Mary J. McCoy-Dressel ~ Contemporary Romance

Sensual western romance. Heartwarming stories. Strong family ties.
Mary J. McCoy-Dressel ~ Contemporary Romance
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    • #AmWriting Favorites to Read and Write #MFRWauthor

      Posted at 7:18 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on April 27, 2018
      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, author western romance, Blog Post updates

      Week 17: Favorite Romance Genre to Read or Write

      The topic for this weeks Marketing for Romance Writers 52-Week Blog Challenge says genre and not genres. Romance and romance sub-genres are my go-to favorite. What’s wrong with Happy Endings? ❤  🙂

      It will come as no surprise that my favorite genre to write is contemporary western romance. I love cowboys, horses, and the ranching and western lifestyle. This genre is something I will, most likely, always read and write.

      Can I say I like to read other genres? Maybe write them? I’m going to… Who’s going to stop me? LOL. I’m only teasing…but…

      I can see myself writing a contemporary romance novel not in the western genre because I have novels on my hard drive that are non-western romance. I do read other romance sub-genres beside western, and I like reading women’s fiction novels.

      I’ve already gone overboard with this topic I suppose, but I’m adding that while I wrote time-travel romance novels in the past, they were my favorite genre to write and read at the time, but I’ve always loved western romance. I love reading time-travel novels, but will I ever write another one? It’s doubtful. I’m too wrapped up in new projects as it is. In fact, I have a secret project coming out late next year, and believe it or not, I’m not sure if it’ll be a western, but I’m leaning in the cowboy direction. After all, it is my favorite genre to write, but I’m not limited to reading only western. Now look at that last sentence. I could’ve written a one-sentence post and been done with it. 


      It’s beginning to look and act like spring around here. Knock on Wood. We’re still holding our breath for decent weather. Look! Buds are on the tree in my front yard. I woke to frost on my car windows yesterday. Sigh.

      Mary J. McCoy-Dressel Books, Western Romance, Blog Post Favorites to read and write

       

      Hope you enjoy your weekend.

      In our Blog Challenge group, we have authors who write in many genres and sub-genres besides romance. However, this topic calls for romance. I’m interested to see what their favorites genres are to read and write. Let’s visit the Blog Hop by clicking HERE.

      Thanks for reading.

      Posted in #AmWriting, #MFRWauthor | 14 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #AuthorLife, #MFRWauthor, #WritersLife, blog hop, contemporary western romance, cowboys, Favorites to Read and Write, horses, mainstream, Marketing for Romance Writers 52-Week Blog Challenge, Ranching, time-travel romance, Victorian Era
    • #AmWriting Better Watch Out: Family, Friends & Pets in Books #MFRWauthor

      Posted at 10:53 am by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on April 20, 2018

      It’s hard to believe it’s already Friday, but in the same breath I’ll say it’s been a long week. Regardless how fast or slow, it is time for another Marketing for Romance Writers 52-Week Blog Challenge post. We use the Hashtag #MFRWauthor.

      Week 16: Family, friends, and pets I’ve written into my books.

      Let’s begin.

      Family:

      In one of my books, a character is in martial arts. She’s a test away from getting her black belt in Tae Kwon Do. My son is a second-degree black belt. I brought his character into this book for a brief scene. As a black belt, he teaches classes, so he advised me on what would happen when a new student comes to observe a class to see if they might be the right fit.

      Friends:

      Many of my heroines have best friends. I base their relationship on my own relationship with my best friend though I’ve never brought her into the book as herself. Those of you who have been around a while, might remember my best friend passed away not long ago.

      Another character is based on a friend’s mother though I haven’t used her name nor have I written in any of the things she had done to her daughter. It was only the idea for this particular fictitious mother’s attitude to be patterned after this mother. And, no, it isn’t Judy Carlson for readers who are familiar with my Double Dutch Ranch Series. Quite the opposite of Judy, in fact.

      Fur Babies Large and Small:

      By now, anyone who knows me, knows I wrote my dog Kasha into Whispers of Forever: Mending Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance, Marketing for Romance Authors Blog hop Post, my dog KashaChristmas because I knew her days were numbered, and I wanted to do it as a tribute to her. I’m so glad I did because now she’s gone, but she lives on in my books. She’s mentioned in Finding Kimber and Hooked by Sundown, too. I can see her in future books even if she’s doing nothing more than wandering around the barn or having a character reach down to pat her.

