CHARRO HORSES IN A BORDER AFFAIR

By guest author Hebby Roman

My latest release, BORDER AFFAIR, is one of the eight books in the contemporary western anthology, COME LOVE A COWBOY. Buy Link http://amzn.com/B01D5876UK The second book in my On the Border Series, this book takes place on the Texas-Mexican border and features a ranch that trains horses for the Mexican specialty of charro riding, as well as rodeo events such as barrel racing and calf roping, and cutting horses, too. Since charro riding is not widely understood in the United States, I wanted to explain how these specialty horses perform.

Charro riding is an event in a charreada or charrería, which is a competitive event similar to our rodeos and was developed from animal husbandry practices used on the haciendas of old México. The sport has been described as "living history," or as an art form drawn from the demands of working life. Evolving from the traditions brought from Spain in the 16th century, the first charreadas were ranch work competitions between haciendas. The modern Charreada developed after the Mexican Revolution when charro traditions were disappearing. The charreada consists of nine events for men plus one for women, all of which involve horses, cattle or both.

The participants in the charreada wear traditional charro clothing, including a closely fitted suit, chaps, boots, and a wide brim sombrero. The body-fitting suit of the charro, while decorative, is also practical; it fits closely to insure there is no flapping cloth to be caught by the horns of steers. The botinas, or little boots, prevent feet from slipping through the stirrups. Spurs are worn on the botinas.

The saddle of the charro has a wider horn than that of that of a western saddle, which helps safeguard the charro from being pitched off and from being hung up. There are two grips at the back of the saddle, in case the charro needs to have a handhold during certain trick maneuvers.

In a charreada, the most common competition is called cala de caballo or reining. Literally the demonstration of the horse rein, as the horse is required to show its talents in the canter, gallop, slide stop, spins on its hind legs as well as backing. It is one of the hardest events to master and also the most elaborately scored. The running slide, left and right spinning, rear leg pivoting, and backing abilities are tested. The charro rider and horse are evaluated carefully. Horses are judged for vigor, manageability, docility, gait and obedience. Carriage of head and tail are all critically evaluated and scored accordingly.

Charro horses also perform tricks, very similar to those of the famous Lipizzaner stallions in Austria. Trick riding such as rearing on signal, backing up on the horse’s two back feet, and spinning, have given these horses the moniker of “dancing horses.” In addition, they can be trained to prance in time to music, making them appear to dance with the strains of popular Mexican ballads.

They often are the lead feature in Texas-México border parades and rodeos. Charro horses are also used to showcase a charro rider’s elaborate rope tricks while calmly cantering around an arena. And of course, if you’re a horse lover, all charro horses are selected for their beautiful conformation and flowing manes and tails.

For you western lovers, I hope you have enjoyed this explanation of a fascinating sport, featuring beautiful and very talented horses. And I hope you will read more about charro horses in my story, “Border Affair.”

And find the western contemporary romance anthology COME LOVE A COWBOY on Amazon at http://amzn.com/B01D5876UK

 BORDER AFFAIR Blurb:

            Camila Villarreal has had a crush on Rusty Douglas since she was twelve years old. And no matter what she does she can’t stop caring for him.

            Rusty, a self-made millionaire and a partner in her family’s ranch, is recovering from a messy divorce and facing a mid-life crisis. He’s not eager to become involved in a serious relationship.

            Despite Rusty’s doubts, their mutual attraction blazes into a sizzling affair. But when Camila is kidnapped, Rusty is desperate to rescue her. Will he get her back unharmed? And if he does, can their affair develop into a lasting relationship?

Excerpt for BORDER AFFAIR:

            “I worked my ass off, getting him to canter,” Rusty said. “And you can’t be bothered to watch.”

            “I was watching,” Camila protested.

            “No, you weren’t. What’s so damned interesting in the dirt? Mining for gold or something.”

            “Oh, Rusty, get over it.” She wiped her forehead with the back of her arm. “I was just resting my eyes.”

            “Really?”

            “Yeah, and do you mind catching him before he gets tangled in the tether and manages to lame himself.”

            “I can see being your assistant is going to suck,” he muttered loud enough to hear. “And we can’t keep calling this horse ‘him’.” He stretched his arms wide and cracked the switch again, driving the sorrel into a corner of the corral.

            He bent over and grabbed the rope.

            The breath stopped in her lungs. Por Dios, was he one gorgeous hunk of man. Forget his age or that he’d lost too much weight. Just looking at Rusty made her heart go pitter-patter. So much for a girlhood crush that refused to go away.

            “What are you going to name him?”

