In this episode of West of the Page, New York Times bestselling author and five-time Bram Stoker Award winner Jonathan Maberry joins Roan Weatherford Publishing to talk about his contribution to the upcoming Hard Country anthology.

The conversation focuses on his iconic character Joe Ledger—a former Army Ranger, Baltimore detective, and now special ops operative—and his latest short story, Bad Times in the Bob, a modern western set in Montana’s remote Bob Marshall Wilderness. Stepping away from his usual high-tech thrillers, Maberry explores a stripped-down story centered on survival, raw action, and resilience.

The episode also highlights his admiration for the U.S. Marshals, beneficiaries of the anthology, and dives into themes of resilience that define his work, including Ledger’s ongoing struggle with trauma. Maberry reflects on his prolific career, his fan-favorite combat dog Ghost, and how he balances writing intense thrillers with a personal life grounded in meditation and poetry.

Bestselling author Reavis Wortham discusses the creation of Rough Country and Hard Country, two anthologies supporting the U.S. Marshals Survivors Benefit Fund.

From curating a wide range of stories to writing his own tale about life choices and destiny, Wortham shares the inspiration behind the project, his storytelling roots, and the impact of using fiction to give back.

Join us on West of the Page for an in-depth conversation with New York Times bestselling author Reavis Z. Wortham as he dives into the creation of his newest Western-horror novel, Comancheria. Wortham shares highlights from his decades-long writing career—over 2,000 columns, 20 novels, multiple Spur Awards and Will Rogers Medallions—and reveals how a vivid dream during lockdown sparked this dark, genre-bending tale. He discusses crafting a grittier, more cinematic vision of the 1870s, his “pantser” writing style, the cursed Texas Ranger Buck Dallas, and the blend of real history with supernatural twists. Wortham also teases what’s ahead in his upcoming trilogy, including The Sound of a Dead Man’s Laugh, What We Owe the Dead, and a future time-twisting installment. Tune in for craft insights, behind-the-scenes stories, and an exciting look at the future of this bold Western series.