Hoosegow Matley, still a dab hand at back yard escapes!
Hello! I’m back at my desk after another installment of “Chasing Hoosegow Matley,” the story of a cat with more talent for dramatic escapes than Harry Houdini.
It’s been awhile since I’ve made a blog appearance all on my lonesome. Many thanks to poets Lynn Kopelke, Doris Daley, Clark Crouch and Janice Gilbertson who participated in four weeks of Poetry Month interviews! I’m struck by the diverse backgrounds of these wonderful folks and the varied circumstances that led them to writing and reciting cowboy poetry; food for thought when building realistic fictional characters.
Contest News!
The winner of the “Bricks and Mortar” (aka, my favorite book store) contest is Jane Kirkpatrick of Bend, OR. Jane will receive a 1-lb box of Bright’s Chocolates (made in Walla Walla, WA). Her nominee, Paulina Springs Books in Sisters, OR, will receive 6 signed copies of my fantasy novella “Small-g City.” Here’s the winning entry:
“I nominate Paulina Springs Books in Sisters, OR. They were the first bookstore in 1995 to invite me for a signing of my very first novel and they carry all my titles. They support the community and kids readings, too. Their monthly newsletter introduces me to new authors and their reviews and staff picks make buying there easy. Their long time support of author events has expanded the richness of community. They are the best!”
Jane Kirkpatrick is an award-winning author of western historical fiction. Learn more about her at: http://www.jkbooks.com/index.htm
Paulina Springs Books can be found at: http://www.paulinasprings.com/
Writing News!
Wahoo, I sold a short story! Transformed, the story of a man who boosts his energy with a trendy nutritional supplement and experiences unanticipated side-effects, has been selected for the upcoming “Unintended Consequences” anthology at WolfSinger Publications. Publication date TBA (http://www.wolfsingerpubs.com/ ).
Nature Report!
Spring has sprung here at Matley Acres (all two of them). The locust trees are in full bloom, scenting the air with a fragrance suggestive of Mock Orange. Strawberries are ripening. Thousands of apricots and sour cherries are coming in. Bruce and I are waging our annual battle against unwanted varieties of pasture grass (this year’s culprits are foxtail and cheat grass). We are thankful for Wednesday night’s storm that provided both half-an-inch of rain and a thrilling display of thunder and lightning.
Wherever you are, I hope spring is treating you well!
