Niki J. Mitchell Writes Cowboy Romance
Love westerns? Niki J. Mitchell is here today to talk about her writing process and her wild wonderful cowboy romances.
What interesting jobs have you had? How have those jobs affected your writing?
My crazy job history
My first job at fifteen? Phone solicitor. I was one of those cheerful voices convincing people to say yes to a free dinner at the Heypenny Inn in California. Funny enough, I still remember the name—guess it made an impression. Even back then, I was fascinated by people and what made them tick.
Then came the shoe store. Let’s be real—I was mostly in it for the employee discount. But I also enjoyed chatting with customers. Turns out, people open up when they’re trying on shoes.
I spent years waitressing while putting myself through college. That job taught me how to juggle—plates, trays, time, you name it. That same skill now helps me balance writing, advertising, the day job, and squeezing in a gym session without losing my mind.
I was also a teacher. First graders, to be exact. Helping them tap into their wild imaginations lit up my own creativity. Every week, we’d dream up the most ridiculous, hilarious stories. Then I’d let them run free with their ideas—while quietly sharpening my own storytelling skills in the background. Win-win!
What jobs have you had, and how have they influenced your writing journey? I’d love to hear your thoughts.
How much research do you do for each book you write?
Let’s Talk Research
Research really depends on the book I’m working on. For my time travel romance set in 1890s Hesperia, I became a historical sleuth. The librarian at Victor Valley College showed me a folder of Hesperia’s past. I was introduced to microfiche which is like a time machine of newspapers. It gives an up close and personal experience to words from a different era.
I visited the Los Flores Ranch back when it was working ranch. Standing on that land gave me a real feel for what life must’ve been like. Let’s just say the inspiration practically galloped onto the page.
My favorite tool is a reprinted Sears Catalog from 1897. The ads alone are worth the read. Advertising was at its finest with: Female Pills for Weak Women, Electricating Liniment, Improved Abdominal and Uterine Supporter, along with zany musical instruments like zithers and dulcimers, and sewing machine attachments that sounded more like medieval gadgets.
Research can be fascinating. Just make sure to keep a balance between research and your writing time.
Do you ever experience writer’s block?
I’ve had writer’s block on and off over the years. I’d sit down at my computer or laptop and struggle to get words down on the page. It was frustrating. I tried all the tricks—meditation, long walks, exercise, more walks. And I might get a little inspiration.
I mixed things up and started on a new children’s book. This tapped into a totally different side of my creativity. The spark flickered again, but something still felt a little off.
The life threw me a twist. I was diagnosed with celiac disease meaning I had to say goodbye to gluten. About six months later, my creativity came roaring back. I had no idea how much my health was connected to my writing mojo—but wow, what a difference.
Now I’m feeling fantastic, and the words are flowing. Sure, writer’s block might sneak up again someday—but for now, I’m happy to be productive.
Do you have a writing tip or advice for other authors?
Advice for Writers
Read, write, and keep on learning.
Books have always been my happy place—and that’s never changed. I devour rom-coms, grumpy/sunshine, enemies to lovers, and an occasional historical or time travel romance like they’re made of chocolate and caffeine. While I’m swooning over the love story, you better believe I’m also mentally bookmarking the black moment, character arcs, plot twists, and all the juicy storytelling goodness.
Writing? Yep, that happens every single day. Some days I’m a word machine, other days it’s more of a slow drip. But hey, progress is progress, and I always show up.
When I’m not reading or writing, I love diving into online classes, hanging with my local writing chapter, or logging into a conference or zoom meeting. Whether it’s leveling up my storytelling or figuring out how to wrangle the latest marketing algorithm, I’m always learning something new.
Have fun with your writing journey. I sure am!
Will you have a new book coming out soon?
I do: Goldi’s Grumpy Cowboy – Cowboys of Sunrise Ridge, Book 1
Releasing August 4th, 2025
What happens when a runaway baker meets a grumpy cowboy? It’s a recipe for plenty of sparks and a fairytale romance.
Goldi’s Grumpy Cowboy kicks off my brand-new series, Cowboys of Sunrise Ridge. Imagine small-town charm, a cranky but oh-so-handsome rancher, and a cheerful Californian baker. Throw in some meddling locals, a mischievous dog, and a few cake disasters, and you’ll find my rom-com with heart with a slow burn that sizzles and plenty of humor.
Preorder link:
Here’s a Peek into my Writing Process:
I’m a proud pantser—which basically means I dive into writing with a spark of an idea and let the story unfold as I go. I’ve created some fun visuals using Canva, Publisher, Photoshop, and even Excel when I’m feeling extra organized. I’ve mapped out the small town of Whispering Springs along with the several local ranches and designed a family tree keeping track of who’s who. These visuals are super helpful as I continue the Cowboys of Sunrise Ridge series. Red’s Enemy Cowboy (Book 2) and Cindy’s Secret Cowboy (Book 3).
The cowboy doesn’t deserve to hang
Captivated by the story of a cowboy hanged as a horse thief in 1890, Mia Kellogg travels back in time with only 30 days to save an innocent man.
Dusty Mann is determined to buy his own ranch.
He doesn’t need a modern, straightforward woman to barrel into his life or knock his plans off-track.
But Mia steals his heart – and then claims she’s from the future.
Buy links
AMAZON | AUDIBLE | CHIRP | B&N
Learn More About Niki J. Mitchell
Niki Mitchell writes children’s books along with contemporary, fantasy, western, and historical time-travel romance. Married for over thirty years and a romantic at heart, she enjoys writing about strong female characters in unusual settings. When she isn’t playing with her cats, she enjoys reading, taking walks, water aerobics, photography, and traveling.
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