Meet Trace & Lynette the two main characters from "Athena Creek"

Those who survived the wild west were both tough and courageous.

When we hear stories of families who crossed the Oregon Trail, we can't help but feel a sense of awe at their dedication. The Great Migration was an amazing period in American history filled with stories of people who were patient, dedicated, and sometimes just plain mean. I knew when I started writing this series that would need to develop characters who could 'make it' in that world.

Get to know the two main characters from the first Lawmen of Clayton County story, Athena Creek.

Trace Ingram:

Physical features – Tall and thin, shoulder-length blonde hair, mustache, stern expression, always wears black. Picture a young Sam Elliot, complete with that deep voice that gives you the chills when he speaks!

Personality – Grounded and logical, with a deep sense of justice.

Backstory – As a boy, came across the Oregon Trail by covered wagon with his family. Parents have now passed away, one sister (Caroline) with a husband and children. Had a couple deputy jobs here and there. Desires a place to belong and someone to believe in him.

Creative process – I envisioned Trace as the stereotypical cowboy you’d see in a John Wayne movie, Marty Robins song, or Louis L’Amour story. As Gram would say, “Mmmmm, Mmmmm, Mmmmm!”

Lynette Ellis:

Physical features – Light brown hair usually in a long braid down her back, broad shoulders atypical of a woman, strong and sturdy frame.

Personality – Tough and feisty, often acts before thinking, independent and stubborn.

Backstory – Three siblings – all thieves and scoundrels, drunk father and enabling mother. Desires a chance to make a better life than her family members.

Creative process – Lynette, the beginning of the entire series, was envisioned one day as I listened to a Carrie Underwood song. I’ll give you one guess – Before He Cheats. As I listened to the words, I wondered what a woman from the old west would do if she found her man cheating. Thus, the story was born, and two more followed, creating The Lawmen of Clayton County. I had a lot of fun writing scenes where she is impulsive!

Jen Cudmore is a historical romance author who grew up in the Columbia River Gorge. She currently lives in Alaska with her husband, two children, two boxers, and two cats. She contributes to blogs at Moms of Faith and Alaska Christian Women's Ministry. Visit her website at jencudmore.com, where she posts about fiction, family and faith. You can also find her on Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Goodreads.