Today, I have author Carolyn Brown as a guest on the blog today! I also will be giving away 2 copies of her new book, Hell Yeah, to 2 lucky people who comment! Thanks to Sourcebooks for sponsoring the giveaway! Let’s welcome Carolyn to the blog!!
Good morning, everyone. It’s a delight to be here today to tell everyone about Hell, Yeah, my new book from Sourcebooks Casablanca that went on sale a couple of days ago. It’s the second book in the Honky Tonk series and would you look at that cover? Isn’t that Travis a sexy cowboy?
I’ve been asked how I research my country heroes like Travis for my books. It’s a very simple process actually. I interview them.
I already knew Cathy because she was Daisy’s cousin from I Love This Bar. She’d been taking care of the Honky Tonk while Daisy was off playing pretend wife to Jarod so Uncle Emmett wouldn’t stroke out. She and I’d gotten to be friends and I knew all about her past and her baggage. I also knew she was lonely at night after the bar shut down and that she had some hidden skills other than making margarita’s and drawing beer.
So I set out to help Cathy out, since she was my friend and all. First of all I sent Jezzy down to Palo Pinto County so she’d have a friend to talk to since Chigger, the almost-hooker from I Love This Bar, had gotten married and around as often.
But she was still lonely so I began the interviews. First of all he had to be easy on the eyes and make her hands itch to touch that big broad chest (check out the cover one more time) and then he had to be intelligent and as head strong as she was.
So I lined up a whole day’s worth of interviews and began. First cowboy who came in the door to my office didn’t take off his hat and still had cow manure on his boots. I didn’t mind the latter but a true cowboy removes his hat in the house and in the presence of a lady. Johnny hit the road with a look from me that would have knocked a full grown pit bull dog off a meat wagon. I think he scooted on back to the farm and forgot about talkin’ to Joanne Kennedy for a spot in her new book.
Next man that knocked on my office door was Pete. He was bald as cue ball, had a beer gut and hadn’t shaved in a week and he was wearing sandals, Bermuda shorts and a bright orange tank top. Now, I understand that all heroes do not have to be perfect and a few flaws are acceptable but really, I was looking for a cowboy not a bus driver for Jimmy Buffet. I asked him if he’d made a wrong turn out of Florida and what he was doing in my office. He swore if I’d use him that he’d learn to wear boots, ride horses and maybe he could learn to like steak. I threatened to sic the neighbor’s dog on him and Joanne threatened to shoot him if he came sniffin’ around her book.
They say the third is the charm and it was. When Travis brought me a dozen roses, a new Blake Shelton CD and said ‘Good mornin’, darlin’’ in a deep Texas drawl, I knew I’d found the perfect hero. He wore his jeans right. His boots were polished and his shirt starched and creased down the arms. He smelled like heaven and looked like sex on a stick. His hair was feathered back with just enough hanging on his collar to make Cathy want to touch it.
His eyes twinkled when I told him to sit down and we’d visit. He told me about his family just over the line in Arkansas and his views on women in general and that he’d love to go to Mingus to bring in a new oil well. During the interview I saw a little bit of sensitivity, a lot of stubborn pride and a real country cowboy’s heart hiding behind that plaid shirt. And I just knew that he and Cathy were going to fall in instant love. Sorry, Joanne, I could’ve sent him over your way but he was so perfect for Cathy.
So I put them in the Honky Tonk on New Year’s Eve without anyone else to kiss when the clock struck midnight and watched the fireworks begin. They sure didn’t do what I thought they’d do, though. They fought like two cats stuffed down in a pillow case and tossed over a clothes line and before the end of the book I wondered if I should’ve sent him on over to Joanne.
Pick up a copy of Hell, Yeah and read it to find out if my research paid off. Tell me how would you research a hero for a book if you were writing about cowboys? What would be the most important question you’d ask Travis before you put him in your book?
HELL, YEAH BY CAROLYN BROWN – IN STORES AUGUST 2010
She’s finally found a place that feels like home…
When Cathy O’Dell buys the Honky Tonk, the nights of cowboys and country tunes come together to create the home she’s always wanted. Then in walks a ruggedly handsome oil man who tempts her to trade in the happiness she’s found at the Honky Tonk for a life on the road with him…
He lives the good life…
Gorgeous and rich, Travis Henry travels the country unearthing oil wells and then moving on. Then the beautiful blue-eyed new owner of the Honky Tonk beer joint becomes his best friend and so much more. When his job is done in Texas, how is he ever going to hit the road without her?
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Carolyn Brown, an award-winning author who has published 36 romance novels for the library market, credits her eclectic family for her humor and writing ideas. She was born in Texas but grew up in southern Oklahoma where she and her husband, Charles, a retired English teacher, now make their home in the town of Davis, Oklahoma. They have three grown children and enough grandchildren to keep them young. http://carolynlbrown.com/
GIVEAWAY!!!
Thanks to Sourcebooks, I have 2 copies of Hell Yeah to giveaway!
Rules:
1. Answer the question in red above from Carolyn!
2. Leave your name and email for me to contact you if you win!
3. Open to USA and Canada only.
4. No P.O. Boxes please.
Contest ends: August 8th, 2010
debbie
I would go to some ranches and spend alot of time watching cowboys while they work. Then, see what they do after work. It would give some perspective about how they live their lives. I would ask, what is a big misconception people have about cowboys?
twoofakind12@yahoo.com
Tore
I would go to ranches and spend alot of time doing work on the ranche with them. I would follower their schedule and what they do everyday so I can experience what it is like to be a cowboy. I would ask if the cowboys enjoys what he does everyday. Tore923@aol.com
Linda Henderson
I would probably go to a rodeo, I’ve never been to one so it should be exciting. I’d probably ask them about their lifestyle, if they lived on ranches and if they ran cattle or raised horses. I think it would be fascinating. I haven’t had a chance to pick up I Love This Bar, but I can’t wait to read your Honky Tonk series.
seriousreader at live dot com
katsrus
First off that cover is yummy! Ok I would do mine a bit differant. I would have a few good looking cowboys come over so I could check them out. And if I found one or two I liked I would ask them the question, “What do you look like with your shirt off?” Your book sounds fun. Would love to have a chance to read it.
