E. Joe Brown

Jun 24, 2025 by E. Joe Brown

What a great time everyone had in Amarillo at the Western Writers of America (WWA) Convention last week. It all started “technically” on Tuesday, June 17th, but the main program didn't begin until Wednesday with the Freshman Welcome Address by WWA President Melody Groves.

A Day Trip to the Charles and Mary Ann Goodnight Ranch State followed that Historic Site, and the American Quarter Horse Hall of Fame and Museum. I had to stay home for a doctor's appointment that couldn't be rescheduled, so I missed what everyone who attended said was a great event.

The focus of the convention is always helping the writers grow, and this year was no exception. On Thursday through Saturday, classes, panels, and workshops provided information on subjects ranging from how to use video trailers to promote your book to discussions of a significant historical event documented by one of the highly respected nonfiction authors in attendance.

One of the most popular panels features agents, editors, publishers, and industry professionals. I was the moderator this time, and we set up dozens of interviews where authors could sit down one-on-one with these professionals and pitch their book, film, or maybe their idea.

Every evening, it always ends with several of us gathering in what we call the Roundup Room, where music and poetry are performed to an enthusiastic crowd. I play and sing, and this year, we had a powerful group of singer/songwriters who made the week very memorable.

The convention always has two featured nights. Friday night is the Homestead Foundation Auction, and this event provides some of the funding for the WWA. Saturday night is the Spur Awards Banquet, where we honor authors and songwriters for exceptional work in the past year. Yes, it was a wonderful few days in Amarillo with some outstanding writers, and I thoroughly enjoyed myself.

Happy Trails.
Joe

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