AUSTRALIAN WESTERNS - IS THERE SUCH A THING?

MARGARET TANNER’S TAKE ON SHORT STORIES

I don’t normally write short stories, but when I was invited to participate in a Western romance anthology, Rawhide ‘N Roses, I jumped at the chance. There are 14 other authors in this anthology. And I think the blurb we decided on sums it up.

“Saddle up your horses and head out to the heart of the Wild West in this collection of short love stories by authors of Western Romance from all over the country and around the world. Whether your passion is historical or contemporary, there's something inside for everyone.”

Why would an Australian author, who has never written Westerns, be involved you might ask?  What would she know about it? I thought my only qualification was that I used to love reading Zane Grey stories and Michael Landon, from Little House On The Prairie and Bonanza, was my one true love in those days.  Of course, there was Rawhide, Wagon Train, Gunsmoke, Maverick etc. I devoured all these programs; still watch them if and when they ever come on the TV. The Saturday matinee at the local picture threatre (or as we kids called it, the flea-house), nearly always showed western movies.

Then I got to thinking. My historical romances set in Frontier Australia, are actually not unlike romances set in the American West. Maybe I should categorize my stories as Australian Westerns? Both our countries share a similar history, a savage, untamed land, isolated communities of settlers, and a large single male population with very few young women. With a background like this, what a Pandora ’s Box of ideas and situations writers can play out to the happily ever after conclusion.

The Gunslinger’s Angel, is my contribution to the Rawhide ‘N Roses anthology.

Blurb:

Caleb Devereaux is saved by an angel, but is she of the heavenly variety or a real flesh and blood woman?

Excerpt:

Hot searing pain speared through Cal’s chest with every breath he took. He felt as if a red hot poker gouged his flesh, slowly twisting and turning to increase his torment. Sweat pouring into his eyes blurred his vision. His whole body burned with such intensity he wondered why he didn’t burst into flames.
“This is your first taste of hell, Caleb Devereaux,” he muttered. “Get used to it.” At least he had sent the Tolson brothers on ahead to meet Satan. The fires of hell were probably already burning those vicious hombres to a crisp.
A warm breath fanned his face, followed by the fleeting touch of soft hands stroking his forehead. His eyes creaked open and an angel’s face hovered above him. She had milky white skin, huge pale blue eyes and golden hair. A whiff of lavender infused his nostrils. Did angels smell of lavender?
He couldn’t see her wings, and she wore blue rather than white. There had to be a mistake. Why had he gone to heaven instead of hell? His life was not without blemish. He had killed a dozen or more men, but never shot a man in the back, didn’t need to when he was lightning fast on the draw. As a boy, he had stolen food after escaping the clutches of his drunken parents. Maybe he wasn’t evil enough for hell, but he was hardly suitable for heaven.
“Here, drink this.” The angel’s voice caressed him.
Water trickling down his throat washed away the dusty dryness.

“Australian Westerns” I have written.

Savage Possession

A sweeping tale of love's triumph over tragedy and treachery in frontier Australia.

A mistaken identity opens the door for Martin Mulvaney to take his revenge on the granddaughter of his mortal enemy.

Fiery Possession

American Wild West versus Australian frontier.

Explosive results and tragedy follow Jo Saunders and Luke Campton when they cross the fine line dividing love and hate.

Frontier Belle

Her feats of daring intrigued him, but her beauty scared the hell out of him.

Only in the new world can a highborn young Englishwoman and a tough frontier man, ignite the passion that will fulfil their hopes and dreams.

Check out these and other books on my website