When it comes to notable names in the Western writing world, you will recognize a great many of them… But P.W. Burroughs stands at the top of the mountain with his giant hits “Bloodshed at Pecan’s Township” and “Bounty At Devil’s Pass.” These two Westerns have catapulted Burroughs out in front of thousands of readers. But does that mean you know Burroughs? No… let’s meet the man behind the Western myth.
Welcome, P.W.!
Thank you! It’s good to meet you!
Let me start by asking you one simple question… Why was it important for you to write a Western?
I always dreamt of living in the wild, immense desert of Texas back when I was just a little kid. Mom drove for hours and hours across the vast state, and I stared out the window at the desolate but captivating landscape and developed a yearning for the Wild West that I bring to life in my stories. Every single time I write a Western, it takes me right back to those early years in my life.
Interesting. How closely do Westerns mirror the American way of life?
Westerns portray the spirit and fighting nature of the settlers that made America what it is. Men and women of iron conviction, rare to find nowadays. Westerns serve as a reminder that modern life is rather boring in comparism.
How did you discover that you enjoyed writing?
To be honest… I actually discovered it when my first Westerns were published. I never expected the response. I am enjoying what I´ve always enjoyed—writing for others. When I see my books take off, I doubly enjoy it. Being a Western writer has opened a whole new door for me. I can take myself off to the Old West and live the way I feel like I would have lived. It’s a very personal thing.
Who is your favorite character from your series of books, and why?
Impossible to answer! I had a favorite character, Lt. Daniel South, but he died, cowardly stabbed in the back, leaving a widow and two teenage daughters. That was the way of life back then… murder and death were everyday occurrences, right?
How about your least favorite character? What makes them less appealing to you?
I love the “least favorite characters” in my stories. They make the yin-yang factor work, like up and down, good and bad…
If you could change ONE thing about your novel, what would it be? Why?
I wouldn´t change a thing. My books in the Devil´s Pass Series, published by Dusty Saddle Publishing, are written in sequence. Nick Wale and I are preparing a paperback collection of the series for my readers who love the written page, so rather than change ONE thing, we prefer to add an audiobook and paperback version for my readers, in addition to the ebooks.
Give us an interesting fun fact or a few about your series.
The Devil´s Pass Series is written around Pecan Township in southern Texas. As the stories develop, you will find yourself feeling like you belong there. The fun is guessing what else could possibly happen in such a place and how you´d deal with it.
What other books are similar to your own? What makes them alike?
I guess Westerns all have a lot in common. I like to make sure mine jump from page to page, pulling the reader along in a spiral of events. It’s a question of dynamics and rules of engagement.
Do you have a favorite gun?
People are going to be terribly surprised by this, but I don´t; although, I learned to shoot with a German Luger and Colt .45. My oldest brother used to take us out to the Las Vegas desert and shoot at passing airplanes. I just don’t find guns all that interesting anymore.
How can we contact you or find out more about your books?
I can be contacted through my agent, Nick Wale at Novel Ideas/Dusty Saddle Publishing, in London. He´s the man to talk to. I also have Facebook: Paul Provo-Author
What can we expect from you in the future?
Many more Westerns in the Devil´s Pass Series, which I will be writing and narrating to be sold as e-book, paperback and audio books. We recently published “Adventures of a Freight Dog Pilot” written and narrated by me, and I have recorded several books for other authors, such as Mike Trahan, Bruce Bennett, Chet A. Cord and Cliff Roberts, among others.
What can readers who enjoy your book do to help make it successful?
Word of mouth. I´d ask them to recommend my books to people they know who enjoy the genre and my writing style.
Do you have any tips for readers or advice for other writers trying to get published?
Work, work, work. Never hesitate, never doubt your creative capacity. Be sure to find a project and marketing manager who believes in you, but especially important—believe in yourself.
In a shootout, who would win—John Wayne vs. Clint Eastwood?
John Wayne. In a heartbeat!!
Pick up one of the two hottest Westerns from P.W. Burroughs by clicking the covers below. You can find the P.W. Burroughs official Amazon page right here.
You must log in to post a comment.