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Mister Wong
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I can't tell you how often this happens: I'm at a table signing one of my latest Westerns-historical fiction-when a potential buyer tells me, "Too bad Louis L'Amour's gone. Nobody writes Westerns any more."
Glad they can't see me bristle inside. I politely tell them, remind them, educate them, that indeed while it's too bad L'Amour's no longer around writing, there are writers penning Westerns and they are very much alive. Right now. Today. And darn good writers at that.
The people always look at me in shock and surprise. Then after I name a few writers, they nod and admit that they're glad Westerns are still being written. They promise to pick up a few and read them. Of course I make it clear that my books are Westerns, historical fiction, and sometimes they buy one (or two).
Even if they don't buy my book, I feel that my role of promoting Western writing is worthwhile. I remind them that true, television doesn't carry the Westerns like it once did, but more and more Western movies are being made now. And good movies. Consider "Appaloosa." Wow. This terrific upward spiral helps sell the Western novels and books, poems and songs.
The scope of Western writing today is broader than ever. No longer confined to just "shoot ‘em ups" (a favorite of mine), readers can be submersed into historical fiction, and then when they finally come up for air, they believe they were part of the raid on Northfield, Minnesota, for example. The writing is that good. Western poetry is strong, especially as people search for words that keep them grounded in solid morals and values. Grounded in solid stories.
Non-fiction runs the gamut from comprehensive discussions about the Battle of Little Bighorn, the definition and boundaries of Western art, to African-Americans' participation in the settlement and development of the Dakota Territory. Something for everyone.
Traditional large publishers such as Dorchester, Avalon, and Forge still have room for Westerns and bring out as many titles as possible. The smaller publishers, such as La Frontera Publishing and Strathaven Books, also embrace the Westerns. University presses-TCU, University of New Mexico, and University of Oklahoma, to name just a few-each take pride in their Western titles.
Western Writers of America, the nation's largest writer's association (600+ members strong), promotes and encourages writing in this genre.
Six hundred writers can't be wrong about what America and the world want to read.
Many Western authors are published in languages other than English, and their books are sold all over the world.
The Western is not dead. Not even close to dying, and these writers intend to keep it alive. Looking for something good to read? Check out Western mysteries by CJ Box. Historical fiction by Johnny Boggs, who also writes Young Adult Westerns. Glimpses into the life of a movie stuntman come to life by Stephen Lodge.
And no one can forget Elmer Kelton, a Texan who writes about what he knows and loves: The West. Kelton's books have been crafted into movies ("Good Old Boys"), and takes readers on exciting journeys into the West of yesteryear. Sherry Monahan's books about Tombstone, Arizona Territory, make the reader crave more when the story comes to an end. And how about Max Evans? He's still busy writing.
Westerns and Western writers are still very much alive and writing. In fact there's a young 18-year-old just coming on the Western novel scene and she's gangbusters; a real Western story-teller. You'll hear more about her soon.
Check out the list of Western writers at www.westernwriters.org . Better yet, buy a couple of Westerns, read them, then go tell your friends.
Glad they can't see me bristle inside. I politely tell them, remind them, educate them, that indeed while it's too bad L'Amour's no longer around writing, there are writers penning Westerns and they are very much alive. Right now. Today. And darn good writers at that.
 |
Even if they don't buy my book, I feel that my role of promoting Western writing is worthwhile. I remind them that true, television doesn't carry the Westerns like it once did, but more and more Western movies are being made now. And good movies. Consider "Appaloosa." Wow. This terrific upward spiral helps sell the Western novels and books, poems and songs.
The scope of Western writing today is broader than ever. No longer confined to just "shoot ‘em ups" (a favorite of mine), readers can be submersed into historical fiction, and then when they finally come up for air, they believe they were part of the raid on Northfield, Minnesota, for example. The writing is that good. Western poetry is strong, especially as people search for words that keep them grounded in solid morals and values. Grounded in solid stories.
Non-fiction runs the gamut from comprehensive discussions about the Battle of Little Bighorn, the definition and boundaries of Western art, to African-Americans' participation in the settlement and development of the Dakota Territory. Something for everyone.
Traditional large publishers such as Dorchester, Avalon, and Forge still have room for Westerns and bring out as many titles as possible. The smaller publishers, such as La Frontera Publishing and Strathaven Books, also embrace the Westerns. University presses-TCU, University of New Mexico, and University of Oklahoma, to name just a few-each take pride in their Western titles.
Western Writers of America, the nation's largest writer's association (600+ members strong), promotes and encourages writing in this genre.
Six hundred writers can't be wrong about what America and the world want to read.
Many Western authors are published in languages other than English, and their books are sold all over the world.
The Western is not dead. Not even close to dying, and these writers intend to keep it alive. Looking for something good to read? Check out Western mysteries by CJ Box. Historical fiction by Johnny Boggs, who also writes Young Adult Westerns. Glimpses into the life of a movie stuntman come to life by Stephen Lodge.
And no one can forget Elmer Kelton, a Texan who writes about what he knows and loves: The West. Kelton's books have been crafted into movies ("Good Old Boys"), and takes readers on exciting journeys into the West of yesteryear. Sherry Monahan's books about Tombstone, Arizona Territory, make the reader crave more when the story comes to an end. And how about Max Evans? He's still busy writing.
Westerns and Western writers are still very much alive and writing. In fact there's a young 18-year-old just coming on the Western novel scene and she's gangbusters; a real Western story-teller. You'll hear more about her soon.
Check out the list of Western writers at www.westernwriters.org . Better yet, buy a couple of Westerns, read them, then go tell your friends.
