The Times They Are A-Changin’

 

Again

I’ve been lucky in my career.  I began writing in the middle of the 1970's fantasy boom.  I caught the tail end of the men’s action/adventure books.  Then I saddled up for a long ride with Jake Logan and other series westerns.  These were all done by traditional publishers selling mass market books in ways that have their roots in the Depression.

 The first major change in the business came with the introduction of ebooks.  I started putting titles up on Amazon and other indie venues about 15 years ago, with moderate (to no) success.  But it was an education I needed in producing the book from the ground up.  I coined a term VIPUB–Vertically Integrated Publishing.  The author had to do it all.  Writing, editing, cover, formatting, publishing and promoting. Along with messy business things like how to take money over the internet (and dealing with state taxes on those sales).  The whole enchilada, as we say in New Mexico.  That covers a lot of talents/skills and I am not all that good at many of them.

But the major book publishers still provided paying markets.  For me, over the past 10 years I increasingly focused on the westerns.  But the series began drying up.  No more Jake Logans.  No more Ralph Comptons.

 Smart phones and audio books and Kindles all provided new and different markets, but the bedrock was still the mass market paperback.

 Only now that is changing and we need to figure out what to do as authors, selling our own work.  If you missed it, this is the Publishers Weekly article that details how the publishers and distributors intend to “winnow” mass market pbs by 2026.

https://www.publishersweekly.com/pw/by-topic/industry-news/publisher-news/article/97179-book-publishers-plan-for-a-reduced-mass-market-paperback-footprint.html

 What I read here is that the only print will be trade and hardcover.  In 50 years of writing and over 350 titles published, I have had 3 books (2 westerns) that came out first as hardcovers.  YMMV.  But for me this looks like an asteroid heading for earth (mass markets).

 Original anthologies don’t sell well.  You know how well you do with original ebooks.  Amazon (and others) lets you do Print on Demand.  But sales are nowhere near what the major publishers can offer for mass market originals.  And we have to do VIPUB.  All that work when we could be writing new fiction.

 I don’t have any answers how to survive in a world where mass market (and midlist) books disappear.  So I am asking for discussion from the rest of the Western Fictioneers.  What works best for you?  Are your sales of ebooks and others strong?  What did you do?  Are small presses the answer?  Ads, newsletters, giveaways, podcasts, Kickstarter?  What formats and lengths and topics are most viable?  Is there something you think is a wild idea that’d never work?   Please share it.  This may be the time for wild and crazy ideas.

 We’re all in this writing corral together.  Sharing ideas can be the way we all survive the changing markets.  What can WF do?

 Bob Vardeman

president WF

Jackson Lowry Amazon Page

Karl Lassiter Amazon Page

Wolf Creek: Massacre!

Troy D. Smith

After a bit of a lull, we have returned to Wolf Creek with guns blazing.

Volume 13 sets the stage for many stories to come, as the tenuous peace achieved with Old Mountain's Kiowa band is endangered. Fort Braxton has a temporary new commander, vainglorious Major Joab Putnam, whose determination to win personal glory will endanger the fragile peace the army has made with the Kiowas… and put the people of Wolf Creek in harm’s way. 

Starring as Ford Fargo in Massacre!:

Bill Crider
Jerry Guin
Jackson Lowry
Charlie Steel
Troy D. Smith


EXCERPT:

Charley Blackfeather moved quietly along the riverbank, his feet in the water and his belly sliding in the mud.  Occasional rocks made him wince, but the Cimarron had rubbed the stones smooth enough for them not to leave cuts.  He slid against a fallen log and let his shadow merge with the rotting limb when two women walked along not five feet away, chattering away about their lovers.  Charley smiled, just a little, then waited for them to get their buckets of water and trudge back toward the main encampment.

He flopped on the grass and wiped off as much mud as he could.  He wore moccasins.  Getting the water out of them took only a few seconds.  The hide plastered itself to his feet when he snugged them back on.  It would take some time for them to dry.  By then he would have finished his scouting and have returned to the Army encampment a mile to the south.

