I often lament the changes I've witnessed in Montana, but it seems this practice has become more and more of a habit. I make no secret that I wish time would rewind back to when I first moved here, when my quiet little town had less than 2,000 people and beautiful land wasn't sold off and subdivided. It's no secret that a lot of long-time locals and multi-generational families aren't pleased with the "progress" in Montana. I'm not originally from Montana, but I did come here to live a quiet life, with no desire to change anything.
Unfortunately, change came with a vengeance. In the sixteen years since I've lived here, the population of my little town has more than doubled. What was once beautiful farmland has become house-covered hills. A shopping area in the nearby town that serviced the residents more than adequately has swelled to allow for an excess of everything, and so much that we don't need.
Yes, I lament the loss of my Montana way of life. I know many families who have lived here all their lives, whose families helped build these small towns, and when they talk about what's happening, there's a deep sadness that sweeps into their eyes. I believe people should come and enjoy the beauty of this magnificent land, but they shouldn't change it—shouldn't want to. Don't get me wrong, Montana is still one of the most stunning places I've ever been, but it's lost something special—something that can't quite be put into words—on this road of "progress," and I don't know if we can get that back.
I've been on the search for a place still relatively untouched by "progress." When I find it, I can only hope and pray that it will remain that way.
This is primarily what draws me to write books set in times past; to have seen the raw beauty of the west. My latest published work, Hattie of Crooked Creek, is a new short story in the Crooked Creek series set in post-Civil War Montana. I've always enjoyed researching and writing about nineteenth-century Montana; just enough progress for people to live better lives, but not so much that the way of life is destroyed.
I hope you enjoy this new glimpse into times past.
As announced in my latest newsletter, I've been working on a collection of gratitude journals. When I first began the project—and knowing better—I had assumed it would be a simple project. In truth, it took twice as long and twice as much work as I had anticipated . . . and every moment has been worth it.
When I received the first proof copy, I decided to use one of my own journals and begin my daily gratitude entries. I'd done this before, but not on a daily basis and certainly not with enough thought or time spent on reflection.
I've been at it for two weeks now and I can say with an honest heart that I wasn't expecting the results. It hasn't been easy coming up with three things every day. At first it was no problem, but then I had to begin to really consider and look within myself because I wanted to be truthful on those pages and not take the easy way by listing my favorite flower or song every day (those are legitimate things for which to be grateful).
The result has been a humbled heart—a feeling I'm not quite comfortable with yet—and a greater appreciation for what I have. I now ask myself, "What can I do for others?" and less often ask, "Wouldn't that look great in my house?" Some days are more of a struggle than others, but it's a process to becoming the person I want to be tomorrow, which is, I hope, better than the person I am today.
The first set of journals will be published in a week and others will follow as I'm inspired to create them.
I'll share updates here when the journals are available, but in the meantime, you can check out all of the covers on the Gratitude Journals page. You'll also find a little more insight into the project.
Gratitude journals are not a new concept, but if you haven't tried it before, I hope you'll join me on this journey.
Updated: Mar 14
Emma, Hattie, Briley, and Clara have together in The Women of Crooked Creek, a western short story collection. If you haven't tried the Crooked Creek series, now's your chance to get all four stories in one volume.
Four courageous women, an untamed land, and the daring to embark on an unforgettable adventure. If you love stories of bravery and courage with unforgettable women and the men they love, you'll enjoy the Women of Crooked Creek.
EMMA
Emma Hawkins is a dedicated doctor in the little town of Crooked Creek, Montana Territory. Casey Latimer is a wounded soldier in search of a new home and a new beginning. When Casey, battered and bruised, falls at Emma's feet, she is duty-bound to help him. What happens next is something Emma never expected.
HATTIE
Married three months before the war and now a widow, Harriett McBride can either give up and sell her ranch or fight for the life she and her husband came west to build. With the help of a friend and a stranger, she must stop the one who threatens all she holds dear. When Hattie is faced with an unexpected choice, will she bury her heart on the battlefield forever or find a way to love again?
BRILEY
Far from home and with no family left, Briley Donaghue answers an advertisement from a rancher seeking a wife in Montana Territory. She arrives in Crooked Creek to find an empty cabin, a letter from her fiancé, and too many unanswered questions. Alone and uncertain, Briley forges a new life in an unfamiliar land.
CLARA
No longer willing to allow society’s opinion to influence her life, Clara Stowe sought a change, and what better place than the frontier. With her young daughter by her side, she embarks on an unexpected undertaking to the Montana Territory. With grit and determination, they arrive in Crooked Creek to shape the life Clara had always dreamed of and honor the memory of the one they lost.
There's more to come from the characters of Crooked Creek.
Publisher: Packsaddle Press
Formats: Paperback, E-Book
Paperback: 186 pages
Released: March 5, 2016
This post was updated in 2024 with the current cover.
The series as of February 2024
