Western Writers of America
Encyclopedia
Western Writers of America, founded 1953, promotes literature, both fiction and non-fiction, pertaining to the American West. Although its founders wrote traditional western fiction
, the more than five hundred current members also include historians and other non-fiction writers as well as authors from other genres.
The WWA presents the Spur Award
s annually for distinguished writing in several categories and an annual Owen Wister Award
for lifelong contributions to the field of western literature.
Among members of the organization is the historian Bill O'Neal
of Carthage, Texas
, who has written more than twenty books on various aspects of the American West. The group has also cited the work of the environmental historian Dan Flores
of the University of Montana.
Western fiction
Western fiction is a genre of literature set in the American Old West frontier and typically set from the late eighteenth to the late nineteenth century. Well-known writers of Western fiction include Zane Grey from the early 1900s and Louis L'Amour from the mid 20th century...
, the more than five hundred current members also include historians and other non-fiction writers as well as authors from other genres.
The WWA presents the Spur Award
Spur Award
The Spur Award is an annual literary prize awarded by the Western Writers of America. Founded in 1953 with only four categories , the award today has expanded to include the following categories:...
s annually for distinguished writing in several categories and an annual Owen Wister Award
Owen Wister Award
Owen Wister Award is an annual award from the Western Writers of America given to lifelong contributions to the field of Western literature. Named for writer Owen Wister , it is given for "Outstanding Contributions to the American West".Originally given for "best book of the year", it was expanded...
for lifelong contributions to the field of western literature.
Among members of the organization is the historian Bill O'Neal
Bill O'Neal
John William O'Neal, known as Bill O'Neal , is an American author who has written some thirty books and more than three hundred articles and book reviews on the American West, including gunfighters, lawmen, and ghost towns; Country music, with emphasis on Texas artists; baseball, such as his study...
of Carthage, Texas
Carthage, Texas
Carthage is a city in Panola County, Texas, United States. The population was 6,664 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Panola County, and is situated in East Texas near the Louisiana state line.-Geography:...
, who has written more than twenty books on various aspects of the American West. The group has also cited the work of the environmental historian Dan Flores
Dan Flores
Dan Louie Flores is an American historian who specializes in cultural and environmental studies of the American West. He holds the A.B...
of the University of Montana.