Wednesday in Wyoming - January 29, 2020

We've reached the last Wednesday in January, so this will be my final Smokey Bear poster.

Did you enjoy seeing them? I hope so.

Out of the Embers Countdown - Five Weeks

Have you ever kept secrets from one of your siblings? Though Wyatt is close to his sister Dorothy, he doesn't share everything with her.

Can you guess what he doesn't want Dorothy to know.

More information.

Preorder Goodies

My publisher and I are so excited about Out of the Embers that we're offering a package of goodies for everyone who preorders (or has already preordered) the book and enters the giveaway between now and March 2.

There are a number of items included, but my favorite is Hill Country Sweets, the special cookbook, because it has more than delicious-sounding recipes. It also has stories about why that particular recipe was special to the person who contributed it. Just reading the stories was fun, and sampling the recipes ... well, let's just say I wasn't counting calories those days.

All the information about how to enter the giveaway is on my web page. We only have 100 printed copies of the cookbook, so don't delay. Preorder your copy and enter today.

Wednesday in Wyoming - January 22, 2020

Remember the equation Smokey Bear taught in last week's poster? Here's the result -- a careless camper leaving a fire still burning.

Out of the Embers Countdown - Six Weeks

Can you guess what future Evelyn chooses?

I was thrilled when I saw this meme, because the old-fashioned stove captures the spirit of Polly's Place, the restaurant she opens in Mesquite Springs.

More information.

Wednesday in Wyoming - January 15, 2020

Who knew that Smokey Bear taught mathematics to the forest animals?

This equation -- man plus fire equals burned tree -- is, unfortunately still true.

Did you notice the fire alarm next to the poster? I know it was only coincidental, but I liked the juxtaposition.

Out of the Embers Countdown - Seven Weeks

The minute she sees the Circle C ranch and Wyatt's magnificent quarter horses, Evelyn understands why this life is so important to him. He's found his calling. The problem is, she's at a crossroads with no clear direction to follow.

More information.

Wednesday in Wyoming - January 8, 2020

Here we see a tired Smokey Bear holding a message: Please Prevent Forest Fires.

Although that one and the famous "Only YOU Can Prevent Forest Fires" are direct appeals to everyone who sees the poster, the first Smokey Bear poster had a different message. It said "Care WILL prevent 9 out of 10 woods fires!"

Notice the differences. It's not a personal appeal, and instead of saying "forest fires," it calls them "woods fires."

Which do you think is more effective?

Out of the Embers Countdown - Eight Weeks

Evelyn has many reasons to fear, but she's determined to overcome her fears and keep the young orphan girl who's lost everything from succumbing to her own fears.

More information.

Wednesday in Wyoming - January 1, 2020

Happy New Year and Happy New Decade!

Did you know that Smokey Bear (no, it's not Smokey THE Bear) had his 75th birthday last year? August 9, 1944 was the big day. In celebration of his 75 years as a spokesbear for fire safety, the Wyoming State Museum had an exhibit of some of Smokey's posters last summer.

Don't worry if you can't make out the details. I'm going to feature some of my favorites this month. So ... come back next week to see more of Smokey.