Why Write Westerns?

I didn't set out to write westerns. I just wanted to tell my grandmother's story,. Since she was a bonafide rodeo cowgirl, my books are classified as "western," although not in the traditional 1800s "old west" sense. I like to say they are "stories of the west," stories of the heart, of courage and strength.

I love this reason quoted by John Locke in an interview with Jean Henry Meade on her blog, Writers of the West:

"Why westerns? Let me tell you something. Westerns are magic. When you read a western, you're viewing the world in microcosm, because there's a fixed time and setting, generally, with endless possibilities. The whole dynamic of a man and woman optimistically venturing into an untamed land with little more than a horse, gun, wagon, meager supplies…and a whole lot of courage—is the very definition of heroism. Courage is at the core of every western. And every good western offers adventure, heart, and a classic confrontation between good and evil."

I agree wholeheartedly. Courage is the definition of "Cowgirl Up!" something my ancestors and my characters do.