Writers who are up for the challenge might enjoy a day at the rodeo

Posted by Gary
June 3, 2008

Are you a rodeo fan? Have you ever even been to a rodeo before? I began thinking about rodeos when I watched a segment of “The Today Show” a couple of weeks ago where co-host Matt Laurer took a turn as a rodeo clown.

I’m not sure “rodeo clown” is the most professional term for it. They used that but also a different term on the television segment. I’m choosing rodeo clown, because I proudly say I have (or had?) a rodeo clown in my family. Yes, a cousin of mine, whom I remember only by the name “Junior Goodner” or “Shorty Goodner,” was a bona fide rodeo clown. This was back in the late 1950s, early ’60s, and the cousin was older than I, so I doubt he’s still “clowning,” though he’s probably still alive.

Those of you who’ve hung around here long know that I’m a fan of the Old West and all things Western. I even posted here some lengthy excerpts from a Western novel I have unfinished.

I mention all this because you, as writers, should broaden your horizons and experiences whenever possible. It’s good for the old brain, and will always provide mental fodder for your writing. Coming up in December 2008 is THE major rodeo event, the Wrangler National Finals Rodeo (known to fans as simply the NFR), held in the Thomas & Mack Center in Las Vegas.

WNFR Tickets are available, and Team One Tickets offers some great prices on great seating. (They’re also in the market to buy if you have some NFR tickets you wish to sell.) So whether you’re a Western writer or simply a curious writer — and even if you don’t have a rodeo clown in your family — I encourage you to attend the NFR if you can, and certainly take in a rodeo somewhere near your location. If you haven’t been to the rodeo before, you owe it to yourself to experience the excitement.

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