

The Anasazi whispered of this evil and of the

woman who could defeat it.
Fire, sky, and stone must unite to fulfill an ancient prophecy.

Madison Evans inherits a turquoise locket, travels to New Mexico, and discovers the stone dates back to the Chacoan Anasazi. When she's attacked, parks ranger Lonan Stone, of Chacoan ancestry, fears Madison's turquoise is a missing twin of the revered Fallen Skystone, an egg size piece of turquoise on display in Albuquerque. The mystical stone is missing two slivers – one’s in Madison’s necklace, the others whereabouts unknown, but if united by evil they can destroy.

Madison and Lonan are part of a 1000 year old prophecy to save Chaco Canyon. Thrust back in time, they meet a witch, solve a murder, fall in love, and imprison a 1000 year old evil spirit. Their mission complete, can these two people from different cultures blend their lives as the prophecy predicted?

Excerpt:

Madison felt as if she’d traveled to the Twilight Zone. Lilly’s claims were preposterous, but, she couldn’t deny what she’d seen on the cliff face or the dreams.


“Yes, you need to tell me about the dreams. They started at the time you received the necklace, right?”

Madison nodded. “How did you know?”

“I assumed the ancient Elders would haunt you, but when Lonan called yesterday, I knew so for a fact.” Her smile was sympathetic. “Tell me about them.”

Lilly’s eyes lit with excitement as Madison talked. When she finished, the older woman leaned back and closed her eyes.

Lonan’s brow was furrowed, his mouth pinched. “What did you mean when you said, ‘You are the one.’?”

She pierced him with an intent look. “Did not Madison say you were the very image of the warrior in her dream? The prophecy requires that someone from the past, which is you, son, be chosen to be Madison’s protector.” Lilly turned to Madison.

Oh, no. I don’t think I want to hear this. She held up her hands and shook her head. “No—”

“Yes, Madison, with hair of fire, whether you like it or not, the Gods chose you, someone from the future, to find the third stone and reunite the twins with the mother stone. Together, you two will find a way to consign the evil one to the pit below mother earth where he belongs.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tghS1kr6TnY Flames on The Sky

You can purchase a copy in both ebook and paperback at

http://www.thewildrosepress.com/flames-on-the-sky-p-3719.html?zenid=b2987a82fa91b8ff5df838e1e01db723

http://www.amazon.com/Flames-Sky-Linda-LaRoque/dp/1601545827/ref=pd_nr_b_11?ie=UTF8&s=books

http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/flames-on-the-sky-linda-laroque/1103569734?ean=2940012972651


Thanks for reading!

Linda
http://www.lindalaroque.com


Saturday, September 29, 2012

A Cover for A Stolen Chance

At last I can show off the beautiful cover for A Stolen Chance, my paranormal romance set along old Route 66 in New Mexico. Isn't it beautiful? Cover artist Diana Carlile did a wonderful job? It will be published by The Wild Rose Press as a Faery Rose--no pub date yet, but I'll be shouting it out as soon as I hear.

Here is a short blurb about the book.

Mystery and danger lead two people on a path of discovery.

Running from an ex husband bent on revenge, Susan Lawton finds refuge at a small motel along old Route 66 in Siesta, New Mexico. Albuquerque police detective Carson Rhodes can’t live with the atrocity he committed, so he resigns his commission and returns home to run the haunted Siesta Motel and Café. As they battle their demons, and locate a lost Zuni treasure, will Susan and Carson win their war against evil and will a lasting love be their reward?

Thanks for reading my news!

Linda
www.lindalaroque.com

Monday, September 10, 2012

Cruzin' With the Girls

On August 26, 2012, two cousins (one from each side of my family) and my sister-in-law (who happens to be Kay's best friends from high school) left for Galveston, Texas to spend the night before boarding the Celebrity Triumph the next day. We ate at Guido's Restaurant and all had delicious seafood. Here is a picture of the Galveston seawall.

Then, on Monday morning the 27th, we piled into the shuttle to take us to the pier. After waiting in line for check-in, we had our picture taken as a group. As you can see, I never leave home without a computer in case I get the urge to write. They do have internet, but it's $29.95 for 45 minutes. Rather high.

