Guest Author Blogger, Ginger & Giveaway from Kensington Publishing!
by sue on Jul.11, 2010, under Book Chat
I’d like to thank Susan for inviting me to blog at Borders True Romance. When I thought of all the topics I might write about, one seemed to rise to the top.
People often ask me why I write historical fiction. My answer is always the same: I feel at home in the old west. I grew up on the awesome writing of Laura Ingalls Wilder, reading her series more times than I can count. Besides the famous Little House on the Prairie, I recall, Little House in the Big Woods, On the Banks of Plum Creek, By the Shores of Silver Lake, The Long Winter, and These Happy Golden Years. There were more, but these were the ones that captured my heart and interest. Each time I read one of Ms. Wilder’s novels, I was swept away to a time and place that fascinated me. I’m sure if one could acquire the check-out cards from the library in my old grammar school, my name would be on every third or fourth line.
I was raised in a household were The Grand Ol’ Opry, Hee Haw, and every John Wayne western played on the television. I doubt we ever missed an episode of Bonanza, The Big Valley, Maverick, or Have Gun Will Travel. If the movie had a cowboy or Indian, we tuned in. What happened to the good old shoot ‘em ups?
When Dancing with Wolves debuted I was so excited. I’ve watched the movie so many times I can probably recite the lines along with the characters. I have a fascination with the American Indian tribes, particularly the Lakota, which I can’t explain. I do believe in previous lives, so perhaps I was Sioux at one time. Regardless, I still get goose bumps when “Wind in His Hair” sits atop his horse and yells out in Sioux to Kevin Costner about friendship. The actor who played the part, Rodney A. Grant, is the perfect image of my Indian heroes in Prairie Peace, White Heart, Lakota Spirit and Sarah’s Journey. I wouldn’t mind being his captive.
During a lull between novels, a lovely young lady named, Cecile, pushed her way into my thoughts and brought with her a story she wanted told. I decided with all the reading I’d done in my life, perhaps it was time to try writing a novel of my own. In 2003, Prairie Peace debuted, and the rave reviews I received, including 4 Stars from The Romantic Times magazine, encouraged me to write more. Now I’m hooked.
My reading pleasure never migrated far from the historical west, and I’ve purchase enough books by authors like Cassie Edwards, Madeline Baker, Lavyrle Spencer, Jodi Thomas and Cheryl St. John to open my own library. If “Savage” appears in any of the titles, trust me, I’ve read the book. These ladies continue to inspire me today.
Oh, I’ve ventured out of my comfort zone a few times, but I always come back to western historical with a romantic element. The characters seem more real to me, and the writing comes so much easier. I’m not ready to hang up my six guns just yet, so, be on the lookout for more from me. I’ve just finished and queried my latest, Odessa, and I’ll keep you posted on the outcome. In the meantime, please visit my website at http://gingersimpson.com for excerpts and info on all my books. Consider yourself invited to stop by my blog, too. You can find me or someone “Dishin’ It Out at http://mizging.blogspot.com.
Question of the day — what old TV shows did you enjoy & that might have influenced your reading choices today?
2 lucky commenter’s will win a book from Kensington! Good Luck!
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About Sue & Borders True Romance Blog
Sue G - Borders True Romance Host - Borders Romance Buyer, reads romance. For her JOB. No, really. You can email Sue at sgrimshaw at bordersgroupinc dot com.
Borders True Romance Blog is a community, developed for you, the romance reader, to find out more about the books you love; the authors who write them & where to buy them :) Borders.com
Shape-shifter Dev Peltier thought he knew it all. But one night when a Dark-Hunter, who is also an official member of the Dogs of War, sashays into his bar, he realizes he might have met his match. But as old enemies and new move into New Orleans, Samia realizes that Dev just might be the only hope she and mankind have to save the world.
Friend Feed
July 16th, 2010 on 10:02 am
We always watched the old Andy Griffith shows and lots of movies on TNT. I love reading historical romance, and I don’t really recall seeing any movies that were similar. I read to escape my very busy and hectic life of a working mother with 2 teenaged daughters. I want to be taken away from my life - if only one chapter at a time.
July 15th, 2010 on 12:09 am
I have an intense love for anything that has John Wayne in it. Now I practically inhale anything that has cowboys and/or indians in it. : P
July 14th, 2010 on 10:20 am
Sorry since I’m younger old shows to me might not really be old but my favorites are I Love Lucy and the Golden Girls
July 13th, 2010 on 1:03 pm
Brenda,Tracey,Rosie, Cate, Marsha, Shelly and Lisabet…
I so appreciate that people came and commented. This was a wonderful experience and I don’t believe I’ve had this many people actually leave written proof that they came, saw, and had an opinion. Everyone who chimed in brought back awesome memories of my younger years and family now gone. Thank you for that, and for being readers, authors and some of you, good friends.
