Ron Schwab - 2021 Peacemaker Award Winner

 

Family can be a good thing. We can thank Ron's son for giving Ron the nudge to get his stories out in the world. Ron's dedication to telling those stories is pretty inspiring. Read on to find out how this former lawyer is making his mark in the fiction world.

From Ron's Amazon Author Pag

* Do you like to write short or longer stories?

I have never mastered the short story and do not enjoy writing them. I am in awe of the skill of those who craft good short stories. I had some success with a 30,000-word novella, Peyote Spirits, but that is my minimum for word count. Almost everything I write falls within the 65,000-to-90,000-word range.

* Do you write for the market or yourself? 

Both. My publisher son gives me his thoughts on the type of novel he thinks he can market best and then the idea strikes. For instance, Old Dogs published in April 2021 was our biggest financial success. I had assumed that the book would remain a standalone, but in December Mike said it was time for a sequel. Day of the Dog was released in April 2022 and has been a great commercial success, bringing with it a revival of the first book. We try to produce four novels annually, and the market decides when another series book is due.

Amazon -
2021 Peacemaker Award Winner

* What life experiences influenced your writing?

It would be more difficult to think of something that has not. It has been helpful, however, that I was a large animal veterinarian’s son and grew up in a rural atmosphere. I also have raised cattle and hogs and in my previous profession worked with many farmers and ranchers in Nebraska.

* Are you a plotter or a pantser?

I am a pantser. I’ve never outlined a project, and I have no idea what is going to happen in the next chapter till I get there. It wouldn’t do much good. In the novel Medicine Wheel, I created a female character who was fated for death, but by the time I got to that point I was so enamored of her, I couldn’t bring myself to kill her, and she recovered from her illness. I confess that I am sometimes forced to write myself out of a plotting corner.

* Is there a writing routine you follow or do you write when the muse strikes?

I try to write something every day with a goal of 2000 words. I’m not too hard on myself when I don’t reach my objective, though, and of course, quite pleased when I hit 3000.

Amazon

* Is there anything else you feel people would like to know or would be surprised to learn about you?

 I am 81 years old and started my writing career at age 74, not counting three best-forgotten titles published under a pseudonym for Tower/Leisure books over 40 years ago. I was a country lawyer for 50 years and wrote a few novels which I did not attempt to publish during those years. My youngest son Mike read one of them, called, and said he thought he could publish and sell that book and the several others I had lying around. Two of those novels, Last Will and Night of the Coyote were Peacemaker finalists in 2015. Changing careers was a risk, because there is no market for a small-town law practice, and I made enough bad financial decisions in my life to assure that I would not be retiring before age 95. My wife Bev, who does first edit, was supportive, and we now live most of the time in a Kansas Flint Hills cabin. It has worked out quite well, and I am very fortunate to be living my dream in my old age, although I will still need to keep writing and publishing for another 15 years or so.

* Do you write in other genres?

No.

* Research, do you find it important? 

It is important in most of my books. I have written a few historical westerns, including Cut Nose, which was a Spur finalist, and I always try to include bits of history in my novels sufficient to give the reader the illusion of my expertise.

Amazon

* Do you have unique ‘marketing’ tips you are willing to share?

I write for the Amazon/ Kindle market. It was my son’s idea, and he formed his own publishing company to publish my novels. He has since worked with a few other writers but is convinced that to find commercial success in that market, a writer needs to release multiple titles during a year’s time. Some of these may be from a writer’s backlist, but it appears important to keep books in front of the reading public in that market. It’s different, of course, if one has million-book best sellers.

* What advice would you give to those who dream of writing, or what advice would you give your younger self?

Persistence. My hero Calvin Coolidge said, “Nothing in the world will take the place of persistence. Talent will not…genius will not…education will not.” I suspect most writers understand this.

