Western Writers of America, Inc., was foundedin 1953 to promote the literature of the American West and bestowSpur Awards for distinguished writing in the Western field. Thefounders were largely authors who wrote traditional Westernfiction, but the organization swiftly expanded to includehistorians and other nonfiction authors, young adult and romancewriters, and writers interested in regional history.

Today it has over 650 members who write everything frommainstream fiction to local history. Its annual convention occurseach June. For the convention, members, guests, editors, and agentsgather together to renew friendships, do business, attend panels,go on field trips, and conduct the organization’s business. Eachconvention concludes with the Spur Awards banquet, the moment whenthe WWA honors those who win the coveted awards.

WWA actively helps its members promote their books and articles,and aggressively promotes the literature of the American West,which it considers this country’s unique contribution to worldliterature.