P.S. Don’t forget to visit my blog, Dishin’ It Out…especially the blog-a-thon in August. I have a full slate of authors appearing there.
NOW…for the winner of my own personal contest. NO, it’s not a Kensington pub, but I think in my own right, I can compete. *lol* With Virginia C, please email me at mizging at gmail dot com (of course in the right format), but not before you go to my website http://www.gingersimpson.com and select the book of your choice. I’ll fire off a PDF copy to your computer for your reading pleasure…at least I hope it will be a pleasure.
Thanks again, Sue G, for allowing me time and fun to play here. Now it’s back to writing.
July 12th, 2010 on 11:01 pm
Great interview Ginger!
I loved Maverick…Sugar Foot…Lost in Space…Star Trek…Green Hornet…Davy Crockett…Bat Masterson…Have Gun Will Travel…Wagon Train and Rawhide! Wow! Haven’t thought of those in a long time…but loved everyone of them and more…don’t know if they influnced my writing but would like to think they left their mark
July 12th, 2010 on 1:37 pm
Definitely Dark Shadows. I remember as a kid sneaking into the living room, turning the tv way down low and watching that wonderful old series. That is, until the babysitter came and caught me. Then she’d turn the tv off telling me I’d have nightmares. Haha, little did she know what I’d grow up to love . . . Vamps!
July 12th, 2010 on 8:52 am
I watched Dark Shadows when I was a kid and to this day, I still love vampire books!
Yeah, I’m that old! LOL
July 12th, 2010 on 7:05 am
Hey Ginger! I loved the same shows too - The Lone Ranger was my hero before I was old enough for school, lol. The Walton family later replaced the Cartwrights. I have to admit the Partridge Family and The Monkees were later favs too, and along with the Beatles’ music movies, sparked my lifelong love of music. Into the West was a fantastic Western miniseries too, btw.
Great post!
July 12th, 2010 on 5:53 am
Hi, Ginger,
You hardly seem to need support here, lady! Excellent post, as usual. Why fight your inspiration? If the west draws you, no reason not to hang your hat there.
I didn’t watch much TV when I was a kid, but I guess I’d have to mention Star Trek and Dark Shadows as influences. Although now I cringe when faced with another vampire tale, that’s mostly because it’s been overdone.
Keep up the good work!
Hugs,
Lisabet
July 11th, 2010 on 8:38 pm
Love good historical western fiction. Glad to see a new artist to the genre. Can’t wait to get this one & have a good read.
July 11th, 2010 on 8:41 pm
i loved Dr Quinn Medicine Woman even though that wasn’t a childhood show but I grew up with Bonanza, Gunsmoke. Loved Dancing with Wolves, Trail of Tears etc.. Go to all the Pow Wow’s in the area. At least 3 per year. Love the culture & support Native American charities.
July 11th, 2010 on 8:26 pm
Dances with Wolves was my favorite movie for years, and is only in second place to Pan’s Labyrinth now. I love Am. Indian culture. Just a few years ago I took my 80-yr-old mother along with me on an Amtrak trip from Ohio to North Dakota just to see a real Pow-Wow. It was incredible — a cherished memory!
Marsha
July 11th, 2010 on 7:26 pm
Oh my gosh, I never expected such a wonderful turnout today. This has been a full-blown event and I tried to respond to each and every visitor. As stated, I plan to offer up one of my own books, even though I’m not a mainstream author, I’ve still jumped through the hoops to get myself published. So, I’ll wait until tomorrow, then come back and post my winners name. The person I choose will get to select from any one of my releases. I’ve enjoyed spending time with you all today and I thank you for being here. Thanks again to Sue for allowing me time to blog and for adding the video of Little Joe and Hoss. Awesome!
July 12th, 2010 on 5:14 am
Hi Ginger,
Great interview as always. I am a western fan also. Little Joe Cartwright was my all time favourite hero and Wagon Train with Ward Bond was my favourite western show.
Regards
Margaret.
July 11th, 2010 on 7:25 pm
bewitched and I dream of Jeannie!
July 11th, 2010 on 7:28 pm
You definitely picked two of the most magical women of their time. Love both programs, too.
July 11th, 2010 on 6:33 pm
wow, I dont know that a tv show did influence what I read..I read anything from mystery to chick lit to paranormal to suspense etc..I love them all!