Moving in shadows, like a shadow himself, he neared the settlement.  Old Mountain had moved his people here a little over a month ago and given up their traditional hunting grounds in exchange for peace.  A few fires smoldered.  Some women stirred and went about their tasks in the pre-dawn hour.  Nowhere did Charley see anything unexpected.  After watching the sleepy routine of a camp not yet awake for another day, he crept back to the river, cut south and then fell into a ground-devouring stride that returned him to the cavalry encampment in less than ten minutes.

Major Putnam had ordered him out.  As such, he should report first to the commanding officer.  He ought to.  Instead, he turned to where Dent had bivouacked C Company.  The captain sat by a low fire, poking it with a stick.  He never looked up as Charley neared.

"Your moccasins are wet.  They make sucking noises when you walk in the grass."

"You make sucking noises when you talk."  Charley hunkered down by the fire.  The feeble warm helped dry his clothing.

"So?"

"I saw nothing.  Old Mountain's band has settled in well.  Along the bank, away from the Kiowa, a small band of Cheyenne have pitched their camp."

"Warriors?"

"I saw only peaceable people."

"Time to report to the major."  Dent got to his feet, then froze.  Charley stood and rested his hand on a knife sheathed at his belt.

Major Putnam came from the darkness, the commanders for A and B Companies a step behind him.

"You were ordered to report directly to me, Mr. Blackfeather."

"Got turned around in the dark."

The two captains snickered.  Putnam barked at them to be silent.

"I trust your skill in the field exceeds your ability to follow orders."

Charley fingered his knife, then took his hand away.  Arguing with this self-important man accomplished nothing.  The sooner he gave his report, the sooner they could return to the fort or even go out on patrol and do some good.  Dent had mentioned a gang of road agents sighted over Ulysses way.

"Sir, you're here now.  Charley can let us all know what he found."  Tom Dent nudged Blackfeather.

"I saw no sign of hostiles.  The Cheyenne are near the Kiowa settlement."

"What do you mean you saw no hostiles?"  Putnam spoke with a slow, cold stream of words.  "Were the braves preparing for a raid?"

"I saw nothing of that.  If anything, the camp was empty of braves."  He related what he had overheard of the two young women talking of their lovers.

"So, they are not in camp?"

"It wouldn't seem that they are, sir," Dent said.

"That means they are out raiding."

Charley started to speak, then clamped his mouth shut.  Even Dent was struck speechless.

"That's it.  They are out marauding.  This gives us the perfect opportunity to quell their rebellious spirits."

"That's a mighty good line, Major."  Wilson Marsh came over, scratching himself.  He yawned wide.  "Mind if I use that as a caption for a photograph?"

"Shut your mouth, Marsh."  Dent interposed himself between the photographer and commanding officer.  "Sir, Charley didn't mean that the men were out raiding.  They could be hunting."

"Oh, yes, they're hunting.  I know it.  I feel it."  Major Putnam thumped his belly.  "Instincts, Captain.  They are away from their camp taking scalps."

"Old Mountain signed a treaty.  He gave up the warpath and his hunting grounds for our protection.  We're supposed to protect the Kiowa, sir."

"Captain, you are out of line.  The presence of the Cheyenne shows an unholy alliance has been forged.  They will murder women and children in their sleep."

"The Kiowa might have done that before.  Not now," Charley said.  "I know Old Mountain.  He keeps his word."

"Your report has been received, Mr. Blackfeather."  Major Putnam stepped away so he could address all his officers at the same time.  "Gentlemen, prepare for battle.  A Company will ride directly through the settlement.  B Company will come up from the south and prevent escape any way except across the river."  He fixed his pale eyes on Dent.  "C Company will circle about, and attack the Cheyenne from the east."  He glanced at Charley, then back.  "Is that understood?"

The other two captains agreed.  Putnam pushed Charley to one side and shoved his face within inches of Dent's.  "Are my orders clear, Captain Dent?"

"No, sir, they aren't.  I want your orders in writing."

"Very well, Captain."

"What about me, Major?  I can't get my wagon around to keep up with Captain Dent's troopers."

"Remain here, Mr. Marsh, until the fighting is over."

"What fighting's that, Major?"  Charley tried to get an answer, but the officer spun about and walked away with the other two company commanders.  Charley turned to Dent.  "What fighting, Tom?"

"There's not going to be any.  We'll wait for his written orders, then get ourselves into position.  When the major sees there's no resistance, he'll back off."

Charley Blackfeather silently went to get his horse.  Dent had more faith in the major than he did.

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Holiday Sale -- West of the Big River: The Artist Only 99 Cents

For one month, the ebook of this amazing western about Charlie Russell will be on sale for only 99 cents. This is a series that does not have to be read in any order, so if you haven't read one of the West of the Big River novels, this is the perfect chance to start.  It has ten 5 star reviews on Amazon.

Before he was a world-famous Western artist, Charles M. "Charlie" Russell was a horse wrangler on a ranch in Montana during the worst winter in that state's history. The danger of freezing to death while riding for the brand isn't the only threat Russell has to face, however. A ruthless band of rustlers is sweeping the range of cattle, and a beautiful but trouble-making rancher's daughter complicates Russell's life even more. He'll need more than his artistic ability to survive this deadly winter!

THE ARTIST is the third volume in the popular West of the Big River series from the Western Fictioneers. Acclaimed author Jackson Lowry spins as entertaining a tale as any of those from Charlie Russell himself in this superb new historical novel.

Sample:

Chapter One

    "Kin I have this here dance?"

    I looked up at about the ugliest galoot I'd ever laid eyes on. He was more a scarecrow than a wrangler, but my opinion formed more because of his shabby clothes, which looked as if he had stripped them from said scarecrow out in some granger's cornfield. The red-and-black checked flannel shirt could have been used as a checkerboard, if you didn't mind the pieces getting greasy while they waited to be jumped around and turned into kings. His voice screeched above the tune the piano player hammered out with less skill than enthusiasm.

    Nobody else in Gus' Watering Hole cared that the piano player missed every other note in The Boogaboo. For my part, I appreciated that he hit that many. In the past he had missed most notes 'til the song about the poor girl fearing a man's parts sounded more like a scalded cat dancing across the keys than a talented musician plying his trade. His voice had been sandpapered down to a hoarse croak easily drowned out by his piano work, which was likely a good thing. But I appreciated his sprightliness.

    "I ain't much the dancin' sort." I watched his face cloud over at the insult. "Not sayin' you ain't my type, mind you, but you'd have to let me lead."

    "Won't do that," he said, hitching up his gun belt, more to show off his brand spanking new .32 caliber Lemon Squeezer than to be menacing. He wore that double action Smith & Wesson high on his right hip in a soft leather holster. Not a shootist but a wrangler like me. Unfortunately I had left my iron back at the bunkhouse. All I had was a knife shoved into the broad rainbow colored nine-foot-long Hudson's Bay sash I wore wrapped around my middle.

    "Aw, go on, Charlie," my partner said, reaching over to nudge me hard. "You jist sit and suck up Gus' tarantula juice scratchin' pitchers into the table. Have yerse'f some fun fer a change."

    Rusty Rawlins brushed away some spilled foam from my beer that had hidden the latest effort I'd made with my knife point in the wood tabletop. Since I had lost my drawing pencil I had to make do with whatever came to hand. His stubby fingers traced over a carved likeness of the best looking whore in town. Or had been in town until a week ago Thursday when she climbed on the stagecoach. Most men in town had lined the streets, hats doffed and heads bowed like they were at a funeral. I was pining for Maggie something fierce myself, but she and most all of the other soiled doves had gone south for the winter because Montana winters could freeze the balls off a brass bull. She had asked me to go along with her, but I couldn't let down Jesse Phillips, the owner of the OH Ranch, who had been so good to me. As much as I longed to share Maggie's bed all winter long, loyalty to Mr. Phillips was greater than lust.

