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Thursday, January 28, 2010

Cowboy Lovin' Day 28: Christine Columbus


It's time for another western romance guest spotlight - Christine Columbus, a fellow western romance author of TWRP's Yellow Rose imprint and the woman behind The Perfect Country and Western Story....

Passion without purpose is pointless…That’s why I believe in Happy Endings.

Perfect Country and Western Story
Release Date: February 5, 2010
Digital $6.00
Print $11.99
How The Perfect Country and Western Story came to be…

I was at WE Fest in 2007 sitting around the campfire with my daughter, sister-in-law and nieces when I told them an editor, Rhonda Penders from The Wild Rose Press suggested writing a story surrounding a cowboy hat. I like the idea of a backwards Cinderella story where the woman had a hat and was looking for the cowboy that could wear it. So, we began to plot. I left the concert filled with ideas. When I started the story all I knew is I had a woman with a Toby Keith autographed hat and she needed to find her cowboy at an outdoor concert.


I also wanted to tie the story to …“You Don’t Call me Darlin’, Darlinnnnnn…” by David Allan Coe, otherwise known as the perfect country & western song. The song is perfect because it has trucks, momma, gettin’ drunk, prison, and trains.


So tongue in cheek, I decided that The Perfect Country and Western Story has romance, country music, and Alexandra trying find the cowboy whose head fit an autographed Toby Keith hat.

Back Cover Blurb:

Alexandra has the Stetson hat, now all she needs is the cowboy. But with three days and over 50,000 faces to search, will she be able to find the man who stole her heart? Ben still can’t believe he was foolish enough to let the beautiful thief walk away with his autographed cowboy hat. If the heartbreaker dares to show up at Country Time again this year, he’ll not only be looking to get his hat back, but aiming for a little payback as well.

The final reader from The Wild Rose Press had this to say about The Perfect Country and Western StoryOne of the best things a good story has is wonderful characters, I fell in love with all of them, but I must say Patrick was my favorite. I did cry in a part or two which added to the flow of the book. All in all great job, loved the story.

Who is Patrick?

“Would you be a hon and grab me a cold beer.” Julia said.

Ben’s arms folded across his chest. He needed to put an end to this now or she’d have him running ragged by the end of the weekend. “If all you’re asking is for me to be your servant or
lap dog this weekend—”

Patrick started barking, rushed to the cooler, trotted over to Julia and handed her a beer. “I’ll
be your junk yard dog.”

“Hmmmm,” Julia reached out and scratched Patrick’s tummy. “Would I be able to teach you
some new tricks?”

Patrick’s tongue fell out of his mouth. He panted ‘yes.’

Ben rolled his eyes. This was going to be a loo-ong weekend.

One Writer’s Opinion…

I believe being a writer takes vision. I attended a class a number of years ago where I learned: Vision + Passion (Emotion) = Reality.

So, five years ago, I created a Vision Board and placed it in my cubicle at work. The board included all the things I would like to have come into my life or things that stirred an emotion when I viewed them… At the time I had no idea I was going to write The Perfect Country and Western Story… When I went to take a look at the board now and saw all the photos from concerts and cowboys…I wasn’t surprise that I wrote The Perfect Country and Western Story.

I also ran across a book by Gay Hendrickson back in 07…the instructions were simple imagine you are on your deathbed and looking back on life… any regrets?
I wrote….

For my life to have been a total success, I wish I’d love more, found a man to make me dance.
And I wish I’d laughed harder.
I also wish I’d never talked negatively about others – found forgiveness and had the confidence not to put down anyone, listened more and talked less..
And wrote a best selling novel.
And traveled – let go of my fear.
Since writing down my wishes and creating a vision board… I have written a novel in 08’/09’, met the man of my dreams in 07’, travel to Washington DC and Germany in 08’ went on a cruise on 09’ and am going to Switzerland in 10’.

Create a Vision add Passion to make the Dream become a Reality and Live Your Dream.

I also tell people that I am going to be on the Oprah show, because I found the perfect skirt to wear while shopping in Galena Illinois….Who knows…I might just get there.

Christine Columbus
http://www.christinecolumbus.net/

Today Christine is giving away a paperback edition of The Perfect Country and Western Story. Enter by commenting to this post before midnight EST February 1st. The winner will be announced the next day, Tuesday the 2nd. Chances of winning depend on the number of entries and you must be 18 years or older to enter.
Today is also the last day to enter to win a free Stacey Joy Netzel title. Also open for entry is the Donna Marie Rogers giveaway.... And tomorrow check back in for the exclusive first look at the 3rd book in the Wayback Ridge trilogy, Bet It On My Heart....

36 comments:

Anonymous said...

congratuations and success from steve herbst

Christine said...

Thank you so much for hosting me, I enjoy writing, (yes even blogs and checks for bills.)

Carol L. said...

Hi Christine,
I enjoyed your post.What a great twist, a hat instead of the glass slipper. Works for me. :) Congrats on the release of The Perfect Country and Western Story.
I look forward to reading it. Please enter me.
Carol L.
Lucky4750@aol.com

Anonymous said...

Christine, congratulations on your newest novel, "The Perfect Country and Western Story" I envy your ability to create greatness from your ideas and dreams.There are many things in life that will catch your eye.But very few that will capture your heart...
Pursue those.

