Saturday, November 12, 2011

Interview with “Sweet” Romance Author Caroline Fyffe

I’m an equine photographer turned historical romance author. I have to say I think I’ve had two of the most enjoyable jobs a person can have. I’ve spent 20 years photographing horses and now I get to write about them. What could be better? I’m married and have two amazing sons, of whom I’m very proud. My oldest has just obtained his MBA and a good job. My youngest is part of the United States Army now serving overseas. A mother could not be prouder. Caroline's website: http://www.carolinefyffe.com/books.html

Montana Dawn has everything. Readers will taste the dust, smell the gunpowder and feel the passion.” --Cheryl St. John

Hello, Caroline! Your novels are considered “sweet romance” for all ages. Montana Dawn won the Best Western Romance 2010 Award by Love Western Romance. What a wonderful accomplishment! I absolutely love your book cover. In fact, this book is part of a series called "Home Fires of the West" and each book cover is absolutely beautiful. Please tell us about it.

Hi, Linda. I’m very happy to be here with you this week. Thank you for having me! MONTANA DAWN is set in Y Knot, Montana in the late 1800s. The McCutcheons, a cattle ranching family, have carved a dynasty from the wilderness by the sweat of their brow and honorable values. Luke McCutcheon, the third brother and hero of this story, is the only one who was sired by an American Indian, when his mother was taken captive. He’s the trail boss for the once-a-year cattle drive that the McCutcheons make. It’s during the drive that Luke stumbles upon a dilapidated wagon where he meets Faith Brown, in labor and needing his help. After the delivery, he offers to bring her along where one thing leads to another and soon all the trail hands are trying to catch the beautiful new mother’s attention, much to Luke’s dismay. I love stories about big families. I wanted to give Luke as much unconditional love as he needed to battle his own ghosts about his heritage. John McCutcheon, the youngest brother, is foreshadowed in MONTANA DAWN, but you don’t actually meet him until my next book, TEXAS TWILIGHT now available on-line.

I love Western Romances. Sigh! Where did you get your inspiration for this book?

It’s hard to know where the inspiration for my books come from…. It could be they are a result of my growing up around horses and living in El Dorado, California, a little town nestled in the foothills of the beautiful Sierra Nevada Mountains. The famous gold mining town of Placerville was only minutes away, and provided a plethora of fodder for writing westerns.

A Reviewer wrote, “Montana Dawn is not a soft, fluffy, romance. It’s a story of real people, hard times and harder choices. I enjoyed every minute of the book and that’s about as good as a book can get!” What kind of research do you do for your novels since they’re set during the Wild West?

Even as a child I loved everything western. Everything old. Taking road trips with my family I’d ask my parents to stop at the little cemeteries along the way so I could read the headstones. They used to squish a whole lot of interesting things on them in the 1800s. LOL. Also, I read history books about the taming of the west and I always check out museums from any historic place I visit. One little item can be the spark a story is built around.

Wow! So you were born to be curious ever since you were a child. What does your family think about your writing?

They’re all very proud of me for sticking to my guns, so to speak. Besides my husband and two sons, I have four sisters and their families who are all very helpful—if I need a plotting session, a pick me up, or day out shopping—they are there for me. I wrote for a lot of years before getting the call. I quit for about four years sandwiched in-between starting and getting published. But, I found I just wasn’t happy. So, I kept at it….

“Keeping at it” is the secret! Bravo! Now it’s time to tell us something about the real you that we’ll never forget. I love this question because I get to know something new about each author I interview.

Let’s see….I’m the baby, the youngest of five girls. My childhood nickname was Bowie, taken from the popular TV show, Jim Bowie, which ran from 1956-1958. It was set in the Louisiana Territory around 1830. I was glued to the set whenever it was on, and fancied myself the star. As I got older I had to fight to get my family and friends to call me Caroline. LOL. The real me loves cows, almost as much as horses. I’ll take frozen yogurt over ice cream any day… 

Hahaha! Now I know the real you! A cowgirl at heart! And by the way, I was a Jim Bowie fan, also. I loved that show when I was a kid. I couldn’t get enough of it. And frozen yogurt? It’s my favorite. Thanks so much for this awesome interview, Caroline.

46 comments:

Caroline said...

Good Saturday morning, Linda. Thanks again for having me! I'm excited to be here today to share my books with your readers….

I also want to share some news. My 22-year-old son set foot back on US soil yesterday, 11-11-11, after his deployment to Iraq! We are so proud of him! We praise God he is home safe and sound, and pray that for all the other troops still overseas!


Now, lets talk books! LOL

chirth7 said...

Hi Linda and Caroline,

My Mom and I Love westerns and the Old West is fasinating! I really enjoyed the interview too. I still don't know much about horses but I'll learn a little more as I read along. lol

Thanks for the opportunity to win one in the series. I'd love to buy the rest of the series for my Mom for Christmas.

