Eunice Macy Ruttinger, a descendant of Wyoming homesteaders, started researching her grandmother’s 1900s homestead near Old Fort Laramie Wyoming. She discovered Bertha Barnard’s interesting stories. They took place before and after Bertha came by train from Canada to Wyoming at fifteen years old, under false pretenses; during her time living on the plains in aContinue reading "New Release: “Grace on the Open Plains” by Eunice Macy Ruttinger"
The WILLA Literary Award for 2026
Winners and Finalists Women Writing the West® (WWW) is proud to announce the Winners and Finalists of the 2026 WILLA Literary Award, honoring exceptional literature featuring women’s and girls’ stories set in the North American West. Eligible works are set west of the Mississippi River, including Alaska, Hawaii, Canada west of Ontario, and Mexico. TheContinue reading "The WILLA Literary Award for 2026"
When and Why to Steer Away from the Real Story in Fiction
By Cynthia Leal Massey A WWW member posted a question on our listserv concerning her novel about an organization purchasing thousands of acres to create a wildlife preserve and a group of ranchers opposed to this activity. Although it was fictionalized, she feared someone from the actual organization might not like that it was castContinue reading "When and Why to Steer Away from the Real Story in Fiction"
Riding the Line Between Fact and Fiction
By Manuela Schneider Most stories do not come out of nowhere. They begin with something we have heard, read, witnessed, or carried with us for years. In my case the idea might develop during the walk from the PC to my beloved coffee machine. It might be a newspaper clipping, an old photograph or aContinue reading "Riding the Line Between Fact and Fiction"
New Release: “This Book Really Cooks”
By Natalie Bright I’m thrilled to announce that my essay about ranching legacy and traditions was accepted for This Book Really Cooks: West Texas Writers & Artists Reflect on Food. Part food centric and part gallery exhibit featuring both authors and artists, this unique anthology is available now. It hit #3 on the Hot NewContinue reading "New Release: “This Book Really Cooks”"
Summering with WWW: What Makes an Editor Say Yes?
By Emily Graf The world of book publishing is becoming increasingly complex. For an author with publishing aspirations, it can be difficult to know where to start or what advice to follow. Should I query agents, or reach out directly to editors? Build my platform on Instagram? What makes a strong book proposal or query?Continue reading "Summering with WWW: What Makes an Editor Say Yes?"
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