Meet Ace: Grit, Guts, and the Spirit of the West

If someone asked Ace what she wants in life, her answer would be simple and unapologetic:

“A good horse between my legs, a reliable gun on my hip, a few good friends I can count on, a beautiful woman in my bed, a glass of whiskey in my hand, and it can’t hurt to have an ace in the hole.”

That single quote captures the essence of Ace’s character—direct, bold, and rooted in the raw honesty of the old West. But what many don’t know is that Ace has been developing in my mind and heart for over two decades.

The story of Ace began in the year 2000, when I was just 18 years old and packed up my life to move from Massachusetts to Arizona for college. I didn’t make that move alone—I brought my horses with me. It was there, surrounded by the vast desert skies and steeped in the cowboy culture, that I fell in love with the allure of the West.

Quite a few years after, I purchased a horse named The Major Blackjack (yes, he is real!). With a horse carrying such a commanding name, I knew he deserved a rider just as strong, complex, and unforgettable. That’s when I started writing The Gambler—the first spark of a story that needed to be told.

Ace grew out of that spark. She carries pieces of me, of course—my grit, my love of horses, my fascination with the West—but mostly, she is her own person. Ace is layered with a unique history, a bold personality, and enough determination to survive whatever hand the world deals her. She’s the kind of character who doesn’t fold under pressure, who fights for what she wants, and who lives by her own code.

Creating Ace has been a journey in itself. Over the decades, she’s evolved into more than just a character on the page—she’s a force, a reminder of resilience, independence, and the unshakable bond between rider and horse.

As this series continues to take shape, Ace will ride her way into readers’ hearts the same way she’s been living in mine all these years—with grit, passion, and an untamable spirit.

Who is Your Favorite Character in this Series?

• Ace
• Carmen
• Jesse
• Other

Meet Black Jack