I’m talking about the end of July and what it means over on Passionate Prose.

Monday’s eye candy for your viewing pleasure.

Woohoo! Celebrate y’all! Today is National Day of the American Cowboy”!

Find something to do to mark the event – you can find a good list here on the Cowboy Day website. They had this poem on there and I love it!

This is a day we set out to give praise
To those who honor the Cowboy ways.

The American Cowboy is a true hero,
Who helped our nation to thrive and grow.

The cowboy was a true pioneer,
Who braved the wild western frontier.

Not only did he tame the American West,
He stood for the values which we think of as best:

He believes in hard work, and playing hard too,
And in honoring women in all that they do.

To be independent and stand up for what’s right,
To be courageous and honest and not run from a fight.

To be brave and loyal, to ride for the brand,
And be a good steward of his livestock and land.

Those are timeless values that still hold true,
Still used every day in what modern cowboys do.

Now the U.S. Senate has voted to have a day
To honor the American Cowboy in this way.

We give thanks for all that cowboys and cowgirls do,
To keep the Cowboy way alive and true.

So we honor this legacy for the values it will employ,
As we celebrate the National Day of the American Cowboy.

by Ron Wilson, Poet Lariat

I’m hanging out over at Writers Across Time today. I’m being philosophical about being a romance novelist.

*uber geek*

Today’s Thursday Thirteen post is courtesy of my peep Janice. It’s based on comments from police videos – they’re damn funny, too.

Thirteen Things You Don’t Want to Hear a Cop Say

#13 “If you run, you’ll only go to jail tired.”

#12 “Can you run faster than 1200 feet per second? Because that’s the speed of the bullet that’ll be chasing you.”

#11 “You don’t know how fast you were going? I guess that means I can write anything I want to on the ticket, huh?”

#10 “Yes, sir, you can talk to the shift supervisor, but I don’t think it will help. Oh, did I mention that I’m the shift supervisor?”

#9 “Warning! You want a warning? O.K., I’m warning you not to do that again or I’ll give you another ticket.”

#8 “The answer to this last question will determine whether you are drunk or not. Was Mickey Mouse a cat or a dog?”

#7 “Fair? You want me to be fair? Listen, fair is a place where you go to ride on rides, eat cotton candy and corn dogs and step in monkey poop.”

#6 “Yeah, we have a quota. Two more tickets and my wife gets atoaster oven.”

#5 “In God we trust, all others we run through NCIC.”

#4 “How big were those ‘Just two beers’ you say you had?”

#3 “No sir, we don’t have quotas anymore. We used to, but now we’re allowed to write as many tickets as we can.”

#2 “I’m glad to hear that Chief (of Police) Hawker is a personal friend of yours. So you know someone who can post your bail.”

AND THE WINNER IS….

#1 “You didn’t think we give pretty women tickets? You’re right, we don’t. Sign here_________________________________

How interesting is that? I dreamed of Nora Roberts. This week my dreams have been extremely vivid and detailed, which means my imagination is running at full throttle and there’s writin’ to be done.

So back to my dream of Nora… I’m a bit fuzzy on all the details, I was at what appeared to be something like an RWA conference, only it was held in a big warehouse. There were lots of women around and I think I knew a lot of them. Nora was up on a stage talking into a microphone and wearing a pair of really tight jeans and a blousy white shirt. After her speech I was milling around with the others when I made it to her side. She was handing out these very odd pink hats – a straw hat cross between a ten gallon hat and a fisherman style. I’m guessing you’re probably trying to picture it.

Anyway, she gave me one with a big smile (I felt like a special somebody at that point) and I put the hat on. Then for God knows what reason, she was talking about hiring bodyguards – not that I think she’d ever need them in real life. So what did I do? I volunteered to be one. What was I thinking? I was thinking of how cool it would be to travel around with Nora and absorb some of her success, and by association, become a successful writer myself.

Looking back now at the dream, it seems silly but there’s a message there somewhere from my subconscious. I think it’s telling me to keep on writing, that one day I might have Nora’s success (if only I wear the pink hat). Anyone out there want to hazard a guess on what you think the dream means?

