Me and Buffalo Bill
This month’s Women Honoring the West guest comes from Texas. She’s sweet, hilarious, and one heck of a writer. Let’s meet Karen Witemeyer.
When Carmen asked me to write a post for Women Honoring the West, I was delighted since I love the history of the Old West. However, I feel like I should first make a few confessions.
I don’t live on a ranch, have never owned a horse, and have never shot a gun.
I do live in Texas, however, and am surrounded by ranches, horses, and longhorns. I was raised on seven acres in California where my dad planted an apple orchard as a hobby, but we were more town people enjoying country life than true country folk. I have ridden a horse a handful of times, but I get nervous at anything faster than a walk.
I fell in love with the Western genre by watching television.
I know, those old television westerns are not historically accurate, but I loved watching reruns of Bonanza, The Big Valley, and Wagon Train as a kid. Then I fell in love with Dr. Quinn Medicine Woman, The Young Riders, and The Magnificent Seven in my late teens and early twenties.
OK. Now that we have that out of the way, I’d love to share one way that I do my best to be a woman who honors the West—research.
Last summer, I had the opportunity to spend a day in Cody, Wyoming on my way to attend Wild Deadwood Reads in South Dakota. After writing a novella that included the amazing Annie Oakley as a secondary character (In Her Sights), I was excited to explore this town founded in 1895 by Buffalo Bill Cody, who worked with Annie for years in his Wild West Show.
In 1902, Cody built a hotel downtown – the Irma. It was named after his youngest daughter. He maintained two suites and an office for his personal use at the hotel. Wes and I made sure to visit.
As you would expect in cowboy country, there were antlers used in all of the decorating. Gaston from Beauty and the Beast would feel right at home. Lots of dark wood, too, authentic to the time period in which it was built.
My favorite part of the place, however, was the gorgeous cherry wood bar. This was a gift from Queen Victoria after Buffalo Bill brought his Wild West Show to London! They still use it today, though it doubles as a gun case.
After our meal, we waddled out of the restaurant and found Buffalo Bill himself on a bench outside. He was kind enough to let me grab a photo with him.
The next day, we spent all morning touring the large museum in town. Even the outside was amazing, with all kinds of larger-than-life statues paying tribute to the west Buffalo Bill knew and loved. I almost got run over by a Pony Express rider, but my heroic husband whisked me out of the way just in time.
We spent the majority of our time in the museum dedicated to Buffalo Bill’s life and accomplishments. He really was a remarkable man and passionate about preserving the West.
The museum also boasted a display case containing one of Annie Oakley’s trunks, travel dresses, pair of gloves, rifle, and pistol. I felt such a kinship with her as I studied her belongings.
My current series tackles Westerns from a slightly different angle. Instead of being inspired by real Western heroes, my Texas Ever After Series is inspired by classic fairy tales.
But don’t let the titles fool you.
These Westerns are filled with well-researched characters reminiscent of the Old West.
No fancy-pants princes here.
Nope, my heroes are a Texas Ranger, a working ranch hand, and a Pinkerton agent. Rugged Texas men of faith, honor, and integrity.
Just the way I like them.
About Karen Witemeyer
Voted #1 Readers’ Favorite Christian Historical Author of 2023 by Family Fiction Magazine, bestselling author Karen Witemeyer offers warmhearted historical romance with a flair for humor, feisty heroines, and swoon-worthy Texas heroes. Karen’s books have won numerous awards, including the prestigious Christy Award, Carol Award, and National Reader’s Choice Award. Karen makes her home in Abilene, Texas with her husband.
Connect with Karen
Westerns inspired by fairytales. It doesn’t get better than that! Have you read one of Karen’s books? If not, which one looks interesting to you? Drop your answer in the comments.
I love Karen Witemeyer’s book. Never read one I didn’t love.
I do too! Thanks for stopping by!
I adore Karen’s writing. She does such beautiful deep POV. Whenever I teach on POV, I quote from her books. When I sit down to write, I try to keep her examples in mind. Thanks for sharing, Karen!
I love this, Pam! She’s definitely worth quoting! Thanks for stopping by.