Irish Travelers by Caroline Clemmons

By Caroline Clemmons

What are you doing today? Why not go with me and spend a few minutes in Ireland? 

Irish Travelers are descended from medieval minstrels and poets who traveled Ireland telling myths and stories. At that time, they were respected and learned. Travelers have their own language, Sheldroo, which is linked to medieval language. At the time of English occupation, many Irish families were turned out of their homes. At that time, it was illegal for Irish to learn to read and write—only the English could attend schools and universities. Many of the homeless Irish families drifted in with the traveling minstrels and eventually became the Irish Travelers. They camped in fields. Later they acquired tents, then the colorful wagons that resemble gypsy wagons.

They are not gypsies, though. Gypsies are Roms and originated in India and migrated across the world. (They were one of the groups the Nazis tried to eradicate in World War II.) Travelers are of Irish origin, although they have now spread throughout the Western world.

 *Note: I haven’t visited Ireland in many years, so conditions may have changed. Plus, this information on Irish Travelers is a generalization—which is like saying all Americans are rude when visiting other countries. Still, this is the only way I know to explain the ethnic group. Please realize I am not bashing Irish people! I’m of Scot-Irish descent and love anything to do with Ireland. I’m merely identifying a stereotype. As with many other subjects, we hear about the bad ones. For a couple hundred years, Irish Travelers have been thought of as con men and their wives as beggars. They make an interesting backdrop for a historical romance—but I find most subjects do.

 In Ireland in this century, legislation set aside special camping places for the Travelers. There was much controversy then over whether the children should be forced to attend school or not. In the U.S., they are supposed to attend school. There’s a large base of Irish Travelers in White Settlement, Texas (a suburb of Fort Worth) and another in Los Angeles, California. In White Settlement, many live in RVs or mobile homes at a park owned by one of the Travelers. Most of the families are Roman Catholic, and the wives attend mass. They were/are also called Tinkers because there was usually one among them who repaired pots and pans and metal wares.

 Now let's leave Ireland and travel to the Texas Hill Country. I love Texas, even when we have those awful triple-digit temperatures, (My ardor is much higher when we have moderate days.) I love Texas. I love Texas history, especially the 1870-1890 time period. 

THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE is set in 1885 Central Texas near Bandera and Medina, and also the Lost Maples State Natural Area. That location appeals to me and is the setting of many working ranches and some fairly famous dude ranches. Years ago, my family and I stayed at the Mayan Dude Ranch, and the girls loved it. It wasn’t Hero’s thing, but he was a very good sport.

Visiting Ireland, I heard more about Irish Travelers. I'd already learned a little from Louis L'Amour's books. The more I studied about them, the more fascinated I became. Then I learned that a huge group of Traveler families wintered in the Fort Worth suburb, and some even lived there year-round.

 I decided to bring a group of Travelers from Ireland to Texas in 1885. Irishman Sean O’Neill’s family has been traveling with the group, though not truly absorbed by them. I love this book and love the cover. The couple is among my favorites about whom I’ve written. This book does include intimacy, but the couple is married at the time, and the sex is not graphic. If you haven’t yet read this book, Give it a try. I hope you’ll enjoy reading THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE as much as I enjoyed researching and writing Cenora and Dallas’s story. 

Here's the buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Texans-Irish-Bride-McClintocks-Book-ebook/dp/B008V1 

Here’s the blurb:

 Cenora Rose O’Neill knows her father somehow arranged the trap for Dallas, but she agrees to wed a handsome stranger. She’d do anything to protect her family, and she wants to save herself from the bully Tom Williams. A fine handsome settled man like Dallas will rid himself of her soon enough, but at least she and her family will be safely away from Tom Williams.   

 Texas rancher Dallas McClintock has no plans to wed for several years. Right now, he’s trying to establish himself as a successful horse breeder. Severely wounded rescuing Cenora from kidnappers, Dallas is taken to her family’s gypsy-like Irish Traveler’s wagon to be tended. He’s trapped into marrying Cenora, but he is not a man who goes back on his word. His wife chatters constantly and has a silly superstition for everything. Passion-filled nights with her make up for all her faults—but what is he supposed to do with her wild Irish family?

 In THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE, how did the heroine and her family end up trekking across the U.S.? You’ll have to read the book to learn the answer. <G>

 Stay safe and keep reading. 

ST. PATRICK'S DAY 99¢ SALE - THE TEXAN'S IRISH BRIDE!

