The first time I was published as a freelance writer in a national magazine was in the December / January 2009 issue of "American Cowboy" magazine. Please check out the original at the link below. I must say that "American Cowboy" magazine is awesome. It really shines a true light on what it's like to live in the American Southwest and the personalities of the people who would never consider moving to any other part of the country.

Elmer Kelton, named the “All-Time Best Western Author” by the Western Writers of America, sat down with me during a bookstore signing to discuss what it was like living and learning in my hometown, and his, which is Crane, Texas.

Recently, Mr. Kelton has developed health problems, and I was prompted to put together this hub to highlight some of Mr. Kelton's work. Please check out the links, videos, and to check out my article in "American Cowboy" click within this hub. You won't be disappointed. Elmer Kelton is a genius in the field of western journalism. Here are some quotes of Elmer Kelton and his work that I got directly from pioneers and peers in the field of western journalism. Unfortunately, Don Coldsmith recently passed away. A link describing his accomplishments is included in this hub as well.

I must say that Elmer Kelton is one of America's true treasures. He is, by far, the best western author out there. Crane is going to honor Mr. Kelton by putting up a billboard notifying people coming into town that they are entering the hometown of the world's best author. And I like to consider him my friend and the primary reason I chose to take writing seriously. He gave me a chance, and I will never forget what he's done for me and how he's gotten me headed in the field of writing. He read something I wrote and told me how much he liked it. That's all it took. The man, to say it once again, is a true inspiration.

What Some of Kelton's Peers in the Westerns Field Have to Say About Him

“Elmer Kelton has a writing style that is so clear and clean that it makes for very good reading. I think he can portray the reality of the area, the physical and mental hardships in a way that brings it alive. Texas has produced a lot of great people, and Elmer Kelton is certainly one of its treasures.”
— Cotton Smith

“I’m honored to say good things about Elmer because he is one of my favorite people. There are writers who write fiction
who think, well, it’s just fiction. They don’t think things through or research enough to make it accurate. This is one of the major things that Elmer and I have in common. And Elmer is definitely one of the ‘real ones.’ ” — Don Coldsmith

“Elmer is one of the finest writers covering
the American West today. He knows his history and his territory first hand—a fundamental requirement for any great novelist.”— John Jakes

“The vote that was taken naming Elmer Kelton the ‘Best Western Author’ could have been taken in 2008 or 2028. The result would still be the same, and deservedly so. Elmer Kelton is truly the best in the field.”
— Johnny Boggs