Thank you for a wonderful novel

P.L. Parker said...

Loved the post. As I've always said - gotta love those cowboys. Congratulations and many sales.

susan said...

Sure would love to win this paperback edition of A Perfect Country Western Song.....I follow country music and met many singers in person and this book would be the icing on the cake so to speak. I hope to be entered and also have a nice day you all. susan L.

susan said...

OOPS! meant Country Western Story in my last comment..see I was thinking of the song. susan L.

Brenda Whiteside said...

Your title roped me in Christine. And now that I see where you got your inspiration, I am really hooked. The song came to mind when I first heard the title. Can't wait to read it!

Brenda

Anonymous said...

I've read many of Christine's short-stories and cannot wait to read her latest release. I'm going to buy a copy of "The Perfect Country and Western Story" as a Valentine's Gift for myself.

Ilona Fridl said...

Christine,
Your book sounds great! I've been trying the vision thing and, after a pile of rejections, I finally sold. Now, I'm waiting for the release date for my second book. Hmmm-now Oprah?

Kortney said...

Great story and so much fun to read

Anonymous said...

Your lovely post left me thinking of my vision board. About an hour ago I bumped into it right before going out to shovel.I'm glad to have found your work and you sparked me to really take another look at my board.

Teri said...

Hey Chris,
I am so excited for you and HUGE congratulations to you on the release of your Novel. I'm hoping to come to one of the book signings and I'm also ready to pack a bag for the Oprah show! I see Margarita's in our future.
Keep on Keepin on my friend.
Teri

Anonymous said...

Mom,

Great job on finally finishing your novel! I hope all of your hard work pays off for you! And I hope tons & tons of people but & love your book!

Love you,

Bridget

Debra St. John said...

Oh, I am lovin' this story already! I love anything country and western, so a book with that title seems like the perfect read for me. And Toby is one of my favorites, so I'm totally envious of the heroine who has the hat in the first place!

Congrats on your release!

debrastjohn08@yahoo.com

Mary Ricksen said...

I love Western romances! This sounds wonderful. I just can't wait to read it.
I'll take the hat!

robynl said...

I like the idea of finding someone who fits the hat; so little time so many faces. This is a great spin on the fairy tale.
congrats on the book; I love Western romance.

yourstrulee(at)sasktel(dot)net

toni herbst said...

Christine - can't wait to read your stuff,,,, CONGRATULATIONS,,,

therbst

Anonymous said...

Congratulations Christine - Can't wait to read your stuff ,,, toni herbst

Christine said...

I am happy to see everybody who has stop by... thanks for taking the time... I too am excited about the release of my novel. The response has been great.

SiNn said...

Hi Christine awesome post and twist your a new to me author so I haventr ead anything from you but would be awesome to so so i could congrats on ur newest book i wish you many more to come

Stacey Joy Netzel said...

Nice twist, Christine. I go to Country USA every year and one of these days I'll plan to set a story at the music fest. I'll have to read yours to make sure it's not similar. :) Have fun in Switzerland!

Julie said...

Your vision board is gorgeous! Thanks for the inspiration, and the chance to win. :)

misskallie2000 said...

Hi Christine, congratulations on your newest novel, "The Perfect Country and Western Story". I love the idea of a hat instead of a slipper. Great twist to story. I love cowboy stories.
Thanks for the great giveaway. Pls add my name to the hat.
I will be adding your name to my new author list.
misskallie2000 at yahoo dot com

Unknown said...

Christine
I love this story. Country music, romance, comedy and a setting I can get on board with...a music festival. Interesting how the relationships fell. Makes me wonder what's next and for whom?
Country lover

Rick said...

I like the comedy and conflict. Love sure can be a rocky path at first. Just the country twist I like... spurring love on a musical bull ride Lol.
Congratulations!

S. Shock said...

Nothing like a sassy, yet sweet novel that gets you all 'giddy' while reading it! I can't wait for your book signing Feb 19th at The Elks! It will be so much fun! COngrats!

Anonymous said...

Keep "livin' the dream"..good luck with your new book!

Anonymous said...

Way to go Christine Columbus! I can't wait to read your new book...you have worked so hard on it. I also can't wait for the book signing! I'm sure we will have no fun!

Carol Z

pat said...

Hi Chris, Congratulations... your mom would be so proud! Pat

booklover0226 said...

I enjoyed reading your post. I look forward in reading more of your works.

Thanks,
Tracey D
booklover0226 AT gmail DOT com

Christine said...

Thanks for stopping by on a cold Minnesota day…I’m wishing I was kicked back in by lawn chair instead of wrapped up in my down comforter. I appreciate all the comments. Stay warm.

Becky said...

What a great post!I love Western romances! This sounds wonderful. I just can't wait to read it. Also reading about your vision board made me think of my own. I am just an avid reader, but ever since I was a teenager I always had a vision board and still do. I'm sure one day one of them will come true for me.

Congratulations on the release of "The Perfect Country and Western Story".

Unknown said...

Hi Christine, I loved your post!! Congrats on your new release!! If I don't win your book I will go buy it. Thanks, Sue

Anonymous said...

Chris,
Great job once again! Put me on the list for your next "WE FEST" trip, sounds like fun!
Mary

Fedora said...

Congrats on your latest releases, and thanks for sharing today! Can't wait 'till you hit the Oprah show! :)