Bobbi Smith once worked as a department store manager for Famous-Barr, and briefly as a clerk at a bookstore. Soon, she gave up on career security and began writing. She sold her first book to Zebra in 1982. Since then, Bobbi has written over 40 books and several short stories. To date, there are more than five million of her novels in print. She has been awarded the prestigious Romantic Times Storyteller of the Year Award and two Career Achievement Awards. Her books have appeared on numerous bestseller lists.

What was the first Western historical novel you remember reading? 

I honestly don’t remember which Western I read first. Sylvie Sommerfield, Constance O’Banyon, Cassie Edwards and Janelle Taylor all definitely were an inspiration to me. Flame And The Flower by Woodiwiss was the book that made me think seriously about trying to write in the late 70s.

My first few books were about steamboats and the Civil War, because I live in St. Louis and love the Mississippi River. After four books, my editor at the time said if I wanted to sell, write Westerns.  I’ve been at it ever since. Having grown up on John Wayne and Rawhide and Bonanza and Gunsmoke and Have Gun, Will Travel, etc., it wasn’t a hard transition. Donald Hamilton’s Big Country is an awesome book, as is the movie with Gregory Peck and Charleton Heston and Jean Simmons and Carol Baker! If you haven’t seen it, go get it right away!

When did you know you were hooked on Western historical novels?

I love Westerns because the good guys and the bad guys are clearly defined. Growing up, I had a Roy Rogers ranch and I played with it all the time. It’s fun to make up stories about cowboys and Indians.

I love doing the research, and I can write off my research trips!  I love to go to the places I’m writing about to get the feel of it. My first trip to the Superstitions, just east of Phoenix, was awesome, and I went to Marfa, Texas this past year. The West Texas landscape is amazing, and I do get vibes off of things.

Tell us about Lawless, Texas & Dream Warrior.

Dream Warrior is an oldie set in the Dakota Territory. It was originally published back in ’93. Silver Wolf is a half-breed who saves Cari, the heroine, during a blizzard/ice storm when she’s just a young girl. The bond that is created between them is strong. When they are reunited some years later, their attraction for one another is undeniable. Silver Wolf is framed for murder, but manages to break out of jail, and, together, they go on the run to find the real killer.

If you could choose two actors to play the lead roles in Lawless, Texas, who would they be and why? 

I’ve just started a new series for Leisure - the “Wanted” series. The first book will be out this June - Wanted! The Halfbreed. The hero is Walker Stevenson, a halfbreed rancher, who is convicted of murder and sent to the penitentiary. Our heroine is the doctor in town. They’d been friends since childhood and she knows he has to be innocent. When he manages to escape from the horror of the chain gang, Walker comes back to town determined to find the real killer. The cover for this book is absolutely fantastic! The next book in the series Wanted! The Texan will be out in December. Meanwhile, I’m thrilled that Zebra is re-releasing more of my backlist. Texas Splendor and Capture My Heart will be out in March and October! WOW! 4 books in one year! :)

What are some of your favorite western romances by other authors?

Thanks so much for the wonderful interview!

Awww..thank you, Bobbi, for taking time out of your busy schedule to be in our spotlight!! :)