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One thing I've noticed when looking up reader reviews of Westerns (or nonfiction about the West) is that for every great review praising the accuracy of a book, there will often be another review complaing about the lack of accuracy. Yes, in the same book. It seems no one can agree about the West, and maybe that's part of the fun.
So who are the authors who really are accurate? And which authors are (ahem) not known for their accuracy but are still fun to read? Many people make a distinction between the gritty, accurate Westerns and the so-called "mythic Westerns." Do you think there is still a demand for mythic Westerns, or do readers tend to prefer more realistic stories today?
Also, as a writer, how do you handle accuracy and research? Can it sometimes get in the way? Also, are readers sometimes, well, inaccurate about accuracies and inaccuracies? If so, how do you handle complaints if a reader claims that your story is inaccurate or badly researched or whatever?
Sorry if these questions make no sense whatsover. It's late.
So who are the authors who really are accurate? And which authors are (ahem) not known for their accuracy but are still fun to read? Many people make a distinction between the gritty, accurate Westerns and the so-called "mythic Westerns." Do you think there is still a demand for mythic Westerns, or do readers tend to prefer more realistic stories today?
Also, as a writer, how do you handle accuracy and research? Can it sometimes get in the way? Also, are readers sometimes, well, inaccurate about accuracies and inaccuracies? If so, how do you handle complaints if a reader claims that your story is inaccurate or badly researched or whatever?
Sorry if these questions make no sense whatsover. It's late.