    Ever since I'd got a job riding night herd from Horace Brewster, nothing but wrangling interested me. Well, not like Maggie interested me, but I don't talk about women much, even if I have a way with them. More than one of the whores in the same crib as Maggie showered their affections on me in exchange for a little drawing of them. I always was careful to make sure they showed up in fancy dresses. They liked that. Maggie, well, Maggie I did a few for her naked as a jaybird because she enjoyed showing them to other customers. Truth is, I didn't mind her posing for me like that one little bit.

    But I was a tad ashamed of the etching I'd put into the table.

    The drover who'd asked me to dance leaned over. His mouth fell open and a drop of chaw spattered onto the table. Rusty hastily wiped it away since it had fallen right on Maggie's likeness.

    "You and her, you do that to her? She let you do that to her?" The wrangler moved closer and poked his S&W in my ear, crowding to get a better look. The new gun oil made my nostrils flare.

    "Naw," I said, lying like an Indian rug. I wished I hadn't added the extra details — me — along with the scratching. "Wanted to but never did."

    The wrangler stared hard at me, then stepped back and squared off, like he was fixing on throwing down.

    "You're a liar. And you don't wanna dance with me."

    The piano player had finished butchering The Boogaboo and moved on to the even raunchier The Keyhole in the Door. I'd always appreciated that one, having taken some pleasure myself spying on Maggie when she wasn't wearing even "a sky blue garter."

    "You gonna dance with me? Or are you too consarned good for that, you who's done that with a woman?" He glanced toward the etching in the wood, then he shot a gob of tobacco juice in the direction of Gus' fine cherrywood bar.

    The gob hit the corner and trickled down. I stood and pointed.

    "See that brass turtle on the floor? That there's a cuspidor."

    "What?" He looked confused at the way I'd gone from denying him the pleasure of a dance, our spurs clinking and our boots tromping on one another's toes, to the cuspidor.

    "I designed that brass turtle for Gus." I stepped over, applied the toe of my boot on its tail and the shell stood upright to reveal a right fine spittoon. Gus hadn't bothered cleaning it out in a while, so even the brass was corroding. "You want to dance, you got to act polite."

      

  nook link
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Review Roundup: The Quick and the Dying

Wolf Creek Book 7: The Quick and the Dying
By Ford Fargo
Western Fictioneers, August 2013
$8.09 paperback, ISBN 0615887309
$2.99 Kindle, ASIN B00F6B4KX6
$2.99 other e-formats, ISBN 9781301457243
118 pages

The last time former outlaw leader Sampson Quick encountered his old gang, he had to kill a couple of the ingrates to convince them he was out of the business for good. Now the notorious Hounds gang is back, looking for Quick’s help with a raid on Wolf Creek’s bank — and they’re not inclined to take “no” for an answer.

Since his arrival a few short months ago, the good folks of Wolf Creek have embraced Quick, whom they know as effete British painter James Reginald De Courcey. They consider him a mite odd, but mostly harmless. If only they knew….

The Quick and the Dying, the seventh book in the Wolf Creek series, seems almost a transitional piece. Things have settled down a bit in town now that the Kiowa are talking peace, the gang of leftover border ruffians that terrorized everyone in books 1 and 5 have been dispatched once and for all, and the megalomaniacal rancher nearby was handed his hat, at least temporarily.

Nothing is ever as it seems in Wolf Creek, though. Even the peace isn’t very peaceful, as town drunk Rupe Tingley discovers when the mugging he’s trying to avoid turns into accidental arson. Tingley’s creator, Matthew Mayo, does a remarkable job of conveying a drunk’s alcoholic haze in the first chapter. While the flophouse in which he lives burns around him, Tingley descends into an imaginary hell of flashbacks interspersed with eerie lightning strikes of clarity in the present. By the time De Courcey shocks the entire town by singlehandedly dragging Tingley from the inferno, readers will be ready to hop on the sobriety wagon themselves.