Froggy
July 11th, 2010 on 6:47 pm
Just the kind of reader that all authors love. There’s a big wide assortment of stories available, and more people are becoming author’s every day. People who didn’t write back when I started, now have their own websites and new releases. I hope one day you’ll sample one of my books.
July 11th, 2010 on 6:20 pm
Hi Ginger,
I don’t think television shows had an effect on what I read today. I love a good western but it has to have indians in it, and good looking ones. lol..:)
July 11th, 2010 on 6:22 pm
opps double up…
July 11th, 2010 on 6:18 pm
Hi Ginger,
Especially the good looking ones. lol I’d scalp a whiteman anyday. lol
I don’t think television shows edged me in any direction in reading what I read today.Although I love a good western, it has to have the Americian Indian. Owww la la la.
July 11th, 2010 on 6:27 pm
Hey, double comments make me look more impressive.
Thanks for stopping by and I’m with you…I’m fascinated by American Indians and the one pictured in my blog is the role model I see when I’m typing about a red-skinned hero. 
Hope you’ll check out Prairie Peace and White Heart, Lakota Spirit. Both have hunky Indian heroes. 
July 11th, 2010 on 5:55 pm
Hmm…definitely I Dream of Jeannie…I loved MASH and Hercules.
I’m 25 so the latter might not be old to some I guess!
July 11th, 2010 on 6:29 pm
Honey, I have underwear older than you.
Thank you for stopping by and you can always get an appreciation of the old west by reading novels set in that era. There’s nothing like sexy cowboys and Indians.
July 11th, 2010 on 5:51 pm
Ginger, I loved Bonanza, Streets of Loredo (I think that was the title), Maverick, and more. Strange thing is, Gunsmoke was the only western tv series I didn’t watch.
I feel a connection to the Old West and love reading and writing in that period. Gotta love cowboys, lol.
Nice article, Ginger
July 11th, 2010 on 6:31 pm
Thanks, Jannine. You know I love historical westerns so what else would I blog about.
I didn’t have a choice when I was younger. Kids weren’t allowed to touch the TV, and back then it required more effort than holding a remote. Boy, am I dating myself. Still, I guess the exposure is what shaped my love for writing about a time and place I love.
July 11th, 2010 on 4:29 pm
the westerns I loved to watch (though they were all re-runs) were: Big Valley, Bonaza, The Rifleman and Wagon Train are the ones that come to mind. Though more recently was The Magnificent Seven (the tv show) I loved that one. They all probably had some to do with my reading as I do love historicals but since I love all genre I couldn’t tell you what lead to the other reading (other than a love for reading).
Larena
July 11th, 2010 on 6:34 pm
It seems there are still many of us hooked on the old west. I wonder why vamps, shifters and those doggy-looking hairy guys have stolen the popularity from those good-looking cowboys authors like me write about. I absolutely adore Ty, in Sparta Rose. Poor guy though, he’s so confused by Ellie’s temper. One minute she hates him, the next she’s getting cozy with him.
July 11th, 2010 on 4:23 pm
you didn’t need me to post. look at all those comments. I watched all those western series as well, fodder for the brain. lol
July 11th, 2010 on 6:35 pm
Of course I needed you to come support me. Besides, I already know you have a passion for the old west. People should check out your recent post on my blog. I hope they do.
July 11th, 2010 on 4:02 pm
I enjoyed your post today so much. It brought back wonderful memories of all the Westerns that i grew up watching and appreciating. The Rifleman, Bonanza, Roy Rogers, and many more that were special for me. I miss those times which depicted men, when they were real men.
July 11th, 2010 on 6:36 pm
Anne,
Westerns defined Macho!
You and I share the same feelings. Men were men and anyone who doubted it got a bullet between the eyes.
July 11th, 2010 on 4:02 pm
I watched gunsmoke.
July 11th, 2010 on 6:38 pm
My mother still loves that to this day. Unfortunately, Marshall Dillon’s sidekick Festus got on my nerves. I liked it better when Dennis Weaver was on.
July 11th, 2010 on 3:29 pm
I watched a lot of westerns and family shows. Gunsmoke, Wagon Train, The Big Valley, Bonanza, Have Gun Will Travel, Wild Wild West, The Andy Griffith Show, Lassie, My Friend Flica, and I also watched The Man From Uncle, Get Smart, Car 54 Where Are You, Dragnet and just about any law enforcement show that was on. I have always enjoyed a lot of different shows. I guess that’s why I enjoy reading so many different genres.
