It's the middle of December, and Christmas is only 10 days away--that means that in less than three weeks, we'll be saying goodbye to 2015 and hello to a brand new year.
And a few weeks later, we'll be welcoming a new President and Vice-President of the Western Fictioneers! Keith and I will be stepping down from our two-year term at that time, and two new "someones" will pick up the reins and yee-haw us into 2016.
I want to thank you all for your support over the past two years. We've gained some new members and achieved a solid blog presence (with 275 followers!) We've also added a new category to the Peacemaker Awards for authors of young adult western stories. And, in my opinion, most important of all--we have had our very first convention! A HUGE SHOUT OUT TO MICKI MILOM FOR BEING A WONDER WOMAN CLONE! Thank you, Micki!
I also want to say THANK YOU to Courtney Joyner and to Bob Vardeman for taking their turns as Chairman of the Peacemaker Awards judging. This isn't easy, having to coordinate entries, judges, and get the timing down as it should be to make it all come out right by the deadlines. AND thank you to the judges who selflessly give of their time and efforts in making some very tough decisions.
I have thoroughly enjoyed these two years of my term as president, and have served on the board with some wonderful, supportive people--Keith Souter, Bob Randisi and Livia Reasoner.
Thanks to them and to all the rest of the Western Fictioneers. Together, we can make our organization strong, supporting one another in every way possible--and I thank all of you for doing that for me.
Here's hoping each and every one of you has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, and that 2016 brings us all--personally and professionally--the best of everything we could ever hope for.
(All illustrations by Jack Sorenson)
Cheryl,
ReplyDeleteWOW! Great article! I feel it comes from the heart and is sincere.
What great things Western Fictioneers has done for all of us as writers. A few key people are behind this and you and Livia Washburn especially.
We will be turning to your publishing to help advance our careers and I am sure everyone is VERY appreciative.
Merry Christmas to you and to all Western Fictioneers members!
Oops...and Kathleen Rice Adams who is also part of the trio of publishing.
ReplyDeleteAgain, happy holidays!
Aw, thanks so much Charlie! Our Western Fictioneer members are THE BEST. Everyone is so supportive and that's what it's all about, isn't it?
DeleteMERRY CHRISTMAS!
Charlie, PRP is all Cheryl and Livia. I'm just hanging onto their coattails as firmly as possible. :-D
DeleteAdd my congratulations to and love for the WF family. There's not a more supportive, more devoted-to-the-genre, friendlier gang of outlaws anywhere.
Merry Christmas, everyone!
Another "tall Texas tale" -- Kathleen is indispensable! We wouldn't know what to do without her at PRP. Hugs, Kathleen--yes, an Okie just hugged a Texan! LOL
DeleteEEK! Nobody saw that, right? ;-)
DeleteBWAHAHAHAHAHA! Consider yourself HUGGED!
DeleteThanks to y'all for doing all the hard work.
ReplyDeleteScott, I've enjoyed every minute of it! The best part was getting to know the WF members better and having a small hand in helping make the organization better known and more visible. Thanks so much for stopping by.
DeleteHats off to you Cheryl for taking up the reins to guide the Western Fictioneers this past two years. It was a pleasure to meet you and many others at the convention.
ReplyDeleteMerry Christmas and happy new year to all.
Jerry
Jerry, it was my pleasure, these past two years. I've truly enjoyed it. And I was so glad to meet you at the WF Convention! What a whirlwind--Micki kept us busy, didn't she? She knows that old saying about "idle hands are the devil's workshop"! LOL Next year, I'm hoping we'll have a chance to visit more--always love getting to know our fellow Fictioneers better!
DeleteMERRY CHRISTMAS!
Hail to the Chief! You have been the epitome of grace, wisdom and confident leadership. You'll be a tough act to follow, lady.
DeleteMaybe everyone was kept busy to avoid trouble makin'.
Thanks for those very kind words, Micki! You are very much appreciated!
DeleteWF picked up a lot a new members, and you had a lot to do with that. It's been a great two years. I'm just happy I get to continue working with you. Merry Christmas Chery!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Livia! I feel the same way--so glad to have you as a friend and business partner--couldn't ask for anyone better! Merry Christmas!
DeleteAnd well done to you all for keeping Western stories alive. May I ask if 2016 is likely to the house publication Wolf Creek continuing to grow as well? Festive wishes!
ReplyDeleteMichael, Troy Smith has every intention of continuing on with the Wolf Creek series--that was his "baby" and he's got plans for it for the near future. Keep an eye out for future news! Merry Christmas!
DeleteSadly, it's been a very long time since we last heard from Troy, either on this blog or any other blogs, even his own. The Trailblazer site is also down and I have to admit I was starting to get worried about him as he is one of my very favourite authors
ReplyDeleteMichael, I saw Troy at the WF Convention at the end of October and he's alive and well--just terribly busy right now. BUT, the good news is, the semester is coming to an end very shortly and maybe he'll have a chance to get back on track with the projects he's got in mind. I miss his blogs, too! We might just have to send out a posse...
DeleteGreat post, Cheryl. Sorry I am late, but I was down in London.
ReplyDeleteIt has been a pleasure to work with you, Bob Randisi and Livia these last two years.
Great job by Micki with the convention. We owe her so much for organising it (hopefully, she will consider reprising the role!)
It was terrific to meet so many WF members in St Louis. I hope to be back for the next convention.
And I agree, it has been great to work under Court Joyner and Bob Vardeman with the Peacemakers. It has been, and is, a privilege to work with them.
I wish the next president and vice-president all the best.
Happy Christmas everyone!
Ah, you gad-about! LOL I feel the same way, Keith--lots of good people in this organization and wonderful people to work with--we are very, very fortunate.
DeleteYes, again, I want to thank Micki for going "above and beyond" what she did with the convention! She did a super job and I'm thinking if we hogtie her and tackle her down we might get her to do it again...the first one is always the hardest. She's an old pro, now.
Thanks so much for stopping by! It has been a pleasure to work with you these past couple of years.
Hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas!