Cotton Smith is as concerned with the interior landscape of his characters as he is with the exterior landscape of the West. And horses. He loves horses, and that affection shows throughout his excellent novels of Western adventure.
Smith is a historian, artist, and writer of both fiction and non-fiction. His novels include Spirit Rider, Return of the Spirit Rider, Blood of Bass Tillman, Death Mask and last year’s Ride for Rule Cordell.
Whether writing about Texas Rangers, farm boys, or outlaws, Smith gives readers a look inside the hearts and minds of the people who face hardships day in and day out. When Smith writes about a range war, shoot-out, or cattle drive, readers are reminded that character and plot are inextricably linked–that plot grows out of character and character grows through plot.
“I am fascinated by the power of the human spirit,” said Smith, “the ability to take blows and grow beyond them. To never give up. Everyone gets knocked down; how one reacts to that is the key to success. This challenge to life is enhanced, in my opinion, in dealing with the rawness – and greatness — of the American West.”
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