 Top ‘O The Morning! It’s almost St. Patrick’s Day, so I’ve the perfect bargain read for you. THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE is on sale for 99¢ from March 11 to 17. I love this book and hope if you haven’t read it, you’ll take advantage of this sale!

 

https://www.amazon.com/Texans-Irish-Bride-McClintocks-Book-ebook/dp/B008V1UG54/

Heat rating is PG18. Although most of my recent books are sweet and G rated, be aware that this book contains mild sex scenes between the married couple. In addition, there are a few curse words.

Most of all, THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE is a compelling story of finding love unexpectedly, of family values, and of overcoming prejudices. Dallas McClintock, the hero, is truly heroic—at least, in my opinion. Cenora and her family members have to learn how to fit in to achieve the life for which they’ve yearned.

This book has a lot of reviews, and most are very positive with five stars. One that surprised me gave the book a bad review because of “all that Irish stuff” in it even though the story was good. May I refer that person to the title, THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE. Yes, there is dialogue that includes the Irish dialect. There are Irish blessings and superstitions. Having uneducated characters from the 1800’s Ireland speak with perfect diction and use proper grammar would be wrong.

Ireland is one of my husband’s and my favorite places we’ve been. After visiting Ireland and hearing about Irish Travelers, I was drawn to their quaint carts, strange cant [language], and their sad plight. The more I studied about them, the more fascinated I became.

Irish Travelers are descended from medieval minstrels and poets who traveled Ireland telling myths and stories. At that time, they were respected and learned. Travelers have their own language, Sheldroo, which is linked to medieval language. At the time of the English occupation of Ireland, many Irish families were turned out of their homes. At that time, it was illegal for Irish to learn to read and write—only the English could attend schools and universities. There were a few “hedge schools” but the teachers faced serious penalties if caught.

The homeless Irish families drifted in with the traveling minstrels and eventually became the Irish Travelers. They camped in fields. Later they acquired tents, then the colorful wagons that resemble gypsy wagons. Modern Travelers we saw in Ireland used RV’s. They are not gypsies. Gypsies are Romany, who originated in India and spread across the Western world. Travelers also have spread throughout the Western world.

Ah, forgive me. I could go on for hours.

Here’s a description of THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE:

Cenora Rose O’Neill knows her father somehow arranged the trap for Dallas, but she agrees to wed the handsome stranger. She’d do anything to protect her family, and she wants to save herself from the Irish Traveler bully, Tom Williams. A fine settled man like Dallas will rid himself of her soon enough, but at least she and her family will be safely away from Tom.   

Texas rancher Dallas McClintock has no plans to wed for several years. Right now, he’s trying to establish himself as a successful horse breeder. Severely wounded rescuing Cenora from kidnappers, Dallas is taken to her family’s wagon to be tended.  He is trapped into marrying Cenora, but he is not a man who goes back on his word. His wife has a silly superstition for everything, but passion-filled nights with her make up for everything—even when her wild, eccentric family drives him crazy.

Here’s an excerpt to tempt you set at Dallas and Cenora’s wedding feast (Aoife is Cenora’s mother):

Four girls danced, but only one drew his attention. Shoulders straight and feet flying, Cenora met his glance, then broke away from the other dancers to perform only a few yards from him.

Dallas raised his gaze where Aoife directed.

Catcalls sounded nearby. She ignored them but gave a toss of her head. Her hair had come unbound, and her act sent her fiery hair awhirl. Light from the blazing campfire cast an aura-like radiance around her. Lantern glow overhead reflected her eyes sparked with merriment, challenge, and something mysterious he couldn’t name.

No longer the delicate china doll, her wild beauty called to him, mesmerized him. He visualized her brilliant tresses spread across a pillow, her milky skin bared only for him. His body responded, and savage desire shot through him. Surprised at the depth of his reaction, he wondered if her performance in bed would parallel the unbridled nature of her dance.

Good Lord, could this glorious woman truly be his wife? And if so, heaven help him, what on earth was he to do with her?

 

Happy St. Patrick’s Day! Here’s an Irish blessing for you:

Those things I warmly wish for you-

Someone to love,

Some work to do,

A bit O' sun,

A bit O' cheer,

and a guardian angel always near

 Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day!

Keep reading and stay safe!

