July 14, 2008

Salvation, Tx

When I decided to write my mail order bride story, I knew I wanted to place it in Texas. At first, I wanted to put it in Abilene or Lubbock. However, research quickly showed me that neither town was built until the late 1870's or early 1880's and I wanted to put my story in the early 1870's, not too many years past the Civil War, as David is a Confederate Army Vet.

I don't remember if the title of the story "Salvation Bride" or the name of the town came first, but I think the title did and then I decided to name the town Salvation, to get a double meaning going.

Once I settled on a name for my town, I had to decide where to put it. Pretty much all of West Texas was out, because it wasn't settled yet (except for the El Paso area and I didn't want to put it there). Waco was a good place, but I eventually decided on the Bryan/College Station area. College Station is where Texas A&M is and Bryan was a settled town back then. They are both near Austin.

Salvation isn't a large town, with the cowboys, it probably has a population of around 500, but it is a stagecoach stop and boosts a hotel, blacksmith shop, and The Red Door Saloon/brothel.

David is not only the sheriff, he's a rancher, with a spread about a half hour out of town. The homestead was given to his father by the State of Texas as thanks for fighting in the Texas War of Independence in the 1830's. But David's close to losing it now.

The ranch didn't do well during the war, since David wasn't there to work it and it fell into disrepair. Also, money is tight after the War, between needing to build up his stock and being taxed by the Union, David is facing a severe money shortage and is very close to losing the homestead his father earned.

Just about everyone in Salvation is in the same boat as David, so when he decides to look for a wife, he knows there's not anyone in the area is rich enough to give their daughter away with a large dowry. Besides, there aren't that many eligible women in the area - the hotel owner's 14-year-old daughter, a few widows and the gals at The Red Door Saloon. None of them are to his liking. So, he takes a leap of faith, and sends for a mail order bride who has money of her own.

His hopes he'll find salvation in his new bride...just not the kind he does find.

Anna Kathryn

16 comments:

Anonymous said...

Thanks for sharing more about salvation. I like the playing with words you've here:: salvation and the towns name.

Chicks of Characterization said...

Wow, Anna this sounds like a terrific read and I adore the title!!! When does this come out??
:O) Andrea

Anna Kathryn Lanier said...

Thanks Tessa and Andrea. The story will be out this fall. i don't have a release date yet, but I've done my first galley edits (which for any non-writers, is when the story is sent to you in the format it'll be printed). That means we're pretty close to finishing up the edits.

Anna Kathryn

Meljprincess said...

I grew up in Lubbock! I know West Texas well. Oh, I'd love to read ST!

Melissa

LuAnn said...

I'd imagine you had a lot of fun researching for this book!

cheryl c said...

This story sounds wonderful. When it comes out will it be as a paperback or e-book?

Jane said...

Were most of the mail order brides from a particular state? I know Laura was from Virginia.

Rebekah E. said...

This sounds like a wonderful story. Thank you for sharing. When does it come out, I would like to get it.

Anna Kathryn Lanier said...

Thanks for the comments everyone. The book should come out this fall. I don't have an exact release date yet. It'll be in an e-book, because it's just a novella, just under 100 pages long.

Mail Order Brides were from all over, including Europe. I have a book about called "Hearts West" by Chris Enss, who researched actual mail order brides and wrote about them. I accidently bought two of them, so one day, I'll give away my extra copy as a prize. It's a small book, but very interesting.

A.K.

Cherie J said...

Thanks for sharing more about your process in writing this book. So cool!

Estella said...

Sounds like a great story!

Drea said...

This looks like a fun story. I really like how you research things to make sure it will be consistent with the times. I find that some don't and when you realize that, it kind of keeps your mind occupied with that little fact and don't enjoy the story. Can't wait!
~Drea

Michelle said...

My dad loved this era and read a lot of history he probably would have enjoyed reading this book as well.

windycindy said...

Hello! I enjoy reading about the process that author's go through in writing their books. Thanks for sharing your ideas and process. I look forward to reading your book this fall. Cindi
jchoppes[at]hotmail[dot]com

Zulmara said...

thanks for a new twist on an old story...love it...

ADELANTE!!!

Zulmara

Unknown said...

Hey, AK...*clearing throat and whispering*... Mention the video!

Ginger