Author Description

Discover the unparalleled talent of New York Times bestselling authors W. Michael Gear and Kathleen O'Neal Gear in Switching Gears, an extraordinary collection of award-winning and critically acclaimed Western short stories. This anthology, a must-read for fans of Western fiction, features eight masterfully crafted tales that showcase the Gears' exceptional storytelling prowess. Highlighting the collection are Kathleen's "No Quarter"-which won both the 2023 Spur Award and a Will Rogers Medallion-and Michael's "Bad Choices", winner of the 2024 Spur Award and a Will Rogers Medallion. With both winning stories in one volume, Switching Gears is a testament to the Gears' mastery of the Western genre. Each story in Switching Gears is introduced by the authors, offering rare insights into their creative process and unique perspectives-sometimes leading to playful contradictions that add a personal touch to the collection. Readers will be thrilled to revisit beloved characters like Travis Hartman and Baptiste de Bourgemont, while also encountering unforgettable new figures such as Bonnie Parker, Bettie and Charlie at the Alamo, and the eerie Thea Salva. Immerse yourself in a world where history and fiction collide. Whether you're a long-time fan or new to the Gears' work, Switching Gears is an essential addition to your Western fiction collection.