July 11th, 2010 on 6:40 pm
Linda,
Becoming an author and reviewer of books has taught me a lot about other genres. Like I’ve said, I’ve dabbled in many of them, and there’s still more in me. I may migrate back to the historical west, but then the revolving door in my head is starting to let in people who have stories to tell that have nothing to do with the west.
July 11th, 2010 on 3:17 pm
I remember watching Get Smart. I do read spy novels as well as many other genres.
July 11th, 2010 on 6:42 pm
Chey,
I guess in some cases what we watched in our younger years has carried over to our reading preferences today. Thanks for stopping by.
July 11th, 2010 on 3:07 pm
I watched all of the old western tv shows but I think Wagon Train and Gunsmoke were the ones I never missed.
My dad loved to read Louis L’Amour and I ead them too. I remember doing book reports on those books so often that my teacher said “You have got to broaden your horizons and read other authors. So then I grabbed my Mother’s copy of Gone With the Wind and did my 8th grade report on that book. I have alawys been a reader and can’t imagine how people go though life without picking up a book or a magazine.
July 11th, 2010 on 6:45 pm
Joye,
You’re my kinda gal. I read constantly until I started writing my own books, and now, being an author, like a reader, allows me to escape the stresses of the day and find other parts of the world in which to dwell, if only for a while.
July 11th, 2010 on 2:39 pm
I’m with you Ginger! My family watched Bonanza, Have Gun, Will Travel, The Rifleman, Little House on The Prairie, Big Valley, and Gunsmoke.
July 11th, 2010 on 2:52 pm
I wish those in TV would produce a new western for those who love them. I watched Into the West recently via Netflix and realized how much I enjoyed the old west, its trials and tribulations, and the stamina of the people who lived then.
July 11th, 2010 on 1:43 pm
Growing up I watch a lot of Star Trek among other sci-fi shows and movies as well as movies like Willow, etc. I love books with those fantastical elements.
July 11th, 2010 on 2:06 pm
Hi Heather, nice to see you here. Actually I’m shocked at how many people showed up and I’m going to pretend that it’s not all about winning a Kensington book. In fact, I’ll be picking my own winner for one of my books.
I’m finding the posts to be very amusing and telling. I can almost identify people from my “day”, and those younger. By the time Star Trek came along, most of the westerns I grew up on had disappeared. Probably because the stars had passed away.
There definitely was a difference in the show themes as generations changed.
July 11th, 2010 on 1:42 pm
Hi Ginger,
Of course I watched all of the above mentioned TV programs from the westerns to the sci-fi. Loved them all. Cimmeron Strip was a favorite of mine. The young Stuart Whitman had me drooling. Along with watching TV, I have read a great many westerns. Zane Gray, the whole collection, plus many others. My dad was really into the whole western scene on TV and I sat right along with him.
Great post. I’ve enjoyed reading, plus all the comments. Ahh, the good old days.
July 11th, 2010 on 2:02 pm
Hi Lorrie,
Thanks for dropping in. I appreciate the support and love.
Have you met Virginia? You should… *pointing to messages below*. She and you share a drool fest over James Whitman. Boy, I must have missed him in his younger years. I was too into Heath from Big Valley and Adam from Bonanza. I didn’t care that rumors flew that he wore a toupee. *lol*
July 11th, 2010 on 1:36 pm
Gee, here I thought we were talking about **OLD** TV shows. The one that proably had the most influence on me, way back when, was “Tom Corbett, Space Cadet” (loosely inspired by a Robert Heinlein book). But I should also include shows like “Captain Video” and “Buzz Corey of the Space Patrol.” Westerns weren’t my favorites, but I do remember “The Lone Ranger” and “Tom Mix” (or am I getting confused, was that on the radio, before TV?) “Captain Midnight and his Secret Squadron” was definitely a RADIO show but I followed it faithfully.
July 11th, 2010 on 1:59 pm
Hey Jim,
Isn’t it amazing what entertained us back “then.” I recently saw an old rerun of Space Patrol. Why didn’t we see the strings holding the rockets up in the air? Yep…things were definitely much more simple then. We’ve come a long way, baby, and I didn’t even smoke Virginia Slims.
July 11th, 2010 on 1:30 pm
Ginger, great post. I loved Davey Crockett and Daniel Boone. So it was a natural move into Star Trek and Star Wars. Now I have to read adventure novels!
July 11th, 2010 on 1:55 pm
He Karen, glad you came by.