From there, the story departs into a rattlesnake’s nest of plots, subplots, counterplots, double-dealing, and assorted intrigue that is nothing short of dizzying. Quick/De Coursey (written by Kerry Newcomb) and his dilemma, which form the spine of the tale, rapidly recede behind a handful of other schemers who seem to be laying foundations for double-crosses in the future. Chief schemer to watch: photographer Wilson Marsh, who’s scummier than ever before. In Marsh, Jackson Lowry has created a skin-crawling everyday evil that fascinates.

Except for town marshal Sam Gardner (Troy Smith) and deputy Seamus O'Connor (Wayne Dundee), the point-of-view characters in The Quick and the Dying are ones who haven’t been heard from in a while. In addition to De Coursey, Tingley, and Marsh, bounty hunter Rattlesnake Jake (Phil Dunlap) is back and as casually intimidating as ever. Frank Roderus’s barber John Hix continues his understated channeling of Sweeney Todd in the Old West. By the time all the unusual suspects finish laying their plans and forming unholy alliances at the climax, a shootout in the bank should be the least of anyone’s concerns.

The Quick and the Dying ties up one loose series thread quite tidily. At the same time, the book opens so many new cans of worms that the writers should have enough bait for years. How all of the new threads ravel ought to be interesting to watch.


Kathleen Rice Adams is a Texan, a voracious reader, a professional journalist, and an author. She received a review copy of Wolf Creek Book 7: The Quick and the Dying from the publisher. Her opinions are her own and are neither endorsed nor necessarily supported by Western Fictioneers or individual members of the organization. Links in the review are for convenience only; they do not produce affiliate revenue.

The Western Fictioneers Library is Growing

West of the Big River: The Lawman

By New York Times bestselling author James Reasoner, the first novel in a new series from the Western Fictioneers, West of the Big River. The Lawman features William M. "Bill" Tilghman facing perhaps his greatest and most dangerous challenge.

West of the Big River: The Avenging Angel

Award-winning author Michael Newton spins an action-packed, historically accurate yarn about Orrin Porter Rockwell who is more than just a deputy United States marshal and a deadly gunfighter. He's a member of the Mormon Danites, the group of enforcers known as the Avenging Angels

West of the Big River: The Artist

Acclaimed author Jackson Lowry spins as entertaining a tale as any of those from Charlie Russell himself in this superb new historical novel.

Coming: West of the Big River:

West of the Big River: The Ranger

James J. Griffin, noted for his fine stories of the Texas Rangers, joins the West of

the Big River stable with THE RANGER, a short novel featuring real-life Ranger Sergeant J.S. Turnbo.

West of the Big River: The Forty-Niners

Charlie Steel's story of courage, romance, and danger is based on historical incidents of the California Gold Rush, and vividly illustrates a compelling chapter in American history, recreating a lawless era that exemplifies both the best and the worst in a vital young nation!

MORE  TO COME

Other Western Fictioneers Books

The Traditional West

The classic American Western returns in this huge collection of brand-new award winning stories by some of the top Western writers in the world today.

Six-guns and Slay Bells: A Creepy Cowboy Christmas

Put on your Santa hat and saddle up for this collection of creepy Christmas stories from the Western Fictioneers, the world's only organization of professional authors devoted solely to Western fiction.

The Peacemakers

Collections of 4 award winning western stories in each volume

Volume I

Volume II

Volume III

Volume IV

Peacemaker Tales

This volume includes works by everyone who has been nominated for the Best Short Story Peacemaker in the first three years of its existence, including the winners. You will be hard-pressed to find such a collection of new classics in one book. These stories represent the finest in Old West fiction being written today.

Wolf Creek:

Here you will find many of your favorite authors, working together as Ford Fargo to weave a complex and textured series of Old West adventures like no one has ever seen.

