Tuesday, August 23, 2005

Nevada

Q: When you write about Nevada, I feel like I'm really there, but I'd like more information about the real state. Is Nevada the same as in your books? Could I go to school there? Could I buy a ranch?


A: Here is a website which will show you lots about Nevada http://www.travelnevada.com/ & you can sign up to get a free NEVADA magazine.
I love Nevada. I moved here by choice and I try to give a realistic picture of one part of it in the PHANTOM books.
Many things about the state make my heart soar & make me give thanks it exists. I love the Black Rock Desert, the Sierra Nevada Mountains, the lakes, rivers, small towns and wild places. The sound of wind ruffling through the feathers of wild geese overhead,and a coyote's midnight call are among my favorite sounds. The scent of sagebrush after a thunderstorm is incredible. Because I love these things, the Nevada's shortcomings make me sad and angry. Not all of Nevada's citizens, Congressman and Senators care about wild life -- and of course that includes wild horses -- or the environment in which they live. Lots of Nevadans are more focused on money. That means if you live in Nevada and care about wild life -- and some Nevadans do! -- you have to let your representatives know how you feel. It can be frustrating.
If you'd like to come here for school -- Nevada has two high-ranked four year colleges -- one in the north and one in the south and both have school-within-a-school Honors colleges. We have many two-year colleges,and one is out near the territory I write about. I hope to visit it soon.
Like most states, high school education in Nevada varies widely. I taught remedial and International Baccalaureate classes at the same low income, multi-ethnic high school and loved it. We have lots of great middle & elementary schools.
Gambling casinos and hotels are the cornerstone of the state's economy, followed by agriculture and mining.
Could your family buy a ranch? Sure. There's often land for sale. Much of it is fertile, but water is always a concern in a desert climate. Remember, though, that in the PHANTOM books, I don't put in the hard times of ranching life just for fictional conflict. Most ranchers wouldn't want any other life, but they pay for it with lots of hard work and sacrifice.

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