I like action and adventure, and you can bet that my historical novels don’t focus purely on romance. Everyone loves attraction between the starring characters, but I like more story than kissing.
July 11th, 2010 on 1:10 pm
Hey, Ginger. Fantastic blog posting as usual.
Like Ginger I LOVED Maverick, Bonanza, High Chapparel, and so many others…but I also loved Bewitched…oh to be able to twicth your nose and make the world fly right. And I ADORED the Addams Family. Gomez and French…oh Tish!
July 11th, 2010 on 1:48 pm
Another Soul Sister…I’m so fortunate to have such wonderful and supportive friends come to cheer me on.
There are so many times I wish I could twitch my nose and escape reality, but… Luckily, that’s the wonder of reading. Open the pages and move into a whole new world. Not only the Army provides the opportunity to “be all you can be.” Yesterday I was in the shoes of a heroine who came face-to-face with the man she saw murder her best friend when they were only teenagers.
July 11th, 2010 on 12:56 pm
Depends on what you mean by old.
I love Little House on the Prairie, Star Trek, Battlestar Galactica(I watched the old one in my early teens). In more recent years there was Charmed, ER, Stargate.
I love reading paranormal romance and sci-fi mostly. I wouldn’t say that my TV viewing has influenced my reading, except when I see a show or movie that came from a book that I then read. It’s more like I fell in love with sci-fi and fantasy books a long time ago and would watch those kinds of shows. When I started reading a lot of Harlequin and Silhouette books, romantic comedy movies started creeping ito my viewing habits.
And when paranormal romance and urban fantasy became readily available in these last few years, it allowed me to get both my reading fixes in one book(at a time).
July 11th, 2010 on 1:10 pm
Beth,
Sounds like you appreciate a mixture of topics, and that’s a good thing. I’ve recently tried writing out of my comfort zone, and I especially love romantic comedies. I’ve just signed five contracts with a new publisher, Muse It Up Publishing, and none of the stories are historical. *Patting my own back*. Thanks for coming by today.
July 11th, 2010 on 12:44 pm
I have to say I Dream of Genie was my first taste of romance (and fantasy). As a teen I’d been reading horse stories and then switched to ‘adult’ best sellers missing the whole genre of romance. The idea of unrequited or thwarted love for any reason was a whole new concept. Suddenly I was looking for romances at the local drug stores book rack.
July 11th, 2010 on 12:50 pm
Rhobin,
I always thought Barbara Eden, (Jeannie) was one of the most beautiful women around. I so wanted to look like her. I outgrew the concept of living in a bottle pretty quick.
When I was watching all those westerns as a kid, I never thought of romance, I was more into the action-adventure. Once I hit puberty, had my first kiss, and matured, then I watched Westerns with a whole different outlook.
July 11th, 2010 on 12:44 pm
Hey Ginger,
I used to loved watching the Rifleman as a kid. Then I moved on to Wonderwoman, Airwolf, and Perry Mason. Now If the hero is sexy like Hugh Laurie in House or smart like the guy in Lie to Me, then I’m glued to the t.v. for an hour.
Hmm, I seem to have weird taste. Oh well.
July 11th, 2010 on 12:47 pm
Mary,
Sometimes “sexy” is more about attitude then looks. I like Hugh Laurie, too. Like I said in another response…the world would be boring if we all shared the same tastes. That’s the great thing about the writing industry…so many genres, but so little time.
July 11th, 2010 on 12:41 pm
I watched a lot of westerns,Gunsmoke, Bonanza, High Chaparrel, the Virginian, Maverick,Rifleman, Sugarfoot,Have Gun Will Travel. I watched a lot of comedies, too. Green Acres, the Munsters, Addams Family, Bewitched, I Dream of Jeanie. I also liked Star Trek,Twilight Zone, Night Gallery, and most of the variety shows. I watched everything, now I read a lot of books especially cowboy and romantic comedy. I think I have been influenced by the shows I watched.
July 11th, 2010 on 12:45 pm
Cheryl Lynne,
Do I have a bunch for you. *lol* Sparta Rose is a western, tinged with humor. I try to lace my books with a good giggle now and then…only if it fits, of course.
Thank Goodness for people who were influenced by westerns.
July 11th, 2010 on 12:39 pm
Hi! I remember watching a lot of sitcoms when I was a kid so I don’t know if that influenced my reading that much. I didn’t watch any soaps, daytime or prime time, so I didn’t read any romances until college. I grew up reading a lot of mysteries, from Encyclopedia Brown to Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes. The closest television show to that would be Remington Steele or Moonlighting.
