It’s COWBOY MONTH in the Bookshop and this month’s Behind the Story author just happen to write western romance novels!
Hey, it’s Maddie James here, and I’m hosting the Behind the Story chat on Tuesday, September 22, at 6 p.m. ET. (Click for more details and to reserve your seat…it’s FREE!)
Before we jump into the chat next week, I thought it would be great to feature our guest storyteller, Lucinda Race, and get to know her a little better.
So, let’s meet Lucinda Race!
Award-winning and best-selling author Lucinda Race has been captivated by stories for as long as she can remember. A lifelong reader who fell head over heels for cozy mysteries and heartfelt romances as a young girl, she now brings that same magic to her own books.
Tell us about how you got started writing?
Since I was a child, I dreamed in chapters, and I thought everyone did. About twenty years ago, I shared that with a friend, and she said, WHAT?? And then she announced it was a gift and I should write my stories down. So I did.
What do you think is the appeal of a cowboy hero?
Strong men, who love strong women, who tend to look great in a pair of jeans and boots. It’s purely visceral to start, and then the stories rope people in.
What drew you to writing contemporary western romance?
I own four pairs of cowboy boots. LOL. Seriously, I’ve always wondered what life would be like to live on a ranch and fall in love with a handsome, hardworking cowboy who could also do the two-step….
Did you grow up on a ranch?
No. I grew up in a small town in Western Massachusetts, but I rode horses as a kid.
I understand you have a collection of cowboy boots. Tell us more!
I bought my first pair of Justins probably 35 years ago and wore them constantly. When they say they’re the most comfortable thing you’ll put on your feet, they're right as long as they feel great when trying them on. I resole those as many times as I can. Now I have brown, two black pairs, and a black cherry pair.
Who is your favorite cowboy hero—in books or movies?
Sam Elliott. Find a man who ruins your lipstick darlin’… not your mascara.
Let’s talk about settings. How much research do you do when writing western romance?
I do tons of research. YouTube videos are great for inspiration, and in my Cowboys of River Junction series, I have the Colorado River running through the Grace Star Ranch. There are details I had to include, like fish, snowfall, storms, the seasons—well, you get the idea.
Talk about your western/cowboy romance series. Tell us something special.
I wrote a novella with a group of authors who were setting books around fruit. It was apple season, so I chose an apple orchard and thought, why not tie them together. Then I wrote Stars Over Montana, which I thought was book one, but what grew into the novel Second Chances in Montana really became book one since that’s where I initially introduced many of the characters.
Any more cowboy romances in your writing future?
I’m pondering a return to River Junction for a Christmas novel. 😊
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Although her writing career began in nonfiction, storytelling always called Lucinda Race back home. Today, she delights readers with the beloved McKenna Family Romance series and the Paranormal Cozy Nook Bookstore Series—creating charming small towns, lovable characters, and page-turning mysteries filled with heart.
Whether crafting a swoon-worthy romance or a twisty cozy mystery, Lucinda writes the kinds of stories she loves to read—stories that leave readers smiling long after the final page.
Now with over 40 books published, she’s living her dream and loves connecting with readers at LucindaRace.com.
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DON'T FORGET TO RESERVE YOUR SEAT FOR THE CHAT!
