Until Next Time

About 17 years ago today I began my professional writing career. Some of the material has been well received and others have been highly criticized. Perhaps it’s human nature, but it’s always easier to remember the harsh reviews. It’s hard to forget someone who sends you an email that reads, “You are an author worth watching. Not reading…just watching.” Recently, however, I received an email about my work I’ll recall for a long time. Candis from Tucson wrote, “I so wanted to drop a short letter to you. In lack of anything new to read on my shelves I have started sorting through some of my favorite ones I’ve already torn through. Only today have I noticed that you have written some of my favorite books on females in the west. I am sure you are contacted on this often, but I, as well, wanted to give you my due gratitude in bringing so many of these unsung female everyday heroes to light. Without you so many would not know their stories. I find my own strength in these women every day. If they can do the impossible so can I. You’ll never know how much it means to me. Thank you and looking forward to many more reads.” I thought this message would be a good way to mark my writing anniversary. I look forward to many more years of writing and yes, reviews. If only they could all be good. I will not be updating this site for a few days because I’m in the process of moving. I don’t want to conclude this entry without sharing what was going on in the Old West around this time. In 1857, Brigham Young declared marital law in the Utah Territory. The atmosphere was tense, as many Saints remembered the murder of their first prophet in Nauvoo, Illinois, and the subsequent exodus to Council Bluffs. With the territory under martial law, President Young forbid any US armed forced to enter Utah. It would prove to be a fatal decision. Happy Trails until we meet again, readers.