Writing The Southwest

The accompanying CD provides excerpts from the interviews with the authors.

With its vast vistas, splendid sunsets, and rich history, the American Southwest has always inspired superb writing. "Travelers' Tales Southwest" features a choice selection of some of the best by Tony Hillerman, David Roberts, Barbara Kingsolver, Alex Schoumatoff, Terry Tempest Williams, Edward Abbey, and others. Maps.

Contains essays that depict and decry the rapid growth and disappearing natural landscapes of the Sunbelt

A collection of short stories, poems, and essays written by women who share the experiences of living in the Southwest.

Using the words of its own people, this intriguing book provides an in-depth look at the incredibly successful airline that changed the rules of the game with a no-frills business model and innovative corporate culture. Southwest Airlines turns in-depth interviews with the company's leaders, managers, employees, and passengers into a powerful case study of this highly successful, game-changing business. Ranging from the early days of the company to the present, the book covers the history of the airline and its founders, while also detailing the unique corporate culture that attracts employees and passengers alike. Throughout its history, Southwest has championed a culture that puts employees first, creating a productive workforce by hiring for "attitude before aptitude" (because skills can be taught) and allowing employees to be themselves at work. The founders' philosophies of "servant leadership" and a "fun-LUVing" attitude continue to attract employees and influence the company's daily work today. In detailing the airline's inner workings in the words of its own people, this book shows other companies how they can emulate Southwest's powerful business model and strategies, as well as its hiring practices and corporate culture.

"Part armchair travel, part project book, Southwest Modern highlights the wide-open spaces and beautiful vistas of West Texas and celebrates the rich culture of New Mexico. Featuring 15 quilt patterns and three smaller projects author, Kristi Schroeder, celebrates five separate regions, one in each chapter. Each quilt is photographed on location with an accompanying color story to support the design. Included is a list of the author's favorite places to shop, eat, and play in each location. This book will appeal to anyone who has ever been so moved by their surroundings that they felt inspired to create."--

George Olin has gained a wide reputation as a keen observer of nature. In books such as Mammals of the Southwestern Deserts and House in the Sun, his writing and photography have enchanted those who want to know more about the desert and its animals—even people who already live there. In this charming memoir, Olin combines personal and natural history to recount his long fascination with animals. In addition to painting a vivid picture of his nomadic life, he describes the ingenious methods he devised to observe desert creatures and build their trust—and the lessons they taught him in return. Olin takes readers back to 1951, when he and his wife, Irene, were hired as fire lookouts in Arizona's Huachuca Mountains. There, where golden eagles soared and rock squirrels scampered, they befriended a wide variety of animals, from skunks to coatis, and knew they had found satisfaction. The following year they participated in the founding of the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum in Tucson and were in on its construction from the ground up. As a ranger and later the park naturalist at Saguaro National Monument, Olin became acquainted with more of the desert's creatures, sharpened his photographic skills, and even studied pollination of saguaro cactus by bats and other creatures. Following eight years spent working for the Park Service in the East, the Olins returned to their beloved desert as retirees. There George embarked upon a night photography project, following foxes, skunks, raccoons, and ringtail cats on their nocturnal rounds, and later extending his study to kit foxes and kangaroo rats. Up Close contains a wealth of information about what he learned on those outings, and his engaging tales of personal encounters with these and other denizens of the desert will make even Gila monsters, wood rats, and scorpions seem less threatening for readers who flinch at the very thought of them. Up Close is a warm and enjoyable book, chock full of Olin's charming photographs, that makes the desert and its creatures come alive. It will delight all who love the Southwest and instill a sense of wonder in anyone fascinated by the natural world.

The "SouthWest Sage" is the award-winning monthly newsletter of the SouthWest Writers Association. Every issuefeatures a host of poetry, articles, stories, essays, and writing advice. This Anthology is comprised of the best stories from 2016, 2017 and 2018 including:Writing ChallengesPoetryTravel ArticlesScience Fiction/FantasyMemoirsRomanceMysteryDesert StoriesWriters UnboundSage AdviceSouthWest Writers has over 350 members. Their motto is "Writers Helping Writers". Many of the members are established award winning authors who freely give advice and assistance to those who are new to the profession through regular meetings, classes, workshops and conferences. For more information on the group go to www.southwestwriters.com.Take a peek inside the anthology and see why SouthWest Writers boasts many nationally known award-winning authors!