Book 1: Bloody Trail

Book 2: Kiowa Vengeance

Book 3: Murder in Dogleg City

Book 4: The Taylor County War

Book 5: Showdown at Demon's Drop

Book 6: Hell on the Prairie

Book 7:  The Quick and the Dying

Coming: Book 8: Night of the Assassins

Book 9: A Wolf Creek Christmas

The Western Fictioneers Library

RAW DEAL AT PASCO SPRINGS by Clay More

LEAVING KANSAS by Frank Roderus

JUDGE ON THE RUN by Clay More

RANGER'S REVENGE by James J. Griffin

REACHING COLORADO by Frank Roderus

DEATH STALKS THE RANGERS by James J. Griffin

A ROPE FOR SCUDDER by Clay More

DEAD MAN'S GUN AND OTHER STORIES by Ed Gorman

GUN FOR HIRE by Jory Sherman

FINDING NEVADA by Frank Roderus

THE TRAIL BROTHERS by Troy D. Smith

THE CAST-IRON STAR AND OTHER WESTERN STORIES by Robert J.

Randisi

STAMPEDE AT RATTLESNAKE PASS by Clay More

A DISGRACE TO THE BADGE AND OTHER WESTERN STORIES by Ed Gorman

BUZZARD BAIT by Jory Sherman

RED TOMAHAWK by Jory Sherman

ENEMIES AND OTHER WESTERN STORIES by Ed Gorman

FAST HAND by Karl Lassiter

HOME TO TEXAS by Frank Roderus

THE LONG RIDE BACK AND OTHER WESTERN STORIES by Ed Gorman

Coming in The Western Fictioneers Library

POTTER'S FIELDS by Frank Roderus

DOUBLE-DEALING AT DIRTVILLE by Clay More

CHARLIE AND THE SIR by Frank Roderus

IRON HEART by Jory Sherman

JASON EVERS: HIS OWN STORY by Frank Roderus

HIS ROYAL HIGHNESS, J. AUBREY WHITFORD by Frank Roderus

http://www.westernfictioneers.com

INDEPENDENCE DAY AND SOME WONDERFUL READING BARGAINS!

It's the Fourth of July--one of my very favorite holidays. Probably because, when I was younger and birthdays didn't really count except as something to look forward to, I knew mine wasn't far behind this holiday. Dad and I always planned a trip to the fireworks store just outside of town on Highway 9, (they were still legal in those days for individuals inside the city limits) and I think he looked forward to that trip as much as I did. Sparklers, Roman candles,fountains, Black Cat firecrackers, bottle rockets...lots of simple stuff. Even the little colored balls you could light and make colored smoke with were fascinating. We'd usually make a trip to my grandparents' house and gather with all the cousins, aunts and uncles. There'd be 2 or 3 hand cranked ice cream makers going, each with a packing quilt on top and a young child sitting on it to keep it steadied. In the summer darkness, we'd pool our fireworks and sit on quilts while the men shot the fireworks off safely. Now that was a great childhood memory!

A lot of years have passed since then. I'm getting older, and more forgetful. I forgot to give away our "FOLLOWERS" prize in May! So since we are starting our big JULY FOURTH SALE here at WESTERN FICTIONEERS, let's kick it off with the prize for May, TROY SMITH'S LINES OF BLUE AND GRAY. This prize will go to:

PATRICK G. WHALEN!  Congratulations, Patrick! If you will contact me at fabkat_edit@yahoo.com I will see that you and Troy make connections for you to claim your fantastic prize! This is one excellent book!

Since June has come and gone, I want to offer a copy of my latest release, KANE'S CHANCE, for the lucky June "FOLLOWER" The winner of KANE'S CHANCE is:
RICK BREEDEN!
Congratulations, Rick, and please contact me at fabkat_edit@yahoo.com to claim your prize! I hope you enjoy it!

We give away a prize to one of our blog followers each month, so be sure to follow if you don't already, and let others know. It just might be your lucky day!

