| Interview with Robin Andrews for her best magazine article award for "Belle of Tombstone" in Wild West Magazine |
11/11/2008 |
1. Were you surprised that your article won this year's WWHA award?
I was more than surprised and I am thrilled to be receiving this award.
There were many wonderful articles published in 2007 by some of the most
talented writers in this field. Being that this was my first attempt to
contribute in the form of an article, I had totally discounted my chances to
win this prestigious award.
2. Why did you choose to write the article, "Belle of Tombstone"?
Three reasons, really. I thought it interesting how Belle's life in
Tombstone, Arizona had been chronicled by the Tombstone Epitaph showing the
importance of the mining town press on a social level. I thought it
interesting how progressive the 19th century laws of the western states and
territories were for business women like Belle in regards to their husbands.
With Belle's story we were able to see how these laws were utilized from
beginning to end. Last, but not least, Wild West Magazine asked me to write
this piece.
3. How long did it take to research and write this wonderful article?
I have been doing Tombstone, Arizona research on my great-great grandmother,
Belle Crowley Le Van, and her hotel since 1998. I have been most fortunate
in receiving an unbelievable amount of help from writers, researchers,
archives and archivists through these years. Wild West Magazine approached
me with interest in Belle's story. It took several months and a hundred
rewrites before I was satisfied and it was finally finish.
4. Will you pursue other research, and if so, what is your next project, if
known at present?
While living in Tombstone, Belle Crowley married William Le Van alias Billy
Allen. Billy was best known as a witness for the prosecution during
Tombstone's infamous Spicer Hearing. Attorney Tom Fitch, was not the only
one who has wondered just who Billy Allen was, so I plan to introduce the
real Billy Allen to Old West readers in the coming months. He is a great
character to write about.
5. What suggestions would you give the novice researcher/writer?
Be patient because history projects move along like thick molasses.
Be passionate for the living as well as the dead.
Be appreciative, because in this field, no one gets to where they are all by
themselves. *Find yourself a great editor. I did.
6. Finally, what do you think of the new WWHA?
I think it is very exciting. You can just feel the energy. Everyone has
done a wonderful job creating the Wild West History Association.