            “Huh?” She’d lost the thread of concentration, wishing she and Rusty were in bed together, rather than hollering across a dusty corral. “Oh, name him. Hmmm. How about Calypso?”

            He ran one hand over the stubble on his jaw. And she wished she could run her tongue over his jaw and neck and lower. Wished she could explore every inch of him with her mouth and tongue.

“Not bad. I like it,” he said.

            “I’m glad you approve.”

            He pulled the gelding forward by his halter, stopping on the other side of the fence. “Calypso, meet your new trainer.”

            She fished a slice of apple from her pocket and handed it to the yearling. “Never too soon to start rewarding him for good behavior.”

            Calypso lipped the apple slice and crunched it. She stroked the white blaze running from his forehead and tapering off at his muzzle. He had three white socks, too.

            Rusty hooked his free arm over the fence post and gazed at the yearling. He stood within inches of her but towering over her by a half a foot. He was so close to her, she could smell his perspiration and the earthy man-smell of him. His down-to-earth scent was far more arousing than the expensive cologne he usually wore.

            He patted the horse’s neck and said, “Well, what do you think? Does he have possibilities?”

            “Yeah, sure, but he’s too young to pigeon-hole as a barrel racer or cutting horse or whatever yet.”

            He pursed his mouth. “You’re probably right. Hard to tell until they’re under saddle.”

            She gazed at the thin line of his pursed mouth. Hard and masculine, just the way she liked a man’s mouth. All these years of dreaming about kissing him and they’d shared nothing more than pecks on the cheeks.

            He was looking straight at her. Did he feel the same pull, the same attraction as she did? Or did he still see her as a child?

            He stared at her for a long time, his gaze riveted on her mouth. Was he thinking about kissing her, the way she’d been thinking? She hoped so.

            He patted her hand on the fence rail and said, “I’m going to walk him around ‘til he cools down. Chuy will help me get him settled in his stall. You should get some rest, put your leg up. Okay?”

            She nodded and closed her eyes, wanting him so bad, she hurt.

BORDER AFFAIR is included in the anthology COME LOVE A COWBOY, which is available at Amazon here: http://amzn.com/B01D5876UK

Hebby Roman, Author

You can find more about my books at:

Website at: http://www.hebbyroman.com

Facebook at: https://www.facebook.com/AuthorHebbyRoman

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/callofmuse/

Amazon Author Page: http://www.amazon.com/Hebby-Roman/e/B001KI1L0O/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1456359596&sr=1-2-ent
For beautiful pictures of charro horses, visit my COME LOVE A COWBOY Board on Pinterest at: https://www.pinterest.com/callofmuse/

M. GARZON INTERVIEW AND NEW RELEASE, BLAZE OF GLORY

Readers, M. Garzon has stopped by today to share with readers. Here’s her interview:

Caroline: Tell us something about growing up.

M: When people ask me where I’m from, I never really know what to say.  I was born in Holland, but moved to Canada when I was four years old and spent the rest of my childhood moving around Quebec.  I have two brothers; none of us were particularly close to our parents but we’re very close with each other.  This, despite the fact that if they weren’t so much bigger than me, I would’ve happily strangled them numerous times.  I was a wild child, the undeniable black sheep in my family, and that much hasn’t changed (a writer, really?  Can’t you get a normal job?)

Now I live in the relatively small town of St-Lazare, Quebec and I’m a single mom to two fantastic kidlets, aged seven and nine.  They live with me 100% of the time, which I love but which also made writing quite a challenge at first.  Three cheers for school! 

Caroline: Who are your favorite authors and genres?

M: I know some people will groan, but Stephenie Meyer’s writing was a revelation to me.  I actually prefer her lesser-known book, “The Host”, over the Twilight series.  She was the first author I read whose story felt so real and immediate to me that the characters truly felt like friends, so much so that I didn’t care about the holes in the story.  My books have gotten some comparisons with Twilight, which some consider an insult, and others find amusing because there’s nothing remotely supernatural in my stories.  I take it as a huge compliment though, because I hope it means that my characters have become real to someone in the same way hers came to life for me.

A current fave author is Laini Taylor.  I love her wild imagination and offbeat style.  As for genres, I don’t pay much attention to them – to me, the story’s what matters.  Lately I’ve been reading a lot of YA dystopian/fantasy type stuff, but before that it was heavy dramas (think Khaled Hosseini and Jodi Picoult), and when I was younger it was science fiction.  Oh, and lots of horse novels, of course.

Caroline: I’ll be sure to look up Laini Taylor. What’s your favorite way to relax and recharge?

