I’m a Westerner by birth and upbringing.  My grandparents lived like pioneers and my great-grandparents were pioneers.  I grew up in a small town, in a family of people who loved the outdoors.  Maybe that’s why writing Western romance comes so naturally to me.  But I can and do write other things.  My earliest books were big historical sagas, one about the conquest of Mexico and two set in China.  Then the market changed and eventually I found a new home at Harlequin Historicals. 

My first Western novel, still one of my best, was Capture the Wind, published in 1985 by Pinnacle Books under the pen name of Lisa Lancaster.  My second was Wind River, published by Harlequin Historicals in 1989.  Most, though not all, of the books I’ve written since have been Westerns, all of them for Harlequin. Sometimes I joke about getting saddle sores, but even when I break away and write stories in other settings, I always come back to Westerns.  For me, it’s like coming home.

Visit Elizabeth at: www.elizabethlaneauthor.com

What is the first western historical novel you remember reading?

When I was in sixth grade I went through our public library’s entire shelf of Zane Grey books (many of you will be too young to remember him but he was big in his day).  I was too young to understand everything I read, but knew that I couldn’t get enough.

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

I was probably hooked on Western movies first.  I grew up in the glory days of the Hollywood Western, with stars like John Wayne and James Stewart, and directors like John Ford.  The movies led to a fascination with Western history, which in turn led to my interest in the novels.

What do you like about western romances versus other genres?

The realness of it—the honesty, the challenges, the high-stakes action, the values and courage of the characters.  And I love describing the outdoor settings—the mountains, the spectacular skies, the birds and animals—that have been so much a part of my own life.

What part of the writing process do you enjoy most when you write – the research, creating the characters, developing the plot, providing the historical context – and why?

Maybe all of the above, since I’ve never tried breaking the process down into parts. But writing goes far deeper than enjoyment.  It’s extremely hard work, often frustrating, sometimes painful.  Writing on deadline can be exhausting.  But like most writers, I can’t imagine not doing it.  For me, the real rewards come from connecting with my readers and the hope that I’ve enriched their lives in some small way.

Where do you get your story ideas?

Mostly from keeping my eyes and ears open and asking “what if?”.  A good story about relationships will work in many different settings.  HER DEAREST ENEMY started out as an idea for a contemporary.  At some point I realized that its values would work better in a more traditional setting.  I subscribe to magazines about the historic West and get some of my ideas for setting and background details from the articles I read.  But I try to remember that human emotions are at the heart of any romance.  That’s where I try to focus.

Tell us about your new book, The Stranger, from Harlequin Historicals.

This is one of my best Westerns ever.  Here’s the story, set in New Mexico in the 1880’s.Seventeen-year-old Caleb McCurdy is traveling with his two lawless older brothers. On an isolated ranch, a newly married couple offers them a meal. Caleb is enchanted by Laura, the young bride. When a series of events leads to the attempted rape of Laura and the murder of her husband, the innocent Caleb is forced to flee with his brothers. Five years later, a greatly changed Caleb returns to the ranch to find out what became of Laura. He finds her there, physically and emotionally scarred, raising her young son alone. When she fails to recognize him, Caleb stays to give her some much-needed help and finds himself falling in love. But what will happen when Laura learns the truth?

What other projects are you working on now?

I have a number of them.  My next release from Harlequin Historicals, set for January 2008, is ON THE WINGS OF LOVE, an “Americana” set on Long Island in the early days of aviation.  The hero is an ambitious airplane designer, the heroine a rebellions heiress who falls in love with flying—and with him.  It’s a step out of the box for me but if you like my Westerns you should like this one.  I’ll be back in the saddle for the next book.  Tentatively titled THE BORROWED BRIDE, it’s set in Colorado in the late 1800’s.  Since it features two brothers in love with the heroine, it will likely have a sequel.  I’m also working on a secret project I’d rather not discuss, since it hasn’t sold.  But I can tell you that it’s a Western.

And finally, what are some of your favorite western romances by other authors?

Not all the Westerns I love are romances.  My all time favorite is probably LONESOME DOVE.  Another novel high on my list is THE MAN WHO LOVED CAT DANCING.  In the romance department, Kathleen Eagle’s Native American stories take my breath away—so real and authentic and beautifully written

Next Month: Jannine Corti Petska

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