99 CENT SALE FOR YOU!

 

Through midnight March 22,

THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE

is on sale for 99 cents!

https://www.amzn.com/B008V1UG54

 

Cenora Rose O’Neill knows her father somehow arranged the trap for Dallas, but she agrees to wed the handsome stranger. She’d do anything to protect her family, and she wants to save herself from the Irish Traveler bully, Tom Williams. A fine settled man like Dallas will rid himself of her soon enough, but at least she and her family will be safely away from Tom.   

Texas rancher Dallas McClintock has no plans to wed for several years. Right now, he’s trying to establish himself as a successful horse breeder. Severely wounded rescuing Cenora from kidnappers, Dallas is taken to her family’s wagon to be tended.  He is trapped into marrying Cenora, but he is not a man who goes back on his word. His wife has a silly superstition for everything, but passion-filled nights with her make up for everything—even when her wild, eccentric family drives him crazy.

 

Warning: Lately all my books have been sweet. This one has sex, but it’s between a husband and wife.

Her rose scent filled him, and he thought he would never tire of it. She fumbled with his shirt buttons then pushed it from his shoulders.

“Yours is a very broad chest.”

Her fingers skimmed across him, and his need for her magnified. When she traced the whorls of his nipple, he thought his knees might give way. He stilled her hand.

“There’s something I want from you, have wanted since we met.”

Fear sprang into her widened emerald eyes and she paled. Dang, he cursed himself for frightening her and her for not trusting him.

Her voice trembled. “Wh—What would you be asking?”

“Dance for me.” He knew it sounded crazy, but he’d imagined this for days.

She looked askance. “Here? But ‘tis your bedroom, and not a note ‘o music playing.”

“This is our bedroom, and you can sing or hear the music in your head to keep time.”

“But—”

“Please? Not for coins or where others can see, but only for me.”

A slow smile spread across her face, and she cocked her head to one side. “Aye, I see now. If ‘tis for your pleasure, then ‘twill be mine.”

After she took off her shoes and stockings, she spun away. But not in the regimented dance he’d seen when other women accompanied her. This time she took the red scarf from her waist and used it as an instrument meant to entice a man.

Her man.

Him.

She twirled as if to a measured rhythm only she heard. Her green skirt and white petticoats billowed out to reveal long, perfect legs. Legs he wanted around him. She slid the scarf in imitation of a caress along her slender arms. Then she moved the red silk along her body.

Dang, he was hot as a gunslinger’s pistol and just as hard. His manhood strained against his britches until he thought he’d pop through the fabric. He loosened the buttons and stepped from his clothes, never taking his gaze from her. Reaching behind him, he turned back the bedding and sat on the sheet.

Before his heat warmed the cool fabric, she pulled him to the middle of the room and circled around him. He pivoted, naked as a newborn, and watched her every move. Dipping, fluttering, and arching her lithe frame, she lured him with each sinuous flow of her body.

Flush with the throbbing pulsating through him, he pictured himself plunging into her again and again as she wound around him. Her erotic gyrations set his already heated blood at a boil, but he stood mesmerized by her and the dance.

Her flaming hair streamed around her in a fiery cloud. She looped the scarf over his head, and the red silk left a tingling trail across his shoulders and down his right arm. Then she threaded it around her own shoulders and sawed it while she shrugged first one shoulder up and then the other one. Fabric of her blouse pulled taut against her full breasts and pushed the peaked nipples into view.

Dang, he couldn’t take much more of this, or he’d explode like fireworks on the Fourth of July. On and on she whirled and kicked, first coming near to brush against him, then moving back with a captivating smile. Teasing him with the piece of silk as she pulled it across his body, she seared him with her touch and made him part of her beguiling ritual.

When he could stand it no longer, he said, “Come here, let’s dance together in bed.” To his ears, his voice rasped hoarse with the need that burned inside him.

She approached slowly, seductively, with fluid grace. As she moved, she drew off her remaining clothes. Twining the scarf around his wrists, she pulled his arms high until she slid under them, imprisoning him and herself in their circle.

“Now we are truly bound together,” she said, her voice breathy from her exotic dance.

“Am I your prisoner, then?” he asked, amused at her tempting play even as her touch fueled his need.

“Yes, and I am yours.” She met his gaze, but her jewel eyes held uncertainty. “Did I please you then, or was I too forward with meself?”

“You are beautiful and graceful, and your dance was even more special than I’d hoped.”

She breathed a big sigh. “Then you approve and will be taking me to bed now?”