July 11th, 2010 on 12:43 pm
This is really fun. People are naming shows love forgotten, but ones I enjoyed, too. I’m growing to love mystery and cop shows, so I think I’m going to write outside my comfort zone and try my hand at writing one… oh wait, I have one in progress…I just need to finish it. That’s the problem with being a “pantser”. I have characters pop into my head all the time with stories they want told. I’ve never plotted a story in my life. Just can’t do it.
July 11th, 2010 on 12:39 pm
We watched a lot of the westerns growing up like the Virginian, Banaza and all of those. I still enjoy them today!
July 11th, 2010 on 12:40 pm
My mother is eighty-six this November, and with all the channels on cable, she still watches the one that shows all the old western re-runs. She’s my biggest fan.
July 11th, 2010 on 12:23 pm
My goodness!! You are going to make me show my age
Roy Rogers, Hopalong Cassidy, The Lone Ranger and many more were my heroes. I would sit in front of the TV (yes, I had TV)on Saturdays and watch all the cowboy shows!! I still enjoy them, but there are not many any more. I started out reading historical books ( of all kinds), but somewhere along the line I got into the vampire books. In fact, I read and enjoy all genres. So, I am not sure anything influenced what I read, all I know is that I have loved to read all my life.
July 11th, 2010 on 12:39 pm
Judy,
Now that I’m an author, I’ve learned to appreciate many other genres. I review books on Examiner.com so I’m reading all kinds of novels. There is a wealth of entertainment out there, and with the hand-held readers that are becoming so popular, readers will have even more talented authors to choose from. Not all of them have been fortunate enough to get their foot into mainstream publishing. Have you ever purchased an e-book? God bless technology.
July 11th, 2010 on 9:19 am
My mom loved cowboys too so we use to watch a lot of the old tv shows & movies when I was growing up. I’ve always liked “Maverick” but can remember watching “Wild Wild West”, “The Rifleman” and “Alias Smith & Jones” as well on Saturday afternoon. Still watch plenty of the old westerns when visiting w/ mom on the channels dedicated to “retro” tv and westerns. While “Maverick” is still a favorite, my grown up sensibilities enjoy the old shows like “The Vinginian” and “Wagon Train”.
July 11th, 2010 on 12:05 pm
Donna,
You brought back memories of shows I watched, but had forgotten to mention. Thanks for stopping by today.
July 11th, 2010 on 9:04 am
My dad watched every cowboy show there was so that is probably how I got my love of reading about the frontier and even historicals. Twilight Zone was also my favorite show and I love reading about horror/thrillers/suspense and now paranormal. Romance was more from Kathleen Woodiwiss than TV lol.
July 11th, 2010 on 12:08 pm
You’re so right. Even though I read the Flowers in the Attic series, I always migrate back to novels about the old west, or at least some element of the era. Maybe I was a pioneer in another life. If so, I’m sure I died early because with all the work women were expected to perform every day, I wouldn’t have lasted very long. *lol*
July 11th, 2010 on 8:05 am
OMG…this brings back memories: Little House on the Prairie; the Anne of Green Gables Disney miniseries; Buck Rogers 25th Century; Happy Days; Airwolf; Wonder Woman; Dukes of Hazzard; Miami Vice; Remington Steele; The Young Riders; China Beach; Full House; A-Team…. Also watching Days of Our Lives with my mom, and Bewitched; I Dream of Jeanie; Big Valley; The Rifleman; Gunsmoke; Bonanza, etc… with both parents. Later in life I stumbled into Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Angel, ER.
It’s no wonder my reading is all over the place!!! LOL Thank you for bringing back the great memories.
July 11th, 2010 on 12:10 pm
Oh my gosh, Amelia… You brought back even more for me. Television was so different when I was a kid. I don’t recall ever being forced to watch commercials about Erectile dysfunction, hemorrhoids or tampons. Today, nothing is sacred. The worst we had to contend with was the Marlboro man. Who cared if he smoked…he was gorgeous. *lol
July 11th, 2010 on 7:40 am
When I was growing up I watched Bonanza,The Lone Ranger,Wonder Woman,the next to shows I’m not to sure about the names Shazam and Isis. I don’t know if they have any influence on what I read now or not but some of them have some paranormal aspects to them.
July 11th, 2010 on 12:12 pm
Sherry,
I think how we grew up, what we watched and what we love totally influences our writing. I know there is a little bit of my history, my friends (if only their names) and of course my flavor, in everything I write. Thanks for stopping by today.
