Journal Notes

According to Kate with Writer/Actor Chris Enss In Person

Join us to both watch the film and hear from the writer and actor of this biographical western film based on the life of Mary Kate Cummings—widely known as “Big Nose Kate”—the famous partner of Doc Holliday. Set in 1899, the story follows an elderly Kate reflecting on her turbulent frontier life, her relationship with Holliday, and her eyewitness account of events like the Gunfight at O.K. Corral.

Chris will provide an introduction and engage with the audience following the screening, as well as do a book signing. Several of her books will be for sale at the Western Spirit Museum Store including According to Kate: The Legendary Life of Big Nose Kate, Love of Doc Holiday, which is the original source for this film.

Chris Enss is a New York Times bestselling author who has been writing about women of the Old West for more than thirty years.  She has penned more than fifty published books on the subject. Her work has been honored with nine Will Rogers Medallion Awards, two Elmer Kelton Book Awards, an Oklahoma Center for the Book Award, three Foreword Review Magazine Book Awards, two-time winner of the Downing Journalism Award, and a Willa Cather Award from Women Writing the West for scholarly nonfiction

Program Info:

Wednesday, October 21, 2026
3:00 p.m.
FREE for Museum Members (Members, log-in first to reserve tickets)
FREE with Museum Admission
$10 for just the program

3830 N. Marshall Way
Scottsdale, AZ 85251

480-686-9539

OldtownScottsdaleAZ.com

There could hardly have been a more fitting setting for yesterday’s screening of According to Kate than the Tombstone Courthouse. Sharing Kate Elder’s story in the town so closely tied to her life made the occasion especially meaningful. Our cast and crew were delighted by the warm reception and the audience’s generous compliments about the film.

The gracious Craig Hensley, Manuela Schneider, and Curt Lambert made the day even more special. My heartfelt thanks to Lone Rider Productions, LLC, and to Brittni and Curtis at the courthouse for their hard work in helping make this event possible.

Today brought another opportunity to step into the past in Prescott! Among these photos are Manuela and me dressed for filming an interactive hologram project for the Western Heritage Center—Manuela as Kate Elder and me as Laura Bullion. It was an honor to be asked to contribute to a project that brings these women’s stories to life.

In between filming and book signings, we visited Kate Elder’s final resting place—a quiet, meaningful moment amid a busy weekend devoted to sharing her story.

According to Kate screens this evening at the Touchmark Theater in Prescott. I’d like to think Kate would be pleased to know she’s still being remembered.

Arizona, here I come! I’m heading out for book signing events with my sweet friend Sherry Monahan, talking about According to Kate: The Legendary Life of Big Nose Kate, Love of Doc Holliday, and taking part in screenings of our award-winning short film, According to Kate, with author and star Manuela Schneider.

From Arizona, I’m off to Oklahoma for the Will Rogers Medallion Award, where we’ll pay tribute to some of the finest writers in the Western genre and celebrate our medallion winners alongside such amazing talent as Clint Black, Barry Corbin, Dean Butler, and Bruce Boxleitner.

It’s going to be a busy but rewarding trip—visiting dear friends, making new ones, sharing stories, and honoring the written word of the West. I hope to see some of you along the way!

Sherry and I ride again in a couple of weeks—this time, I’ll carry her memory with me.

For years, Sherry Monahan and I traveled together, sharing our books, our love of Western history, and plenty of laughter along the way. These photos capture some of those happy times, including adventures with our traveling posse members Bill Markley and Monty McCord.

My One Last Ride Tour honors Sherry’s life, her work, and a friendship I will always treasure. Join me in Arizona as we celebrate the stories she told and the memories she left us.

📚 October 17 | 11 a.m.–1 p.m.
J.L. Silver Co. • Tombstone

📚 October 18 | 1–3 p.m.
Western Heritage Center • Prescott

📚 October 20 | 7–8:30 p.m.
White Stallion Dude Ranch • Tucson

For years we toured together. Now I’ll take one more ride in her honor.

The West has more stories to tell—and Frontier Her launches TODAY!

You’re invited to visit our new YouTube channel celebrating the women who made the American West—and the women keeping their stories alive.

Explore the channel, subscribe, and join us from the beginning! More content will be added regularly, bringing you new stories and fresh perspectives on the remarkable women of the West.

Frontier Her—Women’s Voices of the West Heard Here.

Visit and subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@FrontierHer

#FrontierHer #WomenOfTheWest #WomensHistory #WesternHistory

According to Kate has won Best Drama Short at Hollywood Just4Shorts for September 2026!

As executive producer and screenwriter, I am thrilled to celebrate this recognition with the extraordinary artists who brought the film to life.

Manuela Schneider as Kate Elder, Craig Hensley as Doc Holliday, and Curt Lambert as Johnny Ringo delivered incredible performances filled with depth, conviction, and humanity. Their work gave these historical figures a powerful presence on screen, and I could not be prouder of them.

My heartfelt thanks to Lone Rider Productions, LLC, and our amazing crew, including director of photography Derek Carlson, first assistant director Robert Clark, sound designer Danni Valdez, and costume designer Karen McKechnie. Your artistry and dedication shaped every scene.

A special thank-you to Craig Hensley for writing and singing “Darling, Oh Darling,” and to Mauriel Morejon for its beautiful orchestration.

Thank you, Hollywood Just4Shorts, for honoring According to Kate. This win belongs to everyone who helped tell her story.

Good for you, Kate!