One Ranchy Writer

Gina Flewelling – Rancher, Horsewoman, Author and Poet.

By KIRK PRESCOTT BAR XP PHOTO

From ranching to writing, Gina Flewelling has put her hands to work in the most authentic and creative, cowgirl pursuits. Originally from Lacombe, Alberta, Flewelling grew-up ranching, rodeoing, and writing. For as long as she can remember, Flewelling has been drawn to the world of training horses and her passion for prose began the day that she learned to rhyme. Despite the demands of farming, ranching, and rodeoing, Flewelling consciously makes time to document her journey with skill and grace. Putting pen to paper in an authentic, engaging manner continues to motivate her daily. Flewelling’s recent publications have readers of all disciplines turning the pages and eagerly waiting for more.

A rodeo scholarship took Flewelling to Eastern New Mexico University in 2010. Here, she continued to develop her love of horse related sports and immersed herself deeper in the writing craft. Returning home and moving to Gem, Alberta, Flewelling continues to enjoy marketing quality horses and competing in barrel racing/team roping jackpots, while farming/ranching with family. Most significantly, Flewelling has expanded her passion for writing and has personally published two unique pieces, with more on the way!

The Kindness of It All, Flewelling’s first novel, is raw with emotion and rich in reality. Through a fictional character, Charlie Hyde, the novel details an incredible life journey in the agricultural and western industry of Alberta. At the core of this refreshing and engaging read there are thoughts and realities that appeal to a varied audience. From an eager, carefree boy to a methodical, outspoken old man, Charlie’s tale is full of adventure, trials, love, and learning. Describing the main character and sharing a few thoughts, Flewelling has the following to share:

“Charlie Hyde is a good ol’ Alberta boy. Charming, genuine, and hard working. He likes to let loose, and he lives in the present. He is the son of a farmer and, although he craves adventure, he knows he will carry on the family tradition of working with livestock and making a living in the western industry. He can’t imagine any other way of life. As he grows older and his life views are challenged through hardships, he begins to see the growing opposition to everything he has ever worked for,” explains Flewelling.

“Not only is his lifestyle misunderstood, it is actively demonized in modern culture and fought against. Charlie doesn’t just ask himself why this is – he takes action. Sometimes, the best way to give your side of the story is to simply tell it from start to finish. All of the good and all of the bad. Charlie speaks the truth of his story and leaves the interpretation up to the audience which is a refreshing break in a world that seems to be constantly pushing a personal agenda.”

Flewelling’s first novel has been incredibly well received and her authentic approach blends well with the fictional platform she’s generated to deliver this tale. Reader reviews certainly mirror an appreciation of Flewelling’s talent. Their words speak for themselves:

“My cheeks are sore from smiling because I am smiling at almost every line I read. There are so many characters and plot turns that have me just in love with this book. You are so talented Gina; it’s absolutely blowing my mind – and I’m not surprised it’s so good… it’s just I had no idea what to expect and this is just filling my heart.” –

Dana M

Discussion around The Kindness of It All has spread like wildfire on numerous social media platforms. Rave reviews of the text and well-loved copies of the novel have been shared repeatedly. Without doubt, Flewelling’s pages develop bold kinship among all who read them, especially those close to the agricultural industry and western world.

“It sounds cliché to describe this story as beautiful, but there aren’t any other words I can think of. This story is written from a voice that is raw and emotional. I loved the way this book spoke about grief and broke your heart one moment and then had you grinning, ear to ear, the next. I appreciated the way this book spoke about death and aging. This is a book you’ll finish and keep thinking about. My point is, read the book... It’s damn good!” – Rae

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Ranch Girl Rhymes, Flewelling’s second composition, was released in December 2022. Divergent from her first work, this anthology is a poetry/coffee table book that will leave you with a smile. Flewelling was inspired to share the day-day musings of ranch life among other words of wisdom. This collection of poems speaks volumes in short-order and entertains whimsically. In Flewelling’s words:

“I’ve always felt the need to record my life and times. Now welcome to my newest chapter: Ranch Girl Rhymes. I’ll always write my perspective; wherever I may roam. And I pray, dear reader, that you find yourself in a poem. May you smile or laugh, may you think of a loved one. May you slow down to enjoy a poem after your work is done. That’s my wish for you, dear reader, that’s my one true intention.

Ranch Girl Rhymes was meant for everyone so please enjoy this collection.”

As you navigate the collection, Flewelling’s thoughts entertain and enlighten. While each piece will captivate you in its own way, one of Flewelling’s personal favorites is a piece entitled Prairie Conversations.

Q)

What/who inspires you as a writer and where is your most creative space?

There are a lot of mundane moments in my routine when I’m working in the feedlot. Chores definitely get repetitive. It’s always in these moments that my best ideas come to me. I usually get an idea for a poem when I’m outside working and then I will write the poem on my phone. When I get ideas for a novel, I have to quickly jot down the gist of it and then let the idea ruminate while I wait to get back to my computer. As far as the people who inspire me, the list is endless. I’m lucky to come from a family of smart, hardworking, dedicated people. They’re probably my biggest source of inspiration because they all make me want to be my best. And at the end of the day, what more can we really wish to accomplish other than making our families proud.

Q) How do you feel literacy impacts our agricultural sector and western industry?

I think that most people just want to feel seen. They want to be understood and properly represented. If I can provide a literary space that allows the agricultural sector and western industry to feel as though someone portrayed a piece of who they are, then I will be happy.

Q) What are some of the greatest challenges that you face as a writer and how do you balance your time as a rancher/writer?

Probably the biggest challenge I face as a writer is to believe in myself. It can be hard to believe that I’m good enough. When I first published my novel, I was worried that no one would want to read it. When I’m questioning myself like that, I rely on my love of the craft. I truly love the process. That’s why I make time for it with my work schedule, too. If I love something enough, I’ll make time. I might just have to wake up earlier.

Q ) What projects do you have in mind and what can readers look forward to next?

My first novel focused on the life of Charlie Hyde. In my next two novels, I am exploring the life of Charlie’s grandkids. I imagine the three novels to be like a series, but each book can also stand alone, if you haven’t read the previous one. I loved trying to dive into the past, to write Charlie’s story, but I’m excited to keep things more current, in the next two books. My second novel explores one of my favorite topics... Love. There is also a new setting and a new array of characters. But I don’t want to give away too many spoilers!

Q ) In your novel, what character is the most like you? What character is the least like you? How so?

Goodness, I sure had to think about this one! Tenille is a character in part three who is a vegan from California and she spends a lot of time on her phone. The whole point of bringing that character into the plot line was to demonstrate how far removed Charlie was beginning to feel from modern society. So, because of that, I purposely made her character hard to relate to. I definitely don’t have much in common with her. The character I feel most connected to, honestly, is Charlie – mainly because of his thoughtfulness. He’s also family oriented and he loves horses. He married a really great person that he loves a lot. Just like I’m about to do so!! WHR