Anna Muriel, Cheryl, Linda and Kay
 On board, we headed for our cabins. We'd opted for balcony rooms and had the partition between ours opened so we could visit back and forth in our pajamas. We'd intended to spend more time outside but it was too humid and hot.

The sea was a little choppy as a result of Isaac, but Kay is the only one who got seasick but only for a short while. We all staggered as we walked but fit right in with everyone else.

First full day was at sea we checked out the on board shops, hit the casino, and did pretty much nothing. Our first stop was in Progresso. Everyone but me took the Salsa and Salsa tour. They had a good time, learned how to make authentic salsa  and danced. It was so hot, two of them, along with another participant jumped into the pool fully clothed. I'm sure if I'd gone along I'd have been right in there with them.

Day three was a stop in Cozumel. My sister-in-law swam with the dolphins and then met the shopping group. The two you see in the pool had a wonderful time at the stores and came back with a bag full of goodies, mostly jewelry and rather tanked on margaritas. They had a wonderful time and were braver than Kay and I. She'd survived the heat the day before and said, "No more." I'd done the shopping thing before and wasn't interested in spending my money in the jewelry shops.

From the balcony at night. Isn't it beautiful!
Larry and I had taken this same cruise is November of 2009 and I don't think it was near as hot. We could sit on the balcony and enjoy the waves, but on this trip it was so humid out it was stifling. In 2009 we'd visited a Tequila factory, toured the old market and the first church on the island, toured Mayan ruins, had lunch at a ranch and were later treated to a horse show. Now, I can't remember what we saw at which port and unfortunately I didn't label my pictures, but you can look back to my 2009 posts where I blogged not only about this cruise but the one we took to New England and Canada.

Here we are the last night of the cruise. As always, our waiters were loads of fun and made sure we had everything we wanted to eat. The food was delicious! They also entertained us each night with singing and dancing.

We four girls had a wonderful time together and I think it was the first of many trips to come. Several other cousins have mentioned their interest so hopefully our group will grow.

Thank you for reading my musings today.

Happy Reading and Writing!



Saturday, August 25, 2012

Champagne Books is Having a Big Sale


Until September 10th all ebooks are on sale at 50% off. For their print books, you get free shipping and that's a big chunk of change these days.

Of course, I want to add that I have 5 books out with Champagne and if you haven't read them all, this would be the perfect time to order. I'm listing them in the order they were published.

1. Investment of the Heart
2. Forever Faithful
3. When the Ocotillo Bloom
4. A Way Back
5. Born in Ice

All are available in both ebook and print.

Photobucket

Champagne Book Group has a large number of talented authors. Browse their website. You'll find some great reads!

Thanks for stopping by today and Happy Reading and Writing!

Linda
www.lindalaroque.com

Friday, August 24, 2012

So Much to Do, So Little Time

That's my excuse and I'm stickin' to it. Actually, I have plenty of time but often don't want to spend it on some of those mundane things... like income taxes. Yikes, it's due October 15th, for late filing that is. And somehow, a few years ago, this job became mine. Probably because of my writing expenses.

I've been busy judging a contest, editing my upcoming release, A Stolen Chance, to be released by The Wild Rose Press sometime in 2013, and working on my latest venture, Birdie's Nest. I started chapter seventeen last night and have about 50,000 words. It's another time travel and I'm having loads of fun researching 1890s Waco, Texas and life in general in the nineteenth century.

Next week I'm taking a break. Two cousins, my sister-in-law, and I are going on a Western Caribbean cruise out of Galveston. I plan to sit on the balcony, watch the waves, and maybe write a little. Oops, I forgot spending time in the casino playing the slots.

The picture to the right was taken from our balcony on our last Caribbean cruise. We were aft so the view was quite different. Though we enjoyed the location, we did receive some soot on the rails from the smokestack.

We have cabins side-by-side so we hope to get the balconies opened up to where we can visit back and forth and all sit outside together. It will be fun to laugh and tell tall tales of our growing up years in the 1950s and 1960s.

Oh, I forgot to mention I'll be people watching. It's always fun to see a person who'd be an interesting character in my next book. I hope you'll join me the first week of September when I'll have pictures and share our adventures.

Happy Reading and Writing!

