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I would write about my first day of the 2003 archery season. My dad, who introduced me to hunting, was battling cancer that would claim his life within a month. I was hunting with two of my cousins at our family farm. All three of us had a role in taking two nice eight points that evening. But my father's obvious pleasure with our success in his moment of suffering will be with me forever.

Ken,

Glad to see you back at the 'fire!

I'd like to see more "how to" pieces on gunsmithing and stockmaking.

I'd also love to see an update on your chapter on selecting shop equipment, that was in a Wolfe book on gunsmithing. I think it would be of interest, if it included evaluations of the current crop of machines that are within reach, cost wise, of the home hobbyist. While it would be great to have a nice Clausing, Myford, etc...such machines are way too pricy for most folks, and something like the Jets, Grizzlies, Acra, etc...are within reach of Joe Sixpack.

Merry Christmas to you, and to all!

Jeff

I like the idea of stories being spun telling of equipment or strategies used. I like to see myths busted as the "brush busting" cartridges have been.

Ken--

I might be doing the same writing I was about 10 years ago, before getting so heavily into gun writing: hunting (including pure narrative stories), general instructive gun writing, fishing, and Western history.

When I started staff writing for FIELD & STREAM in the 1980's, staffers were expected to be all-around hands, writing about all sorts of hunting and fishing. It wasn't until the 90's that many of started getting pigeon-holed. At F&S I eventually got slotted as the "deer guy." This got boring, one reason I eventually resigned.

In reality, I don't get assigned to write about too many new guns or products. Most of the "new" firearms articles I write grow out of long use of a particular type of firearm, and I much prefer to use several samples beforehand. Thus I never "reviewed" the Ruger 77 Mark II until more than a decade after it appeared.

Once in a while there is a new product that intrigues me, such as a new bullet or loading tool. The Juenke Internal Concentricity Comparator is an example, but even then I never wrote about it until it had been around several years.
My most recent rifle and handloading articles were about the Savage 99 and the Savage cartridges, so maybe I never will get to be cutting-edge!

See you in Sin City?

MD

MD,
I think you made a valid statement that many editors never get:

All writers have a specialty(s) that they are more comfortable with. If permitted to cover anything that is within your area of knowledge, experience and substance to cover, the article will always have readership.

When sent down a road not of your choosing, I don't believe it is possible to present the same quality in both research (because you are dying to get it over with) and presentation as your most important component, pride coupled with pleasure is removed.

2 articles I hated covering were the Ruger Mini 30 when it came out and the 4th BOSS rifle that was sent to me. Yawn!

Merry Christmas

AGW

I love reading "myth-busting" articles. When writers go out and actually seek to see if what we've been told is true, for decades - is actually true.

I also enjoy reading about bullet tests - differing bullets, differing test media, differing calibers and differing impact speeds. I can't test 10% of what a professional writer could - so I depend on you guys for steering me in the right direction.

If I were a writer - I'd want to be pigeon-holed as the "bullet test guy". In that way, I'd be forced to spend a lot of time at the range - which I enjoy, and then, even more time "testing" the bullets on actual game - which I'd love!

In a perfect world, the editors would send me all over the globe, on the company ticket, in order that I could test every bullet, out of every gun, on every animal. Well, at least testing every "suitable bullet" out on each species. I guess if the sent me out to check on how .22's work on Cape Buffalo - I'd know I'd pissed someone off at head office.

A guy can dream can't he?

It's a good dream and will continue to influence new blood into the writing market.

Keep it as long as you can.

AGW

Ken,

Sorry to take so long in responding but just got in from a trip and found your thread. I was up in Idaho at the Flying B Ranch bird shooting in single digit weather with a pile of snow on the ground. Thank goodness for Arizona - it will be in the 70s today here in Sierra Vista.

If I'm not writing about rifles, hunting, and subjects associated with each, I'd probably be writing about how it was growing up in eastern Kentucky during WWII. My sons can't imagine a world without McDonalds, pre-packaged and instant everything, and most of all, outdoor privies, pot-belly stoves, and ice boxes! I've done considerable work on a book on this subject but, alas, have not been able to find a publisher. I have also done much work on a book dealing with situations I've come across in the course of a half-century plus of hunting. It contains such chapter titles as "Hunting Camp Out-Houses I've Known, and, Hunting Pals I've Known." Here too, I seem to be the only one that believes the subjects to be book material. One of these days though.

Of course I love writing about custom rifles and fine engraving, and will continue to write about both. Like MD though, I don't want to be boxed into a subject matter that doesn't allow me to do other things.

See you in neon city.

