What Is It About the 48th State?

The last of the contiguous states to be admitted to the Union, achieved statehood on St. Valentine’s Day, 1912. It is part of both the western and the mountain states. It is the 6th largest and 14th most populous of the 50 states in the United States of America. The southern most part of the state is desert, with extreme high temperatures in the summer. The northern part of the state is mountainous and often sees significant snowfall in winter.

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A Unique Passion

Over the past few weeks I’ve been introducing you to the main players in my upcoming release On Common Ground. In case you haven’t seen it yet, here is the cover.

I don’t know about you, but I love it!

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A Dying Breed

If you’ve been following my writing journey, you know that my first full-length novel, a contemporary western romance entitled, On Common Ground, will be released next month. I’ve been posting some blogs about my characters, hoping to build some interest and pique your curiosity. So far you’ve been introduced to my heroine, Ketra Weston, and my hero, Trevor Donaldson. Today you’ll meet Rocky Dillinger, owner of the Diamond D Ranch.

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They’re More Than Just Characters

As writers we spend a lot of time with our fictional characters. They become our invisible friends. We talk to them and we talk about them. We imagine what their life was like before our story begins. Sometimes, like in my case, we imagine what they do after the book ends. It’s just something we do.

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The Year of the Horse

Gypsy Vanner – photo courtesy Google Images

I’ve just learned that 2014 is the year of the horse. Surely that means only positive things for my writing career, as I write contemporary women’s fiction and romance with a western flair, usually included a horse or two in the character line-up. Don’t believe me? Check out my Pinterest story boards http://www.pinterest.com/jansenschmidt/

If you were fortunate enough to have parents who procreated at exactly the right time to ensure your birth in a previous year of the horse, here’s what you might be like:

Image courtesy of Google Images

Strengths : People born in the year of the horse have ingenious communicating techniques and in their community they always want to be in the limelight. They are clever, kind to others, and like to join in a venture career. Although they sometimes talk too much, they are cheerful, perceptive, talented, earthy but stubborn. They like entertainment and large crowds. They are popular among friends, active at work and refuse to be reconciled to failure, although their endeavor cannot last indefinitely.

Image courtesy Google Images

Weaknesses : They cannot bear too much constraint. However their interest may be only superficial and lacking real substance. They are usually impatient and hot blooded about everything other than their daily work. They are independent and rarely listen to advice. Failure may result in pessimism. They usually have strong endurance but with bad temper. Flamboyant by nature, they are wasteful since they are not good with matters of finance due to a lack of budgetary efficiency. Some of those who are born in the horse like to move in glamorous circles while pursuing high profile careers. They tend to interfere in many things and frequently fail to finish projects of their own.

Oooo – those weaknesses are doozies. I think I know a few asses horses.

And, now that I have been enlightened and know about the year of the horse, I completely understand the Mr. Ed marathon from my last post. It all makes sense now. Still disappointing, but I get it.

Are you a horse? Do you believe the Chinese zodiac characteristics are pretty spot on for your sign? What sign are you? Inquiring minds want to know.

Word of the Day: Usquebaugh

Fun fact about me: I am a dragon.

Original post by Jansen Schmidt January 2014. Images and photos courtesy Google Images.

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