I’m pleased to introduce Donna Schalter with The Story Behind the Story of Echoes of the Heart. To one commenter, Donna will give the reader’s choice of an e-book or a print copy. Thank you so much, Donna.
If you’ve ever wondered if a writer’s conference is worth the time, effort, and expense, let me assure you: it is!
My involvement in The Pony Express Romance Collection began several years ago at at an ACFW Conference, where I met up with my dear friend, Mary Davis. I asked her what she was working on, and she said she was putting together a proposal for a Pony Express novella collection. I said, “I’d love to be part of that.” She already had the four authors she needed, but if anything changed, she’d contact me.
The next month, hubby and I were planning a long weekend away, and I suggested we do some Pony Express research, “just in case”. So we traveled to Julesburg, Colorado and on into Wyoming, following the trail. Along the way, we stopped and talked to folks at visitor information centers, museums, and anywhere that advertised the Pony Express. People still love the romance and allure of the Pony Express, and it seemed as though everybody had a story.
Another month goes by, and Mary emailed to say an author had to drop out because of other commitments, and was I still interested. You bet I was! The initial concept was four stories told in chronological order at the same station, Echo Canyon Utah, with some carryover of characters from one story to the next.
And so began my romance with the Pony Express. We went through several iterations of the proposal, and the format changed to nine authors at different stations with no overlap of characters.
If I hadn’t been at that conference, I wouldn’t have known about this opportunity. At other conferences, I’ve made contact with other editors, publishers, and book packagers and been blessed to work with them on various projects. So while classes are important, don’t forget the benefits of networking!
Donna lives in Denver with husband Patrick, her first-line editor and biggest fan. She writes historical suspense under her own name, and contemporary suspense under her alter ego of Leeann Betts. She is a hybrid publisher who has published a number of books under her pen name and under her own name. Her current release, Echoes of the Heart, a 9-in-1 novella collection titled “Pony Express Romance Collection” released April 1. Donna is also a ghostwriter and editor of fiction and non-fiction, and judges in a number of writing contests. Donna loves history and research, and travels extensively for both.
www.HiStoryThruTheAges.wordpress.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DonnaschlachterAuthor
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/DonnaSchlachter
Books: http://amzn.to/2ci5Xqq
Echoes of the Heart: http://amzn.to/2lBaqcW
Sounds like a good read.
Hi Ann: Thanks for stopping by. If you like history, this is a great book. If you like romance, it’s a great book. And if you like seemingly insurmountable problems, this is the book for you!
I love stories from this time era. Looks like a great collection.
Hi Susanne: This is a wonderful collection of stories. We’ve had lots of good reviews, and the nice thing about collections is you see the same setting from different story lines. One of the most common comments I’ve heard is that readers are amazed that 9 authors can tell such different stories on the same topic.
Thanks for stopping in, Ann and Susanne. I agree!
Gail, thanks for allowing me to share with your readers. I love talking about the Pony Express!
Thank you Gail for introducing us. Looking forward to reading.
Hi Kare: Thanks for stopping by. Good luck in the drawing!
There’s always been something romantic about the Pony Express, at least to me. The heroic riders pressing on. But I always felt sorry for the horses 🙂
Hi Peggy: Thanks for stopping by! You are a faithful follower, and we sure appreciate that!
Love your perspective, Peg!
Hi Gail: The horses used in the eastern end of the trail were often thoroughbreds, bred for racing, so they loved racing across the rolling hills and flat vistas. The horses used in the mountainous western part of the trail were often Indian ponies or wild mustangs, which were particularly suited for the terrain. Yes, it was hard work, for both man and beast, but since the company owned the animals, it was really frowned on to mistreat their mounts.
History has always fascinated me and I appreciate all the hard work authors do to be accurate in their fiction writing. Looks like a great series!
Thanks for stopping, Irene.
Hi Irene: Thanks for stopping by. Yes, for those who love research and history, that can actually be the most fun about the writing. But I also love pulling the facts together into a story.
I’ve always wanted to visit the Pony Express Museum in St. Joseph, Missouri, where we were always told the Pony Express started. We’ve driven past it many times, but never stopped. The history is fascinating!
I’ve never been there, either, Becky, but sounds like a good stop to aim for. Thanks for the idea.
HI Becky: It is a great museum. Lots of fun stuff to do for the kids, too. The Pony Express Barn in Marysville, Kansas is also interesting, as is the Pony Express Station in Gothenburg NE and the Hollenberg Station in Hanover, KS. I love walking the grounds at Hollenberg, imagining the wagon trains stopping there, picturing the PE riders racing across the rolling hills.
I love historical fiction and it is evident when an author has really tried to write an accident story. Thanks for being one of those authors!
Blessings!
Connie
cps1950@gmail.com
Hi Connie, thank you! We love to hear from readers, and hope you’ll put in a plug for the book at your local library and bookstore.