“The opportunities to meet editors, writers, and publishers who can provide you with valuable contacts, leads on research, or markets for your writing are all good reasons to join and become involved in Western Writers of America. Then there is the chance to take part in marketing your skills and your work at industry trade shows, special event venues, and through online resources. For me, though, the best reason of all is that through WWA I’ve met my closest friends. The fact that I’ve been able to make the connections that enable me to write for a living and expand into new fields—such as film production—is a very good secondary reason to join WWA.”—Candy Moulton
“I joined WWA in 1989 because I felt the urge to mix with other writers, not just those who wrote narrative nonfiction history like I, but those who pursued careers in other genres. In particular, I wanted to get to know writers of fiction and profit by the interchange WWA afforded for such relationships. Of course, I also wanted a Spur, which I did win, along with a Wister Award for Lifetime Achievement. That was 1994, and I hope my lifetime is not nearly over. But the real value has been the friendship and professional exchanges with people whose goal, regardless of genre, was the same as mine—writing good readable prose.”—Robert M. Utley
“When I joined the Western Writers of America in 1983 I had no idea what I was getting into. Yes, they provide useful and informative panels. Yes, I’ve met editors and publishers who have made my career possible. But here’s what I love most about WWA: the people. They’re smart, funny, supportive, knowledgeable, and passionate about our country’s history. The late-night conversations in the bar alone are worth the price of admission.”—Lucia St. Clair Robson, Hall of Fame Inductee
“Taking a trip to my first WWA convention changed my life. I made that transatlantic journey hoping to persuade editors and agents to take a gamble on a series of novels I’d written. The WWA offered me the definitive moment every new writer hopes for: a meeting of people who all shared a passion for writing and the American West, and who were so generous with their encouragement, support and wide-ranging knowledge; and the chance to link with the most influential agents and publishers in the genre. Finding so many like-minded, supportive people gave me the confidence to successfully place my books. If it wasn’t for the WWA I wouldn’t have an agent or a publisher, but it’s the amazing people I met who I value most. I never imagined that I would forge so many wonderful friendships along the way”—Marcia Castle
“When I joined WWA, I thought I might learn to improve my craft, hoped I could sell a few books, and figured I might make some friends. I never dreamed, though, how much I would learn, certainly I never expected the book sales that have come about, or, especially, the depth of those friendships. This business is highly competitive, and what constantly amazes me is how helpful writers in Western Writers of America are. I certainly wouldn’t be where I am today without the help of WWA.”—Johnny D. Boggs
“I can say that in many ways, joining WWA changed my life. My interest in the West was intensified, my connection with western writings was amplified, and friendships which might never have developed gratified my sense of being.”—“Cowboy” Mike Searles
“I joined WWA after writing my first Western Historical Romance many years ago. I had always loved the West. I came from a family of cowboys and pioneers, and married a Western man, L. J. Martin, who also wrote novels of the West. It was with great joy that in joining WWA, we got to meet other Western writers and historians. We’ve met agents and editors, people who helped our career, but more importantly, we’ve made wonderful friends. If you love the West, joining WWA is a must for writers.”—Kat Martin
