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Nearly All But Forgotten
Old San Antone: Dawn of the Legend follows the life of a Texas Ranger in the Old West who tracks down the outlaws and gunfighters of the time. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
My inspiration comes from my late brother, Duane “Mr. Bear” Campos who was a true man of “The Code”. And what code is that, you might ask? “The Code of Honor” of a man, that’s been nearly all but forgotten in this modern era, except to a few men who still live by its set of unwritten rules. Rules that are ingrained in “The Code”, where a man keeps his word. Where loyalty, trust, and friendship are bonds that cannot be broken. Where a man finishes what he sets out to do, even if it costs him his life. And where courage and valor are not just words written in poetry books; but are the morals and foundations by which a man lives by, and when need be, dies by. This novel “Old San Antone: Dawn of the Legend”, and all of its sequels, are a tribute to my brother, my Bru, my best friend, Duane “Mr. Bear” Campos. He is my inspiration. He is the heart and soul of the 2-Bru Krew.
As a work of historical fiction, what kind of research did you do for this novel to ensure you captured the time period with accuracy so as not to give readers “horse opera”?
Thank you for your kind words about the historical authenticity of my novel. I have been a dedicated devotee to history all my life, with a particular interest to the Victorian Era and the Old West. So, I can honestly say that there is a lifetime of painstaking research that went into making sure “Old San Antone: Dawn of the Legend” is completely 100% historically-accurate in every way, down to each last minute detail, from the description, setting, timeframe, attire, cuisine and weaponry, to even the colorfully unorthodox language, frontier phrases, Southern slang, Yiddish jargon, and Cockney vernacular that was used during the post-Civil War Reconstruction Era of the Wild West. The end result is a novel that is so authentic that every page transports the reader back to 1867 in Texas, where they can experience life during that challenging time first-hand for themselves.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The most crucial themes to my novel are the ideals of Honor, Brotherhood, Justice, and Humanity. For while some people might read “Old San Antone: Dawn of the Legend”, and never see past the surface that it is anything more than an action-packed “shoot-‘em-up” filled with gritty violence like some sort of a Sam Peckinpah film, the truth of the matter is, it is quintessentially a tale that focuses on these important principles of Honor, Brotherhood, Justice, and Humanity. For the main characters, the protagonists Hondo Stone and Kid Carter are each in their own way, icons of these values, imbued with the morals of their beliefs, even if they are more akin to being valiant “anti-heroes”, than virtuous “heroes”. For like it says in the novel, “There might not have been any shining armor, but there were knights back in those days… Even if they were black knights. And two of those knights were Hondo Stone and Kid Carter.”
Question: What is the next book that you are working on and when will it be available?
The next book in the series is titled “Gunfighter’s Requiem”, and it is currently available on Amazon.com in both Kindle and Paperback formats. It picks up right where Old San Antone: Dawn of the Legend left off and continues the exciting tale of Captain Hondo Stone, Texas Ranger, and his brother-in-arms, the gunfighting gambler, Kid Carter. My latest novel has just been published on Amazon as well in both Kindle and Paperback. It is titled “Lone Star Justice”, and it is the 3rd book in the series, that is packed with action, drama, good humor, and some moments of endearing romance as well. All three novels are definitely worth a read, and all three books are available for free with Amazon’s Kindle Unlimited. Thank you so much for your time and interest in my novels, and I’d truly like to thank the great staff of Literary Titan for this opportunity of being interviewed and all of your fantastic services on your amazing website.
Author Links: Website | Twitter | YouTube | Amazon
“In the Old West, there was a place where Lawmen, Gunfighters, and Outlaws all met… That place was called, ‘Old San Antone’.”
Go back to a time when a man kept his word, when a badge meant honor, and when courage was all that it took to fight tyranny… After the Civil War, Texas was filled with lawless despair as outlaws and gunmen preyed on the misfortunes of others. There was NO law in Old San Antone until Texas Ranger Captain Hondo Stone came to town like a storm of justice… This is his story…
Do you want to know what the Wild West was really like? Then look no further than “Old San Antone”! Unlike most of the conventional “horse opera” tales of the wild west, where cliché tropes and stereotypical western balderdash are piled-up like haystacks to feed a famished herd of mindless cattle, “Old San Antone” brings a fresh new perspective to the old west, telling it the way it really was, in this fascinating era of our nation’s most colorful and exciting history. This book pulls no punches as it shows society in a stark reality that reveals all the good and bad with equal blunt honesty, gritty realism, action-packed excitement, intense suspenseful drama, and even moments of endearing romance and jovial good-natured humor. In essence, it is an exposé to life and society in the Wild West era of post-Civil War America. Teeming with meticulous details of historical-accuracy and filled with unique intriguing characters and a powerful storyline, Old San Antone is certain to entertain and delight, and leave you captivated. But more than all that, it will also enlighten you to the true definition of what Honor, Courage, Valor, and Friendship really are, as you get to know two heroic men who will stay within your heart and mind, forever.
