WHISPERS IN THE CANYON: Quotes from Reviewers ON AMAZON: from Lainey: I stayed up all night and this morning to read this whole take in one go... If they make it a series [or] trilogy though, count me in. This is a full length novel, my favorite kind. No short story here. from Heidi V: … Continue reading WHISPERS IN THE CANYON: Quotes from Reviewers
Tuesday Trivia: African-Americans in the Old West
History tells us that at least 15%, and possibly up to 33%, of cowboys in The Old West were African-American. Among them was William Pickett, who invented the trick we now call bull-dogging—catching and throwing a steer—though Bill’s habit of biting the cow’s lip to control it is no longer practiced. (Not too surprising, IMHO.) … Continue reading Tuesday Trivia: African-Americans in the Old West
How Do You Explain a Character’s Moral Code?
Before WHISPERS IN THE CANYON was published, I received an agent's critique of my query letter and first ten pages that was pretty positive. She said it did a nice job of presenting a complicated plot succinctly. However, she felt the “stakes” weren't quite high enough. If you've read the first article that comes up … Continue reading How Do You Explain a Character’s Moral Code?
WHISPERS IN THE CANYON: Donovan Family Saga Book 1
A valiant young woman haunted by abuse. An empathic Irish immigrant determined to help her. The tragic secret that stands between them. 1880s Arizona Territory Shunned by the village for her outlaw brother's deeds, Jesse Travers is not sorry to hear he's been killed while robbing a bank. Strangely enough it’s Adam Donovan, the man … Continue reading WHISPERS IN THE CANYON: Donovan Family Saga Book 1
DONOVAN FAMILY SAGA: Cast of Characters (3)
You can read about the main characters in WHISPERS IN THE CANYON here, and about the Donovan elders here. Now let me present: The Siblings John Patrick and Molly Donovan had ten offspring, Adam and Brian being the eldest and twins (see Cast of Characters 1). When her sons were born in Ireland, Molly had … Continue reading DONOVAN FAMILY SAGA: Cast of Characters (3)
WHISPERS IN THE CANYON: Historical Novel Society Review
I am so proud to announce that the HISTORICAL NOVEL SOCIETY printed a review of my debut novel in their magazine of May 2020. (Note: I removed the spoiler sentence for those who haven’t read it. Otherwise, it’s a word for word transcription.) WHISPERS IN THE CANYON Review by Brodie Curtis The Donovan family, led … Continue reading WHISPERS IN THE CANYON: Historical Novel Society Review
DONOVAN FAMILY SAGA Cast of Characters (2)
THE PARENTS & “GRAN” MOLLY DONOVAN: When An Gorta Mor (the Great Famine of Ireland) began in 1845, Molly (nee Mary Agnes O’Brien) lived with her two younger brothers and her parents. Within two years, her parents had starved to death; she and her brothers were close to following them. Excerpt from WHISPERS IN … Continue reading DONOVAN FAMILY SAGA Cast of Characters (2)
ALL THE PRETTY LITTLE HORSES: An American Folk Song
American folk songs often present both positive and negative facets of life. This traditional lullaby is no exception, as it exemplifies the chasm that exists between the “haves” and “have nots”. The baby fortunate to be born to the manor will have cake for breakfast, while the poor child lies crying, and probably dying, in … Continue reading ALL THE PRETTY LITTLE HORSES: An American Folk Song
DONOVAN FAMILY SAGA Cast of Characters (1)
The cast of characters for these family novels is fairly large, so I'll begin with the main characters in WHISPERS IN THE CANYON. ADAM DONOVAN. This 32-year-old bachelor is considered by his family to be a cowboy with a poet's soul. He's tall, dark and (yes) handsome (what Irishman isn't?), and has a quick hand … Continue reading DONOVAN FAMILY SAGA Cast of Characters (1)
Tuesday Trivia: A Cowboy and his Outfit
“I see by your outfit that you are a cowboy …” These words from Streets of Laredo are not as transparent as they may seem to be. Our modern interpretation of “outfit” refers basically to the clothes we wear, and can be stretched to include belt, shoes, hat, and handbag. But would clothes distinguish a … Continue reading Tuesday Trivia: A Cowboy and his Outfit