Linda

Saturday, August 4, 2012

The LOOK Challenge from Jacquie Rogers

I've been tagged in the "look" challenge by Jacquie Rogers. According to the rules, you're supposed to do a search in your work in progress for the word "look" and then paste the surrounding paragraph(s) and tag as many people as possible.


I Tagged -
http://patyjager.blogspot.com/
http://terithackston.blogspot.com/
http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/686106.Jude_Johnson/blog
http://emmalaiwrites.blogspot.com/
http://onewomanswrite.blogspot.com/
http://www.jerriealexander.com/
http://sandramarshallblog.blogspot.com/



A Love of His Own is my latest release. It's a short time travel set in the Texas Panhandle in 1892.

Rifle cocked, she stepped in the direction of the snoring. Thomas always said she could sneak up on Satan himself. She hoped her skill served her well today.

Lying on her precious wheat, breaking the stalks flat and making it useless, was a big, burly man. Wrapped in someone’s finely stitched quilt, he had a brown felt hat over his eyes. One arm lay across his chest, the other cradled a new-fangled model Winchester, so new the shine hadn’t yet worn off.

She snatched the rifle from his arm. The dang fool didn’t open his eyes. Dipsey thumped him on the shoulder with the butt of his weapon. He farted and rolled to his side exposing a muscled butt and legs encased in denims. She stumbled back a few steps. Disgusting man!

She fired off a couple of bullets sending wheat flipping into the air two yards above the man’s head. Darnit. More of her precious crop damaged. If the waste continued, her animals would go hungry this winter, and she didn’t have the money to buy feed.

The man lurched to his feet. “Holy hell.” He started toward Dipsey. “What the hell are you doing, woman?”

She cocked the rifle. “Stay put, mister.”

He halted and eyed her weapon before turning his gaze to her. His stare traveled from her boots, past her worn, brown wool dress to her face; his eyes widened when they landed on her scar. She expected to see aversion. Most people shunned her because of her past profession. If they didn’t know of her life as a whore, the ugly scar on her forehead caused them to look away. The man didn’t appear put off. He actually smiled before his expression sobered.

“Could you lower your rifle?”

She snorted. Did he think she was crazy? “Who are you and what are you doing on my land?”

“Your land? I’ll have you know....” He turned in a slow circle while taking in his surroundings.

I've tagged

Paty Jager http://patyjager.blogspot.com/
Teri Thackson  http://terithackston.blogspot.com/
Jude Johnson http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/686106.Jude_Johnson/blog
Emma Lai  http://emmalaiwrites.blogspot.com/
Linda Rettstatt http://onewomanswrite.blogspot.com/
Jerrie Alexander  http://www.jerriealexander.com/
Sandra K. Marshall http://sandramarshallblog.blogspot.com/

Have fun!

Linda
www.lindalaroque.com
http://www.lindalaroqueauthor.blogspot.com

Monday, July 30, 2012

1/2 Price Sale at Champagne Books

Now is the time to stock up on reading material. Everything is 1/2 off through August 1, 2012. Here's the info.

July 28-August 1, 2012

Christmas in July sale-all ebooks 50% off using coupon code XeJul12 at any of our stores!
Champagne Books - which includes mainstream, historical, romance, paranormal, etc. On the front page you will see the links to the Carnal Passions (erotic line) and BURST (sci-fi line).

Just in case you want to get a copy of my books, here are the direct links.

When the Ocotillo Bloom

Investment of the Heart

Forever Faithful

A Way Back

Born in Ice

Thanks for reading and Happy Shopping!

Linda
http://www.lindalaroque.com/

Friday, July 13, 2012

A New Contract for My Route 66 Story

The Wild Rose Press has contracted my Route 66 story, A Stolen Chance, as a Faery Rose. Edits haven't begin so I don't have a cover or a release date. Of course, I'm thrilled. As you all know from some of my posts, my husband and I have traveled all of Route 66 now. Well, I say all, we missed the part in downtown Chicago and instead of spending a day driving through LA, took the loop and found 66 downtown. We loved every minute and the old businesses that line the road are breeding grounds for future stories.

Here is the working tag and blurb for A Stolen Chance.

Mystery and danger lead two people on a path of discovery.


An old Route 66 motel.