It’s a western novel unlike any other that will make you believe in heroes once again as it transports you back in time to the Wild West era of the lawless Texas frontier, where life was cheap, and death could be bought for the right price. Money and the balance of power was held in place by how quick and deadly a man was with a gun. Gold bought lead, and in turn, lead forcefully took gold as professional gunfighters enforced the tyrannical wills of corrupt cattle barons in the conquest of entire towns.
Treachery and danger lurk around every corner in Old San Antone, which is rife with political corruption and seething with violence. Only a bold Texas Ranger Captain named “Hondo Stone” dares to stand up against insurmountable odds as he comes to Old San Antone to bring a despicable murderer to justice. He must leap into the lion’s den and take on an entire organized-crime cattle faction that is backed by corrupt lawmen, crooked politicians, bloodthirsty hired gunslingers, and an entire town full of subjugated citizens who are too intimidated by the miscreant criminal syndicate to risk lending a hand to help the Ranger.
Outnumbered and surrounded by enemies, with death awaiting him at every turn, Captain Hondo Stone stands alone, armed only with his six-guns, his relentless courage, and his unwavering “Code of Honor”, to see to it that justice is served against the tyranny of oppression. Into this volatile powder keg of lethal peril enters a devil-may-care professional gunfighting gambler named “Kid Carter” who raises the stakes to a new level of explosive derring-do, adding a wildcard to this most deadly game.
In the Old West, there truly was once a place where Lawmen, Gunfighters, and Outlaws all met, and that place was called, “Old San Antone”. What you have to ask yourself is do you have what it takes to saddle-up and ride there? Because if you want to see the truth of what really made the old west wild, then all you have to do is read, “Old San Antone: Dawn Of The Legend”.
Literary Titan Gold Book Award May 2023
The Literary Titan Book Awards are awarded to books that have astounded and amazed us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas. These books deserve extraordinary praise, and we are proud to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and writing talent of these brilliant authors.
Award Recipients
The Voice of God by Bill V. Lightsey
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Gold Book Award May 2023
The Literary Titan Book Awards are awarded to books that have astounded and amazed us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas. These books deserve extraordinary praise, and we are proud to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and writing talent of these brilliant authors.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award May 2023
The Literary Titan Book Awards are awarded to books that have astounded and amazed us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas. These books deserve extraordinary praise, and we are proud to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and writing talent of these brilliant authors.
Award Recipients
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
The Final Eight Seconds
Olivia Godat’s The Final Eight Seconds is a moving novella that delves into the life of rodeo cowboy Joey McBride. Following a violent goring from a bull during a rodeo, Joey is transported to the hospital, where he finds himself at death’s door. However, instead of giving up, Joey is given the opportunity to recount his life story to the afterlife, detailing his journey from childhood to his passion for rodeo and the people he met along the way.
The book immediately captivates the reader with its action-packed opening, vividly depicting the moments leading up to Joey’s fall and the atmosphere of the rodeo. Through well-written prose and effective pacing, the author keeps the reader on the edge of their seat, eagerly anticipating the next twist in Joey’s story. Throughout the book, the author’s use of descriptive language is exceptional, effectively creating a vivid picture of life as a rodeo cowboy, the landscapes, and the characters that populate Joey’s world.
The author’s writing style has an excellent flow, making it easy to lose oneself in the story. Joey’s character and motivations are explored in-depth, making him a relatable and well-rounded protagonist. The book’s exploration of Joey’s life and his struggles after the death of his parents adds depth to his character and makes his story all the more compelling. The other characters in the book are also well-written, and their interactions with Joey help to flesh out his story. The tender romance between Joey and Margene, his friend CJ’s sister, is both touching and sad, adding another layer of emotion to the book.
The book’s structure is excellent, starting and ending with a dramatic sequence of action that ties everything together. Overall, The Final Eight Seconds is a tender-hearted story that is both engaging and emotionally resonant, making it a must-read for fans of Western literature.
Pages: 104 | ISBN : 1639888055
Literary Titan Gold Book Award – Apr 2023
The Literary Titan Book Awards are awarded to books that have astounded and amazed us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas. These books deserve extraordinary praise, and we are proud to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and writing talent of these brilliant authors.
