Friday, May 1, 2009

Cactus Eds Want Your Earth Songs Stories!

Native Americans were, and are, a very spiritual people whose beliefs and rituals helped them through many challenging times. In early June of 1876, Lakota Chief Sitting Bull knew a showdown with the U.S. government was near. Though he had fought hard to save his people’s ancestral hunting grounds, the Black Hills, from intrusion, the government dispatched more troops in violation of an existing treaty. Sitting Bull turned to the spirits and climbed to the top of a butte to seek guidance. There, he experienced a vision of white soldiers falling in defeat. Though the chief’s people did not ultimately prevail in the conflict with the U.S. government, Sitting Bull’s vision is still revered today as a celebration of the mysterious powers available to all.

Native American culture is diverse and intriguing, and offers a writer much in the way of character, plot, motivation, and conflict. If you’ve considered writing a Native American historical romance, now, as we celebrate the third birthday of The Wild Rose Press and look to the future, is a wonderful time to give it a try. The Cactus Rose editors would love to read it!

Submission Guidelines for Earth Songs:

The stories may be set anywhere in the United States among any Native American tribe, but must take place between the years 1870 and 1890. Each story must involve a Native American hero, heroine, or both. Historical accuracy is essential. Cactus Rose is looking for believable stories with fully developed characters and happily ever after endings. Stories must be 40K or less. Please send query and synopsis in your email to queryus@thewildrosepress.com and indicate that it is for the Earth Songs Series.

12 comments:

Amber Leigh Williams said...

A solid leg of my family tree is entrenched in NA culture. I'd definitely love to write for Earth Songs in the future :)

Amber

Helen said...

We'd love to read your story, Amber!

Helen
Cactus Editor

Patricia Tanner said...

Yes, we'd love to read something from you for this series.

Lauri said...

This series sounds so wonderful! I can't wait to see these stories on the market!

Here's to TWRP!

Tanya Hanson said...

Once I finish my current wip, I intend to write an Earth Song. My reverence for NA cultures bloomed during my years teaching American lit to high school juniors.

~Tanya

Donna Dalton said...

Wow, so many new Cactus blooms sprouting in the garden! I'll definitely have to put a Sony E-Reader on my birthday wish list so I can read 'em all. :)

Donna Dalton

Silver James said...

I really need to find the time to get some ideas I've had for Earth Songs "down on paper." Edits on my Faery Rose novel have kept me busy, though. Perhaps once Faerie Fate gets to galleys I'll have time to research some of the family history (between my DH and me, we represent 3 of the 5 Civilized Tribes.) What has the response from readers been about bring the Wayback, Texas series to a close?

Silver James said...

Argh. I should not try typing legibly without a full cup of coffee in my system. Pardon the typos. *blush*

Hywela Lyn said...

I have a great respect and interest in the history and culture of the Native Americans, and their beliefs and the way the worked with and not against nature. I've written one very short story about a Native American couple, althogh it wasn't really a romance and I'm looking forward to reading some of the 'Earth Songs'

Patricia Tanner said...

We are looking for good stories and would love to see something.

Anonymous said...

Wow, what a bunch of great reads to be found here in the Cactus line!!! They all look good, and the covers are just superb. I think the Earth Songs series sounds very interesting--If I can manage to write something less than80K. LOL My ancestry includes three Indian tribes, and it seems like in most of my stories I have a NA hero. Happy birthday to TWRP, and here's to many more!
Cheryl

Amber Leigh Williams said...

Thanks Helen and Patricia! Now I can't wait to get started. I've already taking notes for a summer WIP!!!

Amber