Michael Watson's Blog, page 3
August 12, 2014
Newspaper Review
Article published July 28, 2014
Colorful past comes to life
‘Shootout at the El Moro’ recounts 1906 tragedy in Durango
By Leslie Doran
Special to the Herald
Shootout at the El Moro: A Tragedy in Durango is a compact fictional work by Michael Watson, an independently published writer, who brings to life the very real and legendary gunfight in Durango between two disparate lawman. The legend involves the showdown between Sheriff William (Bill) Thompson and Night Marshall Jesse Stansel on Main Street in front of the El Moro Saloon (Home to the current El Moro Spirits and Tavern) on Jan. 9, 1906. One man died in the event, though I will not spoil who it was.
Shootout at the El Moro by Michael Watson, recounts a 1906 shootout in downtown Durango that left one lawman dead.
Review
Shootout at the El Moro: A Tragedy in Durango, by Michael R. Watson, CreateSpace Independent Publishing, 154 pages.
The competing lawmen were terminally divided over the heated issue of gambling. Thompson was a straight-laced individual who felt compelled to uphold the state and county laws against gambling and the establishments that promoted it. On the other hand, the Durango Town Council encouraged Marshall Stansel to look the other way since the practice bought money into the town coffers.
Both lawmen were devoted family men with wives and children to support. Thompson and his wife Sarah had five, three boys and two girls. Stansel and wife Ella also had five, also three boys and two girls. Thompson’s daughter Ruby and Stansel’s son Jesse were classmates at Park Elementary and best friends.
So when the two men ran against each other for the position of sheriff in 1904, tensions were high between the families, and Jesse and Ruby’s friendship was threatened. Ultimately, Thompson was elected sheriff, and he renewed his efforts to shut down gambling in Durango.
Watson ably takes readers back in time and down the familiar streets of Durango. He vividly portrays the living conditions here in the early 20th century when Durango was still a town of the “Wild West.” He also illustrates the social aspects of the town with its “Soiled Doves,” gamblers and shopkeepers. Watson captures the dress and especially the language of the times, drawing the reader into the human element of the tale.
The climax of the story occurs during the final showdown between Sheriff Thompson and Marshall Stansel. The incident happened suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, in the heart of downtown in late morning. Witnesses were shocked by the violence and intensity of the event.
It was Thompson who initiated the gun play, which devolved into a beating when both men had emptied their guns. One unlucky passerby lost his arm after he was caught by a stray bullet.
Both Thompson and Stansel were respected by the many factions in town despite their differences in carrying out the dictates of the law. The town turned out 800 strong to pay tribute to one of its fallen lawman. Shortly after, the town got caught up in drama of the survivor’s trial. Watson has put human faces on an element of town history that many modern Durangoans know nothing about.
The second portion of Shootout at the El Moro is a chronological listing of the newspaper articles describing the factual elements of the book. There are clippings from the Durango Democrat, Durango Evening Herald and the Durango Wage Earner.
The language used in the articles is very entertaining since journalism style has changed radically since the early 19th century. The articles are very descriptive and use phrases almost foreign to contemporary readers. Here is an example, from a description of Sheriff Thompson: “... he is no doubt quite harmonious to the proposition of succeeding himself and under existing conditions ...” What?
Readers with a love of history should be interested in this little treasure that features an important event from Durango’s colorful past.
sierrapoco@yahoo.com. Leslie Doran is a Durango freelance reviewer.
Colorful past comes to life
‘Shootout at the El Moro’ recounts 1906 tragedy in Durango
By Leslie Doran
Special to the Herald
Shootout at the El Moro: A Tragedy in Durango is a compact fictional work by Michael Watson, an independently published writer, who brings to life the very real and legendary gunfight in Durango between two disparate lawman. The legend involves the showdown between Sheriff William (Bill) Thompson and Night Marshall Jesse Stansel on Main Street in front of the El Moro Saloon (Home to the current El Moro Spirits and Tavern) on Jan. 9, 1906. One man died in the event, though I will not spoil who it was.
Shootout at the El Moro by Michael Watson, recounts a 1906 shootout in downtown Durango that left one lawman dead.