For more about Ron and his Books:

Amazon Author Page

https://www.ronschwabbooks.com/

or follow him on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/RonSchwabBooks

Thoughts - The West and The Western

Post by Doris McCraw - aka Angela Raines

Photo Property of the Author

As the planet continues its journey around the star we call the Sun, I have spent time pondering Westerns, Awards, Exclusion, and Inclusion. 

I believe sometimes we get caught up in our own worlds, be that the worlds of our own creation, or perhaps the things that are happening in the world around us this in no way is diminishing the importance of those worlds to a person. At the same time, it seems that as we talk about the "demise" of the Western, which does not seem to happen. It may be our definition is a bit narrow.

We all have those stories that we grew up on. I remember watching 'Have Gun Will Travel' and purchasing the children's book version of one of the stories. I remember seeing my grandfather's paperback books. Those with the rough, formidable male, with pistol drawn, protecting the weak, timid female on the cover. As I got older I read many of the stories from the 40s and 50s up through the present day. 

Photo Property of the Author

I've often wondered why writers of Western Romance shy away from the Adult Western? Why do readers and writers of these various sub-genres of the Western think that they're exclusive in the stories they love? It never made sense to me that Western Romance had to be put in Romance or Adult Westerns were sometimes excluded from various outlets. 

Much like other genres, the Western is the story of the human condition. Sometimes, the endings may be heart-wrenching while other times it's a happily ever after. One is not exclusive to the other. While not a super fan I enjoy the occasional Zombie Western, Adult Western, and even a Western Romance. I have enjoyed some of those stories and others I didn't care for, but that does mean everyone else has to agree with me. That is the joy of the Over-Arching 'Western' story.

I truly do believe supporting writers who tell the story of the West, regardless of the sub-genre, can only enhance the work of others. 

Photo Property of the Author

We recently announced the Peacemaker Awards. To me, this is a cause for celebration. We are telling the world these are wonderful stories and we invite them to enjoy the human experience that the stories offer. I would love to see the post announcing those awards shared by every single Western Fictioneer member on their own social media. Getting the word out about the commonality and the uniqueness of the West, in my opinion, is important. 

Let's not only share the stories we write but share what our fellow members are doing. I truly do believe that the stories we tell regardless of the sub-genre are a way to let the world know how the people who lived in the Old West overcame their challenges, and those readers, in inhabiting the characters realize they can also survive and thrive.

Thank you for listening. Care to share your thoughts? The more we share, the more we grow.

Peacemaker Award Winners and Finalists

Doris McCraw - President, Western Fictioneers.

Western Fictioneers Announces the Peacemaker Award Finalists

On behalf of Western Fictioneers, I’m pleased to announce the finalists in the 10^th annual Peacemaker Awards for the best in Western fiction published in 2019. Finalists are in alphabetical order by author.

BEST WESTERN NOVEL

YESTER’S RIDE, C.K. Crigger (Five Star Publishing)

THIS NEW DAY, Harlan Hague (Graycatbird Books)

TWO THOUSAND GRUELING MILES, L.J. Martin (Wolfpack Publishing)

NICKEL’S LUCK, S.L. Matthew (Cinch Ranch Publishing)

THE LILY OF THE WEST, Kathleen Morris (Five Star Publishing)

BEST FIRST WESTERN NOVEL

A CROW TO PLUCK, Bob Giel (Oghma Creative Media)

SWEET TWISTED PINE, Lori R. Hodges (Outskirts Press)

THE SURVIVAL OF MARGARET THOMAS, Del Howison (Five Star Publishing)

UNFORSAKEN, John Dwaine McKenna (Rhyolite Press)

THE LILY OF THE WEST, Kathleen Morris (Five Star Publishing)

BEST WESTERN SHORT FICTION

“The Assassin”, Patrick Dearen (HOBNAIL, Five Star Publishing)

“Leaving the Lariat Trail”, John D. Nesbitt (JOHN D. NESBITT WESTERN DOUBLE, Sundown Press)

“Return to Laurel”, John D. Nesbitt (HOBNAIL, Five Star Publishing)

“Aces and Eights”, Michael R. Ritt (CONTENTION, Five Star Publishing)

“Major Reno’s Romance”, Susan Salzer (SADDLEBAG DISPATCHES, Summer 2019, Oghma Creative Media)

Congratulations to all the finalists! The winners of this year’s Peacemaker Awards will be announced on June 15. Thank you to all the authors and publishers who submitted work to the awards, and special thanks to the judges, whose diligent efforts make the Peacemaker Awards possible.