M: Relax?  Do people still do that?  Okay, I jest.  Sort of.  Being a working single parent means that I have to combine hobbies with necessary tasks, so right now I’m making a scrapbook with my son, and I like to walk our dog through the woods near our house.  I still love to read, but it’s not always as relaxing as it used to be… sometimes it’s hard to turn off the “edit” function in my brain.  I used to like bubble baths and going dancing with friends, but that’s a distant memory…

Caroline: I admire anyone with a day job and children who still finds time to write. Do you have a favorite quote that sums up how you feel about life?

M: I’ve had a succession of favorite quotes throughout life, as I suppose everyone does as they grow and expand.  My current favorite is: “Follow your bliss.”  Joseph Campbell first said that; he meant for people to identifying what they were truly passionate about, and to pursue it wholeheartedly.  That’s what writing is for me.

Caroline: For me, too. I have the best job in the world. How long have you been writing?

M: Since the spring of 2009.  Before that, I didn’t write at all.

Caroline: Where do you prefer to write?

M: Most is done on my laptop, since I can’t keep up with the muse writing by hand.  I usually write in the quiet of my bedroom office, but I’ve written in cafés and libraries, and done a considerable amount of scrawling on scraps of paper in the car.

Caroline: I require solitude, preferably with classical music low in the background. Are you a plotter or a panzer?

M: I actually had to look up what a “panzer” is to answer this question (and I’m assuming you’re not referring to the German tank).

This is something that’s still evolving for me.  When I wrote Blaze of Glory I happily spewed out entire scenes, totally out of sequence, without any thought of plot or cohesive character development (bet you want to read it now, don’t you?)  Each subsequent book has been planned out a bit more.  I’m planning to write a fantasy series next year, and that one will require extensive plotting beforehand.

Caroline: ☺No German tanks here. Do you use real events or persons in your stories or as an inspiration for stories?

M: The short answer is yes.  But I’d have to qualify that and say those people and things are inspiration only, and markedly different from what appears in the final product.  Several of my friends have let me borrow their names, which is nice.

Caroline: I imagine you don’t find time to write each day. Do you set writing goals?

M: You know what they say about the best-laid plans!  I usually only bother with specific goals and word counts if I feel I’m getting into a slump, although they’re useful for deadlines too.  My kids had chicken pox one after the other in January, followed by colds.  I lost five weeks of writing time, so now I’m using word counts to make sure I meet my spring deadline.

Caroline: Refer to what I said about having a day job and small kids. I do admire you. What do you hope to bring to your readers?

M: Enjoyment, pure and simple.  We all need to escape into someone else’s world once in a while.

Caroline: So true. I love reading, second only to writing. What long-term plans do you have for your career?

M: I’ll be writing for the rest of my life, one way or another.  It would be nice if the TV series got made soon, because it would give me the freedom to spend as many years as necessary on the fantasy series I’m planning.

Caroline: Congratulations on the TV series option! Would you like to tell us what you’re working on now?

M: I’m working on an as-yet-untitled kid’s book with my children.  The story is about a boy trying to form a relationship with a fractious Canadian horse.  It’s been very interesting for me to learn about this heritage breed.  It’s our national breed of horse, though most Canadians don’t know it, and a few decades ago it was almost extinct, even though at one time it was the most popular breed in North America.

Caroline: That is interesting. What advice would you give to unpublished authors?

M: If you write because you love it, then you’ll never be disappointed.  But if you’re trying to get published, there are a few things that may help.  First, learn about how the industry works.  Get an agent, because without one you have almost no chance of being published, except maybe by very small, niche publishers.

If a query letter is supposed to be one page and yours is three pages long, you’re already doomed.  There are plenty of great resources online to help you learn how to write a killer query letter.  If you’re not getting any bites from agents (requests to see a sample of your manuscript), then re-write your query letter.  You may have to go through the cycle several times.  It took me months to find an agent; it takes some people years.  When I was sending out queries, some people were nice, some not, and most never responded, which is worst of all.  If any agents give you feedback, by all means use it to make your query or manuscript better!

Once you have an agent you trust, try to take their advice.  Before my agent would send my manuscript anywhere, I had to cut it down by 25%.  It took me two months, and it was painful, but it was also worth it.

If you’ve tried for years and you can’t get an agent or a publisher, you might want to consider self-publishing.  Here again, you need to do a LOT of research (and don’t fall for those scams that ask you to pay thousands of dollars up front to get your book out there).  The books that tend to make it in self-publishing are those that have been professionally edited and polished over and over.  Most of all, enjoy the process J

Caroline: Good advice. What’s a fun fact readers wouldn’t know about you?

M: Until I had children, I had never in my life lived in one place for more than three years, and I frequently stayed a lot less than three.