Review
Shootout at the El Moro: A Tragedy in Durango, by Michael R. Watson, CreateSpace Independent Publishing, 154 pages.
The competing lawmen were terminally divided over the heated issue of gambling. Thompson was a straight-laced individual who felt compelled to uphold the state and county laws against gambling and the establishments that promoted it. On the other hand, the Durango Town Council encouraged Marshall Stansel to look the other way since the practice bought money into the town coffers.
Both lawmen were devoted family men with wives and children to support. Thompson and his wife Sarah had five, three boys and two girls. Stansel and wife Ella also had five, also three boys and two girls. Thompson’s daughter Ruby and Stansel’s son Jesse were classmates at Park Elementary and best friends.
So when the two men ran against each other for the position of sheriff in 1904, tensions were high between the families, and Jesse and Ruby’s friendship was threatened. Ultimately, Thompson was elected sheriff, and he renewed his efforts to shut down gambling in Durango.
Watson ably takes readers back in time and down the familiar streets of Durango. He vividly portrays the living conditions here in the early 20th century when Durango was still a town of the “Wild West.” He also illustrates the social aspects of the town with its “Soiled Doves,” gamblers and shopkeepers. Watson captures the dress and especially the language of the times, drawing the reader into the human element of the tale.
The climax of the story occurs during the final showdown between Sheriff Thompson and Marshall Stansel. The incident happened suddenly, seemingly out of nowhere, in the heart of downtown in late morning. Witnesses were shocked by the violence and intensity of the event.
It was Thompson who initiated the gun play, which devolved into a beating when both men had emptied their guns. One unlucky passerby lost his arm after he was caught by a stray bullet.
Both Thompson and Stansel were respected by the many factions in town despite their differences in carrying out the dictates of the law. The town turned out 800 strong to pay tribute to one of its fallen lawman. Shortly after, the town got caught up in drama of the survivor’s trial. Watson has put human faces on an element of town history that many modern Durangoans know nothing about.
The second portion of Shootout at the El Moro is a chronological listing of the newspaper articles describing the factual elements of the book. There are clippings from the Durango Democrat, Durango Evening Herald and the Durango Wage Earner.
The language used in the articles is very entertaining since journalism style has changed radically since the early 19th century. The articles are very descriptive and use phrases almost foreign to contemporary readers. Here is an example, from a description of Sheriff Thompson: “... he is no doubt quite harmonious to the proposition of succeeding himself and under existing conditions ...” What?
Readers with a love of history should be interested in this little treasure that features an important event from Durango’s colorful past.
sierrapoco@yahoo.com. Leslie Doran is a Durango freelance reviewer.
July 7, 2014
"F" Word
It would appear that the use of the “F” word is becoming more frequent, in most medias. What was once referred to as a no-no is now commonplace. If a movie has an “R” rating, one can pretty much expect its use, and repeatedly, with no genre being safe. In recent movies, the number count of the “F” word was mentioned more than the movie itself.
It has even worked its way into network TV programs with a warning of “Adult Language,” which in itself is incorrect. All adults don’t use offensive language. Perhaps they could just post “Offensive/Vulgar Language.”
The use of the “F” word in books, in one regard, is even worse for readers who might be offended, since there is no warning. Some authors justify such language because it contributes to realistic dialogue. However, there have been many successful authors who have been able to create compelling stories without it. I wonder if a rating system will someday be given to books as can now be seen on CDs, such as “Parental Advisory, Explicit Lyrics.” I’m sure some will say, “If you don’t like it, don’t read it or watch it.” As far as a TV program or movie, I agree, but in the case of a book without a warning, it’s impossible to know.
Have you ever been embarrassed while watching a movie or TV show with your parents or your children? Hearing words your parents taught you not to use or hearing words that you’ve told your kids were bad?
I’m sure some will see this as the writing of a bible-thumper or goody-two-shoes. So be it. This is the audience I write for. It’s the kind of book I read, which includes many “A-list” authors. I will never be ashamed of what I have written when my family, or anyone else reads them, and they will be out there a long time.
For those who prefer, by choice, not to read books with this word or other offensive words, please be assured that my books, The Jack Trader Adventures, do not. A mild swear word might appear, but rarely. I would rate my adventure books at PG-13.
