WeWriWa: Romance with a Past . . .

I had a wonderful time this past week being part of writer pal Rosanne Bittner's Pre-release Facebook event that included two other western historical authors. I started out writing historicals as Dana Ransom before moving into contemporary and paranormal, and have managed to get the rights back to a large number of them with a plan to begin rereleasing a five book western series next year. This was just the push I needed.

In preparing the posts for my half-hour FB slot, I culled excerpts from the first book of my Bass Family Texas Saga, TEMPTATION'S TRAIL and thought I'd share one with you for my 8-10 line offering. I truly had forgotten how much I loved this book and am raring to get back into getting it ready to format, along with the other four titles . . . and to finishing the rest of a sixth book I'd started writing for the series some 20 years ago. So hunker down, sit a spell and kick back this slice of the West (Texas, that is!) 

"He's dead," she whispered, the words trembling from her lips. 

A disinterested glance canting down toward the sprawled figure, the slight, insignificant fellow affirmed, "Yes, ma'am, he most certainly is, so I don't guess he'll mind me borrowing his chair." 

Using a dusty toe to nudge the shiny boot from its resting place upon the seat, the soft-spoken cowboy drew the chair around and sat facing a stunned Amanda as her mind reeled in shock. At the next table, the men went back to their cards and drinks, the shootist setting his yet-smoking pistol next to his pile of tattered chips while noisy talk and laughter resuming throughout the room, no one the least bit bothered by the crumpled form on the floor or by the identity of the corpse. No one seemed to care that a life had been taken cruelly, even callously, or that the deadly deed brought all her hopes to ruin. 

"Isn't someone going to do something?" she demanded in a strained sort of panic. 

"Out here, we pretty much mind our own business and aren't too interested in them who don't mind theirs." 

The enormity of it made her stutter stupidly, "T-that man just k-killed Harmon Bass, the legend." 

Attention turning back to the corpse, the cowboy drawled, "Now, I don't rightly know who that fellow is, but I know who he's not. If you be Miss Duncan then you'd be looking for me."

In honor of those brave, indomitable folk who've been in our thoughts and prayers this week, I'll be continuing with Texas snippets this month while waiting to get my PRINCE OF FOOLS edits back.

Hope you're enjoying the Holiday Weekend. Here's what I have planned . . .

Weekend Writing Warriors is a weekly hop for everyone who loves to write! Share an 8 to 10 sentence snippet of your writing on Sunday. Visit other participants on the list and read, critique, and comment on their 8sunday posts.

Spread the word, share the love, warriors - Hashtag #8sunday.