Running from an ex husband bent on revenge, Susan Lawton finds refuge at a small motel along old Route 66 in Siesta, New Mexico. Albuquerque police detective Carson Rhodes can’t live with the atrocity he committed, so he resigns his commission and returns home to run the haunted Siesta Motel and Café. As they battle their demons, and locate a lost Zuni treasure, will Susan and Carson win their war against evil and will a lasting love be their reward?

Thanks for Reading!

Linda

Wednesday, June 27, 2012

The 777 Challenge


I was tagged by Ciara Gold along with six other authors. My challenge is to go to page 7 of my current work in progress and post seven lines. When I'm done posting, I get to tag seven other authors. Hmm, who shall I tag? Oh and once I'm done, I challenge those seven to do the same and tag 7 more. Too fun!


And now for my excerpt. This is from my current wip tentaviely titled Birdie's Nest which is my current Work-In-Progress. 


The Brazos Belle stood at the dock decked out in party streamers of green and maroon to match Samuelson’s logo colors. A costumed butler took her invitation and escorted her across the gang plank. “Everyone’s is aft on the upper deck, miss. Up those stairs. You won’t miss the crowd.”


“Thank you”

Voices and laughter grew louder as she approached. What a sight. Men and women in period dress graced the deck milling about in conversation, eating hors d’ouevures, and drinking wine and cocktails. She lifted a glass of champagne from a passing waiter and made her way to the rail to observe as they cast off. Maybe she could hide out over here for awhile.

Watching the ripples of the river glide by soothed her. The boat was almost abreast of Birdie’s Nest. Red brick, her home sat on the remaining five acres of family land a hundred yards from the road with a red brick drive leading up to the covered side entrance.

My 7 authors to tag:

Ceila Yeary
Sky Purington
Paty Jager
P.L. Parker
Linda Rettstatt
Gary Eddings
Rita Bay

Have fun!

Linda

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Author MK McClintock - Montana's Great Cattle Baron - and a Giveaway!

Welcome MK. It's always a pleasure to meet an author I haven't read before. I'm thrilled to have you here today to learn more about you, your latest release and some of the research you've done on cattlemen in Montana.


A Brief History of Conrad Kohrs: Montana’s Great Cattle Baron


 By: MK McClintock, author of Gallagher’s Pride


 "The range cattle industry has seen its inception, zenith, and partial extinction all within a half-century. The changes of the past have been many; those of the future may be of more revolutionary character." – Conrad Kohrs

In a land of soaring mountain peaks, lush forests and abundant wildlife prevails a history rich in trappers, miners and nomads, each with their own remarkable story. The history of cattle ranching in Montana is not as old as others, but it was a beginning for what would become a long-lasting way of life for many people choosing to carve out a life in this rugged land. What was once home to millions of bison and the native peoples, became a land taken over by ranchers and farmers.

Between 1862 and 1864, gold was discovered in several places in southwest Montana. Prospectors came in droves and mining camps sprung up everywhere. Soon, there were thousands of miners to feed. Cattle ranches sprouted up all over western Montana to supply mining camps with meat. Most of the cattle were trailed from Oregon…Conrad Kohrs started as a butcher boy in a camp called Grasshopper Creek. When the rush to Alder Gulch began, he followed and established a beef market there. Kohrs eventually controlled and supplied the beef for nearly every gold camp. In 1866 he purchased the Grant ranch near Deer Lodge. He became the largest cattle owner in Montana and the entire Northwest.(2)

Conrad Kohrs
A native of Denmark, Conrad Kohrs emigrated at the age of 15(1) and eventually headed west in hopes of striking it rich like so many eager young men. With only some success in Canada and California, he joined the movement into western Montana and Grasshopper Creek where he realized the opportunities for wealth were greater by feeding the miners than competing with them. It was then he established a butcher shop and traveled around the territory searching for prime beef. He had several brushes with the highwaymen who plagued the isolated roads of Montana. Determined to stop these murderous bandits, Kohrs joined a group of Virginia City vigilantes, and helped track down and hang the outlaws. By 1864, robberies in the territory had plummeted.(3) Conrad was in need land to house his growing cattle herd and purchased the Grant ranch near Deer Lodge, Montana in 1866 for $19,200 for the land, herds, buildings and equipment.(4)

Herding cattle across the river.
The railroad into Montana, still a territory at this time, completed in the early 1880’s which made it possible to market the cattle and the roundups began, but not without serious challenges. Because of the challenges, Stockgrowers Associations were formed, the first in 1881. They discussed the Indians, predators, diseases, legislation and outlaws. The Indians were starving and often stole cattle; the white man had killed all their bison. Wolves were destructive predators, hunting in packs and killing cows, calves and many sheep and lambs.(2)

Kohrs in living room at ranch.
Conrad Kohrs, one of Montana's first cattle barons and greatest pioneers, passed away in Helena, Montana in 1920.

