E. Joe Brown

Sep 18, 2025 by E. Joe Brown

As I look back on the first two weeks of this month, I'm amazed at what I was able to be part of. I mentioned in my last blog that I would be a presenter at the James Ersfield Symposium, titled "Writing in the 21st Century," at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, WY, on September 6th, 2025. That was such an honor to be part of that event. The Center is world-class and worth the trip to Cody to experience. To be on stage with the other speakers was also an experience I won't forget.

Following a welcome by Melody Groves, the Western Writers of America (WWA) President, Kellen Cutsforth, Executive Director of the WWA, began with a highly enlightening talk on Artificial Intelligence (AI). Kellen educated the crowd and cautioned everyone about what the future holds for the creative human in relation to the influence AI brings to the world. 

Melody followed Kellen with a strong and informative talk on creating 3-D characters. She provided along with her talk and handouts for writers to use as they develop their characters.

The keynote speakers were WWA Hall of Fame members, W. Michael and Kathleen Gear. Their presentation covered the full spectrum of our current state with AI, censorship, and our role as authors seeking to be heard and published.

Following lunch, the group of presenters and their spouses were given a private tour by Susan Fletcher, the House Director of the McCracken Research Library, of her domain within the Center. The McCracken, as it is known, was very impressive and an excellent tool for anyone wanting to learn more about the history of the West.

After the tour, we returned to the auditorium. After some welcoming remarks from the Center's Interim Director, Paul Hutton, I presented my talk on creating Tours That Support Book Signings. As had been the case with the folks in the previous discussions, I fielded several questions and felt good about the interest generated.

The final speaker was Stuart Rosebrook, WWA Vice President, and his topic was titled 1876. He shared how impactful the events of that year were, and then followed that with similar things every fifty years afterward. Again, the audience had questions, and the interest was obvious.

The speakers, spouses, and hosts were able to spend time outside the formal event at dinners and receptions, which allowed us to get to know our hosts and share memories with them.

Linda and I were able to visit our grandkids in Cheyenne on this trip, and what a wonderful bonus that was.

 

Upon returning home, I immediately began final preparation to perform as the officiant at the wedding of dear friends Jim Jones and Susan Buescher on Saturday, September 13th. The rehearsal and dinner took place in the afternoon and evening of the 12th. The entire weekend was unforgettable, and it was an honor to be part of Jim and Susan's wedding.

Following the ceremony, a reception was held, and the guests, seated in the round, had a wonderful opportunity to share a song, poem, or remembrance that was made special by the marriage of Jim and Susan. I will likely not have another time in my future where such memorable experiences will happen back-to-back, like the first half of September 2025.

Happy Trails,
Joe Brown

 

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