Good People Chasing Horses

                 

Sometimes I wonder how much one person’s voice can actually help when “fighting the good fight” against what seems like an impossible foe. But last week, my faith was bolstered.

For the last two years, the non-profit organization, Chasing Horses Wild Horses Advocates (chwha.org), has been fighting to save the remaining herd of horses in the Theodore Roosevelt National Park. These horses are the progeny of the very same horses that the park brought in to replace the Nokota forty years ago. 

NokotaⓇ horses are the direct descendants of Sitting Bull’s war ponies inadvertently trapped inside the park when the park got fenced in back in 1968. The park service decided these Lakota/Hunkpapa native horses (the Nokota) were not aesthetically pleasing to tourists (among other suspected prejudicial reasons) and, therefore, decided to eliminate them. That’s where Frank and Leo Kuntz stepped in to save as many as possible. There are no longer Nokota horses in Theodore Roosevelt National Park. (Frank and others, to this day, continue to preserve the future of these Nokota.) In the meantime, however, the park introduced domestic breeds (Shire, quarter horse, and Arabian) in attempts to propagate an appearance they thought would appeal better to people visiting the park. It’s these “replacement” horses that are now at risk! 

In December of 2022, the park laid plans to eliminate all horses … again … just like they did some 40 years ago when the Nokota were set to be exterminated. Under the guise of “historically accurate representation”, the park deemed all “livestock” to be removed. They claimed that the horses were not originally a part of the natural landscape and habitat; therefore, in the name of historical accuracy, they didn’t belong. This is all after years of questionable herd management tactics that involved population control via chemical sterilization and cruel helicopter roundups. This type of management, as I have learned from lifelong horse breeder Frank Kuntz, has been done in such a way that it basically weeded out the young, and kept the old. The inbreeding and lack of genetic diversity has detrimentally weakened the herd’s strength.

So the fight began. Chasing Horses Wild Horses Advocates (chwha.org) began reaching out and speaking up for the herd. And good people responded!

They raised funds, educated, asked for support, and helped followers know how they could help contribute to the herd’s safety and longevity. Frank has shown his support numerous times by going to speak and educate the legislature on the matter - something he is all too familiar with. He has asked them to create a policy that involves both keeping the horses in the park, as well as - in cooperation with Lakota people of the horse - slowly and carefully reintegrating the original Nokota bloodlines. 

I’ve been following their fight, and I contribute in whatever ways I can. It feels like so little. This is government policy we little people are up against! We’re trying to convince them how important an animal is to us. In the grand scheme of life, saving a herd of horses might seem very low on the priority scale, but if I've learned anything in the past twenty years from watching Frank Kuntz being a voice for the Nokota, it’s that you have to choose your fight … then fight like Hell won’t have it. No matter the odds or attitudes surrounding you. At some point everyone needs to wake up each day and believe in something a little bigger than themselves. It feels right when you find it. When you know whose side you’re on. It backs you up. Fills a gap. Gives you purpose.

All that said, it is my great pleasure to tell you that last week, a major leg of the fight to save the Theodore Roosevelt National Park horses was won! The headline read, “National Park Service to leave the wild horses in TRNP.” And even though, as Frank and CHWHA say, there is still much work to be done, it is fully gratifying that the persistent voices of some wild horse lovers have indeed been heard. Change has begun in favor of the herd. 

So let’s all celebrate the value of our voices as we also celebrate the decision to let the horses stay in the park. It all goes to prove that good people doing good things can make a difference!

To learn more and to order a copy of Nokota Voices, go to chwha.org and Kuntz Nokota Ranch.

One Take Jake: Last Call by Jay Lang

 

Visit Jay Lang's BWL Author Page for Purchase Information

 

One Take Jake: Last Call  is the sequel to One Take Jake.

A talented musician turned escaped convict and a misfit thrill seeker find their way South of the border to Seattle, eventually ending up in New York City. Danger and excitement follow the duo as they navigate their way around the big city. With a colorful mixture of characters and some surprising twists, this book took me on one of the most thrilling journeys I’ve been on since the beginning of my writing career.

I learned a lot about New York while penning this novel. From cultural differences to class distinctions to the layout of the land, I had to research the 5 boroughs thoroughly to make the setting of this story believable.  I loved learning about the history of one of the greatest cities in the world. Besides reading online about NY, I also watched a lot of  YouTube videos and virtual tours where I could see all of the famous landmarks, the nightlife hot spots and the pretty parks and walkways in the city. The experience left me with a desire to visit New York one day so I can see all of the sights first hand.

An interesting addition to the novel are the many rock stars and celebrities who not only endorsed the story, but also wrote some engaging quotes as well. (You’ll have to read the book to find out which *stars* are included.)

A central theme highlighted in this novel revolves around the age-old debate surrounding revenge: is it ever justified? It was very interesting to read some of the celebrities opinions on this.

If you decide to read One Take Jake: Last Call, I hope that you  get the same thrill reading it as I did writing it. Either way, keep reading!

Jay Lang

A bit about me by donalee Moulton

    

                                         

                                                      Click here for purchase information.