One possible solution for the lack of warnings on books would be for book reviewers to make mention of it if there is pervasive use of offensive language.
It has even worked its way into network TV programs with a warning of “Adult Language,” which in itself is incorrect. All adults don’t use offensive language. Perhaps they could just post “Offensive/Vulgar Language.”
The use of the “F” word in books, in one regard, is even worse for readers who might be offended, since there is no warning. Some authors justify such language because it contributes to realistic dialogue. However, there have been many successful authors who have been able to create compelling stories without it. I wonder if a rating system will someday be given to books as can now be seen on CDs, such as “Parental Advisory, Explicit Lyrics.” I’m sure some will say, “If you don’t like it, don’t read it or watch it.” As far as a TV program or movie, I agree, but in the case of a book without a warning, it’s impossible to know.
Have you ever been embarrassed while watching a movie or TV show with your parents or your children? Hearing words your parents taught you not to use or hearing words that you’ve told your kids were bad?
I’m sure some will see this as the writing of a bible-thumper or goody-two-shoes. So be it. This is the audience I write for. It’s the kind of book I read, which includes many “A-list” authors. I will never be ashamed of what I have written when my family, or anyone else reads them, and they will be out there a long time.
For those who prefer, by choice, not to read books with this word or other offensive words, please be assured that my books, The Jack Trader Adventures, do not. A mild swear word might appear, but rarely. I would rate my adventure books at PG-13.
One possible solution for the lack of warnings on books would be for book reviewers to make mention of it if there is pervasive use of offensive language.
June 7, 2014
PITY PARTY & WARNING
I just felt like ranting a little today and discuss a portion of my writing journey so far. So, if this isn't your cup of tea, please feel free to check out other areas of this website.
First, my decision to write seriously occurred in 2005, right after being told I had prostate cancer. I had this idea for a story that had been rattling around in my head for some time and if I was going to write it, it had to be now. As far as the cancer thing, I found the best surgeon I could, which happened to be in Austin, Texas, and after he had been brought up to speed I asked him to schedule me for surgery as soon as possible. I didn't want any delays. All of the samples that had been collected were cancerous. Stage 2, Gleason 7.The surgery was a success. For anyone interested, the procedure used was by the DaVinci Robotic, relatively new for the time. I'll jump ahead here. As of today, every test has remained negative. (Note to men and wives: Do NOT rely on the PSA test exclusively. Mine was non-detect at the time, but a digital exam discovered something odd. I was sent to another doctor where the cancer was identified.)
Back to writing. I was enlightened as to how much work goes into writing a book. My first one, including research, writing and rewriting and rewriting ... , searching for an agent and/or publisher, and then deciding to self-publish, took six years. After that long and doing everything I was told at writing conferences, the expectations were pretty high. I couldn't wait for everyone to fall in love with my baby. The satisfaction would be overwhelming. I could almost taste it. Well, I'm still waiting. And now I've written three more books. The expectation aren't any less. But now I understand the reality of competing with a million-plus other writers for readers. BTW, I still love writing and the research involved. Selling a few books would be nice too.
I was so sure I could do this. (Here comes the pity part.) I have been diligent about my research and have hired editors, cover artists, and formatters. It doesn't seem to matter. Sales are dissmal.
I am self-employed, giving me the ability to pass on certain jobs. I started doing this four years ago with the idea that with more time on my hands, I'd be able to concentrate more of my time on my writing. Well, that part has worked. I think I'm starting to ramble or rant if you prefer, so the morale of this story is "Don't rely exclusively on a PSA. And even if it is embarassing, ask to have a digital exam done also." I've heard that the doctor doesn't like it any more than you do.
First, my decision to write seriously occurred in 2005, right after being told I had prostate cancer. I had this idea for a story that had been rattling around in my head for some time and if I was going to write it, it had to be now. As far as the cancer thing, I found the best surgeon I could, which happened to be in Austin, Texas, and after he had been brought up to speed I asked him to schedule me for surgery as soon as possible. I didn't want any delays. All of the samples that had been collected were cancerous. Stage 2, Gleason 7.The surgery was a success. For anyone interested, the procedure used was by the DaVinci Robotic, relatively new for the time. I'll jump ahead here. As of today, every test has remained negative. (Note to men and wives: Do NOT rely on the PSA test exclusively. Mine was non-detect at the time, but a digital exam discovered something odd. I was sent to another doctor where the cancer was identified.)
