Thoughts - The West and The Western

Post by Doris McCraw - aka Angela Raines

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

AH - THE WESTERN

 Post by Doris McCraw

writing as Angela Raines

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We love the Western Genre. I will say, although perhaps not as popular an idea, the Western, like Romance is a broad category. 

As some of you know I am hoping to post quarterly marketing tips on my personal blog. The thing about marketing, other than being time-consuming and a pain, is you need to know your audience.  Does your audience like action/adventure? Perhaps it's historical, or maybe weird? The thing is, what kind of Westerns do you read? What kind do you write?

I know most of my works have a redemption quality to them. There is also that sense of trying to make it fit into the history of the area and time I'm writing about. Plus, -insert growl here- I've been placed in the 'sweet romance' genre. I may not always get too violent in my work, but sweet? Oh well, it sells and keeps the royalty checks coming. 

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As I move into 2022 I hope to define not only my sub-genres but the sub-genres each of you write in. It is amazing how knowing where you fit in and who your audience is can help. 

In the meantime, it's writing, editing, and reading as many books by Western Fictioneers members as I can. Supporting others is a big part of who I've always been. The more the word gets out, the better it can be. 

Here's to the Western and all the sub-genres it is composed of. Long live the stories of our history, even those that are fiction.

Doris McCraw