E.E. Burke writes romance from the heart, woven with history the way in really happened in the wild American West. Her writing has earned accolades in regional and national contests, including the RWA's prestigious Golden Heart®.
She combines her passion for history and love of romance in stories that are as deeply rooted in American soil as her family, which she can trace back to the earliest colonists and through both sides of the Mason-Dixon line.
"My earliest memories of books were the nursery rhyme volumes I took to bed with me when I was three. From that point on, I was hooked. Some people hugged their bears. I hugged my books."
Over the years, she’s been a disc jockey, a journalist and an advertising executive, before finally getting around to pursuing her dream of writing novels. She lives in Kansas City with her husband and three daughters, the greatest inspiration of all.
She combines her passion for history and love of romance in stories that are as deeply rooted in American soil as her family, which she can trace back to the earliest colonists and through both sides of the Mason-Dixon line.
"My earliest memories of books were the nursery rhyme volumes I took to bed with me when I was three. From that point on, I was hooked. Some people hugged their bears. I hugged my books."
Over the years, she’s been a disc jockey, a journalist and an advertising executive, before finally getting around to pursuing her dream of writing novels. She lives in Kansas City with her husband and three daughters, the greatest inspiration of all.
Kim: Tell us about Kansas City - what is your favorite sight, smell, and sound?
E.E.: There are so many wonderful things about Kansas City it’s hard to pick just one favorite. If pressed, I’d say Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The renowned museum has one of the top Asian collections in the world, along with many other fabulous permanent and special exhibits. This past month, there was an exhibit on The Indians of the Plains: Artists of Earth and Sky and a rare photography collection from Andrew Gardner’s travels west with the Union Pacific railroad. I’m inspired every time I go there.
Favorite sounds and smells? When the leaves are changing and the air is crisp. I love the smell of fall. I’m attracted to quiet, natural places. We often visit our family’s rural homestead a few hours south of here. I can walk through the woods and hear the wind rustling through the trees, listen to the play of water over stones in a creek. Sit by a crackling bonfire. I even find walks through the old family cemeteries to be peaceful--a way to connect to the past. I’m fairly certain I was born about 150 years too late.
Other things I love in Kansas City: the Missouri River and riverfront hangouts, the Country Club Plaza, the Kansas City Ballet, Lyric Opera, KC Symphony and the Rep, Old Westport, the Liberty Memorial and WWI Museum, the American Royal (annual rodeo and horse show), Union Station and Hallmark Crown Center, steaks and barbeque, the Royals and the Chiefs. Last, but definitely not least, I’m fascinated by the rich history of this area, which can be explored through many different historical sites and collections.
Kim: Can you share a humorous story about one of your ancestors?
E.E.: I don’t have many stories about my ancestors. But I’ve done quite a bit of research on my husband’s family. He’s descended from pioneers who settled the southwestern corner of the Missouri in the foothills of the Ozarks. Members of the family have lived on sections of the original farm for over 150 years.
When Mark’s uncle was four, he was playing out in a pasture. There was a young bull that hadn’t bothered anyone before, but it started pawing and snorting. Mark’s mother, who was eight at the time, saw the danger and clambered over the fence to fetch the unsuspecting lad. The bull was bearing down on them and she didn’t have much time. So she grabbed her little brother and tossed him through the manure door on the back of the barn.
Meanwhile, Mark’s grandfather heard the commotion. As he came running, he scooped up a fist-sized rock, and soon as the bull was in sight, wound up and let the rock fly. It hit the bull between the eyes and cold-conked him. (Grandpa was a pitcher on an amateur baseball team.) They thought he might’ve killed the young bull, but the critter got back on his feet and staggered off. He didn’t charge anybody again.
Kim: I always wanted to be a DJ. How did you become one? What did you love and loathe about the job?
E.E.: While I was at Baylor University, a local Top 40 station was looking for female talent. I worked the red-eye shift (midnight to six a.m.). At that time, there were few women DJs. I was such an oddity that people would drive by and try to get my attention. They could see me at the controls through a large picture window that faced the street. I was “mooned” countless times by inebriated young men. A few couples decided to “park” beneath my window, presumably to provide me with some evening entertainment. For the most part, I had fun being a radio jock in a college town. (Went by the name Jaime Lawrence. Picked by the station director, not me). What I hated about it was working overnight and then going to school and trying to pay attention in class. One morning, I fell asleep and toppled out of my chair. Talk about embarrassing!