“I suppose I must do as you say, since I’m your prisoner.” He nibbled at her neck, and she released the scarf binding him. The silk fell from his skin as her arms slid around his shoulders.

If you haven’t read this book, I hope you’ll take advantage of the sale. I admit I love THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE. Of course I love Cenora and Dallas, but I also love the O’Neill family—even grumbly Mac.

 

HOW SUPERSTITIOUS ARE YOU?

How superstitious are you? Does Friday the 13^th leave you quaking in your shoes? 

I’m convinced even the most hardened of us have some superstitions. For instance, how many of use the expression “knock on wood” when we mention something good? That’s handed down from pagan groups who worshiped trees. Ancient Celts regarded trees as homes of certain spirits or gods.

Knock on wood
for good luck

A tree worshiper might have laid his hands on a tree when asking favor from the spirits that lived inside it or did so after good fortune as a show of gratitude. He is seeking protection against the anger and envy of the gods who dislike mortals bearing too much pride or who aren’t grateful.

A tree spirit

If a black cat crosses your path, do you have to turn around? Personally, I love black cats and have one to which I’m partial. (I started to say I own one, but of course one doesn’t own a cat, one is staff for a cat.)

Sebastian, our black cat
on what he views as his bed

Once when taking a neighbor somewhere a black cat crossed the road in front of us. The neighbor begged me to turn around and go the other way to avoid bad luck. I thought she was joking at first, but she was serious.

In our family, (more superstition) the number thirteen has been lucky on many occasions. Our eldest daughter was born on the thirteenth. She had a medical condition for which we found a solution on the thirteenth. Several other pieces of good fortune have occurred on the thirteenth.

My book THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE includes many of the Irish bride’s superstitions. Researching them was interesting. If you haven’t read that book, I hope you will—it’s free on Amazon at http://a.co/j1U15UZ

In the meantime, don’t worry about black cats crossing your path… um, knock on wood.

SNEAK PEEK AT DANIEL McCLINTOCK

So many people have asked when Daniel McClintock’s book will be released. I’m happy to say that DANIEL McCLINTOCK will be published in just a few weeks. This is book four in the McClintock series. The first one, THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE, is perma-free at http://a.co/3dW9R36.  In the meantime, here’s a bit about Daniel.

Daniel is the youngest son of Kathryn and Austin McClintock. In the story, two years ago (in book three, McCLINTOCK’S RELUCTANT BRIDE, http://a.co.6UWbRbX) he was riding when Bob Tyson shot his horse, Scout. When they fell, Daniel was pinned under Scout with his back on a sharp rock. He was left paralyzed from the waist down. Brother Josh’s valiant efforts to get him home prevented more damage. 

Daniel’s mother is an herbal healer and midwife. In addition to using herbs, she has massaged his legs daily to keep the limbs from deteriorating. No one has been able to keep Daniel hopeful. Understandably, his personality has changed from shy and sweet to grumpy and depressed.

Through the efforts of the family doctor, John Sullivan, a new treatment method has been discovered. Through his efforts, a practitioner of that method has arrived in McClintock Falls, Texas to help Daniel. Her name is Clara Van Hoosan and she is from Amsterdam, The Netherlands.

Clara has trained and worked as a heilgymnast and mechanotherapist, which is what physical therapists were called in the 1880s. Clara has had success treating paralysis patients. She’ll be living with Daniel's family until he’s walking or has progressed as far as she can help him.

Daniel does not want a woman working with him. Unfortunately, he can do very little about the subject. He is, after all, a captive of his body. And, Clara has a contract guaranteeing her a room, meals, and a small salary. 

Here’s an excerpt of their first meeting. Clara has already asked the other members of the household not to intercede between her and Daniel:

Clara followed Kathryn to the room next door. When she entered, she stopped and stared. Daniel wasn’t a boy as she imagined—he was a man her age or older, And, as handsome as any man she’d ever seen--if he would but smile.

Kathryn introduced them to one another.

Daniel’s glare chilled Clara as he assessed her head to toe and back up. “You’re not serious! You said a man was arriving. You think I’m going to work with this… woman?” He dismissed her with a wave of his hand. “Forget it and get her out of here.”

Kathryn offered Clara a helpless expression then left the room.

Clara stepped forward, forcing herself to assume her professional demeanor. She had faced this reaction before, but this was so much more important. While she wanted to help anyone she could, this man also represented her chance to establish herself in America.