The Western Fictioneers have a lot going on and we want to share the highlights with you, as well as a great sale on some of our work for your summer reading.

The West of the Big River series has taken off with a bang. There are three volumes in the series so far, with James Reasoner's THE LAWMAN being the first, followed by THE AVENGING ANGEL by Michael Newton. The latest release in this series is Jackson Lowry's book about Charles M. Russell, entitled THE ARTIST. Author Kit Prate has some glowing words about this story! Take a look. http://westernfictioneers.blogspot.com/2013/06/western-fictioneers-presents-west-of.html Be sure you check out all of the volumes in this wonderful series!

West of the Big River:
The Lawman
The Avenging Angel
The Artist

Another fantastic series from the Western Fictioneers authors is the Wolf Creek collection. Wolf Creek, KS is a fictional town in post-Civil War Kansas, populated by citizens who fought in the War on both sides. Lots of tension, even though it's been six years since the War ended. The series is a collaborative effort, and as an added bonus, includes the first volume of supporting short stories about some of the town's citizens. Books 1-5 are written by "Ford Fargo", the pen name of the six authors who are participating in that particular book--and this changes with each new volume. New characters are introduced and old characters show up from time to time to give the stories a seamless feel as the reader gets to know the characters, but these stories are full of surprises and lots of action. To get you started, Wolf Creek Book 1: BLOODY TRAIL, will be on sale starting today for only .99! Now you can't beat a bargain like that, and you're sure to want the rest of the stories to round out your collection while you wait for the next one!

In addition, there are several more short stories and books available for .99 to help you enjoy your summer and keep you reading! Happy Independence Day! We'd love to hear some of your Independence Day memories, if you have a minute to comment. Be sure to take advantage of this fantastic sale, and stay safe this holiday!

Below are links for Amazon for short stories and novels that are only 99 cents. (Double check they are still 99 cents.  This is the price they were when I made up the list. Enjoy, Livia J. Washburn)


Cheryl Pierson                                            Troy D. Smith

      

 Wayne D Dundee

 Frank Roderus

 Matthew Pizzolato

Clay More

Robert J. Randisi

Ed Gorman

Kit Prate

 Jory Sherman            Livia Reasoner      Peter Brandvold
    

 Matthew P. Mayo        L.J. Martin     James Reasoner

    

Chuck Tyrell                                          Bill Crider
   
James J. Griffin


Frank Roderus

Western Fictioneers Presents West of the Big River: The Artist

Before he was a world-famous Western artist, Charles M. "Charlie" Russell was a horse wrangler on a ranch in Montana during the worst winter in that state's history. The danger of freezing to death while riding for the brand isn't the only threat Russell has to face, however. A ruthless band of rustlers is sweeping the range of cattle, and a beautiful but trouble-making rancher's daughter complicates Russell's life even more. He'll need more than his artistic ability to survive this deadly winter!

THE ARTIST is the latest volume in the popular West of the Big River series from the Western Fictioneers. Acclaimed author Jackson Lowry spins as entertaining a tale as any of those from Charlie Russell himself in this superb new historical novel.

Review

Once, Rusty tossed his burnt steak over his shoulder, a coyote ate it and got so almighty sick, the marshal rode out from town and threatened to arrest him for abusin' the wildlife.

How could you not love a book that serves up this kind of prose? It's like Mama putting a dish of strawberry shortcake on your plate, and smothering it with a dollop of fresh whipped cream topped with just the right amount of shaved sweet chocolate.

The story of Charlie Russell is full of adventure, amusing tall tales, and rich with characters who come alive on the pages and work their way into your heart. You can feel the cold of a Montana winter, as well as the camaraderie of the cowboys who fight not only nature, but a gang of cattle rustlers.

Best of all it gives considerable insight into one of the greatest artists whoever put pencil to paper portraying what the real west was like. This is a must read for anyone who loves westerns; and a magnificent addition to Western Fictioneers "West of the Big River". A five star effort for sure.

-- Kit Prate

       nook link
Also available on Smashwords