The Western Success of A Lone Wolf: An Interview with Weldon R. Shaw

weldon shaw imageThis interview is with one of the best Western writers of today. His name is Weldon Shaw, and his new book “Lone Wolf” has been a constant favorite with Western readers. “Lone Wolf” is the first book in a series– and what a series! Catch this new interview with Weldon– and get hooked! Hooked on a great story, by a great writer of today!

Which Westerns have most influenced your life? 

Anything written by Louis L’Amour.

How did you research your Western, Lone Wolf? 

I’m a history buff and I go on the internet to research the setting in which my story takes place. Things such as trees and bushes; I also research natural cures that may have been used during the Old West and the plants they came from.

Can you tell us about the series “Lone Wolf” has started. What is the overall story of the series? 

The overall story of the three-novel series is about a young white teen, Britt McCormick (Lone Wolf), who had to earn the respect and trust of the Cheyenne people who took him. It is about Lone Wolf earning status within the Cheyenne tribe. Lone Wolf is not only a Western, but it is a story about love and how it grew each day between him and Fawn, a beautiful young Cheyenne woman, which he later found out was the chief’s (Running Fox) daughter. The series is about his love for Fawn and his willingness to die to protect her. It is about the hardships the Cheyenne endured as two cultures were coming together and learning from each other.

It is about Fawn overcoming her distrust for Lone Wolf because he is a white man.

Do you prefer writing about the heroes or the villains of the Old West?

I always write about the heroes. I try to put myself into character and have the main character do and say the things that I would in that given situation.

A good villain is hard to write. How did you approach writing your villains?

In the case of this series, it was not hard. There were going to be those who did not approve of Lone Wolf being put in Fawn’s care. Fawn was a beautiful young woman who was very sought after by the other braves. I used history to create the villains from outside tribes that impacted the Cheyenne.

What real-life inspirations did you draw from for your book? Are any of your character’s people you know?

As far as real life goes, I believe men should protect women at all costs. I believe as a man you should be willing to sacrifice for those you love.

Where do you think the Western is heading? Is it dying or growing? 

Well, as far as Lone Wolf goes, it is growing. I believe in novel three you will see Lone Wolf stepping up into the position of authority, doing the things that are in the best interest of his people, the Cheyenne.

What was the hardest part of writing the first book? 

Getting people to believe in this series. Hoping people would not be critical about a misspelled word or a misused word, let’s say, as you know there is no such thing as a perfect book. There is going to be misspelled words or bad punctuation. The reader needs to key in on the story. A great storyline that is fresh is everything; it is either great or different than all other books written on the subject. If not, then it is just another Western telling the same old story told a hundred times before. So I guess what I am saying is, overlook some misspelled words and just enjoy a new and different story when you have the chance.

Can you see your series turned into a TV series or movie? 

Lone Wolf would make a great movie series. The three novels will be filled with adventure as well as love, which influences the complete storyline—the willingness to die for the one you love so they may see another day.

Did you learn anything from writing this book, and what was it? 

I learned a lot about myself since I breathed life into Lone Wolf by making him act as I would and think as I would.

Is there a message in your novel that you hope readers will grasp? 

The message is to be kind to other people. Treat women with ultimate respect, and take care of not only those you love, but take care of all women in a time of need.

If you couldn’t be an author, what would your ideal career be? 

Well, I retired from Law Enforcement after 25 years. I always wanted to be an oceanographer.

Where can readers reach you to send ideas for your books?

www.facebook.com/weldonshawauthor

amazon.com/author/weldonshaw

Web:weldonshawauthor.wordpress.com

Facebook:weldon.shaw.1@facebook.com

Twitter- weldonshaw3

 

 

Why don’t you catch a copy of “Lone Wolf” today from Amazon!