Award Recipients
Vivencias (Poemas) by Mayra Almaguer
The Mole Book III by Ron Raye
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
Literary Titan Silver Book Award – Apr 2023
The Literary Titan Book Awards are awarded to books that have astounded and amazed us with unique writing styles, vivid worlds, complex characters, and original ideas. These books deserve extraordinary praise, and we are proud to acknowledge the hard work, dedication, and writing talent of these brilliant authors.
Award Recipients
Higher Steps Solutions for Healing by Louise Pyant
Visit the Literary Titan Book Awards page to see award information.
The Ideal Location For My Love Story
The Winds of Autumn follows a young woman newly married who accompanies her husband on the Oregon Trail while realizing her feelings for another man. What was the inspiration for the setup of your story?
During my childhood, I remember visiting the fairytale castle, Neuschwanstein, and watching the musical fantasy, Cinderella, on television. Both sparked my imagination and inspired the kind of dream world I would later write about. Jane Austen’s influence would too. The prince becomes the consummate gentleman. The castle becomes a grand mansion. But I also wanted to explore those idyllic notions during the difficult events in America’s past and see how love, like the characters, would find a way to survive the hardships. And, since the city of St. Louis was the starting point of America’s westward expansion, I felt it was the ideal location for my love story to begin.
What were some of the emotional and moral guidelines you followed when developing your characters?
My historical romance novel, The Winds of Autumn, takes place in the 19th century during a tumultuous period in America’s history. This setting allowed me to take readers on a narrative journey set against the backdrop of epic events during that time—the Trail of Tears, the War of the Rebellion (Civil War), and the building of the Transcontinental Railroad. These external events were also important catalysts for creating emotional conflict in my novel and between the characters. So much of a fictional story relies on creating characters that feel real to the reader. I wanted to make that real connection by immersing myself into the mind of my characters so I could feel every emotion they felt and what might happen if they acted on those emotions. Pain is a key motivator that can morph into resentment, or hope and love. I asked myself, what did my protagonist, Mariah, feel when she lost her sister, or Mariah’s mother when she lost her daughter? Those feelings run deep, and my personal experience growing up played a part in developing those characters. My antagonist, Nathan Lawton, faces a moral decision, one he justifies from a traumatic moment in his childhood that fuels his resentment with far-reaching consequences. It was important to raise the emotional stakes by forcing the characters to make choices, right or wrong. But the marriage customs of the 19th century left Mariah no choice when she realizes, too late, that marrying Nathan was a mistake. She suddenly finds herself trapped in her marriage which made me wonder, how was it even possible for a woman to follow her heart? Mariah’s internal struggles propel the story forward, forcing her into unimaginable situations but ones that ultimately transform her into the woman she was meant to be.
What were some themes that were important for you to explore in this book?
The title of my novel, The Winds of Autumn, uses the word “winds” as a metaphor for change, the main theme throughout the storyline. That transformational change is most evident in Mariah’s character, a refined young lady abruptly turned pioneer woman enduring the harsh plains of the American West. The theme, the sins of the father, was important to convey in Nathan’s character, giving the reader a clear understanding of his motivations. I found this to be a powerful theme because of its consequences to carry over generation to generation. After I finished writing my manuscript, I realized how central the meaning of home was in my novel, and how even a relationship can feel like coming home. And since my novel is about happily ever after, I wanted to exploit the theme of forbidden love as much as the hope that readers yearn for with the possibility of second chances.
What is the next story that you’re writing and when will it be published?
I’m researching the Gilded Age, a fascinating period in America’s history. I like the idea of that setting for a love story.
Author Links: GoodReads | Website | Instagram
At the end of the War of the Rebellion, Mariah Renwick is still haunted by the memory of her late sister as she tries to piece together the remnants of an innocent time lost. All she wants is to bring happiness home again. Then dashing Lieutenant Nathan Lawton rushes into her life and becomes her new husband. But Nathan’s dark and tormented past hides revenge and betrayal as he stakes his claim to the Renwick fortune and his future out West.
Railroad magnate, Julian Marquette, has just returned to St. Louis to secure another bank loan from Mariah’s father. A brilliant mastermind, Julian orchestrates the construction of the Transcontinental Railroad, not for the sake of his own vanity but for the people of America. He’s a man borne of conviction for what he believes in, a passionate man who’s secretly been in love with Mariah since he first saw her two years ago. But now it’s too late . . . until an intimate moment together takes them by storm.
“It was there again, in that infinitesimal space between them, the subtle tremor of attraction, at once forbidden but about to collide.”
Torn between desire and duty, Mariah is caught in a crossfire as she faces unimaginable struggles on an epic westward journey that shows no mercy. Can Julian fight against impossible odds for the woman he loves, or is all hope lost?
Sweeping landscapes. Passionate characters. The consummate gentleman is back.
Buy your copy now.
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