Wednesday, June 18, 2014

Cowboys, Campfires, and Growing Up in the West

Some of you know that I grew up on a ranch in western Nevada. John Wayne and my dad were my heroes. I got my own horse, a good-natured Palomino at age 11. I was so overcome by happiness, I cried. Which really confused my parents until I explained they were happy tears. So how has this colorful upbringing affected my writing? 

Well, a lot of family stories have been percolating like coffee on the campfire for years. Recently, I started pulling them together to share with my own native Texans and other children.

My stories are coming along, but have you thought about the special features of your upbringing? How does your writing reflect those early roots? Your unique insights could add the sparkle to an already interesting and fun story. -Q