Kim: Who or what helped you along the path to publishing?
E.E.: Wise women I’ve met through RWA.
I’d been writing in some capacity for most of my professional life, but I’d never written a novel before the first one I finished six years ago. When I decided to pursue publishing, I joined RWA and two local chapters. The authors I’ve met and friends I’ve made through these organizations are the reason I’ve made it this far.
Kim: Tell us about your Romance and Rails series, and your new book.
E.E.: Think “Hell On Wheels” (the hit AMC TV series) with happier endings.
When I set out to write an American historical romance series, I wanted to focus on themes that are hard-wired into our national identity like ambition and self-determination, and events that figured large in driving cultural change. A natural setting was the most ambitious event in America’s history—the construction of the railroads.
From a thematic standpoint, the Steam! Romance and Rails series is about passion and ambition--two of the most powerful drivers in human history. When they come together an explosion is inevitable.
Passion's Prize follows three women who must contend with dangerous men caught up in a cutthroat railroad race. Her Bodyguard features a railroad promoter who hires protection from a mysterious assailant and discovers that her bodyguard poses the greatest threat. My latest release, A Dangerous Passion, is about an ambitious railroad baron whose passion for his rival’s daughter becomes his undoing.
Being a history geek, I dove eagerly into research to find inspiration for my series. I enjoy weaving real events and people into my stories, so that readers will feel they’ve been transported back in time and are reliving history.
The main character Henry Stevens was inspired by the actual general manager of the Katy Railroad. Described as a man with “dark flashing eyes and meticulous style of dress,” he was a larger-than-life persona in the history of this legendary railroad.
Another historical tidbit featured in A Dangerous Passion is a series of mysterious murders that took place near Parsons, Kansas, during the early 1870s. From a period stretching between 1871 and early 1873, numerous travelers through southeastern Kansas were reported missing. There were theories as to what happened to them, including one rumor that the railroads were to blame. I won’t spoil the story by explaining further. You’ll have to read it!
E.E.: There are so many wonderful things about Kansas City it’s hard to pick just one favorite. If pressed, I’d say Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art. The renowned museum has one of the top Asian collections in the world, along with many other fabulous permanent and special exhibits. This past month, there was an exhibit on The Indians of the Plains: Artists of Earth and Sky and a rare photography collection from Andrew Gardner’s travels west with the Union Pacific railroad. I’m inspired every time I go there.
Favorite sounds and smells? When the leaves are changing and the air is crisp. I love the smell of fall. I’m attracted to quiet, natural places. We often visit our family’s rural homestead a few hours south of here. I can walk through the woods and hear the wind rustling through the trees, listen to the play of water over stones in a creek. Sit by a crackling bonfire. I even find walks through the old family cemeteries to be peaceful--a way to connect to the past. I’m fairly certain I was born about 150 years too late.
Other things I love in Kansas City: the Missouri River and riverfront hangouts, the Country Club Plaza, the Kansas City Ballet, Lyric Opera, KC Symphony and the Rep, Old Westport, the Liberty Memorial and WWI Museum, the American Royal (annual rodeo and horse show), Union Station and Hallmark Crown Center, steaks and barbeque, the Royals and the Chiefs. Last, but definitely not least, I’m fascinated by the rich history of this area, which can be explored through many different historical sites and collections.
Kim: Can you share a humorous story about one of your ancestors?
E.E.: I don’t have many stories about my ancestors. But I’ve done quite a bit of research on my husband’s family. He’s descended from pioneers who settled the southwestern corner of the Missouri in the foothills of the Ozarks. Members of the family have lived on sections of the original farm for over 150 years.
When Mark’s uncle was four, he was playing out in a pasture. There was a young bull that hadn’t bothered anyone before, but it started pawing and snorting. Mark’s mother, who was eight at the time, saw the danger and clambered over the fence to fetch the unsuspecting lad. The bull was bearing down on them and she didn’t have much time. So she grabbed her little brother and tossed him through the manure door on the back of the barn.
