Is there a more mystical time of the year than Halloween, also known as Samhain?
Falling in the midst of the glory of Autumn, as nature prepares for winter dormancy, Halloween is said to lift the veil between the worlds of spirit and matter. This night of magic and enchantment is the perfect time to reflect on change and look to the future.
The mysterious nature of this season reminds me of the spirituality of Native Americans, and of Earth Songs, our new Native American romance series in Cactus Rose.
Native Americans were, and are, a very spiritual people whose beliefs and rituals helped them through many challenging times. In early June of 1876, Lakota Chief Sitting Bull knew a showdown with the U.S. government was near. Though he had fought hard to save his people’s ancestral hunting grounds, the Black Hills, from intrusion, the government dispatched more troops in violation of an existing treaty. Sitting Bull turned to the spirits, and climbed to the top of a butte to seek guidance. There, he experienced a vision of white soldiers falling in defeat. Though the chief’s people did not ultimately prevail in the conflict with the U.S. government, Sitting Bull’s vision is still revered today as a celebration of the mysterious powers available to all.Native American culture is diverse and intriguing, and offers a writer much in the way of character, plot, motivation, and conflict. If you’ve considered writing a Native American historical romance, now, as the season reminds us to look to the future, is a wonderful time to give it a try. The Cactus Rose editors would love to read it!
Submission Guidelines for Earth Songs:
The stories may be set anywhere in the United States among any Native American tribe, but must take place between the years 1870 and 1890. Each story must involve a Native American hero, heroine, or both. Historical accuracy is essential. Cactus Rose is looking for believable stories with fully developed characters and happily ever after endings. Stories must be 40K or less. Please send query and synopsis in your email to queryus@thewildrosepress.com and indicate that it is for the Earth Songs Series.
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ReplyDeleteGood afternoon, Helen, and welcome! Thank you for taking time out of your busy schedule to hang out here with me today.
ReplyDeleteYour post brings two things to mind for me. One, my heritage is Native American. I have about one quarter Black Foot in my blood. My grandfather on my mother's side was born on a reservation and both sets of grandparents had at least fifty per cent Native American blood coursing through their veins. Roots I am extremely proud of.
Another thing that comes to mind is a love story of a different kind and one of my favorite movies is Hidalgo! A beautiful man and his horse. Was that a wonderful movie or what? No, *shakes head* I'm not totally in love with Viggo Mortensen or anything and TJ(his horse) was just too much:)
Native American peoples are a proud and spiritual people, and I am a proud person to have that same free-spirited blood running through my veins.
D~
I've always found Native American heroes and heroines fascinating. The Earth Songs series intrigues me, especially during this mystical time of year surrounding Samhain.
ReplyDeleteDayana, what a fascinating background you have! I can see why you're proud. Have you considered writing a NA romance?
ReplyDeleteAnd Viggo? Oh yeah!
Cari, yes, NA heroes and heroines are very intriguing. I hope to read about yours soon!
Helen
Hi Helen!
ReplyDeleteHaving taught American Lit for my professional career, I totally became enamored of Native tribes and their cultures. Our own forefathers modeled our constitution after the constitution of the Five Nations of the Iroquois --which I didn't even know until I taught it! Wow.
As for Hidalgo, it totally rocks. Viggo loved that horse so much, I read that he adopted it.
Hmmmm. Actually, I just might have an NA idea simmering. Can the hero be half-breed? (I don't mean that moniker in a perjorative way...but can't think of anything else apt...)
I am so honored and thrilled to have become part of Cactus Rose. Your professionalism and quick replies to my quirky questions et al. mean soooooo much LOL. Thanks for everything.
Best wishes to everyone,
~Tanya Hanson
www.tanyahanson.com
http://tanyahanson.blogspot.com
http://twrpcactusrose.blogspot.com
Native American stories and customs have always been intriguing to me. I grew up in the heart of Chief Joseph's territory. I love the stories told by the Native Americans and how they taught the children lessons. It is a great culture.
ReplyDeleteGreat post!
Hi Tanya, thanks for popping in! How interesting about the consititution. You just taught me something!
ReplyDeleteRegarding a half NA hero, I think it would probably be fine, though whether it fit within the Earth Songs guidelines would be up to the Cactus Senior Editor. Either way, though, it would be Cactus and I'd love to read it!
Hi Paty! It must have been interesting growing up where you did. I can see why you enjoy NA culture so much. It's fascinating!
Helen
Hmm...
ReplyDeleteNA are very spiritual and believe in the powers of nature. And the infatuation with wolves. um hm... could make a very powerful NA paranormal story. I will have to think on that one, Helen. Does anyone remember the serie Wolf Lake? The teacher was a Native American and the story did sort of wrap around some NA principals.
Tanya, yes, you are correct. Viggo did adopt TJ aka Hidalgo-his horse co-star. I saw an interview with him and if you watch the out takes etc. on the DVD they mention the fact a well:)
D~
It's great to meet you, Helen. Loved your post. I hope to become more familiar with Cactus Rose. And Dayana, good to know of your Native American roots.
ReplyDeleteI've spent a time with the Native American people, pow wows, Council fundraising, PR campaigns, organizing corporate drive for school supplies that were delivered to reservations in both N & S Dakota. I have always been quite comfortable among the people.
I know Faith V. Smith, a new author to TWRP, and she posted a notice for the Got Wolf? contest back in August. I took up the challenge but failed to make the deadline due to a struggle w/plot point and the rule of consumation.
The reason I relay this is how easily my experience with Native Americans flowed into my piece. The mini I hope to submit to you, Dayana is from this piece--though due to the brevity [500 words] and selection of scene, you will not readily see the connection.