Most of you may know that I don’t toot my own horn very often, or at least I try not to. I don’t consider myself a promo ho or post new reviews all over the damn place in twenty-seven Yahoo loops.

But, now I’m going to squee for me.

My new series Devils on Horseback was conceived about a year and a half ago at a Christmas party (yep, my brain is always working). Sometimes ideas overwhelm me and I can’t do anything but hang on for the ride. The first book in the series, Nate, was by far, the most violent, gritty, raw romance I’ve written. It had me crying as I wrote it – exactly the kind of book I love to read. Suck me in and make my chest hurt from the emotion – forget the funny stuff. I think Nate has brought my writing forward to a new place and I hope y’all will like it.

I had two advance reviews from Romance Junkies and Joyfully Reviewed for Devils on Horseback: Nate, which were included in the print version for Book Expo America. I thought they were stellar reviews!

Joyfully Reviewed

“When I am in the mood for an exciting, passion-filled western historical romance, I turn to Beth Williamson. She never fails to capture the emotions of her characters, and her books always grip me from page one and refuse to let go. Devils on Horseback: Nate was this type of novel. Beth Williamson’s books should never be missed and I find myself constantly perusing her coming soon page for a look into future books. I just finished Nate’s story and I am on pins and needles waiting for the next installment about this loyal band of devils on horseback. Nate’s story deserves two thumbs up and a huge Rebel yell. Yee-haw!”
Reviewer: Talia

Romance Junkies
Heavens to Betsey this is a phenomenal story. DEVILS ON HORSEBACK: NATE is one of those old-fashioned romances that just warms a reader heart and soul. Beth Williamson has a true gift of creating such real and gritty characters…an amazing storyteller…
Reviewer: Amanda

Since it’s due to be released in ebook format September 26, I wasn’t expecting more reviews so early, but I was wrong.

Rites of Romance Reviews – 5 Lyre and Recommended Read

“Absolutely ensnaring from the first page to the last. A full fleshed book which has all the elements of an excellent read. Characters who you fall in love with, with a plot that keeps you turning the pages for more. I look forward to seeing more of the Devils on Horseback.”
Reviewer: Tehya

The Romance Studio – 5 Hearts

“Beth Williamson has, once again, brought her expertise to the forefront with the first in a new series, Devils on Horseback: Nate. Ms. Williamson does western historicals like few others; stories come alive under her pen (computer keys). Luckily we can look forward to, at least, four more in this series. They will have to surpass even her high standards to equal this book.”
Reviewer: Brenda Talley

Love Western Romances – 5 Spurs

“Devils on Horseback: Nate is a wonderful book and start to what promises to be a great new series!…With twists and turns that caught me by surprise, Devils on Horseback: Nate was a definite page-turner. “
Reviewer: Jennifer

So, um, here I am squeeeeeing.

I’ve never had a book get such stellar reviews across the board from review sites. It’s going to be in the January issue of Romantic Times as well. I’m focusing on writing book 2, Devils on Horseback: Jake, hoping it brings in more readers to my devils.

Monday’s eye candy for your viewing pleasure.

I got this on the Samhain Cafe loop from Ciar Cullen. Pretty cool! I lurve my superhero name.

1. YOUR ROCK STAR NAME: (first pet & current street name) Missy Racerunner

2. YOUR “FLY Guy/Girl” NAME: (first initial of first name, first three letters of your middle name) C Bet

3. YOUR DETECTIVE NAME: (favorite color, favorite animal) Purple Dog

4. YOUR SOAP OPERA NAME: (middle name, city where you were born) Beth Oswego

5. YOUR STAR WARS NAME: (the first 3 letters of your last name, first 2 letters of your first name, first 2 letters of mom’s maiden) Hocope

6. SUPERHERO NAME: (“The”, your favorite color, favorite drink) The Purple Screwdriver

7. NASCAR NAME: (the first name of your grandfathers) Albert Wilbur

8. FUTURISTIC NAME: (the name of your favorite perfume/cologne and the name of your favorite kind of shoes) Princess Nike

9. WITNESS PROTECTION NAME: (mother & father’s middle name) Jeanne Gary

Anybody else want to play?

Lookit, I made myself into a Simpsons character. Aren’t I adorable?

You too can be a Simpsons character! Try it here.