“Daniel, I am here to help you learn to walk again. I have a contract and have moved into the room next door, so you might as well get used to having me here.”

His blue eyes were glacial. “I. Said. Get. Out.”

As if he hadn’t spoken, she continued, “I have completed courses in mechanotherapy and have helped dozens of people like you recover the use of their limbs. One of your workers has gone to the rail depot to claim my trunks. Inside two of them I have equipment which I will assemble here in your room.”

He threw a book at her but it landed at her feet. “I am not letting you near me.”

She picked up the book, glanced at the title. “Hmm, I have wanted to read this. Thank you.” She laid it on the washstand.

“Give me my damned book.”

She smiled but didn’t return the tome. “But, you gave it to me.”

“You know very well I didn’t.” Using his arms and hands, he pushed up higher on his pillows. “You deliberately mislead us by using your initial instead of your first name.”

She widened her eyes and blinked at him. “Oh? I believe it is customary to use initials in business correspondence.”

He crossed his arms over his chest. “Don’t give me that innocent expression. You knew we thought you were a man, as you intended. I’m not having a woman working on me.”

Clara tapped a finger against her cheek. “I was under the impression your mother has been working with you to insure your leg muscles did not deteriorate. You were not adverse to her, yet she is a woman.”

He crossed muscular arms over his wide chest. “That’s different.”

“She faces prejudice because she is a healer so I would think you, as her son who is aware of this, would be more tolerant of other women.”

“What she does is entirely different than what you supposedly do.”

“Not so. Each of us does our best to help people. In spite of your low opinion of me, I am going to be helping you for some time. I will be in early tomorrow to help you get ready for the day. After breakfast, I will begin assembling my equipment. You will find it fascinating. For now, good evening.” She reclaimed the book and carried it with her.

He yelled after her, “Bring me back my damned book.”

She smiled to herself as she walked to her room. She thought she had come out best in that round. Tomorrow would begin round two.

Don't you love the cover? I do! Skhye Moncrief created the design.

By the way, book two of the series is FINN'S TEXAS BRIDE http://a.co/gQJJkat

If you have not already done so, I hope you’ll join my newsletter subscribers to be alerted when new releases like this one, contests, and special events occur. You’ll also receive a FREE novella, HAPPY IS THE BRIDE, for signing. The link to subscribe is http://carolineclemmons.us5.list-manage.com/subscribe?u=0a24664c906875718d975ad7b&id=7c2e488a51 

Don’t worry, I only send newsletters when I have news. No salesman will call. ☺

RESEARCH, RESEARCH, RESEARCH!

New Story

Research can be quicksand for me. I start tracking down what I need for my book and find something else fascinating along the way. Before I know where time went, hours have passed and I’m on an entirely different subject.

I’m unlike Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes character, who didn’t want to fill his brain with unnecessary information that might limit retaining the useful. Even if what I’m reading is not on target, often a new story is triggered. At other times, the information may not be anything I’ll ever use but sets me thinking about how lucky I am to live with a loving, supportive husband in a house with modern appliances and air-conditioning!

For instance, when I wrote O’NEILL’S TEXAS BRIDE, I had to learn about coal mining in Central Texas in the latter quarter of the nineteenth century. I thought I could quickly find what I needed online. Instead, I found twentieth century information and that in England going back to the ninth century. Eventually I found photos and the descriptions I needed—but couldn’t stop reading.

At that time, I found that children and women used to mine in the tight crevices and veins where a man couldn’t fit. In a tiny space they had to crawl along with a lantern and drop coal into a bucket, the heat must have been stifling. That’s probably why women wore only a strip of cloth around the waist that covered only their privates with nothing above the waist. I don’t imagine they lived long doing that work—or that they wanted to. Shudder. What a sad life for them and for the children.

For THE MOST UNSUITABLE WIFE, I needed information on train travel from Tennessee to Central Texas in 1878. I visited several railroad museums and wrote to others. I have a thick binder now of railroad information. Since then, that has been useful for numerous historical romances plus friends have asked me to share facts with them. When I began the research, I had no idea my data would be used so many times. That’s one time I didn’t fall into quicksand while researching.

For THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE I did a ton of research on Irish Travelers, nineteenth century Irish, traveler carts, blessings, and superstitions. My husband and I were fortunate enough to take a tour of Ireland. I admit Ireland fascinates me and I loved this research. I was able to use a bit of it in OUT OF THE BLUE so I redeemed myself from the quagmire I’d created. I’ve saved the information, of course, in case I think of a future plot what would benefit.