Caroline: Our friend’s used to call my husband and me “The Gypsies” because we moved so often. ☺ Share something about you that would surprise or shock readers.

M: This is a question I’ve never been asked before. My mother has ADHD and learning disabilities.  I grew up feeling very protective of her, but sometimes also resentful that I didn’t get the chance to fully be a child, without responsibilities.

Caroline: She’s lucky to have you. I know your book is a series. Would you like to describe it?

M: Yes!  Blaze of Glory is the first of a trilogy.  I’d describe it as a family drama, although book one has a strong element of romance.  All three books are already published, and due to popular demand I’ll be writing at least one spin-off book in the near future.

Caroline: Please give us a blurb from BLAZE OF GLORY:

M: Here it is:

Last year, I had it all.  Two jumpers on the show circuit, a lot of wins, and a lot of attention - the good kind.  But now I have nothing.  My life is circling the drain.  The only spark of light that exists for me is my new, forbidden passion.  If my stepfather finds out, he will kill me.  My twin brother, my only blood relative in the world, has already begged me not to.  But I can’t help myself.  If it can’t be horses, it has to be this…

Caroline: How about an excerpt?

M: I like this one:

I squished my way through the water-soaked grass to the pasture. The sudden downpour had cooled the air, and I shivered slightly in my wet clothes. The worst of the storm seemed to be over, and when I reached the pasture fence I paused, debating whether I needed to bring the horses in. The rain had abated to a fine drizzle, and there hadn’t been any lightning or thunder since I’d left the barn. It was such a relief to escape the tense atmosphere there that I lingered, leaning on the fence and watching the dark wet patches creeping down the horses’ coats.

I didn’t hear the footsteps until they were right behind me. I knew whose they were without turning; only Jaden’s presence would raise the hairs on my body like that.

“Tea,” he said my name like a caress.

I was about to duck away, but he knew me too well—his hands shot out and gripped the fence board on either side of me, though he didn’t touch me, of course. He was so close now that I could feel the heat from his body searing the back of mine, but this heat made me shiver all the more.

“How long are you planning on not talking to me?” His voice was subdued.

I shrugged. I felt, rather than heard, his sigh.

“You’re angry with me.”

He was wrong about that. It wasn’t anger that was making me avoid him, it was self‑preservation.

“I don’t blame you. I know I’ve made a mess of things. I came to give you a choice… I was planning to leave at the end of the season.” He paused, but my brain was already frozen. As though it couldn’t process the word ‘leave’. “But if you’d rather I left now, I’ll understand. I’ll find a spot for my horses closer to Toronto.”

My chest constricted painfully, and my breath started coming in sharp, raw gasps. Either way, he would be gone. My only option was whether to prolong my suffering. It was always the same impossible choice: the pain of his presence versus the torture of his absence. I didn’t say anything. I don’t think I could have spoken even if I’d wanted to.

“Let me know what you decide,” he continued quietly. He hesitated, then dropped his head close to mine; I felt the zing of current from my face down to my shoulder. He whispered his parting line in my ear.

“I miss you.”

I waited until his footsteps faded to surrender to the wracking sobs, and they shook me for a long time before I pulled myself together and went back to work.

Caroline: Where will readers find BLAZE OF GLORY?

M: On Amazon, the buy link is:

http://www.amazon.com/Blaze-Glory-M-Garzon-ebook/dp/B0081NXULY/

(also available on Kobo, NOOK, and iBooks)

Caroline: How can readers learn more about you?

M: www.mgarzon.ca

https://www.facebook.com/pages/M-garzon/217322391615168

Caroline: Is there anything else you’d like readers to know about you?

M: I can’t sing.  Like, at all.  So any requests for singing interviews are out.

Now that M. Garzon has shared her interview with you, here is the official media kit from Goddess Fish Tours:

Blaze of Glory

by M. Garzon

BLAZE OF GLORY Blurb:

"The first book in the popular trilogy, soon to be a major new television series!

Some fires can consume you.

Last year, I had it all. Two jumpers on the show circuit, a lot of wins, and a lot of attention - the good kind. But now I have nothing. My life is circling the drain. The only spark of light that exists for me is my new, forbidden passion. If my stepfather finds out, he will kill me. My twin brother, my only blood relative in the world, has already begged me not to. But I can't help myself. If it can't be horses, it has to be this..."

BLAZE OF GLORY Excerpt:

Jaden came in as I was closing the door to Zac’s stall. He grabbed my shoulders; I thought he was going to shake me but he just spun me around to face him.

“Tea, have you looked in a mirror lately?” He said it with painful restraint, but his eyes were scorching.

“Um…” I was confused by his question, and his unblinking glower was making it hard for me to think.

