501 (c) (3) Organization
The ReadWest Foundation, Incorporated, has the sole mission to increase awareness of Western literature, and its diversity, through annual events, and high profile marketing promotions. Western literature is unique to America, yet it has, since it's inception, maintained a world-wide fascination. It is our intent to bring writers and readers of Western literature together to once again put a spotlight on this beloved genre for the world to see.
Why the ReadWest Foundation?
The ReadWest Foundation, Inc. strives to seek out the best in Western literature and bring it in front of the reading public. To do so, ReadWest will participate in sanctioned events where readers can meet some of the most notable writers in the business today. As a nonprofit 501 (c) (3) organization, all interested parties can donate their time or financial resources to help fund the events and marketing campaigns.
ABOUT THE READWEST FOUNDATION...
PRESIDENT/EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Steven Anderson (Steven Law) founded ReadWest in 1998 and the original concept of increased awareness for Western literature still exists today. Steven's passion comes from his own involvement in writing and publishing. To learn more about Steven visit his Web site at www.stevenlaw.com.
OFFICERS
BOARD MEMBER
Karen Nelson enjoyed many years as Tourism Coordinator for the Branson, Missouri Convention and Visitors Bureau, and continues event management and community awareness for historic and regional arts. Her award-winning articles and short fiction have appeared in national magazines, and she maintains her passion for education from her southwest Missouri farm.
VICE PRESIDENT/SECRETARY-TREASURER
OPEN
BOARD MEMBER
Ellen Gray Massey has published numerous articles, short stories, essays, and books. In 1995 she was inducted into the Writers Hall of Fame of America and her writing has received numerous other awards. From 1973 to 1983 she directed high school students who published Bittersweet, the Ozark Quarterly. Ellen died in 2014.
BOARD MEMBER
L. D. Clark was born and raised in the Cross Timbers of north Texas, served in the Army Air Corps during World War II, and received his Ph.D. from Columbia University. As well as a novelist, Clark had a long career as an English teacher at the University of Arizona. He now lives in Gainesville, Texas. L.D. died in 2014.
BOARD MEMBER
Fred Pfister is a native Ozarker, born and raised on a farm near Houston in Texas County. He is a retired English professor, retired editor of All Roads Lead to Branson and The Ozarks Mountaineer, a founding member of the Ozarks Writers League, and a board member of the Ozarks Heritage Foundation.
BOARD MEMBER
Dan R. Manning has written numerous magazine and newspaper articles, and a biography John James Dix: A Texian. He has played a key role in the restoration of a historic mill in Fair Grove, MO. Considered an expert on historic wagons, mules, and farm implements, Manning and his wife Betty live in the Missouri Ozarks.
BOARD MEMBER
Debbie Blades
In memoriam
ReadWest Foundation president, Steven Anderson (Steven Law) presents Stephen Harrigan, Don Bendell, and William Groneman III with the annual ReadWest Award for Literary Excellence.