Shay Galloway, a writer known for her slightly off-kilter and historically-interested fiction, is making waves in the literary world with her debut novel, “The Valley of Sage and Juniper.” With a refreshing take on the Western genre, Galloway offers readers a captivating journey that defies expectations and redefines the landscape of historical fiction.
For Shay Galloway, writing about the West and rural settings was not an intentional choice. Initially resistant to exploring these themes, she discovered during her time in graduate school that her most authentic and powerful writing centered around this milieu. Raised in the Rocky Mountains, Galloway’s childhood was filled with tales of pioneering women facing adversity in the untamed wilderness, which heavily influenced the backdrop of her novel.
Dissatisfied with the repetitive narratives found in traditional historical fiction, Galloway sought to reimagine the genre by focusing on the lives of ordinary people from the past. She explains, “I most love historical fiction about the average person at the time, imagining how someone in my position would have navigated the world back then.”
Galloway’s writing stands out with its delicate balance of lyrical prose, strong plotlines, and well-developed characters. One of her primary goals was to portray characters who could embody both femininity and strength, challenging the stereotype that the two qualities are mutually exclusive. “You can be strong and still be feminine, and vice versa,” Galloway asserts, aiming to inspire readers with multi-dimensional female characters.
In “The Valley of Sage and Juniper,” Galloway paints a nuanced and realistic portrait of rural towns, avoiding the clichés that often accompany small-town literature. She emphasizes that these communities are complex and multi-faceted, neither wholly idealized nor demonized. This thoughtful approach is reflected in her vivid storytelling, which captivates readers from all walks of life.
One distinctive aspect of Galloway’s work is her conscious avoidance of incorporating modern technology into her historical fiction. She admits that grappling with tech in a historical setting can be challenging and often dates a story quickly. By eschewing technology, she maintains a timeless quality in her narratives, enabling readers to immerse themselves fully in the past without distractions.
Shay Galloway’s debut novel, “The Valley of Sage and Juniper,” offers a rare treat to readers who both love and might not traditionally gravitate towards Western and historical fiction. As a refreshing blend of literary genres, this book promises to engage and inspire a diverse audience.
In Galloway’s own words, “It’s historical fiction for people who don’t like historical fiction, literary fiction for people who don’t like literary fiction, and a western for people who don’t like Westerns.” With such a unique and accessible approach, Galloway is carving her niche in the world of literature.
Don’t miss the opportunity to embark on an unforgettable literary adventure. “The Valley of Sage and Juniper” is now available through Running Wild/RIZE Press. For more information about Shay Galloway and her work, please visit her website and explore Running Wild Press through the website.
