Been watching with interest as the Western genre has a mini resurgence. Right now True Grit is getting rave reviews for the Coen Brothers. In fact, some are saying it’s their best work.I’ll be heading out to see it soon myself. 

Then of course there’s the eagerly anticipated Cowboys vs Aliens starring Olivia Wilde, Daniel Craig and Harrison Ford, which is due to hit cinemas in July this year.

Naturally, this makes me very happy because I’m penning my own Western mash up entitled Peacemaker. The genre hasn’t had a chance of a proper revival since the frontier days when men were men, and women weren’t nothin’ but a saloon girl or a spoiled rancher’s daughter.

I’m really excited about the idea that as creators we now get a chance to re-imagine a new kind of Wild West, and one probably, in some ways, closer to the reality of what was.

There is so much to love about the Western, not the least of which is the land as a character in its own right. Then there’s the irresistible blend of heroes and romance which is peppered with questions about societal values and personal morality, And finally, of course, there’re the horses. What’s not to love?

Thought it was time for a ‘Writing the Novel’ update. Angel Arias, bk 2 of the Night Creatures trilogy has been an interesting beast. Book 1 centered around the world of Ixion which was darkly glamorous and exciting. Bk 2 is the story of the main character’s return to her home, the sinister and oppressive Grave. There is no velvet and lace and mind altering substances here; it’s more coffins and misery and dangerous underground journeys – an altogether different worldbuilding mindset.

I’ve surprised myself by my choices with it – writing scenes in mausoleums and funeral parlours; my characters having to steal clothes from the dead. Interestingly, not my normal resonances, and yet absolutely right for the story. The process of novel writing is so fascinating in terms of what it reveals to (and about!) the author.

On the PEACEMAKER front, I had a lovely and unexpected email from a descendant of Sam Sixkiller offering some background information for the novel. I was delighted with this and am really looking forward to reading it. The series (2-3 books) is now being looked at by the publisher and I hope to have some news by the end March.

And you can standby for some wonderful news on the Tara Sharp series. Can’t share quite yet, but SOON!

Below are some images that will give you an idea of how my mind is drifting between different kinds of worlds and stories. I LOVE my job.

Angel Arias resonance

Tara Sharp resonance

Peacemaker resonance

Webby love this week has brought this truly wonderful review of Glitter Rose from Walker of the Worlds, and an interview I’ve just done with The Fringe. There was also an interview floating around with a Cairns-based paper/magazine but I haven’t see that one.

Other than that, I’ve been working on Angel Arias and fiddling around with some other bits and pieces. I had a sudden urge today to read some biographical  background on Carlos Castaneda. I read his books years ago and for some inexplicable they threw themselves back at me today. I’m trusting this to be significant in some way and am running with it.

I think it might have something to do with where I’m taking the storyline of Peacemaker – which, btw, has gone back to my agent again. This time I’m hoping the sample is long enough to send on to my publisher. My narrative unveils a war between occult forces, and I think Castaneda is demanding face time in there somewhere. I’ll keep you posted. No doubt Mistress Muse will reveal all in due course.