Writing About Cowboys

I must admit I've never written about cowboys but all girls love cowboys, don't they? The rugged, handsome features. The strong, beautiful horse. The sexy boots. The big hat. The gorgeous scenery. The sprawling ranch. Those tight jeans.

Okay. Enough about that. You get the picture. I've thought of another book idea and it involves cowboys (non-fiction). I need your help. What comes to mind when you think of cowboys/cowgirls? Cowboy hats? Horses? Oval belt buckles? Buffalo? Country music?

Please chime in and give me a good cowboy vocabulary from which to work. I'll wordsmith the cowboy slang and let you know how it goes. Thanks!

Two Wins On The Literary Front

After a wonderful vacation, I returned to receive two fun wins on the literary front as follows:

Selected first runner-up in David Harrison's poetry contest and chosen Poet of the Month by judges for my haiku entitled "His Touch."

My novel's first sentence was selected as the favorite at our recent JANO awards party. I really like this win because the hook is so important.

Now, if only I had time to get back to writing that novel! What's new with you on the literary front?

Got An Itch?

You've heard me mention the poetry contest by children's author and poet David L. Harrison at www.davidlharrison.com. Each month he chooses one word and poets must incorporate that word into a poem or haiku.

For July, he chose the word "itch." Below is my non-rhyming, free verse poem. Enjoy.

I SENSE SOMETHING
By Beth Carter

I’m sitting very still,
trying to ignore it.

Telling myself to
pretend it’s not there.

After all…
I can’t see it.
I can’t smell it.
I can’t taste it.
I can’t hear it.

But without a doubt
I can feel it.

That undeniable,
irrepressible,
unforgettable,
ITCH.


I encourage you to read David's blog for some hilarious itchy poems--and enter one of your own.

Winning Poem: A Country Drive

Wow! I recently learned I placed first with my poem, A Country Drive, shown below. Thank you to everyone who voted. I'm very flattered and honored. As I've mentioned before, local children's author and poet David Harrison has a monthly poetry challenge. He chooses the word and poets take it from there. The word for February was "road." Below is my poem (tweaked slightly because I couldn't resist). Enjoy the drive! A Country Drive By Beth Carter I jumped into my old Chevy truck Grinnin’ 'cause long drives bring me luck. Drove around a very sharp bend, noticed a pothole I must mend. Spotted a large frog in the road Swerving, barely missed the toad. A soft breeze blew through my hair as I whistled without a care. Popped open a cold diet Coke I was happy—a lucky bloke. Driving along with my left knee Windows down, nearly stung by a bee. Sipping my soda, scanned the dial My favorite singer made me smile. Turned up the sound, hummed along Then loudly broke into a song. Spotted a mooing Jersey cow Standing beside a lazy sow. The cow stood in a shallow pond. Man, I could drive like this ‘til dawn. A fast-movin’ Jeep passed me Sadly, missing the scenery. Driver’s on the phone, in a hurry. Where’s the fire? Why the flurry? A small speckled deer in sight As two birds quickly took flight. Looking up, I stroked my chin Dark, ominous clouds rollin' in. Decided I must change my plans. Turned around, headed to Jan’s. Gonna pick up my best girl Go dancin,’ give her a twirl. A country drive is hard to beat By the way, friends call me Pete.

The Essence of Time

I've been participating in a monthly poetry challenge by local poet and children's author, David Harrison. He selects the word each month and poets from many states participate. His chosen word for January was "time" and my poem below placed second. Enjoy. THE ESSENCE OF TIME By Beth Carter Time is of the essence for doing things I adore. Time stretches into eternity for those tasks I abhor. Oh, Father Time, I’m pleading please give me a little more. But only if I’m enjoying myself, not if I’m performing ghastly chores.

A Christmas Poem

Over the past year, I've begun to appreciate poetry and have attempted five poems to date. In fact, I recently bought a sweatshirt that reads, "I'm a poet and I just know I am." That about says it all when it comes to poetry and me...hey, I'm still learning. Below is my first attempt at a Christmas poem. We printed my poem in last year's Christmas cards alongside a photo of the beautiful angel my mother crocheted nearly three decades ago. Christmas Tree Angel By Beth Carter Bejeweled with strands of pearls Feathered birds and twinkling lights; Glittering ornaments and velvet bows Encircled our tree with delight. Plump snowmen and toy soldiers Carefully placed just right; Shiny Red and Green Packages Completed the joyful sight. The most special gift of all Topped our majestic tree; A frayed, embroidered angel Handmade by Mommy and me. Do you enjoy poetry? Have you written any poems? If so, please submit them.