Book Blurb:
June 1936: The United States is in the midst of a severe depression, sword-rattling is going on abroad, and the divorce craze is sweeping through Reno, Nevada. People flock to the biggest little city in the world to gain freedom from loveless marriages because Nevada offers uncomplicated and painless divorces. Divorce gives Nevada a unique identity, a cosmopolitan glamour, a splash of sin, and a whiff of celebrity midst the callous landscape of the desert and the rugged Sierras. Without the divorce trade, Reno would be just another stop on the railroad track. Instead it is an untamed frontier town and a gambler’s paradise.
Enter Maggie Warner Carmichael. She arrives from New York to divorce her husband because of adultery—his, not hers. The darling of Hollywood, Dorothy Adams’ affair becomes food for the press, and she is sent by her producer to divorce her husband. Claire Brown’s marriage and life crumbles, and to avoid humiliation, she is sent to Reno by her parents.
Staying on the ranch opens up a new world—one with denim, horses, and handsome cowboys. While waiting out their required six weeks, these women form a sisterhood where they help each other through Helen’s death, Claire’s little habit, Dorothy’s romantic encounters, and Maggie’s naïveté. The camaraderie they experience allows them the freedom to be themselves and when their divorces are granted, they kiss the columns and throw their rings into the rushing waters of the Truckee River.
While the divorce ranches are long gone, their history still lingers throughout the region. Sit back, relax, and enjoy their story.
Where are you from? Tell us a little about yourself!
I am from the wild west! I grew up in California and have lived in Nevada for many, many years. Currently, we live in the mountains, not far from the setting of my last book: The Divorce Ranch
Tell us about your book? How did it get started?
I read an article in the local paper about the divorce ranches and my curiosity was spiked. I researched, visited the remains of some of the ranches, and let my imagination take off. I set the story in the 1930s because the political and economic situations are similar, plus I like the romance of the 30s.
How do you create your characters?
Sometimes the character just comes, fully dressed and ready to act. But there are other times I create from scratch, mixing traits like one would mix a cake. A little of this, a little of that.
What inspires and what got you started in writing?
I started writing as a young girl, plays mostly. I would perform them for the audience, complete with costumes. I didn’t start writing seriously until after I completed The Artist Way.
Where do you write? Is there something you need in order to write (music, drinks?)
Most of the time I write at home, but there are times during the business day that I can write in my office. I need quiet. Usually I will play classical music.
How do you get your ideas for writing?
From the stage that is life. There are ideas everywhere, and I keep notebooks full. I see life in terms of a good novel.
What do you like to read?
Mostly novels, with richly described characters and fascinating settings. I enjoy historical fiction, especially set during WWII. My grandmother was Jewish and I find the entire situation that people want to say didn’t happen intriguing.
What would your advice to be for authors or aspiring in regards to writing?
In order to write, you need to be an avid reader so you see the dance of words on the page. Read many different writers, and then start writing to uncover your own unique writing style.
Anything else you’d like to share?
No. Just check out my books if you like to read a good story and thanks for the opportunity.
Blessings!
