A Chat with Karen Baney
Today’s guest on the Back Porch is one you will see quite a bit over the next few weeks. Please pull up a chair and have a visit with Karen Baney, the author of Falling for a Bossy Cowboy.
Welcome to the Back Porch, Karen. You have quite a backlist of books, meaning you have writing experience.
Please share with writers struggling or starting out how you handle writer’s block or moments of creative doubt.
Ooo. I like the wording of this question. Creative doubt. Yeah, there are moments where I experience creative doubt. Falling for a Bossy Cowboy brought plenty of that, especially since I wanted to balance a difficult subject that had the potential to upset some Christian readers. I struggled and prayed over how to deliver the story in a loving, realistic way where God’s grace ultimately shines through. When I doubt the creative direction or subject matter I’ve chosen to write about, I will let it sit for a while to reread it with fresh eyes before publishing. And I pray for wisdom and discernment. My passion for writing is more missional. The entertainment value is secondary to providing a glimpse of a redeeming God who loves unconditionally and cares about everyone no matter how far gone they feel.
That is great advice. Now, let’s talk about Falling for a Bossy Cowboy. What was the initial spark or idea that inspired this book?
Falling for a Bossy Cowboy presented me with a few challenges. As the third book in the series, Derin’s character was already developed as the loudmouth, sometimes obnoxious middle brother of five. The inspiration for his dramatic turnaround from “more than a dozen” flings to a devout Christian man determined to live out his faith came from the many testimonials of men who have successfully overcome similar pasts. Sometimes we portray our heroes in Christian romance with a certain level of purity that we don’t see mirrored in real life. I wanted to show a different side—what it looks like to live redeemed and made new from a less-than-pure past.
What research did you conduct, if any, while writing this book? How did it influence the story or characters?
The research about the pro tennis circuit strongly influenced the timeline of the novel. The plan was to give Madison an injury, thus her reason for rehabbing at Vargas Guest Ranch & Resort. I had also locked myself into a narrow window for Derin to start his new job where he would encounter her. So, I spent a few hours working through timeline scenarios to make it all work and still hold to the dates for the US Open.
What setting(s) did you choose for your book, and why were they important to the story?
Vargas Guest Ranch and Resort in Wickenburg, Arizona, is an essential part of the entire series and in this book. Derin starts his new job as the CEO over the sports complex for rehabbing athletes. His old job as the foreman of the cattle operation couldn’t be more different. The opposite settings from his old job to his new further illustrates the transformation between the old Derin and the new Derin fully submitted to the Lord.
Are there any particular themes or messages that you find yourself returning to in your writing?
God’s redeeming love. No one is ever too far from His love. He never leaves us nor forsakes us no matter what life throws at us.
Can you share any details about your upcoming projects or works-in-progress?
The first five books in the Vargas Ranch Series are already available. I’m working on finishing up the two Vargas cousins’ stories: Falling for a Devoted Cowgirl and Falling for a Pregnant Cowgirl. Both will be available sometime in 2025. After that, I have a few other projects in process and ideas for a spinoff series for Vargas Ranch which would focus on many of the minor characters from the guest ranch and resort. I also have a historical spinoff series for my Colter Sons series that I’ve started. Readers, what would you like to see next?
Oh, I know many readers will in enjoy that if they are enjoying this series.
Thank you, Karen for joining us this morning. I pray this tour is a blessing to you.
Readers, please keep reading to discover more about Falling for a Bossy Cowboy and maybe even enter the giveaway.
Thank you for joining us this morning.
Melissa
About the Book
Book: Falling for a Bossy Cowboy (Vargas Ranch Book 3)
Author: Karen Baney
Genre: Contemporary Christian Cowboy Romance
Release date: March 26, 2024
She’s famous and nearing the end of her career. He’s blunt, bossy, and downright annoying. Will these two find the perfect balance between truth and love?
Sports fanatic Derin Vargas steps down from his position as foreman of Vargas Ranch to run the family’s new sports complex. Uncomfortable in his new role, he compensates by being bossy. When a famous pro-tennis player stays at the resort to rehab after surgery, Derin points out her shortcomings no one else will.
Pro-tennis player Madison Moore heads to a remote sports complex on Vargas Guest Ranch & Resort to finish rehabbing after shoulder surgery. As she fears the death of her pro career, the bossy cowboy manager gets under her skin.
Will Derin soften his rough edges to win over the beautiful tennis player? Will Madison listen to the hard truth about her future while opening her heart to love?
Click here to get your copy!