As you can probably discern, my intent is to be historically correct in each book without taking readers out of the story. Occasionally I may miss something that my editor and beta readers don’t catch either. Anachronisms or misinformation drives me crazy when I’m reading other authors’ books and I don’t want anyone to find them in the books I write. I may use only a line or two that has taken a lot of research, but I want those lines to be correct. Most authors share this opinion.

Do mistakes in books annoy you? Do you just skip over them and keep going?

  

HAPPY SAINT PATRICK'S DAY! COME CELEBRATE!

Whether you’re from Outer Mongolia or the Shores of Tripoli or San Antonio, we’re all Irish on St. Patrick’s Day!

To celebrate, The Romance Studio is having a Pot O’ Gold Party and giving away a $100 cash and lots of books and other prizes.

My book for this party is OUT OF THE BLUE, a time travel in which an Irish lass travels from 1845 to today and helps a handsome detective solve murders and prevents his demise. I enjoyed writing this book. For one thing, I adore Ireland and things Irish.

Having a heroine come forward in time and learn about the amazing changes was fun for me. For instance, the hero’s mom has a kitchen sink disposal and doesn’t need to keep a pig. To someone from 1845, that has to be fascinating.

Here’s the OUT OF THE BLUE Blurb:

Deirdre Dougherty never cursed at anyone, much less put a curse on the potato crop of her remote Irish village. She’d rather take her chances with the Atlantic lapping at the bottom of the cliff than the mob intent on burning her as they have her cottage. Deirdre leaps . . . and plops down over 170 years later in a Texas lake. She doesn’t understand how she’s ended up with the man from her recent visions or why he has the same name as the saint to whom she prayed. She’s in danger of falling for the handsome policeman who rescued her, in spite of the fact that he thinks she’s lying to him. How can she convince him her story is true when she’s finding it difficult to believe the tale herself?

Police Detective Brendan Hunter wants answers. Who shot him and killed his partner? Why? And why does Deirdre know details of the event? Her story has to be a colossal fabrication or else she’s a beautiful psycho. Either way, he wants her gone before he becomes even more fascinated with her. But he can’t let her out of his sight until she confesses to how she learned details no one but he and his late partner knew.

OUT OF THE BLUE Excerpt:

          A huge black car apparently had been parked at the back of the lot by the Dumpster and pulled alongside her. Deirdre saw the dented fender before the door opened. Then she realized the two scary guys from the bar were inside, partially obscured from view by the tinted windows. The blond stepped out and reached for her.

          She understood his intent so she screamed for help and ran away from him. People came to the store window.

          Polly rushed to the door. “Blossom’s calling the police. Hold on, Deirdre, we’re coming.”

          But no one rushed to her aid. What could a few ladies do against these two frightening men? She’d have to save herself, so she screamed again.

          The blond caught up with her and grabbed her arm. “No use screaming, lady. You’re coming with us.” He dragged her toward the car.

          She kicked him and screamed again, clawing at him with her free hand. She drew blood along his arm and scratched his face.

          He jerked her and grabbed both her hands. “You’re gonna be sorry you made me mad. I have lots of ways to get even.” He told her what he planned as he yanked her toward the car’s back seat.

          Strong as an ox, the man held her in an iron grasp so her feet barely touched the ground. He heaved her toward the open door. Suspended above the ground, she braced a foot against the car’s body. With her other, she kicked him between the legs, just as Ma had taught her.

          He turned red and released her as he doubled over and dropped to his knees. Without him supporting her, she hit the pavement hard. Her back took the force of her fall and the air whooshed from her. She couldn’t stand but she rolled away.

          The driver pointed a gun at her. “Get in or you die right here, right now.”

          What had Brendan said about this situation when they watched television? “Never get in the car with anyone.” But how could she resist without him shooting her? She recalled the blonde’s threats. If she had to die, she’d rather it be here quickly than at the hands of these two later. She made the sign of the cross and prepared herself for death.

          A horn honked and tires squealed. Brendan yelled. “Deirdre, I’m coming.”

          Blossom and Polly hurried toward her, each carrying a broom and wielding it as if they intended to beat on the blond man. Several associates came with them and lobbed jars of something at the car. In the heat, the jars exploded like small bombs. After one loud crack, red oozed along the spider-webbed glass windshield.

