by Kimberly Burns
SEEKING REDEMPTION, SHE FINDS RETRIBUTION
In 1892, running one of the West’s fanciest brothels is a rough game. In a town filled with brazen criminals, corrupt police, zealous politicians, and morality committees, Madam Mattie Silks makes her fortune catering to Colorado’s gold and silver millionaires.
Notorious crime boss “Soapy” Smith is at the top of the Denver underworld. There are no rules for Smith’s gang. They solve problems with bribes and bullets. When Mattie’s husband stumbles into Soapy’s dealings, she struggles to protect him.
Gold is discovered in the Yukon and Mattie seizes the opportunity for adventure and profit. But Skagway, Alaska, is even more lawless than Denver. Mattie must use all her business sense and street smarts to safeguard those she cares about. Will it be enough? Or will Lady Justice again turn a blind eye?
Based on a true story, The Redemption of Mattie Silks is an action-packed tale of a woman succeeding in a man’s world even when the cards are stacked against her.
“The research on the era shines through, as do the grit and spirit of the characters. …A colorful and enthralling journey.”
~ K.T. Blakemore, award-winning author of The Good Time Girls series
“A nice, nuanced portrait of the complex underworld with fine and witty turns of phrase. A great Western romp!”
~ Randi Samuelson-Brown, award-winning author of The Bad Old Days series
Writing Interview questions.
Why did you choose to write your book in this era?
I grew up in the high mountains of Colorado listening to the tales of Old Timers. I want everyone to know about the fascinating lives of these colorful people.
Did you find researching this era particularly difficult? What was the hardest thing to find out, and did you come across anything particularly surprising?
It is difficult to research things that happen behind closed doors. Prostitution was rarely spoken about in polite society, and then in veiled terms such as fallen angel or frail sister. So I tried to put myself in these gals shoes and walk the streets (so to speak.) I visited three museums of Old West prostitution, as well as the Colorado state history museum, and the archives of the Denver Public Library.
It was hard to uncover the private lives of these girls. Many of them changed their names when they got into the business, and again if they ever got out of the business.
The most shocking tidbit I unearthed was that Listerine was used as a feminine wash. They thought it would prevent sexually transmitted diseases and pregnancy. (It did not.)
Can you share something about the book that isn’t covered in the blurb?
The blurb focuses on the feud between Mattie Silks and Soapy Smith. But I think readers will enjoy the “peek behind the curtain” at the everyday lives of the working girls. One chapter describes the instruction new girls receive before their first date. (Please note: There is no graphic sex or vulgarity. I’d rate it PG.) In another scene, one girl prepares to marry out of the business. That was rare, but Mattie Silks told a reporter she had girls who married out and made good wives.
If you had to describe your protagonist(s), in three words, what would those three words be and why?
Mattie was smart, ambitious, and pragmatic. She was way ahead of her time. In an era when women rarely worked outside the home, she was running her business like a modern corporation. She had training and benefits for her employees. She marketed her business in unique and creative ways. Sometimes it was to her benefit to keep her mouth shut and let men assume to know better than her. She really struggled with that.
What was the most challenging part about writing your book?
Life in the Red Light District wasn’t like Miss Kitty’s on Gun Smoke. I wanted to paint a realistic picture of the lives of these women without being overly graphic and grim.
Was there anything that you edited out of this book that would have drastically affected the story, should it be left in?
There was a mysterious little girl, Theresa, who lived at Mattie’s ranch. Mattie Silks was fond of her and took financial care of her. It is possible, but unlikely that Theresa was Mattie’s child. Had I made Mattie a mother, the story would have taken a different turn.
What are you currently working on?
Strong Western women remain my favorite subjects. My next book is in set in 1860’s and based on a true story of a family’s search for justice when their son is murdered by Mexican bandits.
What would you tell an aspiring author who had some doubts about their writing abilities?
Everyone needs an editor or two or three. Don’t be hurt by the suggestions, learn from them.
Personal Interview questions.
What do you like to do when you are not writing?
I read, play mahjongg, and do water aerobics. (I sound like a little old lady living in a retirement community in Florida.) My family and I are avid travelers, too.
What did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to tell stories. My parents thought journalism or trial law would provide a paycheck while putting my all my talking to good use.
What’s for dinner tonight?
Salad (sigh.)
What would you rather be eating?
Pasta!
What would be a perfect day?
A day in the beautiful Virginia countryside or high Colorado mountains. Is there time for a historical walking tour or museum? Dinner at the chef’s table, where I can watch them preparing the meal while enjoying a lovely Napa Valley Cabernet. I would be accompanied by interesting people.
What is the best part of your day?
Walking my black lab
Either or!
Tea or coffee: Coffee with flavored creamer. I admit, I love pumpkin spice
Hot or cold: Can’t I choice 72 and sunny?
Movie or book: The book is always better.
Morning person or Night owl: Morning-ish
City or country: I love living in the suburbs, where I can have an entertaining night in the city and the next afternoon a pleasant afternoon in the country.
Social Media or book: Book
Paperback or ebook: I like my paperbacks; however, I bring a loaded kindle when I travel
Thanks so much for hosting Kimberly Burns with such an interesting interview.
ReplyDeleteTake care,
Cathie xx
The Coffee Pot Book Club
Thanks for letting me stop by. This was a fun interview - like talking with a new friend. Hope you all enjoy reading about Mattie Silks as much as I enjoyed writing about her
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