Friday, August 13, 2010

Interview wth Caroline Fyffe.

I’d like to welcome our guest today, Caroline Fyffe. It’s a pleasure having you come visit us again at Much Cheaper Than Therapy, where chocolate is plentiful and advice is free. So grab some chocolate and a lounge chair. Your therapy session has begun.

I understand you have a new release out called MONTANA DAWN. Can you tell us a little bit about your fabulous new book?


I’d love to, Kim…It takes place in the little town of Y Knot, Montana in the late 1800s. The McCutcheons, a cattle ranching family, have carved a dynasty from the wilderness by the sweat of their brow and their honorable values. Luke McCutcheon, the third brother and hero of this story, is the only one who was sired by an American Indian when his mother was taken captive. He’s the trail boss for the once-a-year cattle drive that the McCutcheons make. It’s during the drive that Luke stumbles upon a dilapidated wagon where he meets Faith Brown, in labor and needing his help. After the delivery, he offers to bring her along where one thing leads to another and soon all the trial hands are trying to catch the beautiful new mother’s attention, much to Luke’s dismay. I love stories about big families. I wanted to give Luke as much unconditional love as he needed to battle his own ghosts about his heritage

MONTANA DAWN is a very interesting title. How did you arrive at that name?

Well, actually, it does have a specific tie in with the plot. I know it seems like it could just mean a pretty sunrise but Luke actually delivers a little babe and he gets to name her. I’ll leave the rest up to your imagination.

What made you decide to write in this genre?

I’ve loved the West forever! Growing up all my sisters rode their horses English --- but not me. I was the youngest and I had a little mare named Sherry. I insisted on riding Western even when I could have had all the wonderful hand-me-downs if I’d complied. And to this day I’ll take a Western movie over anything else. 3:10 to Yuma is a favorite! Or, it could be too that when I was little my nic-name was Bowie, after Jim Bowie. I was such a tomboy and I loved his show.

Where did you get your idea for this particular book?

That’s tough. I can’t say. I just sit down and start writing. After I have a main character, Luke McCutcheon, I go from there. It just unwinds like a ball of string. Well, maybe not that easy. Er, definitely not that easy. LOL But that’s how I start.

What are your favorite historical research books and why?

I have several book I love and visit all the time. Wild and Woolly-An Encyclopedia of the Old West is one. I like it because each topic is short and sweet. Another is Savvy Sayin’s – Lean & Meaty One-Liners. This book is a gem. It’s like riding alongside a group of trail weary cowboys headed for the ranch. You learn a lot. The Writer’s Guide to Everyday Life in the 1899’s, Again, very brief descriptions on a lot of subjects. It usually has what I’m looking for.

Which character did you like writing about the most, and why?

I really enjoyed writing Luke. You’ll see why when you read it. But, in essence, he has a past that’s doggin’ his heals. You know--a tortured soul. It was nice to see him loosen up and laugh when things started going his way. I liked that.

Tell us about how you develop your characters. Do you create character sheets, do interviews, that sort of thing? How does your research affect your character development?

I do a family tree chart. That way I get two generations back and give them all very brief pasts, characteristics, home towns, etc. That way I understand what makes my hero and heroine tick. And it gives me little bits of info to interject if I run into a wall.

What are some common speech terms, dress modes, transportation or housing facts that you found interesting for your time period?

I enjoy secondary characters that you can make say all kinds of funny things that your hero or heroine can’t. They would look to silly. It was Mrs. Hollyhock in WHERE THE WIND BLOWS that got all the good lines. You know, hillbilly talk.

Do you have any authors that inspired you?

There are so many wonderful authors doing the American West. Dorothy Garlock, Robin Lee Hatcher, Pamela Morsi, Catherine Anderson, Cheryl St.John…lots. I respect them all for the magnificent stories they’ve created.

What do you feel is the most effective promotion you have done for your book?

That’s a hard one. I don’t really know. Although, I do think blogging is really important. It’s like a spotlight for that day but then it stays on the internet forever for others to see. Along with that I always have bookmarks with me. Book signings, Facebook. Sorry, I don’t know.

What do we have to look forward next?

I’m working on the sequel to MONTANA DAWN. It’s titled ONCE UPON A TEXAS TWILIGHT and will be out in May of 2011. It’s about Luke’s youngest brother who left the ranch to become a doctor. He’s the only McCutcheon thus far to go to university. He’s on his way to Rio Wells, Texas where he’s going to have his first practice. On the way the stage is attacked and….well, that’s another story. LOL

Thanks, Caroline!