       

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance, #MFRWauthor Blog Post, April 2018One of my senior and most gentle horses in the Double Dutch Ranch Series is based on an elderly horse from the stable where I used to spend time.

       

       

      I don’t know if I responded to this topic correctly by saying some characters are based on real people. If not, then the only real family/fur baby members I wrote into a book is my son and the real animals are Kasha and the horse. How about you, authors? Do you use animals in your stories? Readers? Do you like reading books with fur babies in them? Do you think it brings something to the story?

      Please join us on this Blog Hop by visiting other participating authors HERE.

      Enjoy Your Weekend!

      Thanks for reading.

       

      Featured Image: Pixabay with some editing by yours truly. Little girl and horse: Dreamstime. Kasha: Image and graphic by me. ❤

      Posted in #AmWriting, #MFRWauthor | 10 Comments | Tagged #AmWriting, #MFRWauthor, Better Watch Out: Family, blog hop, Dogs in books, family in books, Friends & Pets in Books, horses, Marketing for Romance Writers 52-Week Blog Challenge, Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance
    • #AmWriting For Fun: Cowboy Heroes

      Posted at 12:30 pm by Mary J. McCoy-Dressel, on July 22, 2017

      National Day of the Cowboy

      One thing after another keeps happening in my life, and I’ve been under so much stress lately, so today I am doing something for FUN. Today, Saturday July 22, 2017, 2018 is National Day of the Cowboy. You know I’m jumping on this! Ha, so funny. Here we are two years later and I can say the same thing this year!

      #NationalDayOfTheCowboy

      I’m learned a few things since I began writing contemporary western romance. This is my take on the cowboy. Remember, MY take may not be the same as yours. Maybe I’m dealing with fiction today, but a whole lot isn’t. Let me have some fun with this.  Images are from Pixabay unless otherwise stated. Tristan and Nora and Jake and Beth come from Period Images. I created the graphics. Howdy, Ma’am was designed by DuskTilDawn Designs.

      Why I create cowboy heroes:

      I reckon this post is for anyone who loves a cowboy. I couldn’t create something I didn’t love myself. It doesn’t matter if they’re single, married, head-over-heels in love, daddy’s, or whatever… I think they’re the sexiest men alive. That’s my opinion. I know everyone doesn’t think so. Let me have fun on this day.

      We’ll start with the basics from the ground up:

      Let’s put some boots on our guy’s feet. The cowboy boot fits nicely into the stirrup. They’re sturdy for whatever jobs he has to take care of during the day or night. He has more than one pair of boots. Sometimes you’ll find his boots to be dusty and worn—his favorites, but sometimes they’ll be shiny and new. Some ranchers are now wearing lace up boots for working. He’ll spill coffee on them, step in horse or cattle manure, or do a two-step on the dance floor. Hey, cowgirls… Don’t be afraid to get your hands dirty. That’s why they make soap and hand sanitizer. He’s your guy. When he’s dog-tired after a long day of hard work, feel free to pull them off for him. He’ll thank ya for it. *Wink* Remember to thank him for it, when he does the same for you. He will on occasion.

      Tight jeans. Loose-fittin’ jeans. Dirty, ripped, or dress jeans… Oh, come on. Need I say more? Add a pair of chaps and my eyes will bug out.

      Speaking for myself, I like an oval belt buckle holding those jeans against a firm waist. I’m torn here, for with no belt, the jeans ride lower on the waist. When he stretches to put a saddle on a horse, or bends over with a hoof pick, you might be lucky enough to get a peek at that toned abdomen and sexy back you can’t wait to run your nails over.

      Oh, we can’t forget his t-shirt with the sleeves tight against bulging biceps. He’s dedicated to hard work, so of course he has bulging biceps. After giving a horse a bath, expect a little water on the shirt. Should I explain the wet t-shirt? Flannel shirts with the sleeves turned up a couple rolls and open in the front isn’t so bad either. But, wow, when your cowboy wears a dress shirt and clean jeans, hold him tight when you go out. Be prepared for a lot of ogling. Don’t be surprised if he casually looks back, but don’t worry, he’s true to you. However, he might deck another cowboy for getting a little too touchy-feely with you.