About the Author
Karen Baney is passionate about writing stories full of flawed characters. She enjoys weaving together stories of second chances, redemption, and overcoming personal trials. As a transplant to Arizona, she loves researching the state’s history and finding ways to seamlessly incorporate real history and real settings into her novels. In addition to writing and speaking, Karen works as a Software Development Manager for a Christian ministry.
Her faith plays an important role both in her life and in her writing. Karen and her husband, Jim, make their home in Gilbert, Arizona, with their two dogs, Bella and Daisy. Both Jim and Karen are active at Rock Point Church in Queen Creek, Arizona.
More from Karen
101 Questions
In Falling for a Bossy Cowboy, Derin Vargas desperately wants to change how he sees and interacts with women. One of his buddies recommended an app for 101 Questions to Ask on a Date.
When I incorporated this into the novel, the interactions between Madison and Derin became so much easier (and fun!) to write. I searched for new questions and added them with answers from the character’s point of view.
But where did this idea come from? A marriage seminar. I highly recommend using 101 questions for any couple, married or just dating. It’s a great way to get to know the person you’re with, without all the awkward “what do we talk about?”.
I hope you enjoy this excerpt from Falling for a Bossy Cowboy from Madison Moore’s point of view.
______
Madison watched as Derin pulled his phone from his shirt pocket, swiping and tapping a few times. Then he looked up, expression serious, and asked the most bizarre question.
“If you were stranded on a deserted island and could choose any three things to have with you, what would you pick and why?”
“What?” Her eyes rounded.
“You heard the question, Madi.”
She chewed slowly, mulling it over.
“That’s hard.”
“Right?” He chuckled.
“What would you pick?”
“No dodging it. I’ll answer after you do.”
“Ugh. Let’s assume I have food and water.”
Derin narrowed his eyes and conceded.
“My Bible.”
He rolled his eyes.
“What? It’s a legit answer.”
“So says every church goer. Next?”
“You wouldn’t?”
He wagged a finger at her as he stabbed a chunk of roast before popping it in his mouth.
“Chocolate.”
Derin tossed his head back and chuckled loudly. So much so that a few heads turned their direction. “Women.”
“And a Costco-sized bag of ground coffee.”
“How are you making the coffee?”
“I don’t know. I’m sure I could figure it out.”
Madison pushed her empty plate away. “Your turn.”
“First choice? You.”
Heat flamed her cheeks. What was he saying?
“Second choice would be Djano.”
Madison quirked an eyebrow.
“My horse. And that’s only because you put the stipulation that food and water aren’t an issue. So, he won’t starve.”
She snorted. “Me and your horse.”
“Yup. And my hat. That’s it.”
“Me, your horse, and your hat.” She shook her head. “Why me?”
Derin’s eyes glinted with mirth. “You’re insanely beautiful. Smart. Very entertaining.”
Her cheeks warmed at the compliment.
“We would fight like cats and dogs.”
He shook his head. “I’m not buying that.”
“I can’t stand you.”
“Not buying that either.” Derin grinned. “Here’s another one. Have you ever won an award for a sport?”
Madison snatched up the phone. “Huh. That’s really the question. What is this?”
“One hundred and one questions to ask on a date.”
“Is this a date?”
“Welcome to the party, Madi.”
Heat warmed her face. Derin was one of a kind. She shook her head and handed him his phone.
Blog Stops
Artistic Nobody, November 6 (Author Interview)
Debbie’s Dusty Deliberations, November 6
Texas Book-aholic, November 7
Fiction Book Lover, November 8 (Author Interview)
Locks, Hooks and Books, November 9
Guild Master, November 10 (Author Interview)
Truth and Grace Homeschool Academy, November 11
Simple Harvest Reads, November 12 (Author Interview)
Labor Not in Vain, November 13
Library Lady’s Kid Lit, November 14 (Author Interview)
Holly’s Book Corner, November 15
For the Love of Literature, November 16 (Author Interview)
Happily Managing a Household of Boys, November 17
Blossoms and Blessings, November 18 (Author Interview)
Back Porch Reads, November 19 (Author Interview)
Devoted To Hope, November 19
Giveaway
To celebrate her tour, Karen is giving away the grand prize of a $50 Amazon card and a signed copy of the book!!
Be sure to comment on the blog stops for extra entries into the giveaway! Click the link below to enter.
I enjoyed the interview and learning about the author’s future books. Falling for a Bossy Cowboy sounds like a great Christian romance, especially the realistic portrayal of Derin.
Thank you for sharing This is a New to me Author Have a Happy Thanksgiving!
Thank you for sharing this is a New to me Author!
Thanks so much for the fun interview and for sharing Falling for a Bossy Cowboy with your readers. 🙂
This looks really good. Thanks for sharing.
I enjoyed the interview
I can’t wait to read it, it sounds great!
Cindi Knowles