The Western Writer series partnered with the Department of English Haley Professorship, Panhandle-Plains Historical Museum and Cornette Library in hosting Rick Bass, American writer and environmental activist, as part of the Distinguished Lecture Series Jan. 23-24.

“We are always happy to collaborate with the English department and the library to host an author of his stature,” Amy Mitchell, Programs Coordinator at PPHM, said.

Bass is a native to Texas, born in Fort Worth and he resided in Houston as well. He now lives in Montana with his wife Elizabeth Hughes where he serves on the board of the Yaak Valley Forest Council and Round River Conservation Studies.

Bass ventured back to his roots and began his visit at WTAMU with a “Conversation with the Author,” where students and faculty members alike were able to visit and have an exclusive conversation with the award winning author. He shared tips and tricks as well as inspiration for his works with those who attended the luncheon.

“The most important thing I’ve learned specifically in helping me become a writer-wow there are a few of them,” Bass said.  “I think the most important thing is show don’t tell. Be specific.”

Bass shared a reading from his latest novel All the Land to Hold Us in a presentation held at the PPHM Thursday evening. He concluded the reading with a question and answer session along with a book signing. Bass ended his visit to WT with an 8 am hike in Palo Duro Canyon with students and faculty members.

“It is nice to see him,” Sara Stone, Student Supervisor at the Cornett Library, said. “He is everything I expected and more.”

Bass writes in both fiction and non-fiction genres. He has been published in many well known places such as O, The Oprah Magazine, New York Times Sunday Magazine, the Washington Post, and many more.

He is the recipient of distinguished awards for his writing from the Texas Institute of Letters, as well as fellowships from the National Endowments for the Arts.