Back to writing. I was enlightened as to how much work goes into writing a book. My first one, including research, writing and rewriting and rewriting ... , searching for an agent and/or publisher, and then deciding to self-publish, took six years. After that long and doing everything I was told at writing conferences, the expectations were pretty high. I couldn't wait for everyone to fall in love with my baby. The satisfaction would be overwhelming. I could almost taste it. Well, I'm still waiting. And now I've written three more books. The expectation aren't any less. But now I understand the reality of competing with a million-plus other writers for readers. BTW, I still love writing and the research involved. Selling a few books would be nice too.
I was so sure I could do this. (Here comes the pity part.) I have been diligent about my research and have hired editors, cover artists, and formatters. It doesn't seem to matter. Sales are dissmal.
I am self-employed, giving me the ability to pass on certain jobs. I started doing this four years ago with the idea that with more time on my hands, I'd be able to concentrate more of my time on my writing. Well, that part has worked. I think I'm starting to ramble or rant if you prefer, so the morale of this story is "Don't rely exclusively on a PSA. And even if it is embarassing, ask to have a digital exam done also." I've heard that the doctor doesn't like it any more than you do.
May 30, 2014
TRIP TO THE MUSEUM
On one of my trips to Durango, my wife and I visited the Animas Historical Museum. One display in particular caught my eye. It was about a shootout between the sheriff and the marshal. The more I read the more intrigued I became. Gambling was illegal in the state of Colorado, however it wasn't enforced. Not in general anyway. In Durango, the sheriff's department was attempting to stop the gambling. The marshal's office, on the other hand, was given direction by the town council to look the other way. The town's merchants were experiencing healthy profits as a result of the abundance of visitors that were coming to town to visit the saloons, gaming establishments, and the red light district.
Tension between the two groups of lawmen grew until the inevitable happened.
Even though this isn't the genre that I typically write in, I felt compelled to write about this event. Especially after learning that this event had never been written about before, othr that in the newsI found that the Colorado Historic Newspaper Collection had many, if not all, articles leading up to and following the shootout. I couldn't believe some of the subject matter and detail in those articles. It took quite a while to decipher the old photo copies, but was well worth it. With the organizations permission, I included these articles in the back half of my book, which I titled Shootout at the El Moro: A Tragedy in Durango.I hope you'll take a look, even just out of curiosity.It's amazing what you can find in our historical museums. I intend to go to my local historical museum in Wichita, Kansas for further inspiration. I'm sure there is something that begs to be written about in this old cowtown.
Tension between the two groups of lawmen grew until the inevitable happened.
Even though this isn't the genre that I typically write in, I felt compelled to write about this event. Especially after learning that this event had never been written about before, othr that in the newsI found that the Colorado Historic Newspaper Collection had many, if not all, articles leading up to and following the shootout. I couldn't believe some of the subject matter and detail in those articles. It took quite a while to decipher the old photo copies, but was well worth it. With the organizations permission, I included these articles in the back half of my book, which I titled Shootout at the El Moro: A Tragedy in Durango.I hope you'll take a look, even just out of curiosity.It's amazing what you can find in our historical museums. I intend to go to my local historical museum in Wichita, Kansas for further inspiration. I'm sure there is something that begs to be written about in this old cowtown.
February 21, 2014
Story Cubes
One of my granddaughters was given a very unique gift for Christmas, Rory's Original Story Cubes. I highly recommend this item for any child. She is 5 years old and really enjoys it. It comes with 9 cubes (dice sized), each with 6 different images, for a total of 54 images. The object is to mix them up and roll them out, using the images face up for a story. Pick any one to start with and create a story using all images. Each player, in turn, is supposed to pick another image and add to the story. We do it a little differently. Each person does an entire story using all nine. I am amazed at how creative a pre-school five year old can be. She loves playing the game, always bringing it to me to play, taking turns. I love to hear her as she works each image into the story. She seems to enjoy my stories as well.