Quick Facts:

• At age 15, he went to sea and over the next 17 years worked as a seaman, a butcher, a sausage salesman, ran log rafts down the Mississippi, and worked in a distillery.

• Born in Holstein, he became a U.S. citizen in 1857.(5)

• Sold by Kohrs grandson, The Grant-Kohrs Ranch was designated as a National Historic Landmark on December 19, 1960 to commemorate the Western cattle industry. The current park, created in 1972, is maintained as a working ranch by the National Park Service.(4)

• The 1,500-acre park/ranch includes 90 structures, 26,000 artifacts and 100 shelved feet of business records kept since Kohrs acquired the ranch in 1866.(4)

• Part of the original Grant-Kohrs Ranch, the land existing Rock Creek Cattle Company sits on was more specifically part of the Kohrs and Bielenberg Land and Livestock Company, which was sold in three large parcels after the dissolution of the Grant-Kohrs cattle empire.(6)

• In 2008, Conrad Kohrs was deservedly inducted into the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame.

• Author Patricia Nell Warren is a descendent of Conrad Kohrs and lived on The Grant-Kohrs Ranch.

I can’t possibly do justice to the long history of cattle ranching in Montana or Conrad Kohrs extensive contributions to it, so I do hope that readers will take the time to learn more on their own.

Did you Know?

“Range Wars” between cattlemen and sheep growers didn’t happen in Montana. For a time, Montana cattlemen found it profitable to raise sheep. Then, when cattle became profitable again, they switched back to cattle. Montana ranges support a wide variety of grazing animals, both wild and domestic. (http://www.nps.gov/grko/historyculture/conradkohrs.htm)

Sources:
1 (http://www.nps.gov/grko/historyculture/conradkohrs.htm
2 (http://montanakids.com/agriculture_and_business/farm_animals/History_of_Cattle.htm)
3 (http://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/montana-rancher-conrad-kohrs-dies)
4 (http://www.montanacowboyfame.com/151001/180199.html)
5 (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Conrad_Kohrs)
6 (http://www.rockcreekcattlecompany.com/About_Us/History)

Image Sources:
Conrad Kohrs - http://www.nps.gov/grko/historyculture/conradkohrs.htm
Cattle Herding over river - http://www.nps.gov/grko/photosmultimedia/Historic-Photos-Gallery.htm
Kohrs in living room at ranch - http://www.nps.gov/grko/photosmultimedia/Historic-Photos-Gallery.htm

MK's current release, Gallagher's Pride is available now at Amazon.


She was on a quest of discovery.

He was on a quest for revenge.
Together they would discover a second chance.

Brenna Cameron travels from Scotland after losing someone she loves in search of family she didn't know existed. Alone now in the world, Brenna makes an arduous journey, following the trail of discovery to Briarwood, Montana. Here she meets Ethan Gallagher, and the rest of the Gallagher clan. Only with their help is she able to discover lost family, heal old wounds and embark on a treacherous confrontation with a man who destroyed her family.

As head of the Gallagher clan, Ethan has more than enough to occupy his thoughts and time-he didn't need the complication of Brenna Cameron and he certainly didn't need the trouble that came with her. Ethan takes on the unwanted duty of self-appointed protector to the headstrong Scot, only to discover there is such a thing as second chances and more to life than revenge.

About MK: 


McClintock is an entrepreneur, baker, photographer, tour host, review and writer. She was born on the west coast, but after less than eight years she left with her family to the Rocky Mountains. After more adventures around the country, business college and culinary school, McClintock found a place to call home in Montana.

Over the years McClintock traveled the country and visited magnificent Scotland. She dreams of a time when life was simpler, the land rougher and the journey more rewarding. With her heart deeply rooted in the past and her mind always on adventure, McClintock will always call Montana home.

