Snow and heavy rain have kept me tied to my office now for four days. I’ve got to venture out soon to do more research on Buffalo Bill Cody. I am working on a book about his life and loves and need more information about his home in Nebraska. He was married for more than read more…

Wyatt Earp. I thought I knew just about everything there was to know about him until today. I’ve been working on a chapter in my posse book about Wyatt and learned that he was a fine boxer. More often than not, Wyatt was able to subdue outlaws without ever pulling his gun. He was naturally read more…

The last permission form needed to complete the schoolmarm book came in today and I can finally send the manuscript off to the publisher. I’ve walked away from the experience writing this book with a great deal more respect for teachers than I did have. It’s a tough job and when it’s done well has read more…

I’ve been spending the last few days with Wyatt Earp. He was part of the posse that went looking for Dora Hand’s murderer and iatrical to the story I’m working on about the manhunt. So much has been written about him it’s hard to find a fresh approach to the material. He was a fearless read more…

The article in today’s Sacramento Bee generated a great deal of interest in the books. I’m pleased that so many people want to read about women’s contributions to the Old West. I got a call from Christina Richter, the Community Relations Manager at Barnes & Noble in Roseville, this afternoon. She wanted me to know read more…

Author Chris Enss was the subject of The Sacramento Bee Scene, January 16th, 2008 “The couples who lived in the Old West had drive and grit,” Chris Enss was saying, passion rising in her voice. “The had the ability to persevere despite rough winters, disease, hostile natives and not enough food. They stuck together. Download read more…

It’s always good to hear from readers who like the books you’ve worked on. Writing is such a solitary profession and you never know if anyone has given the material a look. It’s amazing how much encouragement a postive remark about the books gives you. I’m grateful. I spent part of Friday with a reporter read more…

I’ve been finishing up the book about schoolmarms of the Old West and remembering the truly inspirational teachers I’ve known. I was in Germany during my eigth grade year and enjoyed all the art classes I had with Mrs. Lucille Ramsey. She was smart and well dressed and had done away with the traditional desks read more…

I’ve been working on the final chapter for the book about schoolmarms of the Old West and was impacted by the affection Bethenia Owens-Adair had for her teacher. She was 12 years old when she entered his class in 1852 and terribly upset when he left to teach in another location. The following is a read more…

A major storm is brewing outside and the wind is gusting violently. I’m pleased to be safe inside my office writing about the Old West. The men in the posse I’m writing about were stuck in this kind of weather for a couple of days. The conditions beyond my window help me to imagine what read more…