“You—are—a—small—girl,” he bit off each word distinctly. “For you to attack a full grown man like that is insane.”

“Did you see what he did to Zac?” I demanded. My power of speech returned in a rush as my temper began to flare ; small flames were erupting inside my chest, but they felt good. It had been too long since I’d felt anything.

“That’s irrelevant-”

“Not to me!”

“What if he had hit you back? Did you pause for one second to consider what would happen after your daring rescue?” His intensity was oddly intimidating, considering that he didn’t raise his voice.

I was saved from answering by Seth’s arrival.

“Nice move, Sparky,” he grinned, shaking his head. For once I couldn’t blame him for using my hated nickname.

I couldn’t think of a witty riposte, so I settled for, “Shut up.”

“Seriously though, what are you going to tell Dec when we lose a boarder because he was assaulted by an elf?”

I’d been trying not to think that far ahead, but now I was gripped by worry. It eased a bit when Jaden answered, “I don’t think that will be a problem. For one thing, I pointed out to him that he could be held responsible for any injuries to Zac. And honestly… can you see him admitting publicly that Tea was able to take him out?”

He and Seth both looked at me and howled with laughter.

Author M. Garzon with equine friend

 M. Garzon rode horses professionally for ten years, until an injury prompted a career change. She returned to school and completed a BSc; then for good measure, an MBA. After several years of toiling as a business consultant, she turned to writing in a desperate bid to regain her sanity. A mom of two fabulous children, she lives in St Lazare, QC and considers herself extremely lucky to be a writer.

Links:

www.mgarzon.ca

https://www.facebook.com/pages/M-garzon/217322391615168

http://www.amazon.com/Blaze-Glory-M-Garzon-ebook/dp/B0081NXULY/

(also available on Kobo, NOOK, and iBooks)

M. GARZON INTERVIEW PLUS HER LATEST RELEASE, BLAZE OF GLORY

Please welcome M. Garzon to the blog. She's visiting and sharing and interview. Here's the interview: 

Caroline: Where did you grow up?

M: When people ask me where I’m from, I never really know what to say.  I was born in Holland, but moved to Canada when I was four years old and spent the rest of my childhood moving around Quebec.  I have two brothers; none of us were particularly close to our parents but we’re very close with each other.  This, despite the fact that if they weren’t so much bigger than me, I would’ve happily strangled them numerous times.  I was a wild child, the undeniable black sheep in my family, and that much hasn’t changed (a writer, really?  Can’t you get a normal job?)

Now I live in the relatively small town of St-Lazare, Quebec and I’m a single mom to two fantastic kidlets, aged seven and nine.  They live with me 100% of the time, which I love but which also made writing quite a challenge at first.  Three cheers for school! 

Caroline: Who are your favorite authors and genres?

M: I know some people will groan, but Stephenie Meyer’s writing was a revelation to me.  I actually prefer her lesser-known book, “The Host”, over the Twilight series.  She was the first author I read whose story felt so real and immediate to me that the characters truly felt like friends, so much so that I didn’t care about the holes in the story.  My books have gotten some comparisons with Twilight, which some consider an insult, and others find amusing because there’s nothing remotely supernatural in my stories.  I take it as a huge compliment though, because I hope it means that my characters have become real to someone in the same way hers came to life for me.

A current fave author is Laini Taylor.  I love her wild imagination and offbeat style.  As for genres, I don’t pay much attention to them – to me, the story’s what matters.  Lately I’ve been reading a lot of YA dystopian/fantasy type stuff, but before that it was heavy dramas (think Khaled Hosseini and Jodi Picoult), and when I was younger it was science fiction.  Oh, and lots of horse novels, of course.

Caroline: What’s your favorite way to relax and recharge?

M: Relax?  Do people still do that?  Okay, I jest.  Sort of.  Being a working single parent means that I have to combine hobbies with necessary tasks, so right now I’m making a scrapbook with my son, and I like to walk our dog through the woods near our house.  I still love to read, but it’s not always as relaxing as it used to be… sometimes it’s hard to turn off the “edit” function in my brain.  I used to like bubble baths and going dancing with friends, but that’s a distant memory…

Caroline: Do you have a favorite quote that sums up how you feel about life?

M: I’ve had a succession of favorite quotes throughout life, as I suppose everyone does as they grow and expand.  My current favorite is: “Follow your bliss.”  Joseph Campbell first said that; he meant for people to identify what they were truly passionate about, and to pursue it wholeheartedly.  That’s what writing is for me.

 Caroline: For me, too. How long have you been writing?

M: Since the spring of 2009.  Before that, I didn’t write at all.