Giveaway!

MK is giving away 2 ecopies of Gallagher's Pride. Leave a comment and include your email address to be entered. The drawing will take place June 10th.


Thank you for joining us today, MK. After reading your excerpt, I'll be adding Gallagher's Pride to my TBR list and look forward to Gallagher's Hope in August 2012.

Readers, I hope you'll leave MK a comment.

Thanks for Reading and Writing!

Linda

Thursday, May 31, 2012

Authors by Moonlight - Summer Soltice Bash starts June 1, 2012

Come bask in the sun, er, make that Summer Moonlight!, with us and you could be the winner of one of five themed gift baskets!


Leave comments to enter, “Like Us” on Facebook to enter, “Follow Us” on Twitter to enter. Heck, do all three and increase your chances of winning.

We’re giving away books, books, and more books. Other great prizes included in the various baskets are candles, tea cups, CD’s, chocolates, Spa sets, and all sorts of goodies! And, each basket includes a doll dressed in a custom dress designed by Fleeta Cunnigham! Check out the Contest page for a peek at all of the baskets and a complete listing of rules

For the Schedule, see Authors by Moonlight.

Happy Reading and Writing!
 
Linda

Wednesday, May 16, 2012

Welcome Caroline Clemmons and her Brazos Bride

I'm pleased to have Caroline Clemmons on my blog today talking about poisons used in our past history. She'll also share details about her current release Brazos Bride. I know it's going to be a wonderful read as I just finished A Most Unsuitable Wife and love it!

Why would a writer focus on poison? No, I don’t plan to murder anyone in real life. I do kill off some people in my books, though. Great way to relax. Joking, joking.


I first became interested in poisons years ago from reading Agatha Christie’s mysteries. I still love her books and am fascinated with poison. Don’t worry, I don’t use what I learn to wipe out people I dislike. I favor poisons for eliminating characters in books.

Many plants have medicinal qualities and other seemingly innocent lovelies can be deadly. For instance, in Alexander Dumas’ THE COUNT OF MONTE CRISTO, oleander leaves are ground and incorporated into food to murder. Foxglove can heal or kill, depending on how it is administered and to whom. While researching, I pour through books like DEADLY DOSES from Writers Digest Book and old herbals. My eldest daughter fed my fascination with HERBS AND THINGS by Jeanne Rose, a book on remedies that gives both friendly and unfriendly plants and their uses.







Before current forensic tests, poisoners had more freedom. Pathologists’ tests uncover most poisons and create a hardship for villains. Since my current trilogy is historical, my villain is safe from sophisticated forensics. Of course, many poisons leave tell tale signs that even a medieval physician could detect. All readers know that cynaide leaves a distinctive smell and coloration of the victim’s lips for a while after death. Advanced arsenic poisoning colors the fingernails at the base and is left in hair. Can you believe women used to use arsenic to control their weight? I’d love to be thin, but not that way!


For my current Men of Stone Mountain trilogy, I studied poisons available in the Southwest where the book is set. In the first of my trilogy, BRAZOS BRIDE, heroine Hope Montoya is being poisoned. She doesn’t know the killer’s identity or type of poison, but she is an intelligent woman and deduces the poison is administered through her food and/or her tonic. Although she is severely weakened by the contaminate, she devises a plan to escape and gain an ally. The key is to convince Micah Stone to wed her in a temporary marriage of convenience. What would convince him? Although in truth we’re saturated here in North Central Texas, often that’s not the case. A drought has Micah’s cattle dying for lack of water.




Here’s a blurb from BRAZOS BRIDE:

Hope Montoya knows someone is poisoning her, but who? She suspects her mother was also poisoned and knows her father was murdered. Who wants her family eliminated? She vows to fight! She realizes she won’t last the eight months until she turns twenty-five and her uncle no longer controls her or her estate. Never will she be dominated by a man as she was by her father, as she has seen her mother and grandmothers dominated. If she marries, she gains control now, but only if she weds a man she can trust. Only one man meets her requirements. Can she trust him to protect her and capture the killer...but then to leave?

