Good morning, dear hearts!
One of the niches of literature I have appreciated reading for a long, long time is Western Lit! From the tales of the homesteaders to the cowboys to the open range or the wilds of the Western frontier – Americana stories of where the West wasn’t quite tamed and where the lives were still very much on the edge of civilisation as we as a country were still developing – there is something quite lovely about disappearing into those folds of time! Likewise, I stumbled across stories of the Pinkertons whilst reading passages of blog posts from one of my favourite group author blogs (Heroes, Heroines and History) – from that moment forward, as it was several years ago now since those posts were published, I seem to be finding a heap of stories about the Pinkerton’s!
Including the short-lived television series from Canada, called simply: The Pinkerton’s (see more on Wikipedia) to instances of guest appearances by the Pinkerton’s on other series, including if memory serves The Magnificent Seven – which was one of the Western series I was watching earlier this past Winter. In fact, I happen to love Westerns in tv series – aside from the fact this series disappointed me towards it’s concluding episodes, I appreciated it until then – similar to the fact, I loved the first season of The Big Valley but by the time I entered the third year of the series, my love of the series waned as they decided to make the show too dramatically gutting for it’s own good!
Every so often, I try to find new authors writing the kind of Western stories I can sink my teeth into and find a lot of enjoyment out of reading! This is why you find #WesternRoms and homestead stories peppering through my literary wanderings every blue moon – whenever I’ve had the chance to seek out a story set in the West, I find myself remembering how much fun I had curling up with these stories as a young girl! Especially as I grew up wanting to have my own horse and live where there was a lot of open land to ride! In lieu of finding such a place, my heart warms to find the stories of the West which tackle different veins of interest – one thing is for certain, the reason this one felt like a wicked good selection to be reading is the strength of the heroines in the story!
I love strong female leads, cheeky dialogue and a well-lit setting which entice you into the historic past through a threading of Suspense! As what story involving a Pinkerton agent doesn’t have a dash of Suspense inside it!? I hope you’ll enjoy this lively convo I’ve had with the author behind a series featuring three sisters who are writing their own happily ever afters on their terms! I look forward to gathering the books in print and see who they are as I do! Til then, this conversation gave me key insight into the foundation of the series, the joy Ms Flannery had in writing it and the development of the sisterhood bonds the three sisters share!
Poppy
Subtitle: The Montgomery Sisters
by Kat Flannery
Poppy Montgomery has always been good with a gun and could fight her way out of anything. Tough as nails and a sharp shooter, her beauty deceives the outlaws she’s after.
Hot on the trail of the Clemmons gang, a group of outlaws who rob trains and killed an innocent woman and child a few months before, she is determined to make them pay for the sin’s they’ve committed by bringing them to justice.
Pinkerton, Noah Shaw is investigating a ring of stage robberies and knows the Clemmons gang is behind them. Told to track down the infamous redheaded bounty hunter, Noah gets more than he bargained for when he arrests Poppy for assault.
Handcuffed together the pair must work together to stop the robberies, and figure out who is behind them. But what happens when love interferes and thrusts Poppy into discovering emotions she never knew existed? Will she choose the solitude she’s always known, or Noah’s sweet embrace?
Places to find the book:
ISBN: 978-0981105666
on 14th May, 2018
Published by: Picco Press
Formats Available: Paperback and Ebook
Converse via: #WesternRom + #WesternRomance or #Western
I’ve adored Westerns for most of my life, recently I’ve been watching The Big Valley which has been re-instilling my love of Western dramas and romances. What were your favourite entrances into the genre itself – either by book, film or tv series? What first drew your eye into Western stories?
Flannery responds: John Wayne, Clint Eastwood, and Dean Martin. Yeah I know the last one you weren’t expecting, but he was in a few westerns. I grew up watching old westerns with my dad. He is a die-hard fan. There is something about the western era that draws me in. I would definitely live back then if I could.
I had a feeling you must have a history of watching Westerns, as the series you’ve developed seems to come from the heart of someone who appreciates the narrative which has become well-established in their mind and imagination! You’ve listed the heavy players of Westerns – and I do believe I knew Martin was in a few as well – sometimes I think the older actors surprise us now for not realising how open they were to different kinds of roles! For instance, the doctor on ‘Emergency!’ played by Robert Fuller was actually a Western actor – getting to play a role as critical as an emergency doctor was a full step outside his comfort zone – yet, he excelled in the role!
The Pinkerton Agency has been gaining new traction in recent years – especially the past five years where various authors are finding a leeway into bringing their stories to new audiences. What enticed you to include a Pinkerton angle into your series?