Caroline: Where do you prefer to write? Do you need quiet?

M: Most is done on my laptop, since I can’t keep up with the muse writing by hand.  I usually write in the quiet of my bedroom office, but I’ve written in cafés and libraries, and done a considerable amount of scrawling on scraps of paper in the car.

Caroline: Ah, yes, the scaps of paper when you’re away from home and an idea strikes. Are you a plotter or a panzer?

M: I actually had to look up what a “panzer” is to answer this question (and I’m assuming you’re not referring to the German tank).

This is something that’s still evolving for me.  When I wrote Blaze of Glory I happily spewed out entire scenes, totally out of sequence, without any thought of plot or cohesive character development (bet you want to read it now, don’t you?)  Each subsequent book has been planned out a bit more.  I’m planning to write a fantasy series next year, and that one will require extensive plotting beforehand.

Caroline: Not the tank. It’s lovely when the scenes come like that, isn’t it?  Do you use real events or persons in your stories or as an inspiration?

M: The short answer is yes.  But I’d have to qualify that and say those people and things are inspiration only, and markedly different from what appears in the final product.  Several of my friends have let me borrow their names, which is nice.

Caroline: Do you set daily writing goals? Do you write daily?

M: You know what they say about the best-laid plans!  I usually only bother with specific goals and word counts if I feel I’m getting into a slump, although they’re useful for deadlines too.  My kids had chicken pox one after the other in January, followed by colds.  I lost five weeks of writing time, so now I’m using word counts to make sure I meet my spring deadline.

Caroline: Keeping a schedule with small children is tough. What do you hope your writing brings to readers.

M: Enjoyment, pure and simple.  We all need to escape into someone else’s world once in a while.

Caroline: So true. What long-term plans do you have for your career?

M: I’ll be writing for the rest of my life, one way or another.  It would be nice if the TV series got made soon, because it would give me the freedom to spend as many years as necessary on the fantasy series I’m planning.

Caroline: Having a TV series optioned is terrific. Would you like to tell us what you’re working on now?

M: I’m working on an as-yet-untitled kid’s book with my children.  The story is about a boy trying to form a relationship with a fractious Canadian horse.  It’s been very interesting for me to learn about this heritage breed.  It’s our national breed of horse, though most Canadians don’t know it, and a few decades ago it was almost extinct, even though at one time it was the most popular breed in North America.

Caroline: That sounds intriguing. What advice would you give to unpublished authors?

M: If you write because you love it, then you’ll never be disappointed.  But if you’re trying to get published, there are a few things that may help.  First, learn about how the industry works.  Get an agent, because without one you have almost no chance of being published, except maybe by very small, niche publishers.

If a query letter is supposed to be one page and yours is three pages long, you’re already doomed.  There are plenty of great resources online to help you learn how to write a killer query letter.  If you’re not getting any bites from agents (requests to see a sample of your manuscript), then re-write your query letter.  You may have to go through the cycle several times.  It took me months to find an agent; it takes some people years.  When I was sending out queries, some people were nice, some not, and most never responded, which is worst of all.  If any agents give you feedback, by all means use it to make your query or manuscript better!

Once you have an agent you trust, try to take their advice.  Before my agent would send my manuscript anywhere, I had to cut it down by 25%.  It took me two months, and it was painful, but it was also worth it.

If you’ve tried for years and you can’t get an agent or a publisher, you might want to consider self-publishing.  Here again, you need to do a LOT of research (and don’t fall for those scams that ask you to pay thousands of dollars up front to get your book out there).  The books that tend to make it in self-publishing are those that have been professionally edited and polished over and over.  Most of all, enjoy the process J

Caroline: Good advice. What is a fun fact readers wouldn’t know about you?

M: Until I had children, I had never in my life lived in one place for more than three years, and I frequently stayed a lot less than three.

Caroline: Share something that would surprise or shock your readers.

M: This is a question I’ve never been asked before. My mother has ADHD and learning disabilities.  I grew up feeling very protective of her, but sometimes also resentful that I didn’t get the chance to fully be a child, without responsibilities.

Caroline: She was lucky to have you. I believe your book is in a series. Tell us about it.

M: Yes!  Blaze of Glory is the first of a trilogy.  I’d describe it as a family drama, although book one has a strong element of romance.  All three books are already published, and due to popular demand I’ll be writing at least one spin-off book in the near future.

Caroline: Is there anything else you’d like readers to know about you?

M: I can’t sing.  Like, at all.  So any requests for singing interviews are out.

BLAZE OF GLORY Blurb:

"The first book in the popular trilogy, soon to be a major new television series!

Some fires can consume you.