Thank you, Kim. It’s been so much fun visiting today. I wish everyone happy trails forever. After all that talking I’m ready for a chocolate éclair and sasparilla. What about you? (I'm always ready! KW)

To celebrate her book release, Caroline is offering a free book of MONTANA DAWN to one lucky commenter on today's blog. (please check the blog Monday night to see if you won. Chances of winning determined by the number of entries.)


And, if you’re interested in winning more books and chocolate in celebration of the release of MONTANA DAWN, she’s having a launch giveaway. Just go to her website (www.carolinefyffe.com) and sign up for her News Letter on the contact page, you’ll be entered in the drawing for a basket filled with candies, chocolates, muffin mix, a handsome coffee mug (filled with even more chocolate!) and a jar of scrumptious jam, all made from the Big Sky State’s coveted huckleberry. Also included is an autographed copy of both MONTANA DAWN and WHERE THE WIND BLOWS. It’s as easy as pie. The winner will be drawn on December 10th, 2010--just in time for Christmas.


She will be around all day today. I'm sure some of you have questions or comments for her, so please ask away...

18 comments:

Anonymous said...

Good morning Carolyn. Thanks for joining us again today. As soon as I'm awake, I'll get your chocolate ready. I love the twist about the title and look forward to another good read! Enjoy yourself!

Caroline said...

Good morning to you, Kim, I'm excited to be here today.

I've been visiting California (that's where I've lived most of my life after being born in Waco, TX) since Aug.3rd. and will be here until the 31st. I'm watching a beautiful rosy pink sunrise just popping over the far mountain tops. And, the birds are chirping. It's beautiful....

Linda Andrews said...

I too love westerns and sasparilla. Your books sound like a wonderful addition to the genre.

You said Luke is the third brother and your working on the sequel with another, does this mean there is another book in the series already available or can we expect it soon?

Caroline said...

Hi, Linda! Thanks for stopping by.

Yes, a sequel will be out in May of 2011. It's called ONCE UPON A TEXAS TWILIGHT and the hero is Luke's little brother, John. This on is set in Rio Wells, Texas with the Texas cousins. LOL It's been really fun to write so far...

What part of the country are you in, Linda? And, where can I find a sasparilla? LOL

Estella said...

Your book sounds great. I love westerns!
Is this going to be a series?

Liana Laverentz said...

Tortured souls are always fun to write. All the best!

Liana Laverentz
www.lianalaverentz.com

Cara Marsi said...

Hi, Caroline,

Waving to you, fellow Write it Now loop member. I have "Where the Wind Blows" on my friends' shelf and can't wait to read it. And I look forward to reading "Montana Dawn." Lucky you to be in California now. A great state. I love Westerns too. I'll visit your website.

Carolyn/Cara Marsi

Shelley Mosley said...

I love historical Western romances, and it's really good to see someone keeping the genre alive!

catslady said...

I too love the genre and it's nice to know I can look forward to a sequel.

catslady5(at)aol.com

Caroline said...

Glad to hear you like westerns too, Estella. They have been a favorite of mine since forever. Right now, there are two books planned for the McCutcheon family, but I have another idea for a third possible book.

Thanks for stopping in!

Caroline said...

Yes, Liana. I agree. They have so much to overcome! ((:^> It's fun to see them grow....

Caroline said...

Hi, Carolyn! Thanks for stopping in! Is that your kitty? He's a beauty. I love cats....

Caroline said...

Someone has to do it, Shelley. LOL I've just always been drawn to them like bees to honey....

Have a great weekend!

Caroline said...

Thanks, catslady, I appreciate that. Cheers!

Gail said...

Caroline,
You've come so far since spending days in the arena with me!! And days and days and nights working on proofs!!! hehe. I'm really proud of you and what you have accomplished! I hope to see you tomorrow....
Gail Bates

Caroline Clemmons said...

I'd love to win a copy of MONTANA DAWN and the other prizes. I've never been to Wyoming or Montana, but you make them seem very interesting. I'm reading your Wyoming book now. I could give it to a friend if I win the gift basket. LOL

caroline@carolineclemmons.com

Caroline said...

Hi Gail! What a nice surprise.

I have such great memories of those horse show days. Bakersfield, California State Fair, Turlock....You were so generous with your time and talent in teaching me. Great times!


I hope to see you today at Van Ruitens. I think it will be a very nice day....

Hugs!

Caroline said...

Thanks for stopping in, Caroline. If you ever get the chance to go to Montana or Wyoming, do it. They are both just so different. Magical. I love the big open spaces where time just seems to stand still.

I'm happy to hear you're reading, Where the Wind Blows. I hope you enjoy Chase and Jessie's love story~~<3