Guest Post & Giveaway: RODEO INSPIRATION by Shanna Hatfield

I love when an author comes to visit. Today I am happy to host Shanna Hatfield, an accomplished author of sweet romance. She is here to tell us about her inspiration for The Christmas Cowboy, her first rodeo-themed romance, and to raise awareness for a worthy cause she supports – the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund.

Rodeo Inspiration
Shanna Hatfield, USA Today Bestselling Author

Inspiration can strike writers in all shapes and forms, but as a visual person, sometimes seeing one simple thing can trigger an idea.

Several years ago, my husband, Captain Cavedweller, and I settled at our gate to wait for our flight home at the Las Vegas airport. As I looked around, I realized I sat amid a sea of cowboy hats.  Like us, hundreds of cowboys prepared to depart after attending the Wrangler National Finals.

Each December, the city of Las Vegas takes on a country vibe as the rodeo comes to town, bringing hundreds of vendors, thousands of spectators, and a whole lot of fun.

As we sat at the airport that morning, an idea for a story and accompanying series started to take shape.

Since the cowboys who compete professionally spend a good deal of time traveling, I pondered how many of them flew from one rodeo to the next. If they were flying, it made sense that they might meet a girl at an airport who turned their head.

I began jotting down notes and by the time we reached home, The Christmas Cowboy (Rodeo Romance, Book 1) was born.

The sweet western holiday romance tells the story of Tate Morgan, a successful saddle bronc rider, who falls in love with Kenzie Beckett, a corporate trainer he frequently runs into at the airport. Despite their mutual attraction, the relationship is going nowhere fast. Kenzie has sworn off men in general and good-looking, charming cowboys in particular.

As a big fan of rodeos and a dabbling photographer, I turned to images I’d snapped of the rodeo and crowds to flesh out the details of my story. Pinterest is one of my favorite things in the world. I’ll never make most of the recipes I’ve pinned or attempt even a sampling of the craft projects, but Pinterest gives me the ability to create story boards for each book I write in a visual way that inspires me.

While researching details for The Christmas Cowboy, I became aware of a great organization — the Justin Cowboy Crisis Fund (JCCF). From my initial research, I knew I wanted to do something to help promote such a great cause. That’s when I decided to donate a portion of my book sales.  

Read A Book, Help A Cowboy – Special Event and Giveaway

This is the ninth year for my Read A Book, Help A Cowboy campaign that runs from October 1 through December 24. During that time, 10 percent of the net proceeds from all my book sales are donated to the JCCF. The JCCF is a non-profit organization that assists rodeo athletes who’ve sustained catastrophic injuries and are unable to work for an extended period. Because of the JCCF, wounded athletes are given the assistance they need to recover instead of worrying about finances.

To help raise funds and awareness for the JCCF, a kickoff party is held each November. Join us for a day of guest authors, games, and giveaways on November 10 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/wholesomeheartsevents

Also, enter to win a $100 Amazon Gift Card: https://tinyurl.com/22cowboyschristmasentry

Learn more about the Read A Book, Help A Cowboy Campaign and the JCCF at: https://shannahatfield.com/give-back/

And check out the two new releases in the Rodeo Romance series coming this holiday season. Watch for Taming Christmas in the Christmas Wishes & Cowboy Kisses boxed set, and Savoring Christmas releasing November 10.

About the Author

USA Today bestselling author Shanna Hatfield grew up on a farm where her childhood brimmed with sunshine, hay fever, and an ongoing supply of learning experiences.

Today, Shanna draws on her rural roots to create sweet romances filled with hope, humor, quirky small-town characters, realistic heroes, and women of strength.

When this award-winning author isn’t writing or testing out new recipes (she loves to bake!), Shanna hangs out at home in the Pacific Northwest with her beloved husband, better known as Captain Cavedweller.

Shanna loves to hear from readers.

Follow her online at:
ShannaHatfield | Facebook | Newsletter | Pinterest

Find Shanna’s books at:
Amazon | Amazon UK | Barnes & Noble | Smashwords | Apple | Audible