The Branding
Iron Award is a special honor bestowed by Western Writers of America “to the
member who has provided exceptional support to the organization and its goals.”
Among past recipients are Jim Crutchfield, Candy Moulton, and James Ersfeld.
While I am
in no way fit to be in their company when it comes to service to WWA, the
Executive Board, in a weak moment, decided to add my name to the list of
Branding Iron Award winners. I am honored and surprised—make that amazed. They
made the decision upon accepting my resignation as WWA Membership Chair, a
position I had held for the past nine years. As the old saying goes, if I’d
known they’d honor me like this for quitting, I’d have done it a long time ago.
At the WWA
convention next week in Sacramento, I will get a genuine branding iron. If
memory serves, it’s about the right size to heat to a cherry red glow and stamp
a WWA logo on the side of a beagle pup.
But I think
it’s meant to hang on the wall, so don’t light a fire or call the dogs.
This is fantastic - congrats!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Chila.
DeleteCongratulations Rod...but I don't think I'd let it get out that you brand beagles. "Beagle brander" just doesn't have much of a ring to it.
ReplyDeleteYou're right, Jim. Although the alliteration is nice.
DeleteCongratulations, Rod.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Livia. I hope all is well with you.
DeleteGreat article Rod. However never sell yourself short, It is a real honor to share the spotlight with your piers on an equal platform of talent.
ReplyDeleteThanks a bunch for sharing AND congratulations!
Thanks, Jeff. It's always good to hear from another Goshen boy.
DeleteCongratulations, Rod. Well deserved.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Michael. See you soon.
DeleteI'll say it again next week in Sacramento, but for the record here- congratulations, Rod. You have done so much for WWA, most of it behind the scenes. It is great to see that dedication receive the recognition it deserves.
ReplyDeletePaul
Thanks, Paul. Behind the scenes is usually a good place to keep me.
DeleteCongratulations, Rod! It's a well deserved recognition. Sorry I won't see you this year at WWA. I had to make a choice between events, and since I need to put more pixels into my current book, I chose the writing retreat. I'll be at Kanab, though.
ReplyDeleteWe'll miss you, Marsha--but it will be good seeing you at the Kanab Writer's Conference come October. :Rod
DeleteCongratulations, Rod. Well deserved.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Marc.
Delete