We’ve been remiss with the newsletter. Somehow, the distractions just kept coming. Travel, a couple of medical jaunts to Salt Lake City (nothing critical), and the real world—intruding on our writing schedules—all conspired to foil our attempts at keeping up with communication with you, our readers!
WHAT’S NEW!
So, what’s new? Our latest publications are to be found in two new anthologies, ROUGH COUNTRY and HARD COUNTRY, both published by Roan & Weatherford Publishing Associates. Both volumes are released in partnership with the US Marshals Survivors Benefit Fund. All proceeds from the sale of the volumes go to benefit the fund. What does it do? It provides financial relief and aid to the families of US Marshals killed in the line of duty. We are honored to have been asked to contribute so such a worthy cause.
Our good old friend, Reavis Wortham, outstanding writer of contemporary Western mysteries (The Sonny Hawke books are our favorites), contacted us last summer hoping to find enough contributors to complete an anthology. We, of course, signed up immediately. To Reavis’ surprise, so did everyone who heard about the project. First Rev thought he’d be able to winnow the number of submissions down enough to fit a single volume. To his delight and horror, the quality of the writing, the richness of the stories, and the range of fascinating subjects made that task impossible. In desperation, he went to Casey Cowan, the publisher, wincing as he asked, “What if it was two volumes?” And that, dear reader, is how Kathleen’s “Dying Alive” ended up in ROUGH COUNTRY and Michael’s “The Higher the Rank” ended up in HARD COUNTRY.
Not only are our stories there, but we think you’re going to be hooked from the first story to the last. Honestly this is some of the finest Western short fiction, past, present, and future, ever collected. Not only do the books serve a good cause, but you’re looking at hours of happy reading!
AMERICAN HERITAGE CENTER
Some of you know that the American Heritage Center in Laramie, Wyoming, is the repository of our professional correspondence, manuscripts, records, books, etc.. For the last two weeks we have been putting together a complete collection of our published novels in their various editions, formats, and translations for curation at the AHC. So far, the title list is 10 pages long and the books fill 15 cardboard boxes! Fruits of a misspent, but productive life? We’ll leave it up to the historians to decide. The takeaway from all of this is that anyone seeking to conduct research on our lives as writers, archaeologists, or our influence on the bison industry can find all of the records and correspondence at the AHC.
LOOKING FORWARD!
About a month back a local friend asked if we would be willing to participate in the 4th of July, Cody Stampede Parade. Of course, we said yes, figuring that they’d put us on some kind of float, maybe let us throw some candy at the kids. We’d wave and call comments to the crowd. Wasn’t until a couple of weeks later that another friend sent us a text saying, “Congratulations on being Grand Marshals!” Now, it turns out that we’re sharing the honors with Dr. Paul Hutton who wrote THE UNDISCOVERED COUNTRY and old friend, Craig Johnson, author of the Longmire series. But still, isn’t it great to see authors being selected as Grand Marshals on the 250th birthday? We’re absolutely delighted. If it turns out that you will be in Cody for the event, do drop by and say hello! We’ll give you candy!
Also upcoming. We’re off to Canada later this summer! In one of those curious twists of serendipity, Michael has discovered that his 4X great grandfather was one of the founders of modern Ontario. Turns out that Robert Perry Sr, son of David Perry, of New Hampshire, married one Jemima Washburn, whose family was important in Colonial administration in New England in the 1770s. When the Revolution broke out, Robert sided with his wife’s family, fighting with the Queen’s Loyal Rangers on the British side. After General Burgoyne’s defeat at Saratoga in 1777, he fled to Canada. Robert’s father, David, and all his brothers fought for the Americans, and David never forgave Robert. Split the family right down the middle. For the novelist, this is a fascinating story to explore, so we’ll be going to walk the ground, prowl through the archives and records. For those who might be interested in trivia, THIS SCORCHED EARTH was inspired by Kathleen’s ancestors in Arkansas. Now, here we are, faced with another rebellion-inspired tragedy. What thoughts went through Robert’s brain as he fled into exile, his farm seized, his father and brothers disowning him? And what is the story of love between him and Jemima, for whom he gave up so much? Not sure whether this will turn into a novel, novella, or short story, but there’s a gold mine here.
Meanwhile, back at the keyboard, Kathleen is crafting out another of her short stories. Given that her “Dying Alive” in the ROUGH COUNTRY anthology reaches from the page and grabs you by the throat, her new one is anxiously awaited. Michael thinks she’s doing some of the most powerful writing of her entire career.
Donovan fans, don’t despair! The new trilogy is progressing. About halfway through book 2, and Dzina and her companions—having taken control of Ashanti—are about to arrive at Donvan. They’ve survived by the skin of their teeth, but with the spacing from Solar System finally over, things are about to get serious. As so many of you know, Donovan plays its own games, and it plays for keeps!
Looking down the road, we’re registered for Bouchercon in Alberta this coming October 21-24 and then off to Tulsa for the Will Rogers Medallion Awards next week on the 28-31. We’ve always loved Bouchercon but rarely could make the scheduling work. We don’t have a time yet, but Michael will be presenting on one of the panels. The upside is that usually he even knows what he’s talking about. And, of course, the WRMA in Tulsa can’t be missed. It is rapidly becoming indispensable as the gathering for Western writers, producers, and songwriters. We’ll be giving presentations at the University of Tulsa again this year.
In addition, our summer looks to be challenging as we try to craft the finest fiction on the planet. Pray for rain, and cross your fingers that lightning or humans don’t set our drought-stressed forests on fire!
Until next month, read in health!