July 11th, 2010 on 7:24 am
Hi, Ginger! I’m Virginia, but my favorite nick-name is “Ginger”. Historical Western Romance is my favorite genre. I love westerns of all kinds. Being a Southerner, I also love Civil War romances and stories set in the South. However, for me, nothing beats a western in its purest form. By that, I mean a stalwart cowboy and his lady, the land, and the life. When a cowboy truly loves, he loves with all his heart, forever. His woman is as cherished as his values, his “cowboy code of honor”. Not always in words, but in deep, deep feelings. Feelings as true as the blue of a Texas bluebonnet. My whole family watched western TV shows and movies together when I was a kid. My grandfather loved to read Zane Grey and Louis L’Amour.
I love, love, love my cowboys and men of the Old West! The love of my life is Sam Elliott : )Sam has no peer as a Western star. Also, his voice alone would make all the seams come loose in your clothes! One of my favorite words is “courtly”, which to me means respectful and mannerly. Who could resist a courtly cowboy, hat in hand, when he says “thank you, Ma’am”? A lady journalist who was once lucky enough to interview Sam Elliott described him as “courtly”. I knew that : )
Robert Fuller & Robert Horton; James Drury & Doug Mcclure (from “The Virginian”); Peter Breck, Lee Majors, Richard Long (the Barkley brothers from “The Big Valley); The Cartwrights–especially Guy Williams as cousin Will Cartwright (he also had the title role as TV’s Zorro and Professor John Robinson in “Lost in Space”); James Garner as “Maverick” or just James Garner; James Arness, Ken Curtis, Dennis Weaver from “Gunsmoke”; Clint Walker as “Cheyenne”; Lee Horsley from “Paradise”. Robert Conrad in “The Wild, Wild West”–the original “steampunk”! I love them all, and there are just too many more to mention.
However, one of the greatest TV Men of the West was Stuart Whitman as Marshal Jim Crown in “Cimarron Strip”. In my opinion, this is one of the best westerns ever put on the screen. The episodes which pitted Stuart Whitman against Richard Boone, whose character called Marshall Crown by the name “Tricky Jim” were outstanding! If you can ever find a sexier lawman than Stuart Whitman, please let me know! Those looks, those eyes, that strut and that voice!
I also adore John Wayne. Not a perfect man, but my goodness, what a man! From what I’ve seen, read, and heard from his films, and articles and interviews, he was the real deal. I love his older, iconic cowboy image. The scence from True Grit where he takes the horses reins in his mouth, and charges forward, blasting away with two pistols is forever burned in my brain. If you watch John Wayne in his early films, you will see a very sexy, charming, “look ‘em in the eye” kind of guy. What a physique! If he focused his undivided attention on a woman, I think she would have been in big, big trouble! No wonder they called him “Duke” : )
July 11th, 2010 on 12:17 pm
Hello my soul sister,
My goodness, your post is something I could have written. *lol* You mention all my favorites. I just finished watching the continuation of “Lonesome Dove” with James Garner taking over the lead. It was good, but I definitely missed some of the characters from the original. We have tons in common…and BTW, the mother is Virginia. I’m truly Ginger although people have tried my entire life to change me to Virginia…that or they remember I’m some kind of spice but can’t recall which. I’ve been called Cinnamon, Pepper…you name it.
Thanks for coming by. I’d love to get to know you better.
July 11th, 2010 on 7:18 am
I think these shows did stimulate my interest in romance. I like strong female characters going after what they wanted or felt they deserved!!
The Big Valley 4 children: Audra and her protective brothers guided by their strong mother, played by the talented Barbara Stanwick. Loved her independent rancher status in the man’s world of ranching
I also watched the risque (for 1964) Peyton Place… Ryan O’Neal and Mia Farrow’s hot, young love relationship.
A few years later I watched Flamingo Road. I loved Lane’s feisty character, set in the south.
Later I did watch Dallas until it got ridiculous with Bobby returning from the dead..it was a dream…. right! JR was something else. Sue Ellen too.
July 11th, 2010 on 12:21 pm
Yep, I sure remember Peyton Place, and I hate to admit that I’ve been hooked on All My Children and General Hospital since they began. Now that I’m an author, I sure notice the “stupidity” yet I continue to watch. When two characters were stranded in a mineshaft for days, neither had to use the bathroom. And isn’t it funny how sleep never disturbs anyone’s makeup or hair? And how about those deep, delving kisses first thing in the morning. My mouth always feels like an army tramped through it. The last thing I want to do is exchange spit with someone. *lol* Of course, those are things we aren’t supposed to see or imagine. I guess I’m warped that way.