Last year, I had it all. Two jumpers on the show circuit, a lot of wins, and a lot of attention - the good kind. But now I have nothing. My life is circling the drain. The only spark of light that exists for me is my new, forbidden passion. If my stepfather finds out, he will kill me. My twin brother, my only blood relative in the world, has already begged me not to. But I can't help myself. If it can't be horses, it has to be this..."

BLAZE OF GLORY Excerpt:

Prologue

I squished my way through the water-soaked grass to the pasture. The sudden downpour had cooled the air, and I shivered slightly in my wet clothes. The worst of the storm seemed to be over, and when I reached the pasture fence I paused, debating whether I needed to bring the horses in. The rain had abated to a fine drizzle, and there hadn’t been any lightning or thunder since I’d left the barn. It was such a relief to escape the tense atmosphere there that I lingered, leaning on the fence and watching the dark wet patches creeping down the horses’ coats.

I didn’t hear the footsteps until they were right behind me. I knew whose they were without turning; only Jaden’s presence would raise the hairs on my body like that.

“Tea,” he said my name like a caress.

I was about to duck away, but he knew me too well—his hands shot out and gripped the fence board on either side of me, though he didn’t touch me, of course. He was so close now that I could feel the heat from his body searing the back of mine, but this heat made me shiver all the more.

“How long are you planning on not talking to me?” His voice was subdued.

I shrugged. I felt, rather than heard, his sigh.

“You’re angry with me.”

He was wrong about that. It wasn’t anger that was making me avoid him, it was self preservation.

“I don’t blame you. I know I’ve made a mess of things. I came to give you a choice… I was planning to leave at the end of the season.” He paused, but my brain was already frozen. As though it couldn’t process the word ‘leave’. “But if you’d rather I left now, I’ll understand. I’ll find a spot for my horses closer to Toronto.”

My chest constricted painfully, and my breath started coming in sharp, raw gasps. Either way, he would be gone. My only option was whether to prolong my suffering. It was always the same impossible choice: the pain of his presence versus the torture of his absence. I didn’t say anything. I don’t think I could have spoken even if I’d wanted to.

“Let me know what you decide,” he continued quietly. He hesitated, then dropped his head close to mine; I felt the zing of current from my face down to my shoulder. He whispered his parting line in my ear.

“I miss you.”

I waited until his footsteps faded to surrender to the wracking sobs, and they shook me for a long time before I pulled myself together and went back to work.

Amazon buy link: 

http://www.amazon.com/Blaze-Glory-M-Garzon-ebook/dp/B0081NXULY/

(also available on Kobo, NOOK, and iBooks)

M. Garzon and equine friend

AUTHOR Bio and Links:

M. Garzon rode horses professionally for ten years, until an injury prompted a career change. She returned to school and completed a BSc; then for good measure, an MBA. After several years of toiling as a business consultant, she turned to writing in a desperate bid to regain her sanity. A mom of two fabulous children, she lives in St Lazare, QC and considers herself extremely lucky to be a writer.

Links:

www.mgarzon.ca

https://www.facebook.com/pages/M-garzon/217322391615168

WOO HOO! RE-RELEASE OF THE TEXAN'S IRISH BRIDE

When an author's rights on a previously published book reverts to him/her, the  process of publication begins anew. This time, I wanted to self-publish. Please don't think I have any complaints about the previous publisher, The Wild Rose Press. In fact, the staff and other authors at The Wild Rose Press are wonderful people. However, I'm trying to view my writing as a business, and I can make more money by self-publishing.

Hero and I planned the cover and Hero put it together. I love the result.What do you think?

Here's the blurb:

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 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 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 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 crazy. 

Here's and excerpt from the first night on Dallas's ranch:

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. 

Dallas McClintock
iStock Photo

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. 

Their lips met, and he delved his tongue to sample her nectar. She responded with fervor. He rejoiced that if he must be tied to this woman, at least she shared his apparently boundless passion. He pulled her with him across the bed, then scooted her until she lay cushioned in the center of the thick mattress. 

“Finally, I can see and taste all of you.”

“I’m hoping ‘tis all right for us to act so heathen.”

He lay propped on an elbow beside her, content for a moment to look his fill of her. “It isn’t heathen for a husband and wife to enjoy one another. Doesn’t it feel right?” 

In the golden lamplight, her skin gleamed like ivory. 

“Aye, it feels more than right. It’s as if being with you is where I was meant to be.”

He smoothed her auburn hair across the pillow. It looked even more glorious there than he had dreamed. Desire darkened her emerald eyes, and the pink of exertion tinged her cheeks. 

“No woman will ever be more beautiful than you are right now.”