Micah Stone has been in love with Hope since the first time he saw her. But he was accused of her father’s murder and surely would have hung if not for his two brothers’ aid. Most in the community still believe him guilty. But the drought has him too worried about water for his dying cattle to care about his neighbors’ opinions. When Hope proposes a paper marriage in exchange for land on the Brazos River and much needed cash, her offer rubs his pride raw. His name may be Stone, but he’s not made of it. He can’t refuse her for long, and so their adventure begins.


And here’s a BRAZOS BRIDE excerpt from the wedding night of their marriage of convenience. I hope you find this intriguing:


She looked at her hands. Perhaps she was unreasonable. Or maybe insane for sympathizing with a man who'd had to work harder because of her family.

"I know it is an odd situation. If—if you wear your shirt and britches, I guess it would be all right if you slept on top of the cover here." She patted the bed beside her.

He froze. Not a muscle moved, and he only stared at her. Had she misunderstood? Did he think her offer too forward?

She babbled, "That is, if you want to. You said I should trust you. Well, maybe you would be more comfortable where you are." Why didn't he say something? Would he prefer sleeping in a chair to sharing the bed?

From the street below, she heard raucous laughter and someone called to a man named Ben. Music from a piano, she supposed in the saloon, drifted in through the open windows. A gust of breeze moved the curtains and slid across her skin. In this room, though, there was no sound.

Slowly, he rose and extinguished the lamp as he moved across the room. She slid one of the pillows beside hers then scooted down. What had possessed her to offer him half her bed? Would he think she invited more?

Too late to take it back now, for the mattress dipped as he stretched out. Quaking inside at the thought of him so near, she turned her back to him. She heard his weary sigh, as if he relaxed for the first time in a long while.

"Good night," she offered, and hoped he understood the finality of the phrase.

"Yep. Good night, Mrs. Stone." The mattress shook as he turned his back to her. She felt the soles of his feet press against her ankles. He must be several inches too long for the bed and she guessed he had to bend his legs to fit. She didn't dare turn to see firsthand.

She lay perfectly still, afraid to take a deep breath. Soon his breathing changed and she knew he slept. Outside the open window the town quieted and the distant tinkling of the piano was the only sound. Light from the full moon illuminated the room and slanted across the bed. A soft breeze drifted across her, lulling her in its caress.

With a sigh, she fought to relax, but abdominal pain kept her awake no matter how her body cried for rest. Perhaps if she planned, she’d forget the pain and chills that racked her frame.

Plan, yes. She needed a plan for food preparation when she returned to her home. No, Micah said he had a plan. Oh, dear, once more he took charge when it was her life, her home.

Maybe Aunt Sofia and Uncle Jorge would have left by then and things would be fine. Already she felt more secure. She sensed her eyelids drifting closed and the sleep’s blessed relief approaching.

A gunshot ripped apart the night.

The blast startled her and she screamed as something thudded near her head, showering her hair and face with splinters. Panic immobilized her. What had happened?

Micah dragged her onto the floor as a bullet ripped into the mattress.


Did that capture your interest? If so, here is the buy link at Amazon Kindle where BRAZOS BRIDE is only 99 cents:

Thank you for stopping by!

Caroline Clemmons writes mystery, romance, and adventures—although her earliest made up adventures featured her saving the West with Roy Rogers. Her career has included stay-at-home mom (her favorite job), newspaper reporter and featured columnist, assistant to the managing editor of a psychology journal, and bookkeeper. She and her husband live in rural North Central Texas with a menagerie of rescued pets. When she’s not writing, she enjoys spending time with family, reading, travel, browsing antique malls and estate sales, and genealogy/family history.

Excerpts from some of her exceptional reviews can be found on her website at www.carolineclemmons.com. View her blog posts Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays at http://carolineclemmons.blogspot.com and find book reviews, giveaways, interview, and miscellany.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/CarolineClemmonsRomances#!/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/#!/carolinclemmons (No E in Caroline)

Goodreads: http://www.goodreads.com/author/show/458092.Caroline_Clemmons

Caroline loves to hear from readers at caroline@carolineclemmons.com

Leave Caroline a comment. I know she'd love to hear from you.

Thanks for Reading and Writing!

Linda
http://www.lindalaroque.com/

Monday, May 14, 2012

Upcoming Release - A Love of His Own

I'm thrilled that A Love of His Own, the 3rd story in my short time travel series set in 1892 Prairie, Texas will be released in ebook format Wednesday, May 16th.