I looked at Amazon and discovered there are other versions with different themes. The cost is around $7-8. I think you'll be as impressed as I am.
I looked at Amazon and discovered there are other versions with different themes. The cost is around $7-8. I think you'll be as impressed as I am.
January 20, 2014
Indie Freedom
There is one important reason why I am an indie author. Freedom to write what I want, when I want. I am about to release the 3rd book in the Jack Trader Adventure series and at the same time I've been working on other projects: a few short stories and a biographical novella. Just last week I had an idea for compiling a collection of stories from surveyors in several states. So far, the response has been very positive.
This is the kind of freedom I'm writing about. I can follow any whim I choose. I don't know for sure, because I am not contracted to anyone, but I assume this freedom is not the norm for someone under contract. Perhaps someday I'll find out.
The freedom is very important to me, but I'd also like to earn a living as an author. That's not going to happen when I average one book sale per week. That doesn't even cover the editor I hired, the eBook formatter I hired, or the cover artist I hired. I've always been told to put out a professional product. However, if you can't get it into the hands of the reader, I'm not sure it really matters, except for the pride of knowing I did my best.
I guess I got off-track a little, or a lot. Anyway, the bottom line is that I enjoy being able to write about anything my heart desires.
I think some will read this and say "but you have to stick with one genre, etc. to build up a following." Maybe that's true, but until I have enough sales to lean one way or the other, I'll just continue to do a little of everything. Thanks. Mike.
This is the kind of freedom I'm writing about. I can follow any whim I choose. I don't know for sure, because I am not contracted to anyone, but I assume this freedom is not the norm for someone under contract. Perhaps someday I'll find out.
The freedom is very important to me, but I'd also like to earn a living as an author. That's not going to happen when I average one book sale per week. That doesn't even cover the editor I hired, the eBook formatter I hired, or the cover artist I hired. I've always been told to put out a professional product. However, if you can't get it into the hands of the reader, I'm not sure it really matters, except for the pride of knowing I did my best.
I guess I got off-track a little, or a lot. Anyway, the bottom line is that I enjoy being able to write about anything my heart desires.
I think some will read this and say "but you have to stick with one genre, etc. to build up a following." Maybe that's true, but until I have enough sales to lean one way or the other, I'll just continue to do a little of everything. Thanks. Mike.
January 13, 2014
Choices
As a writer, our days are filled with choices.
When it comes to writing, we have to decide when to write, how much to write, and what to write. Do we outline in some form before we start or do we just "pants" it.
I have been looking through the 2014 Novel & Short Story Writer's Market the last few days, looking for places to send a query for a new book. After going through the publishers section with a red pen, I went to work writing the query letter.
First, one little rant about this Writer's Market. I'm not sure why they include half the names in there. Many of those listed say 'agented submission only,' 'no unsolicited manuscripts,' 'currently closed to submissions,' or 'we do not accept queries.' Then what's the point of putting them in there. I suppose to bulk it up to make you think you're getting more than you actually are. What a waste of time.
Okay, back to the query letter. The reason for me sending one out is an attempt to be published by a company that can get the word out there better than I have been able to, hopefully with better sales results. Then I asked myself what I was doing. That's not what I really wanted to do. I then made a choice. This was the third book in the Jack Trader series. I had self-published the first two. I should self-publish this one too. I can put it out there quicker and I can have the same cover designer come up with a cover that goes along with the first two. I like consistency and I like my first two covers. So, I made a choice and switched gears today.
While going through the Writer's Market I was also marking the publishers who were interested in submissions about history of the American West. I have also been working on a biographical novella backed by actual newspaper articles concerning an event from 1906. This story has not been done before. As a side note, historical museums can be a great place for inspiration. I sent out three packets today.
I'm relatively sure your days are filled with similar choices, especially if you have or are self-publishing.
My next choice is what can I do differently to promote my books. Happy writing and may all your choices be good ones, or may you at least be able to learn from them. Mike
When it comes to writing, we have to decide when to write, how much to write, and what to write. Do we outline in some form before we start or do we just "pants" it.