I was recently asked some questions about my writing career, my writing process, and my writing influences. I thought I'd share my answers with you.

What was the most difficult section/piece you ever wrote? What made it difficult?

I wrote an article early in my career about an infant born several months prematurely (with only a tablespoon of blood in its entire body if I remember correctly) and the fight to save the little one. I recall drafting the article with tears streaming down my cheeks. In that moment I realized, for me, that journalism was about moving people as well as informing them.

 

What sort of research do you do for your work?

There were key elements to my first mystery book Hung Out to Die that had to be authentic, at least in a fictional context. I have done a lot of reporting on the cannabis industry and have had the opportunity to tour a cannabis-production plant before it opened. Likewise, for years as a freelance journalist I wrote on the health sector and health issues, including mental health and personality issues. As a communications specialist, many of my clients were from this sector. All of this research fed into Hung Out to Die. Even more was required for my second book Conflagration!, a historical mystery set in 1734. Accuracy is paramount.

 

Which books and authors do you read for pleasure? Is there an author that inspires you?

I relish reading. I was a judge in the Crime Writers of Canada’s Awards of Excellence last year, and I got to dive into more than 40 fabulous – and very diverse – books that kept me on my toes and my eyes glued to the page. When I was younger and I was discovering the wonder and wow of the mystery genre, I devoured authors like Tony Hillerman, Martha Grimes, Ruth Rendell. More recently I have discovered writers like Richard Osman. And Delia Owens’s Where the Crawdads Sing was nothing short of joyous.

 

Was there a person who encouraged you to write?

My mother taught me to love language – and to respect it. She cared about words and getting the words right. She was my greatest influence.

 

What would you say are your strengths as an author?

I always find it easy to get distracted when I am writing. As a freelance journalist, however, I learned to stay on track. Working to deadline meant there often wasn’t time to travel down interesting but non-essential paths. You are also working to a specific word count as a journalist so you know no matter how interesting the asides, they will not make it into the article for length reasons. Rigor is required.

 

How often do you write, and do you write using a strict routine?

I am not a marathon writer. I am a sprinter. I can’t sit and write for hours at a time. I break up my writing by taking a yoga class, soaking up some sunshine, checking email, doing some paid work. I do try to write 1,000 fictional words a day. Some days I achieve this. We don’t need to talk about the other days.

 

 

New Releases for May 2024 from BWL Publishing Inc.

Click link below for purchase details

CONFLICT OF INTEREST

Pine County Mysteries 

Dean L. Hovey

When the body of a missing cheerleader is found in a ditch, the local police turn the investigation over to the Pine County sheriff’s department, fearing that the girl’s relationship with the son of a local politician could compromise their objectivity.

Upon arriving at the scene, Sergeant CJ Jensen quickly finds herself embroiled in the politics of the girl’s murder and kidnapping. Calling in Pam Ryan to assist with the investigation, the two veteran officers dig into the girl’s obvious relationship with the politician’s son. 

While the boyfriend’s shaky alibi seems paper thin, their interviews with the victim’s friends have them questioning other aspects of her life. A missing laptop computer piques their interest, making them think the murderer’s motive may be buried in her on-line activities.

 

Review Snippets

There is drama, humor and compassion blended perfectly. – Linda J.

I don't know how you keep coming up with these great tales, they're intriguing, scary, funny and hold my attention... Can't wait for another story in Pine County. -Kathy W-B

Enjoyed the twists and turns of this mystery and I learned something new. The officers of pine County are interesting characters and they work together to solve three murders. Two young bodies and a tax collector have little in common. Finding the small thread takes time and energy. This is an enjoyable book and well-written. - Janet W.

Mr Hovey keeps the facts of an investigation very accurate and the characters highly enjoyable. My wife frequently asks what I’m chuckling about. – Greg P.

 

Sunrise Interrupted by Eden Monroe

 

https://bookswelove.net/monroe-eden/

 

In Sunrise Interrupted, actress Alexandra Martel sees her dream come true when she’s cast in the major motion picture production of Retribution. But even a dream come true has its fair share of ups and downs. Such as a dreaded intimate scene that her straight-laced grandmother is understandably not in favour of:

“ ‘Alexandra sighed. “Sorry, I guess intimacy coordinator is the more accurate term. These scenes are very technical, Gram, and take a lot of preparation. An intimacy coordinator is part of the overall team. I’ll admit I’m nervous about doing the scene, so the intimacy coordinator is trying to help me become more comfortable with it.’

‘Don’t get too comfortable with it for heavens sake, you’ll be making a habit of it.’

‘I know it’s hard to understand all of this stuff, Gram, but the end goal for everyone is to make the movie the best it can be. The director and I have already discussed the whole thing. He’s walked me through exactly what will happen. It’s a nude scene, but they have things in place for when….’

‘Things such as what, pray tell?’ her grandmother demanded, cutting her off.

‘Gram….’

‘Alexandra, I’m clearly over eighteen. Tell me.’ “

The entertainment industry is a source of fascination for most people, so I thought it might be interesting to take a look at some fun facts about show business. Let’s start with the first professional stage actress. According to guinnessworldrecords.com that was Margaret Hughes (Hewes) of the United Kingdom. On December 3, 1660 she appeared as Desdemona in Thomas Killigrew’s version of Othello, The Moor of Venice. It was staged at the Vere Street Theatre (a former tennis court) in London, UK.

