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2025 Exciting News

My Book Wins the Will Rogers Second Place Medallion!

On a warm summer day in July 2025, I was sitting in a Starbucks at our local amusement park, working on another ghostwriting project. Procrastinating, I turned to Facebook and saw the finalists had been announced in the WRMA – the Will Rogers Medallion Awards.

Truthfully, I was almost afraid to look. Two of the other western contests I’d entered had already been announced. Jenny Cameron’s Cattle Rustling Catastrophe hadn’t even placed. I quickly scanned the middle-grade reader books, ready to meet a third disappointment. Until … there it was – my name!  Jenny Cameron’s Cattle Rustling Catastrophe was a finalist!

Fast forward to late October. My family and I were on our way to Claremore, Oklahoma, and the Hard Rock Café for the WRMA! It was a fabulous weekend. On Friday night, we had a Meet and Greet at the Will Rogers Museum. On Saturday, different writers fanned out across the city for different book signing events. I was at the library with other children’s authors.

That night, my sister Lori and I attended the award dinner. What fun! Although when my category was announced it was a bit tense. I truthfully didn’t think I’d be able to place first, the book that swept that category in the last two contests would win. It did. But second place was good too!

According to the WRMA website winning a place in the awards counts for:

National Recognition for Excellence in Western Literature

The WRMA is one of the most respected literary honors in the Western genre. Earning a medallion—or even being named a finalist—immediately elevates an author’s stature and distinguishes the work as one of the finest contributions to Western storytelling.

It’s really an exciting achievement to think that Jenny, a book I’ve labored over for a long, long time was included in that category.  It’s one of the happiest events of 2025!

May 2024 News

Two new books released this month. I’m so excited about them. Check them out!

Check out the new books ➡️

Rawhide Ranch Adventures Book One

High-riding adventure with horse-crazy Bridget at summer horse camp in book 1, Saddle Up! Based on the real Rawhide Ranch in southern California.

Rancho Cameron Adventures Book One

Jenny and Brose are in an out of danger and adventure in book 1, Jenny Cameron’s Cattle Rustling Catastrophe. Set on a huge cattle ranch in 1890 California

Donna Patton, Author

I love to write! One of my favorite subjects is history. I’m passionate about the mysteries in history and enjoy creating characters who make past times come alive.

Growing up, Donna Alice (that’s me!) wanted to be one thing—a cowgirl! While that never happened, she found the next best thing was writing about characters who lived in the Old West and got to experience all the fun adventures she never had. Becoming a writer was the only “job” she could do, where she could daydream and not get into trouble. 

When she isn’t writing or reading (another favorite past time of mine), Donna can be found either gardening or sewing. One of her favorite activities is traveling, searching out interesting historical places or events to write about.

Donna is also the author of mysteries (and even some books for grownups). Check out the different tabs on my website. And you can contact me too!

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