USA TODAY bestselling author Charlene Sands shares her tips on writing a wealthy Western. In her own words…
They say write what you know, so what does a city girl know about cowboys and ranches and horses? Well, when I started out my love of the American West included both historical and modern day cowboys and that passion drove me to my research. It helped that my in-laws were from Texas and when visiting them I’d gotten a good taste of Southern charm and grace. The way they speak to each other, the way they interact with their children, the foods they enjoy, the slang they use were all things I was able to absorb and replicate in my own stories. My cousin lives in Nevada and has a dozen horses in his stables. I’ve gotten to know the ins and outs of equine care, learned that horses have their own unique personalities and these animals are intelligent and sweet though sometimes quite feisty.
There’s nothing like personal experience when writing a present-day Western romance, but today, there’s an abundance of information on the internet. I’ve contacted rodeo riders by email and they’ve been kind enough to answer my questions. I’ve taken virtual tours of ranches and mansions. I’ve checked out sports cars and fine jewelry online.
But for me, the most fun is creating my Stetson-wearing, wealthy Western Desire hero. He must be strong, powerful and determined. He must be larger than life in some respect and a man any reader would fall in love with. What sets him apart from other heroes is his strong code of honor, his manners and the way he treats the women in his life. He will have flaws of course, and though granite tough, the right woman would find a way to break through to find the caring, loving man he often keeps well-hidden.
2 replies on “Make a Date with Desire: Meet Desire Author Charlene Sands!”
*sigh* It’s hard to go wrong with a cowboy! I agree with all your points of research and hands-on. I love to create rough and rugged cowboys myself. Can’t wait to read your new book. 🙂
You do a great job creating those Stetson-wearing, wealthy Desire heroes!
Comments ( 7 )
I spent the entire shutdown working. Had no time to wind down. I didn’t see my son much when school shutdown. My one co worker was told to stay home for 3 weeks so I picked up her hours. This year has been really crappy.
Ugh, Janell. Here’s hoping the rest of your summer is better.
Thanks for the info, Carol! Everyone is different in how they deal with the shutdown! I stay at home all the time since I don’t work so I haven’t been too effected but my shopping and errands sure have been effected!
Valri, I’ve been doing most of my shopping online. My local Target is still low on some items – mostly cleaning supplies. Grocery store is pretty much back to normal. Most of the dining in our town is outdoor. I can’t imagine have school-age kids!
Wow–getting your creative process on track must have been daunting–especially with “extra-large dog” glad to have you home. You don’t like coffee–I love coffee and have enjoyed my fortifying 2 cups in the morning even more than usual! How as COVID affected your story lines and characterizations? Best Wishes for all releases!
Interesting question, Virginia. You’ll have to tell me if the tone of my “COVID” books changed any! LOL
Life has changed so much! My dad passed Feb 2. The assisted living facility my folks were at went into hardcore lockdown the beginning of March. Mom couldn’t leave her apartment for 4 months! She was on the third floor, Will be 89 in two months & doesn’t use the phone. My husband and I remodeled the lower level completely and moved her in with us July 1. What a life change and difficult transition for the 3 of us! But we’re working thru it!