Calamity Jane

Acknowledgements—and the Evolution of this StoryI am indebted to the generous advice and support of many people in the writing of this story. More than twenty years ago, through my wife Lisa, I met our friend and writer David Titcher, who was always encouraging, and tilted my emphasis from the underlying history to the importance of story in historical fiction. Midway through the project came Vartkes Cholakian, a filmmaker of boundless enthusiasm, whose unwavering belief in my writing provided moral support that kept me moving forward. Two to three years ago I decided to change the protagonist of the story from the doctor to Calamity Jane, and switch from a screenplay to a novel. David thought that would at least help me focus on character, and it did. The story flowed much easier than prior iterations. Research for this new direction led me to Ursula Smith, who had co-written The Gold Rush Widows of Little Falls. Ursula put me in touch with touch with Charlotte Orr, granddaughter of the Andrew Fergus of my story. Charlotte filled in some historical details and enthusiastically volunteered to be my unofficial publicist. Soon (in the context of a twenty-plus year project) I had a manuscript that needed input from others. Here I would like to thank my daughter Rayna for her early input (“Dad, she's too whiny,” etc.). Story has to take primacy in historical fiction, but if too many liberties are taken, the story will grate on those who know the history best. I am very appreciative of the input of Ellen Baumler of the Montana Historical Society for her input in this regard. Around the same time I contacted Richard Etulain, foremost expert and author of several books on Calamity Jane. Richard generously agreed to read my manuscript and gave valuable feedback. Now I needed an editor, and was fortunate through the indispensable modern convenience of an internet search to find my editor and publisher, Jon VanZile of Dragon Tree Books. Jon's suggestions were right at the level needed by a first-time author and greatly enhanced the story. Useful advice on the craft of writing came from my neighbor, Leslie Lehr, a Novel Consultant whom I met by chance when trimming trees between our properties. Next came Andrew Brown of Writers by Design who created a “killer” cover and my website www.bryanney.com. Lastly, with a nearly finished product in hand, comes my beta readers. Among several of those, I would like to especially thank Toni Edwards and Andrew Shaner for their incisive input and enthusiastic support. I started with mention of my wife Lisa, and would like to end thanking her, as without her support and encouragement all these many years, this project would not have been the joy it has been.