By Linda Wommack, DOWNING Journalism Award Chair
As we get ready to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Women Writing the West DOWNING Journalism Award, let’s reflect on the past, the present and the future of the award.
In 2016 Women Writing the West had two awards, the WILLA for literature and the LAURA for short stories. But what about the third of our members who write for magazines and various publications?
I presented my idea of the DOWNING Journalism Award to President Carmen Peone. She was enthusiastic and soon the two of us were brainstorming. Various renditions of the award process and rubric were presented to the board over the course of a year until we finally had a working award program. I could not have done it with the support of Carmen Peone and the WWW board.
A big part of the success of the award process is the judge. He or she is personally invited to judge the contest and is themselves an editor in the realm of media publishing. This brings an honest and experienced judging process.
This past year, President Vicki Felmlee added her experience and suggestions which has made the award even stronger.
Today, the DOWNING Journalism Award is known across the country for the distinct professionalism and prestige it has earned. And of course, the submissions are the best the field has to offer.
Here’s to ten more years!
Historian Linda Wommack is an award-winning author and has authored over 22 books. She is also a staff writer and contributing editor to three national magazines and four local publications. She is a member of Western Writers of America, Wild West History Association and Women Writing the West where she created and serves as Chair of the DOWNING Journalism Awards. In 2023 Linda was inducted into the Colorado Authors Hall of Fame.
2026 DOWNING Journalism Award Judge: Matt Bernstein
Matt Bernstein teaches at Los Angeles City College and Harris Newmark High School. He serves at the editor of the Wild West History Association Journal, and has published several books: George Hearst: Silver King of Gilded Age; Hanging Charley Flinn; and Team of Giants: The Making of the Spanish-American War. When not teaching, writing, or researching, he can often be found hiking deserts and mountains.
The DOWNING Journalism Award is open to anyone. Learn more about the submission process and judging rubrics on the WWW website. The entry period is January 1 – March 31, 2026.
Do you have experience with this award? Tell us about it in the comments!
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