I have been looking through the 2014 Novel & Short Story Writer's Market the last few days, looking for places to send a query for a new book. After going through the publishers section with a red pen, I went to work writing the query letter.
First, one little rant about this Writer's Market. I'm not sure why they include half the names in there. Many of those listed say 'agented submission only,' 'no unsolicited manuscripts,' 'currently closed to submissions,' or 'we do not accept queries.' Then what's the point of putting them in there. I suppose to bulk it up to make you think you're getting more than you actually are. What a waste of time.
Okay, back to the query letter. The reason for me sending one out is an attempt to be published by a company that can get the word out there better than I have been able to, hopefully with better sales results. Then I asked myself what I was doing. That's not what I really wanted to do. I then made a choice. This was the third book in the Jack Trader series. I had self-published the first two. I should self-publish this one too. I can put it out there quicker and I can have the same cover designer come up with a cover that goes along with the first two. I like consistency and I like my first two covers. So, I made a choice and switched gears today.
While going through the Writer's Market I was also marking the publishers who were interested in submissions about history of the American West. I have also been working on a biographical novella backed by actual newspaper articles concerning an event from 1906. This story has not been done before. As a side note, historical museums can be a great place for inspiration. I sent out three packets today.
I'm relatively sure your days are filled with similar choices, especially if you have or are self-publishing.
My next choice is what can I do differently to promote my books. Happy writing and may all your choices be good ones, or may you at least be able to learn from them. Mike
December 21, 2013
Audio Book Giveaway
This is a giveaway of my new audio book, Treasure of the Anasazi: A Jack Trader Adventure. To the first two people who post a comment here I will contact with the free download codes. I will be doing this again before Christmas. I invite you to look around while you're here. Good Luck and Merry Christmas!
December 20, 2013
Audio Book Giveaway
This is a giveaway of my new audio book TREASURE OF THE ANASAZI: A Jack Trader Adventure. It is the the first over the next couple of days. Last nights attempt fell flat, so disregard. Let's try it this way, the FIRST TWO to leave a comment here will be contacted with the free downloading code for the book on Audible.
Good Luck and Merry Christmas.
Good Luck and Merry Christmas.
December 5, 2013
Audio Book #4: Completed
The audio book for TREASURE OF THE ANASAZI: A Jack Trader Adventure has been completed and is now available at Amazon http://www.goo.gl/0y9wpB. It is also at the Audible site and soon to be at iTunes.
After completion of the narration and after my final review, the book went to ACX for their review. We were told it would be a two to four week process. We were hoping for the shorter time frame, so it would be out before Christmas. Gratefully, we got what we wanted.
As I have mentioned previously, the process was free on a shared royalty basis. Other than time, no cost was involved. Ted Brooks, the narrator, has also put together a video that plays the audio sample. If you get a chance, please take a look and a listen. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpjCAn...
From the time I made an offer to Ted on October 18th, the narration took about one month. Then with ACX's review, another two weeks. So, the entire process took only a about a month and a half.
If you've been considering having your book made into an audio book or even if you hadn't until now, I recommend you go for it.
I hope you like it. Even though I wrote it, I was excited to hear it as it was performed. The characters come to life. I think you'll like as much as I do. It is suitable for both adults and YA, male and female. No graphic content.
After completion of the narration and after my final review, the book went to ACX for their review. We were told it would be a two to four week process. We were hoping for the shorter time frame, so it would be out before Christmas. Gratefully, we got what we wanted.
As I have mentioned previously, the process was free on a shared royalty basis. Other than time, no cost was involved. Ted Brooks, the narrator, has also put together a video that plays the audio sample. If you get a chance, please take a look and a listen. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CpjCAn...
From the time I made an offer to Ted on October 18th, the narration took about one month. Then with ACX's review, another two weeks. So, the entire process took only a about a month and a half.
If you've been considering having your book made into an audio book or even if you hadn't until now, I recommend you go for it.
I hope you like it. Even though I wrote it, I was excited to hear it as it was performed. The characters come to life. I think you'll like as much as I do. It is suitable for both adults and YA, male and female. No graphic content.