Here is a teaser:

Bull Dawson, New York lawyer, mourns the loss of his daughter, who disappeared from a cabin in Fredericksburg, Texas four years ago. A history book found in his office safe leads him to believe she traveled back in time to 1888 Prairie, Texas. He's determined that if she can time travel, he can too. Life will be different, probably hard, but practicing law can't be so difficult back in the Old West.


Widow Dipsey Thackson scratches out a living for herself and her young son on their farm. Shunned by the locals, she keeps to herself. When a man appears in her wheat field one day, life changes for the better. Then her brother-in-law arrives, claiming the farm is his and threatening Dipsey and her son. She fears for both their means of survival and their safety.

Her dilemma will take more than a knowledge of the law, but Bull vows to do his best to protect her and her boy.

I hope you'll pick up your copy at The Wild Rose Press, Amazon.com, or B&N.com.
 
Please join me on Caroline Clemmons blog on Wednesday, May 16th sharing my research on Cooking in the Victorian Kitchen. I'll be giving away a copy of either A Law of Her Own or A Marshal of Her Own. Please join us and leave a comment.
 
On Wednesday, May 16th, Caroline will be on my blog sharing information about poisonous plants. Hmm, reckon she plans to kill off a character in one of her historicals? She'll also be sharing her latest book Brazos Bride. She has some interesting information to share. I hope you'll stop by.
 
Thanks for Reading and Writing!
 
Linda
http://www.lindalaroque.com/

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

A Wonderful Review for Born in Ice

I'm very pleased with this review for my futuristic romance, Born in Ice, by Merrylee at Two Lips Reviews. Here's some of the highlights.

"The author certainly has a keen imagination. Her Sci-Fi elements are realistic, as is her view of a future devastated by global warming. Her concept of the underwater city of Abyss is especially fascinating, her vivid descriptions bringing that world into a vivid and colorful reality for me."

"Overall, Ms. LaRoque's writing is so riveting that she's definitely made her way onto my watch list. I'd love to see a sequel to this book, perhaps featuring a grown up Sheila."

To read the entire review go to Two Lips Reviews/

Thank you for stopping by today and Happy Reading and Writing!

Linda
http://www.lindalaroque.com/


Thursday, May 3, 2012

A Love of His Own - We have a Winner!

Debra Guyette is the winner of the Brighton heart shaped box of chocolates charm. I had 35 entries and my husband picked the lucky winner tonight. Thank you all for your entries.

I hope you'll read A Love of His Own and learn the significance of the prize I chose for this contest. It will be out May 16th with The Wild Rose Press in ebook format only.

Sunday, May 6th I'll be at the Goddess Fish Party giving away an ebook or two. I hope you'll stop over and say hi.

Happy Reading and Writing!

Linda
http://www.lindalaroque.com/

Wednesday, April 25, 2012

A Little History on the Feed Sack

Please join me on Romancing the West as I share my research on feed sacks. If you're from the generation that had a few feed sack dresses, I'm sure you'll enjoy hearing how they were first used to carry food stuffs.

On Friday April 27th a drawing will be held and two winners will be chosen to receive an ebook of their choice from my releases. So please stop by and leave a comment.

Also, my contest for A Love of His Own, ends midnight of April 30th. For details look back at the contest posting.

Happy Reading and Writing!

Linda
http://www.lindalaroque.com/

Tuesday, April 3, 2012

A Free Cookbook!

Eighteen Champagne Books authors collaborated and put together a cookbook.Get your free PDF copy and read the stories behind the recipes. I included my Grandma Riley's fruit salad and several other recipes.

Soon a link to download it will be on the Champagne Books site. Until then, either leave a comment with your email address or email me at linda@lindalaroque.com if you want a copy and I'll shoot it through cyberspace to you.


Happy Reading and Writing!
Linda
Linda LaRoque
Writing Romance with a Twist in Time
A Marshal of Her Own, Feb. 2012 Book of the Month at Long and Short Reviews
http://www.lindalaroque.com/
http://www.lindalaroqueauthor.blogspot.com/
http://www.authorsbymoonlight.com/
http://thewritersvineyard.com/