- Joined
- Aug 7, 2006
- Messages
- 56
- Reaction score
- 1
Okay, here is my attempt at doing more than being just a lurker...
I was wondering what other folks are using as reference materials when writing old west manuscripts. In particular I was thinking of those sources that give flavor to the language and culture of the period.
The list of general sources I have been using:
Western Words: A Dictionary of the Old West - by Ramon F. Adams
I seem to go back to this one a lot.
Cowboy Lingo – Again by Ramon F. Adams
A good read and it has helped me find actual terms since the book is broken down into topical chapters. I have found it works well in conjunction with his dictionary.
How to Write Western Novels – by Matt Braun
I liked this book in general, especially for some its genre specific discussions like the use of dialect when writing dialog.
Every Day life in the Wild West – by Candy Moulton
I have found it pretty useful as a place to start.
Every Day life in the Civil War – by Michael Varhola
This one in particular is a favorite but the manuscript I am working on is just after the Civil War so I guess that figures.
Lot of different books on the periods firearms, horses and wildlife and two on what it was like to be growing up in the old west.
What are your favorites?
I was wondering what other folks are using as reference materials when writing old west manuscripts. In particular I was thinking of those sources that give flavor to the language and culture of the period.
The list of general sources I have been using:
Western Words: A Dictionary of the Old West - by Ramon F. Adams
I seem to go back to this one a lot.
Cowboy Lingo – Again by Ramon F. Adams
A good read and it has helped me find actual terms since the book is broken down into topical chapters. I have found it works well in conjunction with his dictionary.
How to Write Western Novels – by Matt Braun
I liked this book in general, especially for some its genre specific discussions like the use of dialect when writing dialog.
Every Day life in the Wild West – by Candy Moulton
I have found it pretty useful as a place to start.
Every Day life in the Civil War – by Michael Varhola
This one in particular is a favorite but the manuscript I am working on is just after the Civil War so I guess that figures.
Lot of different books on the periods firearms, horses and wildlife and two on what it was like to be growing up in the old west.
What are your favorites?