Thanks again,

Christine chirth7(at)yahoo(dot)com

Anonymous said...

I am a girl who lived in Montana during my formative years.... This book screams read me. I want to taste the dust, feel the weight of the shotgun in my hands and see the Big Sky once more.
Caroline - your book sounds amazing, thank you for offering your book
Linda -As always great interview and thank you for giving us a chance to have it for our reading pleasure.

Jenn - jdovefamily (at) gmail (dot) com

Anonymous said...

Caroline. God Bless your Family and thank your Son for his service to this great nation!!!!

Caroline said...

Hi Christine! Thanks so much for stopping by to chat. So excited to hear that you AND your mother love westerns. I just love the easy feel of them, how kind and thoughtful the society used to be (that is when they weren’t shooting each other. LOL) And I’m happy to hear you are interested about learning about horses. If that’s the case, my book SOURDOUGH CREEK, that will launch around Christmas, has lots of horsey stuff. (But lots of love and romance too, of course)!

Good luck in the drawing….
BTW: Your profile pic is cute. You make a darling couple.

My Hyer Space said...

I always enjoy reading he interviews. It is fun to get to know the authors. Thanks so much. agent3547 at aol dot com

Caroline said...

Hello, Jenn-(That’s one of my sister’s name) :)

So cool that you grew up in Montana. Can I ask what town? Were you out in the country? It’s such a beautiful state and has so much to offer people who love the outdoors. My husband’s friend retired to Flat Head Lake and we are planning to visit this summer. Can’t wait…

Thanks for stopping in and good luck on winning MONTANA DAWN!

Caroline said...

Oh, Jenn--I'll be sure to pass that on to Adam. Thank you!!

Caroline said...

Hi there, My Hyer Space,

I enjoy talking to readers and other authors, also. I think Linda does an excellent interview! Blogs are one of my favorite things.

Thanks so much for dropping in...

~C

Gayle said...

I really enjoyed this interview and learning more about Caroline. The book sounds wonderful -- I will definitely be adding it to my list!
bgh(at)byu(dot)net

apple blossom said...

love this book cover

thanks for chance to win

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Caroline said...

Hi Gayle, so happy you enjoyed the interview. Thanks for adding MONTANA DAWN to your TBR list. Who knows, you just might win it instead. LOL
Have a nice Thanksgiving. It’s hard to believe it’s just around the corner!

Cheers!

Caroline said...

You’re welcome, Apple Blossom. Good luck! ((:^>

Serena Casey said...

I think I got my love of western romances from reading "Mustang - Wild Spirit of the West" by Marguerite Henry as a girl, and I've reread it countless times. Your book sounds wonderful and I'd love to read it. I'd especially love to win it! :)

Serena Casey said...

Duh, forgot to leave my e-mail! o_O
serena (at) serenacasey (dot) com

misskallie2000 said...

Hi Caroline, I enjoyed your interview and I also loved watching Jim Bowie. There were so many great family shows to watch way back then but now it is hard to find a clean family show unless it is childrens show. Have not read any of your books but love romance and look forward to reading them. So glad to hear that your son is back home and makes 11-11-11 a special day for all of you.
Thanks for the opportunity to enter giveaway.

misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Caroline said...

Hey Serena,

I’ve never read Mustang - Wild Spirit of the West. I'll have to check it out. I did devour the Black Stallion series by Walter Farley. I loved them so much that years later, as an adult, I scoured used book stores until I had the whole hardback set. It’s amazing the power of a good story…. :)

Good luck in winning MONTANA DAWN!

Anonymous said...

Hi Caroline,
I know you! We've conversed through Utah RWA. I'm so happy for you and your son! I bet you're floating on air.

Great interview. Congrats on all your success and the new book. I'm a country girl at heart too. I was raised on a twenty acre farm. The lifestyle really does teach you to persevere. I've needed that with my health issues and being a writer.

Your book sounds wonderful. Can't wait to read it.

Take care and continued success,

Cindy A. Christiansen

cindy@dragonflyromance.com

Gail Pallotta said...

Ah, Montana Dawn sounds like such a sweet story. Congratulations to your sons and thanks to the one serving in the military.

Serena Casey said...

Yes, I loved the Black Stallion series too. I still remember the very shelf on which they sat at the nearest library, and I was so disappointed when there were no more to read. :)

Unknown said...

I've never heard of the Jim Bowie show but I'm glad I heard of you and your new book. Would love to read it. =D

Tina "the book lady"
http://familyliteracy2.blogspot.com
http://givingnsharing.blogspot.com

Caroline said...

Hi Cindy!

How are my friends up in Utah? I have to say, that was one of the BEST conferences I’ve ever been to. Not only beautiful in Park City, but everyone was so friendly. At the next meeting give a big hello from me, okay.

