Journal Notes

Enter now to win a copy of The Trials of Annie Oakley

Fans of Annie Oakley sought the famous shooter out after every performance.  In addition to granting requests for autographs, she took time to speak with her followers who wanted to know all about her.  As a courtesy to her devotees, she supplied them with a short list of facts about herself.

Answers to Ten Questions I Am Asked Every Day.

I was born in Woodland, Ohio.

I learned to shoot in the field.

I do not think I inherited my love of firearms from my parents, for they were Quakers, and were very much opposed to my using such weapons.

Having traveled in fourteen countries, and having hunted in almost all of them, I have shot nearly all kinds of game.

While I love to shoot in the field, I care very little for exhibition shooting, and only do it as a matter of business.

I never use the word “champion” in connection with my name and always request my friends not to address me as such.

My guns weigh about six pounds each and are of many different makes.  There is no such thing as the best gun maker.  The best gun is the gun that best fits the shooter.

I use pistols, rifles and shotguns.  I do not believe in using cheap guns.  To me, the use of a cheap gun is like driving Star Pointer with a clothes line – you never know when the line is going to give way.

I like pigeon shooting when the birds are first-class flyers, but I am very much opposed to shooting pigeons from the trap during the three summer months.

I use 39 grains of Schultz Smokeless Powder and one ounce of shot, loaded in the U.M.C. Smokeless shells.  I don’t say that this is the only load, but it is good enough for me.

To learn more about Annie Oakley and the shooting school she ran in Pinehurst, North Carolina, read The Trials of Annie Oakley

Proud to announce that the Doctor Was A Woman:

Stories of the First Female Physicians on the Frontier is a finalist for the

Women Writing the West WILLA Award.

Thank you, WWW, for recognizing these amazing doctors

and their fight to practice medicine in the rugged West.

Enter now to win a copy of The Trials of Annie Oakley

Long before the silver screen showed the face of Mary Pickford to millions of Americans, Annie Oakley, born as Phoebe Anne Oakley Moses on August 13, 1860, had won the right to the title of “America’s Sweetheart.” Having grown up learning to shoot game to help support her family, Annie won first prize and met Frank Butler at a shooting match when she was fifteen years old. He convinced her to change her name to Annie Oakley and became her husband, manager, and number-one fan for the next fifty years.

Annie quickly gained worldwide fame as an incredible crack shot, and could amaze audiences at her uncanny accuracy with nearly any rifle or pistol, whether aiming at stationary objects or shooting fast-flying targets from the cockpit of a moving airplane.

In August 1903, when she was well known as a champion shot in Buffalo Bill’s Wild West Show, Oakley became a target of defamation by a reporter for a newspaper owned by media magnate William Randolph Hearst. The libelous story alleged that the famous sure shot had been arrested for stealing and buying drugs. Annie sent a telegram denying the claim and asked the story to be retracted. Hearst refused and the story was then published in all his newspapers. Miss Oakley responded with a libel suit and spent seven years in court fighting the well-known businessman.

During the long, drawn-out legal battle, Annie was struggling with health issues. Despite these trials she poured her energy into advocating for the US military, encouraging women to engage in sport shooting, and supporting orphans.

To learn more about Annie Oakley’s legal battle with William Randolph Hearst read

The Trails of Annie Oakley.

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📚 Book Signing Event – Las Vegas! 📚

Step back into the thrilling Gangster Era with Meet the Kellys: The True Story of Machine Gun Kelly and His Moll Kathryn Thorne by New York Times bestselling author Chris Enss!

🗓 Saturday, August 23
🕚 11 A.M. – 2 P.M.
📍 Las Vegas Books – Las Vegas, Nevada

As one 5-star Amazon review raves:

“Chris Enss…brings the Kellys to life where you can shake hands and drink a Manhattan cocktail with them. Follow them through their exploits of bootlegging, bank robbery, and even kidnapping… Fast-paced and fascinating, you’ll turn the pages because you have to see what comes next.”

Come meet Chris, get your copy signed, and dive into the high life of caviar, champagne, and adventure with one of the most colorful criminal couples of the 1920s and ’30s.

💥 Cocktails and bullets on the run—don’t miss it!

Another nice review for Meet the Kellys.

Just in time for the book signing in Las Vegas on August 23 at Las Vegas Books from 11 A.M. to 2 P.M.

“Chris Enss has done it again. For years and many many books, Chris has brought us wonderful stories and insights about the women of the west. How these heroines of calico helped to shape, define and build the frontier. Now: we step into the early days of filmdom with strong, independent women that helped create the magic of the movies. The weaker sex, not in a heartbeat. Women that mastered feats far beyond those of mortal men. An exciting book about women with an iron will, determination and skill. Daughters of Daring: Hollywood Cowgirl Stuntwomen belongs in every western lovers library.” Peter Sherayko, actor, producer, author

📚 Book Signing Event! 📚

Join New York Times bestselling author Chris Enss for a special signing of her latest true crime hit, Meet the Kellys: The True Story of Machine Gun Kelly and His Moll Kathryn Thorne, at Las Vegas Books in Las Vegas, Nevada!

🗓 Saturday, August 23
🕚 11 A.M. – 2 P.M.
📍 Las Vegas Books

Come meet the author, hear the story behind the infamous couple who captivated a nation during the gangster era, and get your copy signed!

A gripping tale of love, crime, and betrayal you won’t want to miss. Spread the word and we’ll see you there! #MeetTheKellys #ChrisEnss #TrueCrime #BookSigning #LasVegasBooks

🚨 Last Chance to Win! 🚨

Today is the FINAL DAY to enter to win a copy of Meet the Kellys: The True Story of Machine Gun Kelly and His Moll Kathryn Thorne — the thrilling new book from New York Times bestselling author Chris Enss!

Critics are raving:
“A meticulously documented history and biography that reads like an action/adventure novel from start to finish.”

Step into the gritty underworld of 1930s crime, where a notorious gangster and the woman behind his rise captivated a nation — and law enforcement. Don’t miss your chance to own this gripping true story of love, crime, and betrayal.

👉 Enter now at before time runs out!

A heartfelt thank you to Erik Wright and The Tombstone Epitaph for the article highlighting the work on the women of the American West. I’m honored to be featured in such a historic publication that continues to keep the spirit of the Old West alive. Your thoughtful coverage mean the world. Grateful beyond measure! #TombstoneEpitaph #WomenOfTheWest #WesternHistory #ChrisEnss #Gratitude

Thank you to the Tombstone Epitaph for the thoughtful review of

The Sharpshooter and the Showman—

your recognition means a great deal.