Meanwhile, Mark’s grandfather heard the commotion. As he came running, he scooped up a fist-sized rock, and soon as the bull was in sight, wound up and let the rock fly. It hit the bull between the eyes and cold-conked him. (Grandpa was a pitcher on an amateur baseball team.) They thought he might’ve killed the young bull, but the critter got back on his feet and staggered off. He didn’t charge anybody again.
Kim: I always wanted to be a DJ. How did you become one? What did you love and loathe about the job?
E.E.: While I was at Baylor University, a local Top 40 station was looking for female talent. I worked the red-eye shift (midnight to six a.m.). At that time, there were few women DJs. I was such an oddity that people would drive by and try to get my attention. They could see me at the controls through a large picture window that faced the street. I was “mooned” countless times by inebriated young men. A few couples decided to “park” beneath my window, presumably to provide me with some evening entertainment. For the most part, I had fun being a radio jock in a college town. (Went by the name Jaime Lawrence. Picked by the station director, not me). What I hated about it was working overnight and then going to school and trying to pay attention in class. One morning, I fell asleep and toppled out of my chair. Talk about embarrassing!
Kim: Who or what helped you along the path to publishing?
E.E.: Wise women I’ve met through RWA.
I’d been writing in some capacity for most of my professional life, but I’d never written a novel before the first one I finished six years ago. When I decided to pursue publishing, I joined RWA and two local chapters. The authors I’ve met and friends I’ve made through these organizations are the reason I’ve made it this far.
Kim: Tell us about your Romance and Rails series, and your new book.
E.E.: Think “Hell On Wheels” (the hit AMC TV series) with happier endings.
When I set out to write an American historical romance series, I wanted to focus on themes that are hard-wired into our national identity like ambition and self-determination, and events that figured large in driving cultural change. A natural setting was the most ambitious event in America’s history—the construction of the railroads.
From a thematic standpoint, the Steam! Romance and Rails series is about passion and ambition--two of the most powerful drivers in human history. When they come together an explosion is inevitable.
Passion's Prize follows three women who must contend with dangerous men caught up in a cutthroat railroad race. Her Bodyguard features a railroad promoter who hires protection from a mysterious assailant and discovers that her bodyguard poses the greatest threat. My latest release, A Dangerous Passion, is about an ambitious railroad baron whose passion for his rival’s daughter becomes his undoing.
Being a history geek, I dove eagerly into research to find inspiration for my series. I enjoy weaving real events and people into my stories, so that readers will feel they’ve been transported back in time and are reliving history.
The main character Henry Stevens was inspired by the actual general manager of the Katy Railroad. Described as a man with “dark flashing eyes and meticulous style of dress,” he was a larger-than-life persona in the history of this legendary railroad.
Another historical tidbit featured in A Dangerous Passion is a series of mysterious murders that took place near Parsons, Kansas, during the early 1870s. From a period stretching between 1871 and early 1873, numerous travelers through southeastern Kansas were reported missing. There were theories as to what happened to them, including one rumor that the railroads were to blame. I won’t spoil the story by explaining further. You’ll have to read it!
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Mahalo, E.E., for sharing Western Romance with us! I am enjoying A DANGEROUS PASSION - review to come! I am giving away "Western Swag" to one randomly selected commenter. To enter the giveaway,