You’re so right about a soul needing room. I remember as a girl just being outside all the time. Even if it was to sit quietly and talk to a horse grazing nearby. I loved those times.

Thanks so much for stopping in! {{{Hugs}}}

Caroline said...

Thank you, Gail. I will give Adam your message... :)

Caroline said...

Serena--did you also read The ISlAND STALLION stories also by Walter Farley? I found myself torn between the too. That's a good author! :)

Caroline said...

Thanks so much, Tina. I'm sure Jim Bowie was before your time. LOL It's an oldie classic by now and you look like a spring chick! :)

Good luck in the drawing!

Alison said...

Hi, Caroline! The river-crossing scene Is the first one that jumps to my mind whenever I think of Montana Dawn. Still love it! The new cover is gorgeous, too, maybe even more so that the original.

Anonymous said...

What? Frozen yogurt over ice cream!

I guess that means more ice cream for me. : )

Great post. I have a soft spot for a good western romance and this sounds like something right up my alley.

Liz

Anonymous said...

What? Frozen yogurt over ice cream!

I guess that means more ice cream for me. : )

Great post. I have a soft spot for a good western romance and this sounds like something right up my alley.

Liz

Linda Andrews said...

I love westerns too and your covers are fabulous. Is there only 3 brothers in the series and are you planning to write more westerns?

Caroline said...

Hey, Allison, thanks for dropping in. I'm happy that scene made an impression!

Let me know when your debut is ready to hit the shelves. That is soooo exciting!!

~C

Caroline said...

Welcome, Liz--

Actually, if i tell the whole truth--I love ice cream too. I want to know who ever thought of it in the first place. I'd love to be the person to have invented/discovered it. Can you imagine how popular you'd be. LOL

Hope your Sunday has been wonderful....

Caroline said...

Hi Linda,
There are not only four brothers and one sister in, MONTANA DAWN but two male cousins and two female cousins in the sequel, TEXAS TWILIGHT. So lots of stuff going on…

I do plan a third book for the McCutcheon Family series, but it’s not written yet. I have a new book, SOURDOUGH CREEK, planned to launch around Christmas.

Thanks for asking… :)

Katherine said...

I really want to read this one! Thanks for the chance and the great interview!

katsaddress AT gmail. DOT com

Linda said...

THIS is the kind of Sweet Romance--real people, tough times, authentic love! Would love to win your book! You are a new author for me. Your cover is absolutely delicious as well!

desertrose5173 at gmail dot com

Caroline said...

No problem, Kat. I'm really happy you stopped by. Good luck!

Caroline said...

Thank you, Linda! I'm happy to be a new author. Thanks for the flowers on my cover....

Cheers and good luck!

LAWonder said...

I love western and historical history novels. What better setting than Montana! It is so western!
I would love to win this book.

Caroline said...

Hi, LAWonder,
I totally agree about Montana. I've spent time there but really want to go back.

Wishing you good luck in the drawing... :)

Caroline said...

Great, Linda, I'm glad this is your kind of story. We'll put you in the drawing to win! :)

Is that a lake in your profile pic? Looks pretty...

Have an awesome day!

daysease said...

OH, this looks like a nice read!! I love Christian romances... with a touch of "real" to them. I LOVE big families so that comment by Caroline, and hearing that her son is officially back on US soil made my heart glad. I would LOVE to read this, and I, for one, am so grateful that you have opened up this giveaway to people overseas. Thank you for making me feel, for a moment, that I am not so far away from home, and for letting me join in the excitement and down-to-earth fun. Blessings, and Happy Thanksgiving!! celita from Italy

http://daysease.blogspot.com/

mrsdayseye at tiscali dot it

apple blossom said...

sounds like a good book thanks

ABreading4fun [at] gmail [dot] com

Caroline said...

Hi Daysease….Thank you for your kind words about my son being home. It’s so wonderful—I actually sleep through the night now. LOL I haven’t seen him yet but can’t wait to get my arms around and give a ten minute hug.

I’m very happy to have you join the fun. I’m sorry if you are feeling a bit homesick. You have a blessed Thanksgiving also. Good luck in the drawing…

Caroline said...

Good luck in the drawing, Apple Blossom!! :)

Linda Weaver Clarke said...

Congratulations, Christine Hirth! You're the winner of this awesome romance. I know you'll enjoy it.

Mary Robinson said...

Linda, I live in Boise and my husband know Bear Lake very well. He is a hiker and past pilot.

I would be interested also in any of your books or Historical Fiction. Donna Fletcher Crow lives in Boise also and is a friend of mine.

myrenterp@gmail.com
Thanks! Mary Robinson

LAWonder said...

I had to buy this book. It was truly a great story and a great addition to my library! It was such a cute story and probably more real than most of us would think.
It was unique and yet a happily-ever- after which I am sure many similar situations didn't end up as such.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading it. It is one I will read more than once.