Sue B
katsrus(at)gmail(dot)com
Cecile
Agreed is the fact that you would have to watch them i motion, observe all they do, say, act, play, and work. Then a sit down would be in order to really get to know them. Then after I got all that I needed… well imagination could add in the rest…
Great interview and thanks for the giveaway!
alliwantandmorebooks@ gmail.com
runner10
I think a trip to Texas would be needed for research.
I’d ask whose bed have your boots been under???
runner10
csdsksds[at]gmail[dot]com
Cleverly Inked
Sounds Sinfully Delish!
Barbara E.
I’d take a trip to Texas or Montana and talk to as many cowboys as I could, especially the good looking ones. The most important question I’d ask Travis before I put him in my book would be – is he looking for a wonderful woman, and would he treat her with care and respect.
Barbed1951(at)aol(dot)com
Meredith
I’d head to Texas and start hunting up some cowboys! Maybe a visit to a ranch or two, checking out some of the bars to see how they party. I’d probably ask Travis to tell me about a typical cowboy day.
meredithfl at gmail dot com
Cindy W.
I would go visit my brother in Texas and have him take me to the local rodeos. I would ‘interview’ the cowboys and probably the fans too to see how they describe a cowboy. Then I would spend time on a ranch and observe the cowboys and would probably try to work with them so I could get the full experience.
I would ask Travis if he was born into the cowboy life or did he adopt the cowboy life. I’d also ask him how he would treat a lady.
Thanks for a chance to win a copy of Hell Yeah!
Smiles,
Cindy W.
countrybear52[at]yahoo[dot]com
Robin K
I would do all my research online, perhaps visit a library and watch some movies. Wait… am I working or relaxing. I would ask Mr. Cowboy about his view of the wild west and the lifestyle.
robin [at] intensewhisper [dot] com
chey
Since I don’t live anywhere near a ranch, I’d probably do most of my research online and at the library.
JessieR
I would visit a ranch or community in the state the book is set in. I think I would ask what they think makes cowboys such an iconic symbol. What qualities sets a cowboy apart from a regular guy.
JenM
If I were looking for cowboys for “research” purposes, I’d go to a small town somewhere out west, find a promising looking bar, and spend at least a few nights there, just hanging out. If I found a likely candidate, I’d ask him whether he lived in a bunkhouse or actually had his own apartment.
jen@delux.com
Joanne
Darn it, Carolyn, I just got back to Wyoming and Pete was waiting on my front porch. He shaved, but he keeps threatening to take his shirt off to prove he could be on the cover of a cowboy book. I put the pistol away when I went on vacation, so I can’t shoot him. Please send Travis over to rescue me.
Okay, I made that up. But send Travis over anyway. You know I love your sexy cowboys! And I loved Hell Yeah!
Virginia C
Hi, Carolyn & Amy! “I Love This Bar” was a ton of fun, so I am definitely up for the next round at “The Honky Tonk”. Blake Shelton would make a very nice honky-tonk hero himself!
A true cowboy is a man of faith, patriotic, loves “the land”, is good to horses and dogs and tolerates cats. He adores his family and friends. He would give his life for his country and his loved ones. Upon first glance, all of these characteristics may not be readily apparent. Sometimes, cowboys hoot and holler. Sometimes, they are quiet and thoughtful. They are always worth a second look : )
Please enter my name in the drawing. US Resident, GFC Follower, Subscriber.
gcwhiskas at aol dot com
Carolyn Brown
Hello everyone and thank you for your comments! I apologize for being so late getting to blog today. We just got home from the RWA Conference and between unpacking and deadlines I’m behind! Joanne … now that’s what I call a welcome home! Virginia C … Yep, Blake would make a good hero … of course I’m biased since he lives in my hometown of Tishomingo, Oklahoma. Meredith … you’ll be sure to find cowboys in Texas so come on down here and have a look. Everyone else … thanks so much for your comments and research tips! And keep your boots on and your hat in good shape because there’s more to come. My Give A Damn’s Busted in October and Honky Tonk Christmas in November. AND THEN, in May of 2011 LOVE DRUNK COWBOY debuts the new line of sexy cowboys in the Spikes & Spurs series!
Will be checking back tomorrow to read more comments!
Carolyn B.
Nicole
I think if I was doing research I would want to talk to some real life cowboys, and get their impression of what their lives are really like!
minnchica(dot)bookpusher(at)gmail.com
Terrymac
First, I have to say I would have a lot of fun researching cowboys for a book! I would go to a dude ranch, spend time out on the trail, then I would go to a working ranch and spend time with the lads working the cows/horses–either bringing them in from the fields, or taking them out. Definitely spend time with them in the bunkhouse, interviewing them and their ideas on life, in general and as a cowboy. Finding out what they do to relax, and what they do in the ‘off season’, if there really is a slow season.
I would ask Travis what he felt was the biggest misconception the general public held regarding cowboys and the work that they do.
terrymac1a at hotmail dot com
Thank you for hosting this giveaway. Sounds like a wonderful book to read.