WESTERN FICTIONEERS CONVENTION HIGHLIGHTS By Vonn McKee

If there was ever a time when I was especially proud to a member of Western Fictioneers, it was the weekend of our convention in Oklahoma City. Old friends did some catching up, and new friends were made. I lost count of the states represented. (Idaho, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Nebraska, Colorado, California, Texas, Arkansas, Tennessee, Alabama, South Carolina, New Mexico, etc.) The discussions were intimate and open, and the session topics were deeply informative, thanks to our many knowledgeable presenters.

'EARLY ARRIVERS' DINNER

JES HAYS,
JIM GRIFFIN
(Photo, Jacquie Rogers)

Some of us thought we knew a thing or two about horses until Jim Griffin shared so many tidbits from his store of obscure equine trivia that we could barely write it all down. James Reasoner and Bob Vardeman (300+ novels each!) told us a thing or two about writing habits, serial novel continuity, and offered up anecdotes from their illustrious careers.

Speaking of continuity, our guest Diane Garland explained how her “Worldkeeper” business helps authors keep track of everything from character names and traits, timelines, names of supporting characters/walk-ons/towns/pets . . . well, you get the idea.

EDWARD MASSEY
(Photo, JES Hayes)

Edward Massey did a fine job of outlining the factors that influenced the West, including economics, modes of transportation, and developments in communication. (This discussion could have easily gone another hour!) The “Weird Westerns” panel featured James Reasoner, Jacquie Rogers, Caroline Clemmons, and Bob Vardeman.

W. MICHAEL MILOM

Michael Milom reprised his session on “Legal Labyrinths,” giving us updates on the latest changes to the copyright law and answering a wide range of questions from the group. JES Hays led an excellent panel on “Social Media,” while we heard about lady lawyers and doctors from Ron Schwab and Doris McCraw. (Forget everything you learned from “Doctor Quinn, Medicine Woman!”)

JAMES REASONER, DIANE GARLAND,
BOB VARDEMAN
(Photo, JES Hayes)

Vicky Rose and yours truly talked about some miscellaneous ways authors can market themselves and unearth non-traditional writing jobs.

The highlight of the convention was our group tour of the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum. Of course, the galleries were phenomenal (entire rooms devoted to works by Charles Russell and Frederic Remington). A favorite was the collection of western-related entertainment memorabilia, much of which was donated by Tom Selleck and the John Wayne family. Our docent shared a wealth of beyond-the-brochure information.

"END OF THE TRAIL"
(1918)
JAMES EARLE FRASER
 NATIONAL COWBOY & WESTERN HERITAGE MUSEUM
(Photo, Museum Archives)

 

JOHN WAYNE'S
"McCLINTOCK" COSTUME

Dinners were themed “Mining for Story Gold” (edible gold nuggets on every table!) and “Don’t Forget to Have Fun.” Who could resist party favors like fake mustaches and plastic cowboys and Indians?

At the close of Saturday’s dinner, Big Jim Williams announced the Peacemaker Award winners and finalists and recounted some fabulous stories from his early days in radio. We passed Dusty Richards’s big black hat around the room, filling it with donations for our hard-working banquet staff. (What began as a spontaneous act during our first convention has now become a tradition!)

Cowboy Church ran longer than expected, due to a lively discussion on the history of hymns. Guest Jim Crownover worked in some facts about circuit preachers and worship traditions of the West before reading from the book of Matthew.

Thanks to all who came from far and near to make our gathering a success.

All the best,

Vonn McKee

“Writing the Range”
2015 Western Fictioneers Peacemaker Finalist (Short Fiction)
2015 Western Writers of America Spur Finalist (Short Fiction)

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2018 WESTERN FICTIONEERS CONVENTION IS OKC BOUND!

Once again, it’s time to stuff the saddlebags, shine up your boots and point your trusty cow pony toward the Great Southwest for the 2018 WESTERN FICTIONEERS CONVENTION! We’re headed “where the wind comes sweepin’ down the plain,” to the town known as “The Big Friendly.” That would be Oklahoma City!

It’s been THREE YEARS since the Western Fictioneers inaugural convention and it’s high time for another gathering. You’ll enjoy catching up with old pals and making new ones, not to mention joining fascinating discussions led by some of western literature’s most respected authors and historians.

We’ll hang our hats at the BEST WESTERN SADDLEBACK INN, conveniently located near Interstate 40, visit the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum, and feast on fine chuck wagon-style meals.

More details on the schedule will be released as they are finalized. But . . . you can get yourself registered for this incredible event and reserve your hotel room NOW!

WESTERN FICTIONEERS CONVENTION

SEPTEMBER 14-16, 2018

BEST WESTERN SADDLEBACK INN AND CONFERENCE CENTER

4300 SW 3^rd STREET 

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK  73108

You may reserve rooms at our special convention rate by calling BEST WESTERN SADDLEBACK INN at 800-228-3903. Be sure to mention that you are with WESTERN FICTIONEERS.

REGISTRATION includes admission to all discussions and panels, Friday and Saturday night banquets, and a group ticket to the National Cowboy and Western Heritage Museum.

                                          Through 7/15   After 7/15
WF Member Individual          $125             $150
WF Member + Spouse Pkg.    $225             $275
Non-member Individual          $150             $175
Non-member + Spouse Pkg.    $250             $275
(Single day attendance is $80)

First, visit the Western Fictioneers WEBSITE and fill out a registration form. There are TWO WAYS to pay registration fees.

1. ONLINE VIA PAYPAL (choose “Send Money” option and enter this email address: mfmilom@comcast.net (Account is named "Great Planet Enterprises")

2. MAIL CHECK PAYABLE TO: Great Planet Enterprises  P.O. Box 59463   Nashville, TN 37205

You’ll be hearing more about the convention between now and September. For now, RESERVE your room and REGISTER for a special time for informative discussion, food and fun, and camaraderie with some of Western literature’s greats. Oklahoma City, here we come!

See you there, saddle pals!