          “What the hell?” The scary man in black turned back toward the steering wheel. “Damn it, Rod, with or without her, get the hell in here.”

          She struggled to her knees then stood, backing away.

          Apparently unable to straighten, the guy she’d kicked hoisted himself back into the car. He yelled, “I’ll get you for this, bitch. When I do, you’re gonna beg me to kill you before I’m through.”

          The black car took off with a squeal from smoking tires, dripping red salsa and leaving glass shards in its wake. The driver had his head stuck halfway out the side window, his front windshield obviously too damaged and dirty for the wipers to clear. Aromas from the salsa’s spicy contents filled the air—cilantro, tomatoes, chili peppers. Deirdre fell in love with those scents.

 

You can find OUT OF THE BLUE at

Amazon https://www.amazon.com/OUT-BLUE-Caroline-Clemmons-ebook/dp/B008ULBEK6/ref=sr_1_26?ie=UTF8&qid=1489623653&sr=8-26&keywords=Caroline+Clemmons

Nook http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/out-of-the-blue-caroline-clemmons/1100248431?ean=2940014905312  (they still have an old cover for the e-book)

If you love Irish heroines as much as I do, download THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE, the first of the McClintock Series for FREE! That’s my favorite price!

In the meantime, Happy St. Patrick's Day!

I hope you find a four-leaf clover and it brings you luck!

Here are some Irish blessings to brighten your day:

1. May you always have these blessings--

A soft breeze when the summer comes

A warm fireside in winter

And always--the warm soft smile of a friend.

2. May the good saints protect you,

and bless you each day,

and may trouble ignore you

each step of the way.

3.Those things I warmly wish for you

Someone to love

Some work to do

A bit o' sun

a bit o' cheer

and a guardian angel always near. 

RESEARCH IS MY FRIEND!

As a certified nerd, I have always loved research. After my parents bought me a set of encyclopedias for my tenth birthday (before Google, folks), I was one of the kids who read the volumes for fun. I probably still would, but that old, 26-volume set was donated to charity a decade ago to free up bookshelf space. Now I rely on my personal Texas research books and good old Google and Wikipedia.  

While investigating one subject, I find numerous related ideas for other writings. In addition, I love reading interesting stories about people and places associated with my books. I don’t mind taking road trips for research trips, either.

Last year when writing O’NEILL’S TEXAS BRIDE, I delved into coal mining in Texas in the mid-nineteenth century. Until I lived in North Central Texas, I associated the Appalachian states with coal. I was surprised to learn that there have been numerous coal mines in Texas. There was even a town named Coal.

As is a hazard of research, I was caught up in the manner in which coal was mined centuries ago—the parts of which involving women and children were positively gross. Going off on a tandem as I often do is a distinct possibility and can be a serious time sink.

Lost Maples State Natural Area

Another time I got carried away is researching Irish Travelers for the book THE TEXAN’S IRISH BRIDE. Anything Irish fascinates me. I was fortunate enough to see Travelers in Ireland and their restored wagons in museums. In addition, I learned there was a large settlement of Travelers in a Fort Worth suburb.

For the same book, I wanted to know more about Lost Maples State Natural Area. On a trip back from San Antonio, my youngest daughter and I detoured by Lost Maples. No, it’s not on the way from San Antonio to Fort Worth, but we pretended it was and had a lovely time.

For my contemporary, GRANT ME THE MOON in COME LOVE A COWBOY, I researched Garza and Clovis archeological sites. The fictional hero found a site on his ranch that rivaled a Garza site in—wait for it—Garza County near Post. I learned new facts about prehistoric settlements. A few tidbits even made it into the book.

When researching railroad travel for THE MOST UNSUITABLE WIFE, I really went overboard and visited several railroad museums and corresponded with museums in other parts of the country. Fascinating stuff, especially the MKT in Denison. Unfortunately, that museum was the victim of a squeeze by business interests and was closed. What a shame! My research yielded a two-inch binder filled with information on all aspects of nineteenth-century travel plus several books on the subject. Not wasted, since I’ve used the information in other books plus shared information with several friends.

The ranches I use for my Stone Mountain Texas/Men of Stone Mountain series were discovered on an historical tour of Palo Pinto County years ago. Barbara Belding Gibson had just released her book titled PAINTED POLE. She and her husband allowed visitors to tour their gorgeous, historic ranch, which was the perfect setting for my series. They preserved the original cabin and incorporated it into the current home. I've since toured her home two more times and have visited other historic ranches such as Johnson's League Ranch on a similar tour. Sadly, Mrs. Gibson passed away a few years ago at a moderately young age.

Masterson Ranch Line Shack at
the National Ranching Heritage Center

For ranch buildings, I love visiting the National Ranching Heritage Center on the campus of Texas Tech in Lubbock. Homes and outbuildings from all over West Texas have been located and restored in this living outdoor museum that is adjacent to the university museum. Everything from a dugout to a luxurious nineteenth century home to the barn from the 6666 Ranch can be seen. 

I wish I could be the type researcher who goes directly to a fact, determines that’s all he/she needs, and gets back to writing. Nope. Probably never going to happen. ☺

Do you enjoy research? Do you insist books you read portray historic facts correctly or do you allow the author leeway?

SERIES VS. SERIALS -- WHAT'S THE DIFFERENCE?

Lately, I’ve heard a lot of people asking the difference between a series and a serial. With this in mind, I thought I’d explain the difference.

THE SERIES:

I write series. In each series title, a problem is introduced and solved in that book. All loose ends are tied up nicely and you’re not left wondering what happens next.  

Each book or novella in my series stands alone. You don’t have to have read any of the other books in the series to understand a title. A few characters from previous books pop up in additional titles. However, if you haven’t read other books in the series, you won’t be lost.

My current series are the Kincaids, Stone Mountain, and the McClintocks. Most of the singles in my publication list are actually the first of a series I’ve yet to develop. I always want to know what happens to the characters later, don’t you? In fact, I think of books as a group. My next series will be THE BRIDE BRIDGADE, set in fictional Tarnation, Texas, and will come out later this summer and fall and into next year. This series will have seven books, each the title of the woman who is the main character. JOSEPHINE is the first book. I already have the covers, which were designed by the talented Skhye Moncrief. (Skhye is also a writer.)

I compare a series to movies like those made from Louis L’Amour books or Indiana Jones. Each movie continues with the same main character/characters but the problem is resolved by the end of the movie.

I love reading series novels. What a joy to find a new book I like and discover it’s the first of a long series. My latest series acquisition is a book by Jodi Thomas. Whether historical or contemporary, her novels always engage me.

By the way, the first of my Stone Mountain books, BRAZOS BRIDE, is now free!

Here's the Amazon link: http://amzn.com/B007HS10SY

The first of the McClintock series, THE TEXAN'S IRISH BRIDE, is also free:

The Amazon link is http://amzn.com/B008V1UG54

THE SERIAL:

In a serial, such as Geri Foster’s emotional WOMEN OF COURAGE: LOVE RELEASED books, the plot continues from one book to the next. In the first book of a serial, several problems are introduced. Some of those are resolved in the first book while others are left dangling. The book ends in a cliffhanger. As you move through the serial, new problems are introduced as others continue. The arc for characters and plot continues throughout the serial.

Think of 1001 ARABIAN NIGHTS. That story is of a master serial teller. No doubt having her life at stake sharpened her imagination. 

I compare a serial to a television series such as “White Collar”, “Cedar Cove” or the Bourne movies. Although each episode introduces a new plot problem for the main characters to solve, some initial concerns continue. We don’t learn the outcome of the quest until the final episode. At that time, we see the main character/characters having achieved his/her/their goal to find contentment or happily-ever-after--or, rarely, having failed and resolved to fate.

When I was a child, I used to go to the movies on Saturday while my mom went to the laundromat and did her grocery shopping. There was always a serial which ended with a cliffhanger so the audience would be sure to come the next week. The plan worked because my friends and I wanted to see every episode of Jungle Jim or whoever the characters were.

Serial novels are very popular now. I resisted them until my critique partner, Geri Foster, wrote one so compelling I can hardly wait for the next installment. Wow! She so hooked me with engaging characters and episodes packed with emotion and action. If you haven’t read WOMEN OF COURAGE: LOVE RELEASED, the first episode is free here.  Just when I think Geri’s writing couldn’t possible improve, she proves me wrong and excels even more. The Amazon link for her free copy of LOVE RELEASED is http://amzn.com/B00WOG0GVG

By the way, next year you can look for a new WOMEN OF COURAGE serial titled LOVE RENEWED.

There you have the straight information on series vs. serials. Which do you prefer? Do you read both?