“If you think that, then we’re well matched, for never lived a more handsome man than you are.”

He took her graceful hand in his and brought it to his lips. After he pressed a kiss to her palm, he suckled each fingertip. 

She pulled away and put her hands under her. “You’ll be driving me mad with wanting. Hurry.”

He smiled down at her and shook his head. “Nope. I’ve thought about this night since we wed. Reckon we might not get much sleep, for I intend to take my time.” 

“But ‘tis torture waiting.” She reached for his manhood.

He twisted away. “Let me give you something to think about, then.” Starting with her beautiful eyes, he rained kisses on her face, her neck, and her shoulders. He cradled one of her ample breasts while his mouth suckled the other. 

She moaned and clutched him to her. 

In spite of his throbbing need, he restrained his own urgency and slowly trailed kisses down her ribs, her stomach, to her mound of curls. He slid a finger inside her moist heat. 

“Now, Dallas, now. I can’t wait another second.”

Desire won, and he stretched himself over her. “Nor can I,” he said and slid into her. “Let’s begin our own dance.

If you haven't read this book, I hope you will. It's available in print and ebook from Amazon, Barnes and Noble, and in ebook from Smashwords:

In print from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Texans-Irish-Bride-McClintocks-Book/dp/1478351675/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1344613910&sr=1-2&keywords=The+Texan%27s+Irish+Bride

As an ebook from Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/TEXANS-IRISH-BRIDE-McClintocks-ebook/dp/B008V1UG54/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1344613991&sr=1-1&keywords=The+Texan%27s+Irish+Bride

Thanks for stopping by!

BOOK REVIEW FOR HORSE LOVERS

GROUND MANNERS: A Novel
By Cynthia D’Errico
Xlibris
Soft Cover, 2011, $19.99
Hard Cover, 2011, $24.99
ISBN: 978-1-4568-2394-8

Available at: www.groundmannersnovel.com or on Amazon

                               Reviewed by Carol M. Upton

Learning that horses were butchered for meat left many people feeling raw and lied to, like suddenly finding out that your neighbour had barbecued your retriever or microwaved your cat. Like so many others, Yanne was clearly unaware that, whether for meat or other reasons, horses were slaughtered at all. ~ Part Three, Chapter Four, p. 116

GROUND MANNERS: A Novel is an innovative synthesis of adventure, romance and animal advocacy. Cynthia D’Errico has produced a compelling tale based on true stories about Canada’s horse slaughter industry, the dangers of continuing to ignore coastline erosion, and which features an especially intriguing thread on how le Canadien became both Quebec’s heritage breed and the National Horse of Canada.

Through the thoughts of Ausencia, a slaughter-bound polo horse, the opening pages introduce us to the horse refuge run by animal communicator Skye Spahro and her daughter on Isle-Saint-Jean- Baptiste. The Institute of Nature Communications, like many horse rescues across the country, is dedicated to the care and rehoming of abused horses, including the rescue of those slated for slaughter.

The horses narrate a good part of the story as D’Errico performs skillful shifts from the human to the animal point of view. These shifts are reminiscent of those in other classics like Babe and Black Beauty, with that same brilliant seamlessness that keeps the reader fully engaged. The character of each horse is carefully delineated so that when Ulric, the eternally calm Belgian draft says: “I don’t like the look of things, Tessa,” his ominous tone ushers the reader into the darkness of the book’s last half.

The themes in this book require the reader to confront the moral dilemmas often present in horse ownership and attempt to expand the reader’s vision of horses. Yet the darkness is never overdone.

The storyline is simultaneously about love, heroes and hope for lasting change in our treatment of animals and the planet – indeed of the very ground we walk on. D’Errico’s writing style intimately involves readers in the lives of her characters, human and animal, in such a way that their world becomes difficult to leave as the book nears its gripping finale.

GROUND MANNERS is the tale that horse lovers have waited for, but also essential reading for anyone intent on creating a more harmonious relationship with our planet. It will definitely raise public consciousness and is sure to spark debate.



Cynthia give a big kiss
to Fern Rigg's Ladies Man
of Canoe, British Columbia

 A former ESL teacher and business editor, Cynthia has always felt a special empathy toward horses with whom she was raised. She continues to promote animals' rights to live in whatever is left of their natural environments free of cruelty and neglect. Visit Cynthia at www.groundmannersnovel.com or on her Blog at: www.cynthiaderrico.com

Thanks to Carol for sharing her review.

Readers, I hope you noticed that winter's snow-covered tree has been replaced by spring's redbud tree photo in the header. Our redbud is beginning to bud out, and soon we'll have lovely dark pink blooms again. Cab spring be far away?

Thanks for stopping by!