1. Leave a comment about trains - have you traveled aboard a steam engine? Or modern rails?
2. Comments are open through Saturday, January 31, 10 pm.
3. I'll post the winner on Sunday, February 1.
Mahalo,
Kim in Baltimore
Aloha Spirit in Charm City
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| My kids visiting the Hawaiian Railroad for the sugar industry. |
Kim, Thank you so much for hosting me on your blog today. I love the old railroads, and try to find opportunities to recreate the thrill. An authentic steam engine is hard to find, but a couple worth checking out are: the Durango Silverton RR in Colorado, and the Great Smoky Mountain RR in Bryson City, NC. On the cover of my book, the two authentic steam engines in the background were photographed by Matthew Malkeiwicz, who travels all over the U.S. taking pictures of old steam engines. You can see other beautiful photos he's taken at his website. http://www.losttracksoftime.com/
ReplyDeleteHi E.E!! What a great interview. Loved finding out more about you and your passions. You're a woman of many talents it seems. I can see that so many things were contributing factors to being a gifted storyteller. I'm only about 40 pages into A Dangerous Passion but oh my gosh, it's so good! Loved how you immediately plunged me into the story with the action. I'm loving Henry. I can definitely see the similarity between this story and Hell on Wheels. Both men have such a love for the railroad and that love is an obsession. They'll do anything they have to for their dream to become reality. Wishing you tons of success! Keep the stories coming.
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by, Linda! I'm glad you're enjoying the book. Yes, I do love me some Hell On Wheels. Actually, the railroad story that influenced my book is very similar to the one that influenced the TV show. The railroad era was a wild time, for sure! Appreciate the kind words!
DeleteI have traveled on a steam engine in a small town festival. As a girl scout we went on the train from Kansas City to Topeka to see the capital building.
ReplyDeleteI would've loved to ride a train from Union Station. How cool! What a neat memory, Margie! Thanks for stopping by.
DeleteI've been on both but just very short rides. I think it would be wonderful to take a long trip on one.
ReplyDeleteYes, I'd love to go across the country in a sleeper car. Thanks for coming by and sharing.
DeleteHi EE! What a fun interview. We are both such history geeks! I haven't been on a train in a long time, but there's one that runs thru a park here in Ohio that I'm going to get to this summer.
ReplyDeleteIf you ever do get out to Colorado, make it a point to get to Durango and ride that steam train up into the mountains. You'd love it! Thanks Becky, for stopping by.
Deletea modern one
ReplyDeleteHow about a trip to the Grand Canyon? That's my next adventure.
DeleteI sometimes take a moden train to travel to my sisters home.
ReplyDeleteThat's cool you travel by train. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI like trains, my dad and grandpa always collected trains. When I was little grandpa had a train town set up in the garage and parked their car outside. He also belonged to many train clubs. One day I would love to take a train ride. E.E. it was neat to see you are from Kansas City, I grew up in the St. Joe area and have family in KC. Thank you for the chance to win.
ReplyDeleteAngela, I love St. Joe! Such a wonderful, historic old town. And that's cool that your dad and grandpa liked trains. You should check out this website if you get a chance to see some wonderful photos of authentic steam train engines. (I used two of Matthew's pictures on my cover): http://www.losttracksoftime.com/
DeleteNo but I know I would enjoy the ride and the scenery!
ReplyDeleteNo but I know I would enjoy the ride and the scenery!
ReplyDeleteYou should try it sometime. Very relaxing. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI've traveled on modern trains in England. When I lived in London, I used to ride the tube every day to get to work.
ReplyDeleteI traveled all over by train when I visited Europe and it made me wish we had a similar system here, i.e., faster, less expensive, more places. Subways (or the "tube") I can't say I like so much, but it is convenient. Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteYour story of the bull reminds me of one similar with my grandpa. He was charged by a bull and was on the ground under it when my uncle, around 8 years old, jumped a 6' fence to get to him and distract the bull. The bull turned to him and my grandpa got up and away to safety. My uncle got out clear then too. It is a story still told in our family as an amazing feat of adrenaline.
ReplyDeleteAs for trains - I'm not too fond of them! I have ridden a few and don't like the feel. LOL
Susan, love the bull story! You're uncle was a brave little boy. I'm sure folks who grew up on farms have many similar tales to share. Thanks for sharing yours, and for stopping by to comment.
ReplyDeleteI've been on a steam engine at Western Maryland, Strasburg, Tweetsie, and a few others.
ReplyDeleteI've ridden the train from Wilm, DE to Philly, I've been on the Metro, NYC subway, and SF Bart systems, oh, and I've taken the train into NYC a few times.
Denise
We did ride on a steam engine when we were visiting an old coal mining town.
ReplyDeleteYour book sounds great! I've only ridden the Amtrak train once.
ReplyDelete