      A hint of stubble on the face or clean-shaven works for me. How about you? Chances are, you’ll find a little more than a hint of stubble after a couple long, tired days. You might have to get used to a little whisker-burn now and then. Go without shaving your legs for a couple days. He’ll get the picture.  😉

      Oh, ladies, when our cowboy sets his jaw in confidence or stubbornness, you know he means business. But so do we, so it evens out. His attitude or mood isn’t always going to be congenial. He has bad days too, and sometimes he can be downright miserable to be around.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, Bull Rider Series new cover, western romance

      Bull Rider Series 1

      This man’s smile? Mmm, how about quirked lips when he questions something you said? I can tell you, my knees buckle when he shoots that dangerous grin my way. Oooh, what about his to-die-for wanton smile? You know the one where it shows in his eyes, too? The one he gives when you wonder what he’s up to next? But, goodness, when his face lights up with that special look, it TELLS you what he’s up to next. When he smiles at you in this way, you know your feet won’t be on the floor much longer. Am I right? Sigh. Who moved my fan? (I’ll use one of my own cowboys for an example–Caulder McCutchen, my bull rider.)

      Our cowboy’s eyes kind of work this way, too, because he knows how to work them to portray a mood.

      It doesn’t matter if those sexy kissable lips are full, soft, chapped, or sunkissed sweet. When it comes to kissing them, you know they’ll be a perfect match for yours.

      Mary J McCoy-Dressel, western romance

      Mmm, his hair. Hair and eyes are the first things I notice. For myself, his hair comes in different shades of sable from dark to light brown or a dusty blond. He wears his hair on the longer side. Who has time for a haircut? He’s too busy tending to a ranch, or herding cattle across a wide divide, or trying to stay on a bull or bronc for eight seconds. Depending on his mood, he’s comfortable wearing his hair neatly combed when the occasion arises, or wind-blown messy when he’s busy. Whichever way he chooses to wear it, it’ll end up being hat-hair by the end of the day.

      Either neat and tidy or wild and free, if a shock of hair falls over his forehead, I can’t think of a more perfect excuse to get closer than to move in and brush it back. He’ll appreciate it too, if we leave our palm to rest on the side of his face. Whew!

      Last but not least, let’s not forget the Stetson in off-white or black, depending on the occasion. Straw works for those hot days. Look above at Caulder. If you’re wearing a hat too, make sure you get the right tilt to your head in order to kiss him. Enjoy.

      mary j mccoy-dressel western romance

      Since it is our cowboy’s special day, we’ll continue. Let’s give him a dog and a horse or two, preferably more. After his dog and horses, we’re giving this cowboy a cowgirl, or whoever he chooses to love.

      When evening comes, if he’s in by then of course, he’ll be contented to settle in beside you wearing a subtle fragrance whether it’s aftershave or your favorite cologne. Cowboys are sexy, hard working men, and they aren’t always going to be smelling like they walked out of a shower. Don’t let that deter you, but a little hint won’t hurt. An offer to accompany him in the shower isn’t a bad idea. ❤ ❤ ❤

      More than likely, he’ll like his favorite carryout or a meat and potato meal at the end of the day. Sometimes he’ll surprise us, and prepare a delicious meal. He’ll enjoy a shot of whiskey, brandy, or scotch, and maybe sometimes a glass of wine or a longneck. At the end of the day with our cowboy, we know, besides his family, it’s us and the kids he holds in his heart…along with his dog and horses. Finally, when you get up Sunday morning, chances are after breakfast, y’all be going to church.

      REMEMBER, this is MY take on the cowboy, and this was written for fun.

      Celebrate National Day of the Cowboy the 4th Saturday of July.

      Remember what they say… Save a horse, ride a… *Smile*

      Thanks so much for reading and an extra special thanks if you’re reading this reblog a second time!

      Posted in #AmWriting, #WritersLife, Bull Rider Series, Canyon Junction: Hearts in Love Series, Double Dutch Ranch Series | 19 Comments | Tagged #NationalDayOfTheCowboy, boots, bronc riding, bull riders, Bull Riding, cattle ranch, cowboy, cowboy hats, dog, horses, mary j mccoy dressel, national day of the cowboy, ranchers, Romance, series romance, sexy cowboys, western hero
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