We just returned from teaching the Ozark Creative Writers Conference in Eureka Springs, Arkansas. We had a wonderful time. The writers were smart and talented, and the country was just beautiful. It was especially good to be able to spend time with Ron Briggs and Justin and Hilary Bailey. Plus we got to walk the Pea Ridge Battlefield and go through the museum. It was fun to stand where the characters of Mike’s upcoming novel, THIS SCORCHED EARTH, stood. History came alive!
Tag Archives: W. Michael Gear
Ozark Creative Writers Conference
- Monday, 16 October 2017 20:32
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Western Writers of America
- Wednesday, 20 September 2017 06:41
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We are off today for the opening reception of the new Western Writers of America Hall of Fame. The HOF is at the Buffalo Bill Center of the West in Cody, Wyoming. We’re looking forward to seeing old friends, having a great burger at the Silver Dollar Saloon, and browsing the museum. Though we’ve been there many times, the collections are amazing. We particularly enjoy the Plains Indian Museum. Could spend a month there and never get tired of it.
Have a wonderful day!
Total Eclipse 2017 at Red Canyon Ranch
- Tuesday, 22 August 2017 09:15
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(Photo by Emil Hulongbayan)
Hi All,
So, in April of 2024, America will have another total solar eclipse. Don’t miss it. Yesterday in Wyoming was so awesome it’s hard to describe. About ten minutes before the total eclipse the crickets came to life and sang through the eclipse, the temperature dropped twenty degrees, and the shadow bands on the white sheet we’d spread out began to flutter. The shadow waves moved from south to north; it was ethereal. Then, when the totality occurred, we all took off our eclipse glasses–which is the only time you can–and looked at the moon completely covering the sun. The corona of fire around the black disk was unbelievable. Truly. It was unbelievable. Sunset simultaneously occurred on every horizon, west, east, south, north; every cloud turned pink. And the buffalo literally froze in place. They stood absolutely still. It was like looking at a painting of buffalo at night. Pure magic.
When the first sliver of sun broke out of the shadow of the moon again, the shadow bands reappeared on our sheet, but this time they fluttered from north to south–in reverse. It was absolutely stunning.
Wow, what a day.
Kathy and Mike
End of July
- Thursday, 27 July 2017 05:47
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Hi All,
It’s been hot here. Well hot for us, in the low 90s. The grass is finally starting to turn a rich summer tan, but all of our springs are still running. The buffalo love these secret water sources hidden in treed drainages around the ranch.
We’re having fun working on PEOPLE OF THE CANYONS, about the Fremont culture–such a fascinating prehistoric people!
On these hot days, keep in mind that the cool temperatures of autumn are just around the corner.
Michael and Kathleen
JUST BACK FROM THRILLERFEST in New York!
- Tuesday, 18 July 2017 09:14
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We just returned from ThrillerFest in New York. This is the finest writers’ conference in America. One of the best parts is just sitting around and catching up with old friends. But THE best part this year was getting the new galley of Mike’s civil war novel, THIS SCORCHED EARTH, which comes out in April of 2018. Our editor, Claire Eddy, is doing such a beautiful job with this book. Thanks to everyone at Forge Books for all their hard work.
Hope you are all happy and healthy, and having a wonderful July.
Best,
Mike and Kathy