Sherry Monahan Revisited

Wrangler Award-winning historian, Sherry Monahan, not only writes about the Victorian West, she's been featured in a number of History Channel programs. She also writes a monthly column for True West Magazine and is a practicing genealogist.

Sherrry,  why do you specialize in such diverse Victorian West subjects as gastronomy, fashion, imbibing and gambling?

The Victorian West has so much history so I decided to focus on a few specialized subjects that I find fascinating--They include eating, fashion, drinking, and gambling. I've done a great deal of research on those areas already for my previous books and have become somewhat of a go-to person for those subjects. Who doesn't love to eat and drink?

What piqued your interest in the Victorian West?

 The Victorian element in the Old West is often overlooked because so many don't realize the western expansion and the Victorian Era happened at the exact same time. I love sharing every day facts like what people ate, what towns looked like, the types of businesses, and other topics that get less attention than the gunfights.

How did your interest in genealogy come about and have you discovered any skeletons in your own closet?

I guess when I think about it, genealogy was a natural fit for me. I'm the family history keeper, I love researching ancestors, and I'm very persistent. I've been doing research for my books for about 16 years now, so I'm pretty good at it as well. Tracking down the whereabouts of western pioneers is so exciting for me. So far, I haven't discovered any skeletons in my own closet, but I was shocked to learn that way, (I mean way back) I'm descended from an English saint, but I'm still trying to confirm that.

You’ve appeared on a number of History Channel programs. How did that come about?

Five to be exact: Investigating History, Wild West Tech (2), Lost Worlds, and Cowboys and Outlaws. My good friend Bob Boze Bell of True West magazine recommended me to Paul Hutton, who produced the I.H. series and he gave me my shot. Then I started getting other offers. It's been a couple of years, but I'd love to do more.

When women from the East migrated West, what did they regret giving up most?

 I think more than anything they missed their family and social networking. It could really be lonely in the rural areas and many women felt isolated. Some even committed suicide.

What do you write about in your True West Magazine column?

 My monthly True West column in called "Frontier Fare." I'm in my third year and have so much fun doing it because it's about food! I choose a particular food item, then I research it. Next I look for first-hand accounts to weave in and I love adding a funny twist as well. I then find a historic recipe, test it, and then photograph it.

Briefly tell us about your latest book.

 I'm working on E.M.H.: The Aristocratic Ranch Wife, which is the remarkable story of an English socialite who goes west and rides a tumultuous roller coaster back to England. She's searching for just about what every woman wants: Love, a family, and happiness. Sadly, I don't  think she had any of those for very long.

You’ve won a number of awards. Which means the most to you?

I must say that my Wrangler from the National Cowboy & Western Heritage Museum is the most prestigious. I cherish it and I think it's funny that I've been a writer for 15 years and won this award for my on-camera performance in Cowboys and Outlaws. I also got meet and have my picture taken with Tom Selleck!

Advice to aspiring writers of the West?

Find a subject you love and you will always find passion to write. If you choose a subject your "okay" with, you will always find excuses to do something other than write. Join western writers organizations and attend the conferences. You make some amazing contacts at them.

You can visit Sherry at her web site: www.victorianwestinfo.com as well as her blog sites:www.sherrymonahan.com, http://sherrymonahan.blogspot.com/

© 2011 Jean Henry Mead