Delighted to share a guest post by my friend, Donna Schlachter. Please enjoy learning about her and her new book, Dianna’s Dilemma.
Donna take it away…
I was invited to join a multi-author project, or what we writers commonly call a MAP. The idea is to create a series or anthology around a common theme. In this case, The Reclusive Man series matches a woman who discovers a man hiding out or incognito as he strives to keep a secret, and she uncovers that secret. The idea is he’s been wounded in the past, perhaps hurt by a woman, and can’t face the world. But the love of a good woman gives him strength to try again.
I knew I wanted to set the story in Colorado. Somewhere bleak and dismal, or at least it would be in my story. Out on the open plains, with little water, few towns, and not many people. Kind of a last ditch place.
We’d recently traveled through southeastern Colorado, through La Junta, and I thought maybe this–or a town based on it–would be perfect. After some research, I discovered that La Junta — or Junction City — had been around for a long time, but hadn’t really caught on. With few businesses, well, you know how it is. Hard to attract people, so no new businesses. Well, I learned that the town incorporated in May 1881. I figured there were likely people on both sides of that decision. Create some tension, perhaps. Then there was really an incident where a herd of antelope raced down Main Street, and so the founding folks decided to include an antelope on the town seal. Had to go into a book.
More research about the area, and I found out about the real life stageline mentioned in the book. Figured if they had harnesses and leather traces, they’d need somebody to occasionally fix it. Who better than a doctor on the run from a painful past?
Colorado Springs had several daily and weekly newspapers at this time, so I chose one of the smaller weeklies and set my heroine journalist up to work there.
Find out more or purchase here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B3SCZFTZ
If you enjoy the story, I hope you’ll check out the other books in the series: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09K7FP3SJ
About Dianna’s Dilemma:
In 1881, a female journalist travels to La Junta, Colorado, for one story, but finds another even more intriguing. Will she break her promise and reveal a man in hiding—or will she stay true to her word—and her heart?
Leave a comment, and we’ll draw randomly for one winner to choose either a print copy (US only) or an ebook. Cleverly disguise your email address so I can contact you. For example Donna AT livebytheword DOT com
Question: If you had to choose a new name and identity, what would it be? I’ll go first. I’ve always wanted to work in a flower shop, and my new name would be Danielle Smith.
Angie here: I know Donna and her writing. I also know you’ll enjoy her book. Pick up a copy and get lost in the pages. We all need a little bit of fun reading. This is a fun one 🙂 And honestly, I just really like Donna and her generous heart for others. You will, too!
About Donna:
A hybrid author, Donna writes squeaky clean historical and contemporary suspense. She has been published more than 50 times in books; is a member of several writers groups; facilitates a critique group; teaches writing classes; ghostwrites; edits; and judges in writing contests. She loves history and research, traveling extensively for both, and is an avid oil painter.
www.DonnaSchlachter.com Stay connected so you learn about new releases, preorders, and presales, as well as check out featured authors, book reviews, and a little corner of peace. Plus: Receive a free ebook simply for signing up for our free newsletter!
Check out previous blog posts at www.HiStoryThruTheAges.wordpress.com and www.AllBettsAreOff.wordpress.com
Facebook: www.Facebook.com/DonnaschlachterAuthor
Twitter: www.Twitter.com/DonnaSchlachter
Books: Amazon: http://amzn.to/2ci5Xqq
Bookbub: https://www.bookbub.com/authors/donna-schlachter
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/search?utf8=%E2%9C%93&query=donna+schlachter
Etsy online shop of original artwork: https://www.etsy.com/shop/Dare2DreamUS
Donna Schlachter
August 26, 2022 at 2:31 PMThanks for hosting me, Angie!