Shale asked Karen Witemeyer:

So I absolutely love the Short Straw Bride. I found it the winter of 2014, and consumed it in one night. Ever since then I've re-read it every year, and even thought I know exactly what's going to happen next, I still can't put it down. I was wondering what your inspiration was for this story was? And if we get to see the Archer brothers again now that they're all married. Will they show up in other books?

Karen Witemeyer Hi, Shale.

You've made my day with your love for Travis and Meri. :-) One of the main inspirations for that story was the old Hollywood Musical, Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. Brothers living alone on an isolated ranch. A marriage of convenience. A theme in the brothers' names. Etc. Obviously the story of Short-Straw is very different, but that was where some of the ideas started.

As much as I love the Archer brothers (and I do!), there are no plans at the moment to have them show up again in other stories. I'm toying with the idea of maybe bringing them together for a Christmas short story, but finding the time to add another writing piece to my booked schedule is a challenge. Who knows? Maybe one of these days I'll find the time.

Thanks for your question! Have a wonderful week.
~Karen

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