July 11th, 2010 on 6:56 am
I used to watch the old Zorro TV show. Not sure it really influenced my reading tastes today though
July 11th, 2010 on 12:22 pm
Catie,
Perhaps Zorro did influence you. Do you find yourself liking dark, mysterious heroes?
July 11th, 2010 on 6:14 am
Meant to say these shows or books did not EVER influence me. Sorry.
Pat L.
July 11th, 2010 on 6:12 am
I must say western historicals are the only historicals I read pretty much. And I read them only occasionally. I am a contemp gal.
As a child or young adult, I watched Bonanza, Little House on the Prarie and most of the series shows like Dynasty, Falcon Crest etc. As a reader, as a child, loved Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, Little House on the Prairie, Beverly Clearly, Maud Hart Lovelace and Eleanor Estes books - I devoured them.
I cannot honestly say these books or t.v. shows never influenced my reading habits. I enjoy the contemp books and the historicals just never interested me. I do have a few on my tbr that were highly recommended and eventually I will get to them; so many books, so little time.
July 11th, 2010 on 12:25 pm
That’s the wonder of writing. So many authors, so many genres. If we all had the same taste, wouldn’t it be a boring world? I enjoy writing for publishers who allow me to write “outside the box.” After all the reading I’ve done, I try to incorporate something different to my work to steer as far away from the “cookie cutter” concept which is so prevalent in most books these days.
July 11th, 2010 on 5:55 am
If I had to name one –I think it would be Dyansty! The ups and downs of the rich!!!!
July 11th, 2010 on 12:26 pm
Danielle,
I love Dynasty, too. Tuned in every week to see what would happen between Crystal and Alexis. Have you seen the two women today? Alexis aged a lot better than Crystal did.
July 11th, 2010 on 4:39 am
i loved watching the wonder years so i’ve always have a soft spot for the friends-to-lovers romance theme. i also love watching police procedural dramas but i wasn’t interested in them until i started reading romantic suspense–there my reading choices influenced my TV choice.
July 11th, 2010 on 12:27 pm
I also love romantic suspense. I wrote one, but with a touch of humor and fantasy. Romance in any genre is always a draw for us females.
July 11th, 2010 on 4:35 am
I would say all the series of Star Trek and yeah it influenced what I read.
July 11th, 2010 on 12:30 pm
I enjoyed Star Trek, too, but historical western novels still win out for me. I just can’t see getting romantic with some guy with a horn sticking out the middle of his head or skin like a lizard. And William Shatner was and is still a horrible actor. I guess he laughs all the way to the bank for his Priceline dot com spots. The romance in that series always took a back seat, but I did enjoy the adventure. As for leading men…there weren’t man to choose from. Spock, Bones… not my type.
July 11th, 2010 on 3:41 am
sweet valley high
soap opers alol
yes it did infuluece towards roamcne novels
July 11th, 2010 on 12:32 pm
Kh,
Long live romance. Even when we’re old and gray and don’t have the energy, we can always escape with a good book.
July 11th, 2010 on 3:26 am
I did read a lot of Sci Fi books as a teen especially by female authors. And as an adult I watched lots of shows like X-Files and now I’m into paranormal books and still watching TV shows with paranormal themes. There definitely is a correlation between what I read and what I watch.
July 11th, 2010 on 12:34 pm
Sue,
I wish I could write paranormal, but I just don’t have the imagination or vision. The closest I came is my Paranormal Time-Travel, Sisters in Time, but it still has the historical flavor I know and love. A pioneer wife and modern day attorney exchange bodies and eras. Imagine being ripped out of your body and century and waking up in a strange place with a man who believes you’re his wife. Okay…I do have imagination, but it doesn’t run along the paranormal lines often.
July 11th, 2010 on 3:09 am
I don’t think the shows I watched as a kid influenced my reading choices today. I watched reruns of “The Munsters,” “21 Jump Street” and “Night Court.”
July 11th, 2010 on 12:35 pm
I’d have to agree with you. Those wouldn’t be programs that would stimulate my reading preferences either. I loved Night Court.
July 11th, 2010 on 1:37 am
I don’t know if any TV show really influenced what I read today, but I remember so many that I loved. I would run home from school to watch The Big Valley, Lost In Space, Here Come The Brides. And when I was little I loved Fury, I wanted that horse so bad, and when I got my horse he was black like Fury.
I do get get to watch The Big Valley now because I have season one and two on DVD
July 11th, 2010 on 12:36 pm
Oh, Big Valley. Gotta love Heath!