Jeannie Watt stopped by the Tule blog to discuss the second book in the Return to Keller Ranch series, Her Cowboy Baby Daddy!

Where did you get the inspiration for Her Cowboy Baby Daddy?

There are a lot of babies being born in my family right now. My first granddaughter is approaching the age of two this spring, I was just blessed with two great-nieces,  and I have another grandchild due shortly. Also, like the heroine, I was told in my early twenties that I may not be able to have children—thankfully the doctor was wrong—and I know that ticking clock feeling. There hits a point where you feel like you have to either resign yourself or act. Hayley has hit this point. 

If you could spend the day with Spence or Hayley, who would you choose and what would you do?

I would spend the day with Hayley, working in her greenhouse, tending the plants and harvesting fresh vegetables. That said, hanging with Spence for the day would be a hoot. We’d probably ride fence or something. He’s a classic middle child, connects well with other people, and would be easy to spend the day with.

This isn’t your first time writing a story set in Marietta, Montana. Can you share how you manage to write stories in a town with so many different authors writing their own characters? Will we see any familiar faces? 

There aren’t many familiar faces in this Keller story, but there will be in the next in the series, Cowboy Meets Cowgirl. The way I keep things straight in the Marietta stories is by consulting A Book Girl’s Guide to Marietta, reading stories set in Marietta and, most importantly, depending on my editor, Sinclair Jayne, who also writes in the Marietta world. Sinclair really knows Marietta. It’s a wonderful community, and I love being part of it.

What 3 words would you use to describe Spence and Hayley so readers can get to know them better?

Spence—nomad, protector, easy going. Hayley—determined, caregiver, battling shyness.

What are you currently reading? 

I just started Cupid, Cupcakes and Carnage by Kaz Delaney, one of our Tule Mystery authors. I’m so excited to dive into this world and lose myself with some vicarious baking and crime solving. Next in the queue is A Santa Stabbing by Geri Krotow. I mainly read mysteries while I’m writing romance. It gives my brain a break and I love that Tule has a mystery imprint.

About the Author

Jeannie Watt is the author of over 20 contemporary romances and the recipient of the Holt Medallion Award of Merit. She lives in a small ranching community—a place where kids really do grow up to be cowboys—with her husband, dog, cat, horses and ponies. When she’s not writing, Jeannie enjoys sewing retro fashions, running, and buying lots and lots of hay.