I’ve received a few messages asking about my visual inspirations for Willow Tree Tears. You can actually see many of them on my Pinterest page – https://ca.pinterest.com/mandywordsmith/willow-tree-tears/

It is a collection of how I ‘see’ the characters, although you may ‘see’ them differently and that is perfectly okay. As many of you know I admire Michele Morrone, not just for his incredible Italian good looks, but as an actor, muscian, singer and artist. He is the person I see starring in a movie of Willow Tree Tears as Lucio – one can only hope – right?

Of course there are also images of barrel racers, rodeos and all things ‘cowboy’.

The addition of willow trees into the story is more personal. My Mother planted one in the front garden of my childhood home and it grew into a beautiful shady space to play and relax with its delicate branches swaying as the wind whispered through them. I used that personal experience for Madison, the main character in the book, so she could feel calmed while sitting under the willow trees on the ranch.

You will also find among the images lots of cowboy boots, and that is because Madison always wanted a specific customized pair. When you read the book you will find out what the design is. I know that’s a reader tease.

The other important images are the barrel racing pattern the riders follow. I was extremely lucky to connect with a real barrel racing champion, who was kind enough to help me with the technicalities of a barrel race formation and expecations. Thank you again Kendra Edey.

As always I am open to answering questions you may have about any of my books – just send me a message on the comments here, or on any of my social media platforms.

Happy reading.