As you know, many playwrights are also authors, and many authors are also playwrights.

Such is the case with literary giant Agatha Christie who gave us Mousetrap, the two-act play that has become the longest running stage production in London’s West End. It opened in November of 1952, and is nearing its 30,000^th performance.

The first modern celebrity as we understand that word to mean today, was French actress Sarah Bernhardt (1844-1923).

The golden age of radio began in 1920, and for many it was the only home entertainment medium. There were any number of popular shows, but according to smithsonianmag.com, the most memorable radio broadcast was The War of the Worlds. Adapted from H. G. Wells’ novel of the same name and narrated by Orson Welles, it was featured on October 30, 1938 on a Halloween episode of his Mercury Theatre on the Air. Orson Welles would go on to direct and star in Citizen Kane in 1941, which earned him an Academy Award for Best Original Screenplay. He was also nominated for an Oscar for Best Director and Best Actor for that same motion picture. Citizen Kane is considered by many as one of the most influential movies ever made, with similar praise for Orson Welles himself.

Moviemaking began with the silent era in 1888 (legacybox.com), and the first film actress was a Canadian-American performer by the name of Florence Lawrence (1886-1938). (She also designed the first automobile turn signal and brake signal). The first film actor was Charlie Chaplin (1889-1977) who was originally from the UK. As a side note, Chaplin is the only Hollywood Walk of Fame honouree featured twice for the same star.

The most expensive silent film ever made was Ben-Hur (1925) at almost $4 Million dollars, and the cost to see a movie during those early years could range anywhere from ten cents to twenty-five cents.

As the talkies arrived and moviemaking upped its game, the salaries likewise began to climb. The first film star to receive a guaranteed minimum of $1Million dollars per year was Roscoe “Fatty” Arbuckle.

The first film actress to sign a $1 Million contract for a guaranteed minimum salary for a single movie was Elizabeth Taylor, appearing in the title role of Cleopatra in 1963.

Today’s salaries are astronomical by comparison, and the five highest paid actresses in the world in 2024 (fincash.com) are: Reese Witherspoon, Julia Roberts, Sandra Bullock, Sofia Vergara and Scarlett Johansson. For the men in the same category (also fincash.com) it’s Dwayne Johnson, Tom Cruise, Brad Pitt, Will Smith and Ryan Reynolds.

In terms of the cost of motion picture production today, one of the least expensive movies ever made was The Blair Witch Project at between $35,000 and $60,000 (initial outlay). According to recordhead.biz, the project later received “between $200,000 and $750,000 from Artisan Entertainment for post-production” and grossed $248.6 Million worldwide.

On the other hand, the most expensive modern-day movie according to collider.com was Star Wars: The Force Awakens (2015), which officially holds that record at $533 Million, and went on to realize more than $2 Billion dollars at the worldwide box office (the-numbers.com).

As for the age of actors appearing in movies, I went to opposite ends of the spectrum to find Ronald LeRoy Overacker (Baby LeRoy) who in 1933 was under contract in the motion picture industry at just six months of age (imdb.com). His grandfather had to sign the contract on his behalf because his mother at sixteen was also too young. At the other end was Jeanne Calment (imdb.com) “who recalled selling coloured pencils to Van Gogh.” She made a brief appearance in the movie Vincent and Me in 1990 at the age of 114, thereby making her the oldest actor ever to appear in a movie. Her documented lifespan was 122 years.

And of course television has long been an integral part of the entertainment industry.

General Hospital is the longest running televised soap opera in American history, celebrating its sixty-year anniversary in 2023 (variety.com). Also in terms of popularity, I plucked the following from cbs.com, America’s Most Popular TV shows of all time, ranked: (1) Jeopardy (2) Tom and Jerry Cartoons (3) The Flintstones (4) The Bugs Bunny Show (5) Sesame Street (6) I Love Lucy (7) The Jetsons (8) The Twilight Zone (9) The Golden Girls, and (10) Wheel of Fortune.

The top five most popular television actors of all time, in order (screenrant.com) are: Bryan Cranston, James Gandolfini, Betty White, Mary Tyler Moore, and Alan Alda.

And lastly, a few compelling insights into the entertainment industry in the US at least, (Los Angeles has the title of Entertainment Capital of the World) as set out in the Gitnux Market Data Report 2024 (gitnux.org):

• “Los Angeles County employs 24,000 actors, including extras.
• 54.3% of actors are female, while 45.7% are male.
• Nearly 31.9% of actors have a bachelor’s degree or higher.
• Less than 15% of actors hold full-time jobs in their profession.
• SAG-AFTRA membership includes over 160,000 actors, broadcast journalists, and other media professionals.
• The acting profession has an expected growth rate of 3% from 2019 to 2029.
• Actors have a median hourly wage of $20.26.
• There are approximately 63,000 actors working in the United States.
• 85% of actors are unemployed at any given time.”

 

https://www.bookswelove.com/monroe-eden/