Flannery responds: Pinkerton’s fascinate me, and I’ve always wanted to tell a story with one in it and what a better way to create conflict with a Bounty Hunter and a Pinkerton after the same outlaw.
I definitely agree – they are a fascinating agency and one that is still thriving today! I can see why you would be charmed to tell a bit of their story – even if fully fictionalised!
Poppy is one fiercely strong heroine – what was your favourite part of bringing her to life and for giving your readers a wicked good reading about a character who could rescue herself if need be from anything untoward which came her way? In essence, what inspired you to create Poppy as a bounty hunter?
Flannery responds: I adore Poppy for all she is and all she stands for. Most of my female characters are strong in thinking and forward in mouth, and Poppy is both, but she is also tough, and courageous. She has no fear, and she is darn good with the gun as well as her fists.
I knew when I first introduced her in FERN, that she was different, and because of her crass mouth, gun-totting ways I had to give her a fitting title, and Bounty Hunter came to mind.
You truly had me smirking here – as you gave a lot of lovely insight into the personal growth Poppy undertakes from the first novel to the second but also, her true spirit and the attitude of self-preservation which served everyone well who lived in the West!
It isn’t oft highlighted women were bounty hunters, but recently whilst watching the short-lived tv series The Magnificent Seven they focused on this aspect of the West. What do you think appealed to women who chose this line of work?
Flannery responds: Independence. Women wanted to be treated the same way men were—with respect and dignity, but it wasn’t always the case back then. Most did not have any kind of career unless they were a Schoolmarm, instead they were housewives, and mothers.
Definitely a respite of a break from the traditional roles is good to see – as despite popular culture, there are a lot of instances in the historic past where women were breaking ties with society norms; taking on new roles of industry and making a role for themselves outside being domestically tethered to their homes or only befitting a job as a teacher or a seamstress.
I love the budding friction and attraction you’ve knitted into the background between Poppy and Noah – was this part of the joy in creating a backdrop of where two unlikely people might find love in such an unexpected place such as they were? What makes your heart happy in creating believable heroines and heroes who find each other at rather unexpected moments of where their lives cross and love starts to bloom?
Flannery responds: Oh, I loved it too! Poppy was not one to fall in love, and I knew if I didn’t create someone who could match her wits, talent with a gun and fists, she’d be alone her whole life. The reason I write is to tell a story, to bring readers into a world of real problems and real people. Love the added bonus, and we all need it.
We definitely, do! Love is definitely a denominator in common! Finding someone’s equal and match is the hard part – especially someone who loves unconditional and will accept you just as you are – I will enjoy seeing who Poppy ends up being smitten by as it will definitely be the person who takes her off-guard in a good way!
What can readers expect to find in the threads of continuity of the series, between the installments? Do each of the sisters make re-appearances as the series continues or are the books separately focusing on each sister in turn and thereby do not cross-relate? I was curious if Fern re-enters the scene in Poppy?
Flannery responds: Ivy’s story is next and you will be surprised yet again, or so I’m hoping. The other sisters do not make appearances in any of the stories, but I am in the midst of plotting out a last installment where all three of The Montgomery Sisters will be on the pages…along with their spouses.
Ooh, this is fantastic news! All the girls get back together before the series concludes! I know it is the way with most series – the focus lessens and then resumes, but sometimes you feel short-changed if you can’t find out what happened between the sequences – so thankful you’ve thought of doing this for the readers!
Can you share a bit about which sister we will be meeting next and what makes this third sister stand out from the shadows of history and time?
Flannery responds: Ivy Montgomery is the last of The Montgomery girls. She is reserved, quiet, and very smart. Half blind, she is a captive in her own home thanks to her overbearing sisters, until she escapes one night, and is captured…
I’m not going to tell you by whom…you’ll have to wait and find out.
Hmm… now if that isn’t a plot of intrigue, I’m unsure what would be more inspiring to read!?
Readers who love Western aesthetics and settings who are seeking the kind of stories your writing – what do you think they will appreciate the most about how you’ve created your stories? Is it a particular element they will recognise of being decidedly Western or a locale or simply the kind of lifestyle they expect to find inside the series?
Flannery responds: I hope all of the above. All I’ve ever wanted to do was write stories that will touch people’s lives in one way or another. Some of my books are deep and thought-provoking, while others are light-hearted.
Your definitely well on your way towards realising this dream and I truly look forward to one day reading your stories. Thanks for dedicating yourself to writing convicting stories and strong characters who give us something to ponder as we’re reading their adventures!
Of all the leading men in your series, which is your favourite and why?