And last but certainly not least, the 2020 Peacemaker Award for Lifetime Achievement in Western Fiction goes to . . .

MICHAEL R. LINAKER

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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"Twists and turns galore." 

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Peacemaker Awards Deadline Approaching

The deadline for submissions for the Western Fictioneers Peacemaker Awards will soon be upon us. All print submissions must be postmarked no later than January 16. All electronic submissions must be received by the Awards Chair (me) by midnight CST on January 16. All the rules and pertinent information for the Peacemaker Awards can be found on the WF website.

Peacemaker Awards Submissions Now Open

Submissions for the 8th Annual WF Peacemaker Awards are now being accepted for works originally published in the year 2017.

Qualifications:

First time in print must be between January 1, 2017, and December 31, 2017, no reprints or revisions.  Limit of 2 entries per category.

Books and short stories may be published in any country in the world (submissions must be in English) in print or electronic format. Electronic submissions must be made with Kindle/mobi or Word/text files. WF reserves the right to decline any submission for consideration of an Award.

Authors, agents, or publishers may submit a work for consideration of an Award.

At least three entrants in a category must be received during the submission period for an Award to be presented.

Novels and short stories must be set in the time period between 1830-1920 to be considered Westerns under WF guidelines. Time periods beyond the 1830-1920 traditional western focus may be included in submissions as long as the periods outside of the 1830-1920 span constitute no more than 50% of the story. At least 50% of the story MUST TAKE PLACE in the 1830-1920 period. NO EXCEPTIONS.

Nominees for the WF Peacemaker Award will be announced on 05/15/2018 and the winners will be announced on 06/15/2018.

The WF Peacemaker Award will be awarded in four categories:

Best Western Novel – Any novel published during the award year set in the appropriate time period (1830-1920), 30,000 words and higher. There are no format requirements. The novel may be a hardcover, trade paperback, mass market paperback, or eBook.

Best Western YA/Children Fiction– Any fiction written for ages 1-17 published during the award year set in the appropriate time period (1830-1920). May be a hardcover, trade paperback, mass market paperback, or eBook.

Best Western Short Fiction – Any short story, novelette, or novella published during the award year set in the appropriate time period (1830-1920), 500 words to 29,999 words. There are no format requirements. The short story may be published in any publication, print or electronic.

Best Western First Novel – Must meet the same requirements as Best Novel, and must be the author’s first published Western novel. If the author has published novels in any other genre they will not disqualify the author from the Best Western First Novel Award competition. Submissions for Best Western First Novel may also be submitted in the Best Novel category in the same year.

Procedures:

If sending print form, one copy of the work must be sent to each judge (3 per category), and the Awards Chair for a total of four, accompanied with the appropriate form.

Electronic versions should be emailed to the Awards Chair, James Reasoner with the appropriate submission form. The electronic submissions will be distributed to the judges by the Awards Chair. All entries must be postmarked or received via email by midnight, CST, January 15, 2018. Judges should not be contacted by any entrant concerning their entry during the consideration period. Doing so may result in disqualification of eligibility for the WF Peacemaker Award. Works submitted will not be returned after the awards have been announced. There is no fee to enter. There will be no exceptions made to the submission procedures, for any reason.

Links to forms to include are at the bottom of the list of judges. You will need 4 copies for each printed entry, one for each judge and one for the Awards Chair.


Awards Chair: James Reasoner
P.O. Box 931
Azle, TX 76098-0931
EMAIL james53@flash.net

The list of judges and the appropriate submission forms can be found on the Western Fictioneers website.