Howdy Friends!

Are you ready to meet another Inspirational Western Woman?

Well, I have an amazing gal lined up for this week. She comes from Texas and knows a thing or two about ranching, cooking, and writing western romance novels.

With that . . .

I’d like to welcome one of this month’s Inspirational Western Women, Natalie Bright.

Thanks, Carmen, for inviting me to join your blog, and hello everyone!

One thing you may not know is that life in the Texas Panhandle is all about weather. I will spare you the meteorologist’s explanation as to why our weather is so unpredictable, but let’s just say it’s always a topic of conversation. For example, any hint of snow means that everyone gases up their car and rushes to the grocery store.

That self-sufficient, pioneer spirit still prevails.

Growing up in the small town of Dimmitt, we had one stoplight and a glorious public library where I hung out on Saturdays while my mother did laundry around the corner. Our home was full of books, and I spent every spare minute with my nose buried in a story. My dad’s favorites were about history, and he probably ordered all of the Time Life Series ever printed.

My mother was a devoted Harlequin romance fan. I spent summers at my grandparent’s farm wading in irrigation ditches, walking barefoot through the corn rows, and picking beans at first light.

My mother does not have the same favorable memory of hoeing cotton, but I thought it great fun.

I wanted a horse more than anything.

Faith that things will work out and can-do-attitudes are why I love the people here.

We are always ‘fixin-to’. I think that comes from genetics of those determined to make something out of nothing. Why in the world would any sane person stop your wagon next to a muddy little spring where there are no trees, no shelter, and the only thing you see is an endless stretch of grass and sky?

As you know, long before settlers, moccasined feet walked the Llano Estacado for generations and of their presence still exists. The hardiness of the people and the history of this area holds a fascination for me and inspires my writing.

Click to Tweet, Western Women Speak

Ideas for stories surround me, and I have tackled every opportunity that comes my way.

Families who embrace the rural lifestyle and the history of the American West consumes me, and I will continue to pursue that truth.

Maybe you’re not sure if you are on the right path. Follow your joy and stop questioning the why. I began with books for kids and that led to a book about an amazing rescue horse, Flash and his owner/trainer Christie. I had to tell their story.

Veering in a new direction, an opportunity to write a western romance series with Georgia author Denise McAllister has been fun. We’ve just signed a contract for three more books in the Wild Cow Ranch Series.

You can also expect audio formats soon.

My latest publication is KEEP ‘EM FULL AND KEEP ‘EM ROLLIN’, a cookbook with authentic and modern cow camp recipes. It includes my photography of our cattle ranch and history of the cattle driving era. I think you’ll enjoy this unique collection.

Thanks for joining me today.

Connect with Natalie

Website | www.nataliebright.com Facebook | NatalieBrightAuthor Instagram | @natsgrams

LinkedIn | Natalie Bright Pinterest | @NatBright Twitter | @natNKB

About Natalie Bright

Author, blogger, speaker and ranch owner. Her stories and articles have appeared in numerous publications. She holds a BBA from WTSU, enjoys talking to all ages about writing. Follow her blog Prairie Purview about the people, places, and fascinating history of the Texas Panhandle. She and her husband raise Red and Black Angus. View her ranch photography on Instagram @natsgrams #sanfordranch. Sign up for her eNewsletter at http://nataliebright.com/

Note to the reader: If you are a western woman or have someone in mind who can share their stories about the western lifestyle, please pass on their name and contact information to me. I’d love to include them on this journey. https://carmenpeone.com/contact/