Where awesome book readers meet awesome writers.
Today, we have the pleasure of introducing Preston Lewis, a prolific author whose storytelling has kept the spirit of the American frontier alive for decades. With an impressive body of work spanning 60 books, including traditional Westerns, historical novels, young adult stories, and nonfiction, Lewis has become a literary voice synonymous with authenticity, humor, and heart. His achievements include three Spur Awards from the Western Writers of America and eleven Will Rogers Medallion Awards, seven of which are gold.
Meet Preston Lewis
Preston Lewis’s career began in journalism, but his passion for storytelling quickly turned him toward fiction. He has spent a lifetime exploring the rugged landscapes, unforgettable characters, and timeless lessons of the American West.
Beyond being an accomplished author, Preston’s versatility shines through his ability to write across genres from Western adventures to historical narratives and young adult tales. His dedication to preserving history while entertaining readers has made his work both educational and deeply engaging.
About His Latest Book: Pintsized Pioneers at Play
Preston’s latest release, Pintsized Pioneers at Play: Homemade Frontier Fun and Danger, was co-authored with his wife, Harriet Kocher Lewis. The book is a sequel to their Spur Award-winning young adult novel, Pintsized Pioneers: Taming the Frontier, One Chore at a Time.
The inspiration came from an unlikely source social media. “I kept seeing TikTok videos of Millennials and Gen Z’ers complaining about going to work,” Preston explains. “It made me think about how hard children had to work on the frontier, and how different their idea of ‘hardship’ was.”
That observation sparked a fascinating exploration of frontier life. The first book focused on chores and daily survival, while Pintsized Pioneers at Play delves into how children found fun, adventure, and even danger in a time without screens or modern conveniences.
Through rich historical detail and a touch of humor, the book helps young readers appreciate the resilience and creativity of frontier kids an entertaining and educational journey for all ages.
His Writing Process
When asked about unusual writing habits, Preston laughs. “Writing itself is an unusual habit,” he says. He doesn’t follow any strange rituals, except one constant companion Diet Mountain Dew, his fuel for long writing sessions.
Preston typically writes in multiple drafts. His process reflects the advice given to him by one of his journalism professors: “Good writing is good editing.” His first draft is about getting ideas on the page, the second focuses on structure and consistency, and the third polishes the final work to perfection.
Authors Who Inspire Him
Preston credits Mark Twain as one of his earliest influences. “Twain could tell a story with humor and depth,” he says. Other key inspirations include J. Frank Dobie, whose cowboy folklore first drew him into Western storytelling, and Ernie Pyle, the beloved World War II correspondent known for his compassion and realism.
Later in his career, writers like Elmer Kelton, Loren Estleman, Douglas C. Jones, and Jeanne Williams helped shape his approach to fiction. In nonfiction, authors such as Stephen Ambrose, Daniel Boorstin, and Elliott West inspired his dedication to historical accuracy and research-driven storytelling.
What He’s Working on Now
Preston shows no signs of slowing down. He is currently writing a young adult novel about the legendary bucking horse Steamboat the animal that inspired Wyoming’s state symbol.
He is also exploring new creative territory with screenplays based on his earlier novels and developing a brand-new comic Western series, a genre he has mastered through his beloved Memoirs of H.H. Lomax books.
Each project allows him to blend humor, history, and humanity in a way that continues to captivate readers of all ages.
Promoting His Books
Preston freely admits that marketing is not his favorite part of the job. “I’m better at writing than promoting,” he says. That’s why he partners with Blue Cottage Agency, a professional marketing team that manages his website and promotional strategy.
Their collaboration has resulted in a polished online presence at prestonlewisauthor.com, helping new readers discover his books while giving long-time fans a place to stay connected.
Advice for Aspiring Authors
Preston generously shares three pieces of advice that have guided his own success:
- “Good writing is good editing.” Don’t expect perfection on the first draft. Writing is rewriting.
- “Don’t quit your day job.” Wise words from Elmer Kelton, reminding writers to be patient and realistic about the business side of publishing.
- “Perseverance trumps talent.” A lesson from author Jeanne Williams that Preston lives by every day.
“Talent helps,” he says, “but persistence keeps you in the game long enough to improve. You can’t succeed if you stop trying.”
The Best Advice He’s Ever Heard
Preston’s guiding principle is simple but powerful:
“Perseverance trumps talent, so stick with it.”
He believes that dedication and consistency will always outlast raw ability. “Writing is a long-distance journey,” he says. “You don’t have to be the fastest you just have to keep moving forward.”
What He’s Reading Now
A lifelong learner, Preston is currently reading several titles, including:
- Unimaginable: What Our World Would Be Like Without Christianity by Jeremiah Johnston
- A Strange and Blighted Land: Gettysburg The Aftermath of a Battle by Gregory A. Coco
- Continental Reckoning: The American West in the Age of Expansion by Elliott West
Each book reflects his ongoing passion for history, culture, and the impact of human endurance.
What’s Next for Preston Lewis
Looking ahead, Preston plans to continue expanding his literary universe. Alongside his YA novel and screenplay projects, he is developing another comic Western series in the tradition of The Memoirs of H.H. Lomax.
These stories promise to bring humor and humanity to a genre that often focuses only on grit and gunfights.
If Stranded on a Desert Island
When asked what books he would take to a deserted island, Preston chooses a mix of wisdom and inspiration:
- The Bible
- The Americans Trilogy by Daniel Boorstin
- The Longhorns by J. Frank Dobie
- Brave Men by Ernie Pyle
“Those books capture faith, history, and courage,” he says. “They’re the perfect company for any frontier real or imagined.”
Connect with Preston Lewis
Learn more about Preston’s books and upcoming projects:
- Official Website: Preston Lewis Website
- Amazon Author Page: Preston Lewis on Amazon
- Goodreads: Preston Lewis on Goodreads
- Facebook: Preston Lewis on Facebook
Follow his journey as he continues to preserve the stories, spirit, and humor of the American frontier for new generations of readers.
Final Thoughts
Preston Lewis has built a legacy rooted in storytelling excellence. Through humor, heart, and historical depth, his books remind readers that the past is not just something to study it’s something to feel, laugh at, and learn from.
With Pintsized Pioneers at Play and his upcoming projects, Lewis continues to prove that perseverance, curiosity, and love for the written word can keep the Old West alive in the imagination of every reader.