Tom

I would write about the down fall of informative, and interesting articals and thier repacement with five minute "reviews"

Then I would proceed with said informative and interesting articals.

In the end I would problably end up writing a lot like Mule Deer.

Old Friend Ken,

I'm not sure if what I am about to suggest really answers your question, but it was an answer for me in a time of personal crisis.

You might remember that my wife, Karen, had major spinal surgery several years ago. The term "major" really doesn't cut it; she had the four lower-back vertabrae and her pelvis fused. That's right, all five units fused, titanium rods, screws and enough hardware to stock a Home Depot store.

The operation, during which we almost lost her, was very successful from a technical standpoint. The difference between total success and being still in a lifetime of pain and designer drugs rested on my nursing ability. Obviously, the better care she had at home (that would be me), the better the outcome would be.

Soooo, I was Karen's 24/7 nurse for about five months. And I served as part-time nurse 'til about the one-year mark. Yeah, I did every personal thing for her and will go to my grave believing that it will always stand as the greatest showing of personal love.

I momentarily thought about not writing for the duration. Hey, we are financially independant and the money is less than peanuts, so why not stick to what is important?

About a week after the operation, I decided to write an article that would involve no range time. I found that I needed the distraction of writing, in-between sessions of supporting Karen on her way to the potty, bathing Karen, making the bed, cooking, cleaning the house, etc, etc. Anyway, I NEEDED the distaction.

What I wrote became HUGE. I wrote about building a custom rifle (barrels, twist-rates, stocks, actions, bedding, blah-blah-blah) and the sucker became so big (24K words) that I had to split it into three sections. There was not one second of range time involved, no new products.....just useful stuff out of my head. The readers absolutely loved it.

The best part is I never missed a beat in Karen's healthcare. And she healed perfectly. I will forever be convinced that if I was not her 24/7 caring, loving nurse that she wouldn't have healed as well as she did. The readers loved the series totally and the fan mail filled our mail box for a long, long time.

It always seemed strange that writers must rely on readers for feedback. In all of my years at two magazines, I can count the number of Attaboys I received on one hand, and have several fingers left over. When I owned my store, I was always praising my staff; they thrived, worked their buns off for me and became loyal to a fault. I find it strange that the publishing industry and my retail experience should be so different.

Anyway, I thought that my example might help you. My friend, just write about what you know. In your case, that is a great deal.

Merry Christmas and God Bless you,

Your friend Steve

If I had the ability I would write this:

https://www.24hourcampfire.com/ubbthreads/showflat.php/Cat/0/Number/674934/an/0/page/2#674934

Since you rephrased your question Dr. Howell, I am prepared to write the stories so many members seem to want. I will leave all of the technichal stuff to those here with much more experience than I.
But I agree that much of the nostalgia, humor, adventure, and romance have gone from most of today's outdoor writing. Being a fan of Mcmanus, Skelton, etc. myself, I would like to see their style and tradition continue on. A chuckle or heartfelt sigh inspired by someone's writing is always most welcome amid all of the reviews, tests, and tables we gun enthusiasts devour. I would like to contribute to that continuation.
The other subject I am prepared to write about is the physical training mentioned in a previous post. I am very qualified, as I have studied and put to use a wide variety of workout tequniques, regimens, nutrition tips, etc. I don't have a degree or anything, I'm just a guy who went from 240# with probably 30% body fat, to 185 with 20%, to 195 with 12%. I can tell you from experience that it makes for a much more pleasurable hunt if that elk quarter isn't about to give you a coronary. I can think of half a dozen fast articles packed with information off the top of my head ranging in subject from the effects of high altitude to a 30 day training routine(60 would be better)to get in shape for that Alaska sheep hunt to exercising in tight quarters or while travelling, or both, such as in an R.V.
I would also like to write about shooting training, and document the effects of daily, or at least weekly, shooting practice using field positions. You can email me if any of this interests you. I may even have a story or two lurking about that I could let you peek at. shaunryan71@yahoo.com
Merry Christmas and Happy '06 to you Dr. Howell, and to everyone here at the campfire, thanks for the great site. It would be a dream come true for my humble self to be ranked among the great ones here as a gunwriter.<img src="/ubbthreads/images/graemlins/shocked.gif" alt="" />Okay, just to meet some of you would be an honor, but one can always dream.
Oh and how do you like Catron county Dr. Howell?

