401. Writing Gritty Slow-Burn Western Romance with Bestselling Authors Lucy McConnell & Erica Penrod

From Writers of the Future Podcast · 01:00:17

Show by John Goodwin

USA Today bestselling author Lucy McConnell (center) and co-author Erica Penrod (left) at FanX in Salt Lake City's Salt Palace Convention Center on the Writers and Illustrators of the Future Podcast. Dressed in authentic Western attire, the duo shares their inspiring journeys into fiction writing, balancing large family dynamics with their passion for storytelling, and their unique creative harmony as co-authors. The conversation focuses heavily on their contemporary series, Leather and Lies, set on the fictional Gritstone Ranch. The authors explain how they engineered a unique "epic Western" concept by adapting a fantasy-style magic system driven by three core pillars: the deep spiritual connection with horses, the power of inherited bloodlines, and a visceral tie to the land. They also touch on the rigorous, athletic reality of modern rodeo life and how their personal ranch backgrounds bring authenticity to every chapter. Finally, Lucy and Erica reflect on reading L. Ron Hubbard’s pulp fiction western classics, Cattle King for a Day and King of the Gunmen, noting surprising structural similarities to their own fast-paced, character-driven style. Aspiring writers will walk away with actionable advice on navigating critique groups, attending conferences, and finding the momentum to publish independently. Learn more about: Lucy McConnell at https://lucymcconnell.com/ and Erica Penrod at https://www.facebook.com/p/Author-Erica-Penrod-61553706946737/

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