A day in my life might be described by some as
erratic since I dislike schedules. Going to work every day at a set time,
whether it’s sitting down in front of a computer at home, or commuting to a
job, is really difficult for me. I read one time that there are some people who
function best with a set routine and others who prefer variation. I’m
definitely one of the latter as I like the freedom to take my days as they
come.
As such, my daily routine changes frequently. It’s
somewhat dependent on the seasons, but it’s more about enjoying the choices I
have working for myself. I don’t even own an alarm clock. As I realized long
ago, if I have difficulty waking up, it’s because there’s something in my life
I dislike and, until I fix it, I’ll be dragging myself out of bed every
morning.
I do have priorities however. We live on a ranch, so
our animals have to be taken care of. This doesn’t usually take a lot of time
and it gives me a chance to get outside. For instance, right now we’re calving,
so these days we are frequently out checking our herd. But my husband usually
takes care of the daily chores to leave me time to write.
I can be an early riser. This morning I stepped
outside just as it was getting light. I heard the birds calling in the new day
and it was awesome. That can vary also though.Night time is a good time to
write as the house is quiet, so sometimes I stay up past midnight pecking away.
Lately I have attempted some discipline as I push to
finish my next book. I have even set a loose deadline. It’s really bad timing
on my part though, as spring is here. It’s warming up and turning green and
it’s a lot harder to sit inside compared with say, during a snow storm.
But I am writing in between planning my garden and
other activities. I don’t intend for writing to become a full-time job, but I
am spending more and more time at my computer, so we’ll see what that evolves
into.
About A Story of the West
Matt Daly’s eyes narrowed as he faced the stranger in front of him. “I know I don’t have a quarrel with you because I don’t know you,” he growled.
“But I know you,” the menacing outlaw sneered back, clearly ready to use the Colt revolver hanging from his hip.
Only a few years earlier Matt and his father had trailed a herd of longhorns north from Texas into Montana Territory. Upon arriving, they decided to stay and raise cattle on the fertile grasslands.
Shortly after the Northern Pacific rail line was completed and it became easier for people to head west. Lavina Lavold stepped off the train in Miles City with her family and immediately caught Matt’s eye. When they fall in love, Matt’s life seems perfect.
There are unscrupulous men, however, determined to build cattle empires. A ruthless neighbor decides he wants the Daly’s claim, and he will stop at nothing to acquire their ranch. Since the entire area is undeeded land, it is up for grabs and there is no law on the rough frontier to prevent a range war. When Matt refuses to back down, his life takes a dangerous turn.
Forced to abandon his family, his travels take him down a long road of misery. An encounter with an Indian medicine man helps him to regain his sense of self, but not until after he gives in to his desperation.
A Story of the West depicts life during the open range ranching days of the Wild West. Besides plenty of action, I have added a women’s perspective to settling the American West. I researched the era to ensure historical accuracy and have written an accurate portrayal of life during this time, as well as an exciting read.
You can visit her website at www.writing-ranch.com.
About Susan Spence
You can visit her website at www.writing-ranching.com.
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