I would write about what we as sportsman must do to advance the shooting and hunting sports.In particular I would exhaust myself on informing people on how to increase the access for hunting.Propose new ideas that would ensure landowners reduced property taxes or continued enrollment in government subsidised programs,in return for access.
Like any successful campaign getting the message out to the youth of America is the key.Develop interest in target or range style shooting,with emphasis on hunting.Preaching to the dwindleing choir makes little sense.
Develop an interest in a sport where the average American has a chance of participateing.Affordable access to hunting is key.Without starting to challenge the escalating cost of hunting,we are headed for a European style system where the fiscal impediments will dictate that only the wealthy will be hunters.Access,access,access.

Tom, I must say the book sounds GREAT, almost like bathroom reading, (no insult here). I cannot even remember all the conversations I have had @ hunting camps, about other camps & the trials & tribulations that led to greatness & failures of one type or another.

Year before last, a guy pulls in late, says he had to get away from his other camp. Cannot deal with them anymore..
Turns out, one of the guys got mad about a joke at the fireside chat & set fire to anothers camper...

Pat

Hey Ken,
If you've been back and forth between MT & AZ you've noticed a significant change in climate recently, eh? It's been chinooketty and 50 above after 15 below! I'm dreaming of a muddy Christmas.

Don't know what you have in mind, I've lots of ideas mostly about high-end custom rifles, making them here and in Europe, and hunting with them. And lots of GREAT photos (workshop, covers, fine rifles, trophies and walnut stocks etc.). I know how to meet a deadline with good material and excellent illustration. Did you ever see any of my Accurate Rifle stuff, cover photos?

All the shotgun stories goes to Shooting Sportsman, the Fine Gunmaking column is in its 12 year. I could sure entertain a good rifle story venue.
Let me know if I can help. If you don't have it, I'll forward a copy of the Custom Rifles book. Just let me know.

Ken,

Nice to respond to you; I am a fan.

I love the idea of writing articles, etc. aimed at kids. 10 to 16 years old. Not sure the market is there commercially, but every year there is a new crop coming on; and every year there is a new crop losing interest or becoming distracted by unimportant things such as money, 4-wheelers, sports, and video games. And, kids cannot depend on hours and hours of outdoor time with Dad to learn about this stuff. I don't think one has to write like Ted Nugent in order to attract young people, although he probably does appeal to a bunch of them.

Second thing I would write about is my .218 Mashburn Bee contender carbine. An all around behind-the-door rifle. It is dead-on at 100 yards with full loads, and with the scope on 6x the bottom post of the duplex is dead on at 50 yards with rimfire speed reduced loads. Hunt squirrels with the reduced loads, but keep a couple stiff ones in your pocket in case a coyote or turkey shows up.

Third topic would be to make a better comparison of different rifle models for accuracy. Instead of shooting one Rem and one Win and one Ruger, shoot six of each with a handful of factory loads. Where or how a fellow comes up with that many rifles might be a story in itself...perhaps borrowing them from local used racks? But it would be a much more definitive evaluation than shooting the various rifles one at a time. Another possibility would be a 'literature review' type article where magazine articles are collected from several sources and compiled for a statistical comparison of various rifle models.

PAndy

Ken - in case you (they) want me and my outlandish thinking (& superior attitudes):
May I be the "general European conscience" of the thingy...

RD

Id like to write more along the lines of the story I have in the current Sports Afield (Jan) about the 35 Whelen, but focus on classic German and English cartridges.

Aussie--

I do believe you've hit on one major difference between good editors and not-so-good editors.

The one article I hated to write most in my career was one on "tactical scopes." This must have been assigned at least 12 year ago. Back then I was working quite a bit for a big publishing company that put out several shooting magazines. Kind of had to do it when one editor assigned the piece. Held my nose while putting the package in the mailbox.

The worst editors are the ones with no real knowledge of the subject themselves, and who also have no feel for the talents and tastes of their writers.

Of course, I could list other faults of bad editors, but those are the pertinent ones here.

Merry Christmas,
Mule Deer

I would enjoy doing comparisons on gear. Anything that would be associated with hunting . Example would be to take any number 5,6,10, of the latest GPS's . What are there strength's and weakness's . Which is fastest or works best in heavy cover. It could be anything to do with hunting not just bullets , scopes , rifles , shotguns etc. But things like camera's , boot's, backpack's, shooting sticks , hunting suits . Anything that would give a hunter a chance to compare like products to see which one is best for them.
I've also always wanted to take not just 1 but 5 or more of , say, each currently manufactured bolt rifle . Have a shootout, really work them over to see which is most accurate , feeds and opperates best on average .
Also advanced technical articals. Reloading , shooting , gunsmithing, anything aimed at the advanced shooter/hunter . Mule Deer already does a fine job on this , which is why I read everthing he write's and have such great respect for his opinion .
To do the comparisons you would have to have help so you would get a cross section rather then an opinion.