My Belle’s Landing novels and stories are set on the Brazos River, Texas, in the 1890s. Characters include just about every animal common to the Gulf Coast region. (Think Wind in the Willows meets mosquitoes.) And yes, I’m searching for independent presses and/or representation to help get these voices heard.

Coming soon! “Blue Winter,” a Belle’s Landing tale arriving in Zooscape.

“All writers who start by dressing animals and giving them human voices end by saying more than they intended – anthropomorphism has unexpected results. Animals are beautiful, innocent, funny and strange, and their built-in appeal can be used as a half-way stage towards comment on the human race.”   – Margaret Blount, Animal Land

Author’s note: I do not use AI. Special thanks to the Brazoria County Historical Museum archives, Munson Historical County Park, and the Texas Writers League. Below you can see my many years-long drafting process. Whew!

Book 1: Belle’s Landing (competed: seeking representation)

Bookish William Ring-Tail never imagined leaving the quiet safety of Belle’s Landing, but when a notorious local gadfly receives a cryptic letter, he’s thrown into a perilous journey he can’t refuse. It’s June, 1898 in Texas, and the world is rapidly changing. With his reluctant “frenemy” at his side, they sail down the treacherous Brazos River, headed for the wild boomtown of New Velasco—a rough, dangerous place of steamboats, electric lights, and telegraphs. A place where fortunes are made and lost.

Book 2 Belle’s Landing: River of Gold (completed: seeking representation)

A mysterious map points to the ghost town of Indianola. A battle-scarred captain is bent on her revenge. A swamp rabbit clan is in hot pursuit. William Ring-Tail finds himself in the middle of a new adventure, and this time he finds his worse enemy may be himself.

Book 3 Belle’s Landing: Mumble Mouth

A treasure’s curse. Skunk’s long-lost love. And a battle for the landing itself. Can humans finally understand animals? Or will the gift of whisper-whisker be lost forever?

Book 4 Belle’s Landing: Freeze and Famine

The historic freeze of February 1899 descends upon the landing. How does everyone survive?

Book 5 Belle’s Landing: Fire and Flood

The historic flood of July 1899 turns the Brazos River into a deadly sea. Is the landing high enough?

Book 6 Belle’s Landing: End Days

The terrible hurricane of 1900 devastates Galveston Island and also strikes at the heart of Belle’s Landing. This is the final, emotional tale of the six novel series.