Jennifer Slattery – Romancing the Research – Part 1 of 1

Shannon here: Jennifer Slattery shares her research process, including a recent trip to a rodeo bull ranch, plus a chance to win a print copy of her latest Contemporary Romance, Christmas at the Ranch. Comment or answer the question in this post to enter the drawing, continental U.S. only. Deadline: January 18th, 11:59 pm central time. Here’s Jennifer:

There are many things I’ll do in the name of book research. Bull riding, however, is not one of them. Nor have I ever asked my husband to climb into the bucking chute. Although he did use an invite to a bucking bulls ranch to prank his mom and sisters.

I’m not much of a cowgirl. My experience with farms is limited and my horse-riding experience got me bucked off less than ten minutes in the saddle. This might leave you wondering how I’ve managed to write 9 cowboy romance novels. The answer: Google, YouTube, Kindle, and Podcasts.

It was while listening to the latter that I learned of Bob McBride from Bucking McBride, a ranch that raises and sells rodeo bulls. As is my pattern, I immediately began stalking him online in search of his contact information. I found him on Facebook and shot him a message asking if we could speak by phone. Near the end of our conversation, he invited me to an upcoming event he was hosting for his investors.

Not long after, my husband and I drove from Omaha, Nebraska to Derby, Kansas, a small town outside of Wichita to see McBride’s bulls buck. My in-laws had organized a family Zoom call for the same weekend and asked my husband to join. He said so long as he was done bull riding, telling them about the event, intentionally omitting the fact that he and I would participate as spectators. His parents became quite concerned.

My daughter, who definitely inherited her father’s sarcasm gene, decided to play into joke by posting a bull-fighting picture on her Instagram account. She captioned it with, “Good luck to my Dad on his first bull ride this weekend!”  

Long story short, he returned home with all his bones, his funny bone included, unbroken and I with a notebook filled with notes gathered from the event and the numerous conversations it allowed me to have with real cowboys. Needless to say, I enjoyed a few chuckles as I wrote the story, remembering the bigger tale my husband spun.

Question for Readers: I’m curious. If you wrote or write novels, what is the craziest thing you think you would do in the name of research?

About Jennifer: Jennifer Slattery is a writer, speaker, cohost of the Faith Over Fear podcast and one of six hosts of the Your Daily Bible Verse podcast.  She’s addressed women’s groups, church groups, Bible studies, and other writers across the nation.  When not writing, reading, or editing, Jennifer loves working puzzles and going on leisurely walks with her hilariously fun husband. Learn more & connect:

Jennifer’s Website            Jennifer’s Facebook

Jennifer’s Instagram              Jennifer’s YouTube.

About the book – Christmas on the Ranch:

A Christmas in the Hill Country … could lead to a new beginning

Country living is the last thing caregiver Evie Bell wants—but she goes where the work takes her. And this time, that’s a Texas ranch full of terrifying bulls and a handsome cowboy and single dad. Thankfully, the position is temporary. But spending time with Monte Bowman and his twin daughters while caring for his great-aunt will only make it harder to leave. Evie’s here to help this family—not join it. And there’s no place for her at Monte’s side…especially once he learns the secret she’s been hiding.

Can’t wait for the drawing? Worried you won’t win? Interested in Jennifer’s other titles?

Get your copy/copies now!

Christmas at the Ranch                Jennifer’s Books

Come back Jan 13th for Melanie Campbell!