Thursday, December 20, 2012

Paisley Kirkpatrick, Scottish heroes, and sexy westerns

Who doesn't love a cowboy with their rugged appearance and easy-going charm? Add a Scottish burr and toss in a sassy heroine and you have a great basis for a western. I grew up with Matt Dillon, Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, Palladin and others who protected the west. Some cowboys like Clint Eastwoods's Rowdy Yates and even Ward Bond as the wagon master on Wagon Train gave us all a peek at what life might have been like in the days of the Wild West.

I spent hours on horseback as a teenager. My girlfriend owned two mares and we used to make up stories and carry out our imagined parts. Of course, they were her horses and she was always grabbed the good part as the bad guy. I had the job of hunting for her -- but, as a great tracker I always captured my prey. I use my colorful memories to season my westerns with a bit of genuineness.

Of course, living where all the gold rush action occurred helps my creativity burst alive. I love writing historicals because history is so colorful and unexpectedly creative. Sometimes I think true stories are more fun than fiction. Placerville, which was named Hangtown and Dry Diggins' during the 1849 gold rush, still has so many of the original buildings and so many tunnels that twist and turn under town. I have set my series in the town of Placerville. I have renamed the town Paradise Pines, which just so happens to be the name of my series. See, how well I planned that. Some times I amaze even myself.

Seriously though, I have drawn the plots for my stories from the many tales I've read about and even gleaned some facts from some the old timers who love relating stories they remember hearing from their parents. Placerville still has imaginary gun fights in town on special occasions and Doc Weiser drives a Wells Fargo stagecoach at Christmas time for the townsfolk to ride 'just like in the olden days'. He has an untrimmed tree lying across the top of the coach and waves to all the people who enjoy watching the coach drive past.

There may not be a gold rush any longer, but there are still open gold mines we can enter and see how the miners spent their lives digging for riches. My daughter and I spent a couple of hours in the Gold Bug Mine and relived what it was like to spend time underground. Luckily for us it was only for a short while. We couldn't even fathom what spending every day, all day long in the dark would have been like. The olden days definitely were not the easy days.

My first book Paradise Pines Series: Night Angel is available at:
All Romance eBooks
Amazon
Amazon UK
Amazon Canada
Barnes and Noble
Desert Breeze

22 comments:

Paisley Kirkpatrick said...

Thanks for having me today, Isabel. I have always loved cowboys and writing about them is fun, but challenging. My characters seem to let me know what they want to do and love.

Marlie said...

Nothing like a sexy cowboy, Paisley! Loved your first book!

Susan Macatee said...

Hi, Paisley! I've decided your book is going to the top of my TBR list on my Nook. Just have to finish the paperback I started first.

And I do have a huge TBR shelf right now and I keep buying more. So many good books, so little time. lol

Best of luck with your new and upcoming releases!

Paisley Kirkpatrick said...

Hi Marlie. I love to watch those cowboys strut around in their boots and tight pants. Of course, add a wee bit of Scottish and they become my favorites.

Thanks for your support.

Paisley Kirkpatrick said...

OH thank you Susan. I feel honored my story goes to the top of the list. I know what you mean about so little time. I am revising one story, writing another story, reading a story because I am a beta reader and have to get caught up on where the next book goes, and reading three books. I can't believe how my days get filled, but wouldn't change it for the world. :)

A.W. McQueen said...

I can hear Declan cooing in my ear right now!

That sexy Scottish Zorro can steal my heart any day!

Paisley Kirkpatrick said...

Hi Lizzie. Can't you just hear that Scottish burr of his? I think Declan is always going to be my favorite...he can definitely stop by anytime he wants.

Hugs!

Unknown said...

What's not to love about a sexy cowboy with a Scottish burr!!! Declan sounds delicious!

A.W. McQueen said...

Hugs right back, Paisley! When he's done purring for the other ladies he can come sit a spell with me.

Caroline Clemmons said...

Your book is on my Kindle, but I haven't had time to read for pleasure the past few weeks. I'm eager to get to it, though. Scottish cowboys are the best.

Isabel Roman said...

Have I mentioned how much I loved your book? Yes, I believe I did but will say so again...I really enjoyed Declan. OK, OK and Amalie and his story. ;)

Thanks for stopping by!

Paisley Kirkpatrick said...

Thanks Jena. He did come in third place out of 100 cowboys in a contest. Not bad for a hunky Scot. :)

Paisley Kirkpatrick said...

Hi Caroline, Your cowboys are doggone sexy, too. Hope you enjoy it when you can. I have your Irish Bride book to read as soon as I can too.

Paisley Kirkpatrick said...

You are too cute, Isabel. Thanks for having my story on your blog today. It's been a lot of fun. Declan is blushing and saying "Shucks, Ma'am" which tickles me. He isn't usually that humble. :)

Angela Adams said...

Great cover on your book!

Paisley Kirkpatrick said...

Thanks, Angela. I love the cover and just got a glance at the next book cover in the series. I am truly blessed. :)

Jeanmarie Hamilton said...

Paisley,
Enjoyed your blog so much. Love the Scottish cowboy! Wonderful, mysterious, sexy cover, too!

Paisley Kirkpatrick said...

Thank you for stopping by, Jeanmarie. I appreciate your support. It really is a great cover isn't it! Of course, he is a powerful, sexy Scot so he deserves a hawt cover.

Denise Eagan said...

You had me at cowboys and scottish accents. Can't wait to read it, Paisley!

Dawn Marie Hamilron said...

Hey, Paisley. Looking forward to your next release. :)

Paisley Kirkpatrick said...

Thanks Denise. I love all things Scottish, but cowboys are at the top of my list.

Paisley Kirkpatrick said...

Me, too, Dawn Marie. Right now there are a total of five Paradise Pines stories. I hope to keep it going beyond five. Thanks for your support. :)

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