Flannery responds: Well, I do have some pretty amazing leading men, but if I had to choose who is my favorite I’d have to say Red Wolf from Sacred Legacy book 3 in the Branded Trilogy. He has a torn soul, and yet, he still gives his all to the woman he loves.
Sometimes the best men are the ones who have to find a way to redeem themselves or find redemption somewhere else in their lives. I’ll have to keep my eye on Red Wolf!
Do you like to travel to gain insight into your character’s lives and if so, where do you like to visit to better understand the Western style you paint into your stories?
Flannery responds: I’ve been to a few places, but the best one for Western style so far is Deadwood, North Dakota.
There is something rather striking about North Dakota, I must admit!
What is something a reader might find surprised to learn about your approach to writing? What do you think is your favourite part of the process?
Flannery responds: I’m a habitual writer. I try to write everyday, or research, or plot. When writing I always light candles, and listen to music. My favorite part of writing is the editing phase. I hate the first draft. The editing stage is so much fun. The story is already there, now it’s time to polish and shine it.
Really!? I find that interesting – as to me, the first draft – where we get to write down the bones of the stories and start to develop the characters who populate it, is the best part! Although, I can see why you might prefer the editing side of the ledger – for me I love developing it and seeing where the whole of the story will lead me.
After this series concludes, will you be re-focusing on a Western series or switching genres of focus? What kind of stories do you enjoy writing the most and what drives you to write them?
Flannery responds: I will always write Western, but I will be going back and forth. I am finishing a contemporary romance, and the first in a five book Western series that is historical. I also plan to go back to the historical paranormal and write something there too. The possibilities are endless.
Ooh!! Historical Paranormal!? This is a rather interesting sub-focus I’ve discovered in recent years to be of my liking – especially when authors use time-slip in their narratives or do something your not expecting as far as the paranormal is concerned – there are so many inventive routes to take – I’ll keep my eyes on the look-out for what your developing!
When your not researching and writing your stories what uplifts your spirit the most?
Flannery responds: My family. I have three boys, twenty, seventeen, and fifteen. I love spending time with them and my husband. Bonfires in the backyard are my favorite.
Thanks for having me on your blog today!
Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions about your stories, your writing style and for giving all of us who haven’t had the chance to read your novels a wonderful introduction into why we will find ourselves happily intrigued by Poppy and her sisters! I appreciate the time you gave to our conversation and for being so very open with your replies!
This author interview is courtesy of: iRead Book Tours
Click through via the badge to find out what else awaits you!
Kindly leave your thoughts, comments & questions for Ms Flannery in the Comments!
Similar to blog tours where I feature book reviews, as I choose to highlight an author via a Guest Post, Q&A, Interview, etc., I do not receive compensation for featuring supplemental content on my blog. I provide the questions for interviews and topics for the guest posts; wherein I receive the responses back from publicists and authors directly. I am naturally curious about the ‘behind-the-scenes’ of stories and the writers who pen them; I have a heap of joy bringing this content to my readers.
{SOURCES: Cover art of “Poppy”, book synopsis, author biography, author photograph of Kat Flannery and the iRead badge were all provided by iRead Book Tours and used with permission. Post dividers by Fun Stuff for Your Blog via Pure Imagination. Tweets embedded by codes provided by Twitter. Blog graphics created by Jorie via Canva: Conversations with the Bookish Banner and the Comment Box Banner.}
Copyright © Jorie Loves A Story, 2018.
Comments via Twitter
Author Interview | Kat Flannery talks about her #WesternRom feat. a Pinkerton agent and a fiercely strong heroine! https://t.co/ddBTGgpUuu via @joriestory https://t.co/ddBTGgpUuu
— iRead Book Tours (@iReadBookTours) June 4, 2018
I might have read my first #HistRom feat. a Pinkerton agent during #CFSRS19; however, last Summer feat. an #interview about a series of #novella #HistFic by @KatFlannery1☺️ #sohappy this is gaining new traction this Summer! Still on my TBR as #nextreads https://t.co/kG5yZrxBCK
— Jorie, the Joyful Tweeter ?? (@joriestory) July 25, 2019
Thank you so very much for having me on your blog today!!!
I was delighted to have you, Ms Flannery!
I apologise for the delayed response thereafter, though if you’ve been re-visiting with me or caught my feeds on Twitter, you might have noticed I have been openly talking about being a ‘migraineur’ and how this Spring changed quite a few things in my life due to the high frequency of clusters I had to battle through with them. I never had the proper chance to ‘thank you’ for dropping by and for leaving me such a happy note! Many blessings to you and I still fully intend to collect the series to read!! :)