Killing Trail got a nice review over on Rough Edges, which is the blog of James Reasoner. That means a lot to me because James makes his living as a professional writer, and much of what he writes is western themed. James is the author of over 200 books, many under his own name and others under various pen-names. He writes or has written for a number of series, some very long-running.
I've got several dozen of James's books around here, not all of them read yet. But it's always nice to have some good stuff in reserve. Probably my favorites by James aren't westerns at all but a couple of noir thrillers called Texas Wind and Dust Devils, both from Point Blank Press. I’ve reviewed both of these on Amazon. In westerns, my favorites by James are his Judge Earl Stark books, but there are many others to enjoy.
Every couple of years I get to talk to James Reasoner in Cross Plains, Texas when I go there for Howard Days. I always enjoy those visits. The man is stuffed with information about writing and writers, and it’s always fun to pick his brain. His taste is impeccable, as witness his enjoyment of Killing Trail. :)
James's wife, Livia J. Washburn is also a professional writer, so they are an interesting couple.
And the cover photo at top, well, guess who sat for it. No, not me, but someone mentioned in this blog. And not Livia either. :)
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Great to hear that Charles. Glad to hear your book getting such great reviews.
ReplyDelete-Bryan
www.sff-hub.com
Every time I see that cover, I have to mention that in the upper right, that's my hand holding the pistol.
ReplyDeleteHa. Bill Crider always gives me a good chuckle.
ReplyDeleteAnd excellent review. I'd frame that one!
Congrats for the reviews. And envy for bein gable to travel to Cross Plains!
ReplyDeleteBryan, yes, it's always good to hear good things about one's work.
ReplyDeleteBill Crider, ahh, I did not know that you were a 'hand model' man!
David Cranmer, Saved it in my journal for sure.
Deka, for a while I went every year. Lately I've been going every other year. It's very nice.
Wow, are you a model, professor and writer? That's kind of like Clint Eastwood's character in The Eiger Sanction, art professor, climber and assassin.
ReplyDeleteArtsparker, oops, no, that's not me, that's James Reasoner himself. I better clarify that.
ReplyDeleteLove that cover, Charles. And what a great endorsement. Congratulations!
ReplyDeleteRick, thankee.
ReplyDeleteCongratulations on the good review. I can't imagine anything nicer than getting a good review from a writer whose work you admire.
ReplyDeleteI love westerns, but I rarely read them for some reason. I'll look out for Reasoner's books.
Congrats. It's always nice getting a good review, but it's even better to get one from someone you respect.
ReplyDeleteCharles, how cool to know someone to bounce ideas off of. I have Michelle and Mark for that!!
ReplyDeleteMary Witzl, I go through phases with westerns. I've been reading a lot more in the past two years.
ReplyDeleteTy Johnston, yes it is. Thanks, man.
jodi, it's something a writer needs for sure.
Those reviews really help.
ReplyDeleteGreat review Charles; congrats. Now you need to do a book video. You can pose in your duster with your six gun, get Lana to take the photos and turn them into sepia tones, and then...
ReplyDeleteBernardl, I hope they will for sure. I appreciated yours.
ReplyDeleteCandy, I may already have enough pics like that to do something. I'll have to try.
Bernardl, I hope they will for sure. I appreciated yours.
ReplyDeleteCandy, I may already have enough pics like that to do something. I'll have to try.
It's nice to have others admire your work, no doubt about it :)
ReplyDeletePart of the value of networking at conferences and the like is that you get to see these people as something other han iconic, and they get to see you as somethihng other than background noise. Not surprised at the good review, though.
ReplyDeleteHeff, indeed. Of course, I'm not Butlik with millions of fans worldwide.
ReplyDeleteX-Dell, I know. I've met many well known writers by now and almost every one has turned out to be excellent company.
way cool review by james, charles :)
ReplyDeleteGood stuff! :)
ReplyDeleteGreat review.
ReplyDeleteMy husband loves westerns so I will have to tell him about Reasoner who looks like Brian Dennehy in Silverado.
Laughingwolf, yes, I appreciated it muchly.
ReplyDeleteSteve, thankee.
Carol, I liked Silverado quite a lot. A long movie for sure.
Great review Charles, gonna do everything I can to make it to Howard days next year-hope to meet you in person then (If you're there)
ReplyDeleteThat is absolutely excellent -- congrats, man! Yes, a framer.
ReplyDeleteDavid, right now the plan is definitely to be at Howard Days!
ReplyDeleteErik, thanks. I'm happy.
Congratulations, Charles!
ReplyDeleteMerisi, thanks.
ReplyDeleteJust wanted to publicly tell you how much I enjoyed the stories in Killing Trail. I got my Kindle yesterday and immediately downloaded your book...you have the honor of being my first Kindle download!
ReplyDeleteThe stories were richly detailed while still being economically told. I liked the distinct voice of each narrator. The language was what I would expect from well crafted western tales. And the essays were informative and honestly captured your love of good western stories.
Well done Charles!
Travis Cody, thanks, Man. I appreciate the good words. Really picks up my morning. I'm very glad you enjoyed.
ReplyDeleteAdding my congrats for the good review!
ReplyDeleteShauna, thanks.
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