Writing the West
Podcast Description
Writing the West is a podcast for readers who love the West. From CJ Box to Anne Hillerman, we host some of today's top authors of the West. From the stories behind the stories to translating the West into written words, to their favorite characters, TV shows, and beyond, Writing the West gives you the access to the authors and books you love. Writing the West is a publication of Cowboys & Indians Magazine.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast explores themes centered around Western literature, the creative process, and author insights, featuring episodes that delve into the relationship between authors and their settings such as interviews with C.J. Box discussing his Wyoming experiences and storytelling methods, as well as topics like character development and the influence of Western culture on writing.
Welcome to Writing the West, the official literature podcast of Cowboys & Indians magazine. Each episode features in-depth conversations with the authors, historians, filmmakers, journalists, and creators who illuminate the American West — past, present, and future. Hosted by C&I Assistant Editor Tyler Auffhammer, the series dives into frontier history, modern Western fiction, Indigenous narratives, outlaw legends, thrillers, film and TV, and everything in between.
In this episode of Writing the West, we’re joined by bestselling author C.J. Box to talk about The Crossroads — the 26th Joe Pickett novel, and one of the boldest turns the series has taken yet. Box shares what inspired a new “book of threes” structure, why he wanted the Pickett daughters driving the action, and how real-world pressures reshaping the modern Mountain West continue to fuel his fiction. Plus, don’t miss our print exclusive: Cowboys & Indians’ February/March 2026 issue features an exclusive excerpt of Chapter One of The Crossroads — a first look readers can only get in the magazine before the full book release.
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.