Raised in Omak, WA, on the Colville Reservation is my Change of Heart cover model, nineteen-year-old Shayna (pronounced Shania) Ann Palmanteer. She is currently a student at the Inchelium Language House on the reservation––a young woman on a path to self-discovery. Not long ago, I found myself on a journey to find a model for…
For the fourth year in a row, Eagle Boy and Scotty Abrahamson have earned the “King of the Hill” title. “He’s one of the greatest horses I’ve ever rode,” Abrahamson told the Tribal Tribune. “He wants to win this just as much as I do.” Eagle Boy placed second on Thursday, first on Friday, and…
Taz is durable and confident His big eyes bright He soars down the hill, sure-footed, The crowd cheers with delight He powers through the rivers Like a steam engine climbing a hill His legs carry him with the speed of a gazelle He gives onlookers an arm-tingling thrill Taz is durable…
When researching Girl Warrior, I had interviewed plenty of male jockeys. I needed to find a female to interview because my main character was female. I needed a woman’s perspective but didn’t know who. Didn’t know one female jockey’s name, only they existed. So I began asking family and friends and finally found a name:…
When looking down from the top of the hill, horses and spectators look like dots, the water invites a quick swim on a hot day, and the sky is as blue as azure. In the staging area horses dance, their eyes and ears alert. Their hard muscles ripple in anticipation. Some rider-horse teams are quiet…
May is the time to honor mothers and veterans. My father, Lewis Sutton, was never in active combat but served in the army at Fort Lewis in Washington State for two years. I thank him and all of those who dare to keep our country safe. My mother, Jean Sutton, is a wonderful woman who…
All fictitious stories, short or long, have five elements in common. Without one of these five foundations, your story will fall flat, like a house built on sand. It’s important to know and use these so your story will make the reader satisfied, wanting to read more. ~ Character ~Setting ~Conflict ~Plot ~Solution When writing…
Nine-year-old INFR Women’s Barrel Racing Champion and Colville tribal member Rocksie Marchand recently competed at The American Rodeo in Fort Worth, Texas, this past month all due to big dreams and little spurs. The 63 & ½ pound Native girl gets the job done. How? With: Determination. Perseverance. Good old-fashion hard work. “I had a…
Me: Hey, all! I’m here with my first interview with my female hero, Miss Hannah Gardner, of my historical young adult novel, Hannah’s Journey. Welcome, Hannah! How are you? Hannah: Hello, Carmen. I am quite well. *She smiles and crosses her ankles.* Thank you for asking. Me: How’s training coming along? Hannah: Between my Auntie…
How does a 9-year-old girl snag the Indian National Finals Rodeo, INFR, Ladies World Barrel Racer title in Las Vegas, NV? Grit Determination Love Wait…Love? What’s love got to do with it? According to Rocksie Marchand, everything. “Roo and I have a bond,” she tells me over the phone. “We love and trust each other.”…
Hannah’s focus in life is to race horses like her Aunt Spupaleena. The only problem is her folks disapprove. Her mother, determined to make a lady out of the young teen, and her father, aimed to keep her safe from the male jockeys, struggle to let her chase her dreams. Almost ready for marriage, Hannah is…
Sourdough Biscuits and Pioneer Pies, The Old West Baking Book, it’s full of Old West history and recipes as well as how the recipes were preserved and passed down. ~Amazon Review. And what a thrill it is to share traditional Indian Frybread on page 12 and 13! Upon meeting my husband’s family in 1984, one of…
Native Americans originally traveled by shanks ponies–or on foot. Natives obtained their first horses from Spanish explorers in 1540. Some of those original horses escaped and turned wild and are now coined Mustangs. The first horse used by Natives, now having its own registry, is the American Indian Horse. Its ancestry consists of Spanish Barb,…
Welcome Fellow Women Writing the West Author, J.v.L. Bell! J.v.L. Bell is a is a Colorado native who grew up listening to stories from Colorado’s vibrant past. Her first novel, The Lucky Hat Mine, is an entertaining historical mystery that weaves together a strong female character, a cozy mystery, romance, and colorful historical characters and tales. Welcome…
It’s a party and you’re invited! HANNAH’S JOURNEY is coming to stores and e-retailers October 1. Join Carmen on Tuesday, October 3rd at 5:00-7:00 (Pacific Standard Time) for a racin’ good time celebrating the book’s release. All you have to do is hop onto Facebook during those hours and post a few comments to enter the drawings! …
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