394. Kellen Cutsforth on the Western as America’s Gift to Literature

What happens when you look past Hollywood mythology to uncover the true history of the American frontier? In this episode of the Writers and Illustrators of the Future Podcast recorded on-site at the WWA Annual Conference in St. Louis, Missouri, historical author, archivist, and Executive Director of the Western Writers of America (WWA), Kellen Cutsforth, dives deep into the realities behind famous historical icons, from the true setting of the Gunfight at the O.K. Corral to Buffalo Bill Cody’s massive impact on global culture. Cutsforth shares his personal journey as an archivist, discussing how true history can read with the gripping pace of fiction. The episode highlights breaking news for authors: WWA's newly introduced Spur Award category for "Alternative Westerns," celebrating speculative fiction, weird westerns, and sci-fi mashups. Learn more about Kellen Cutsforth and the Western Writers of America at https://westernwriters.org/.