Under Western Skies: A New Prompt Book Rides Into the Sunset

There’s something timeless about the American West.

Maybe it’s the endless horizons stretching beneath a painted sky, the lonely rider following a river through mountain country, or the creak of a stagecoach rolling across a dusty trail while adventure waits just over the next ridge. Whatever it is, the Western has never truly faded from our imagination.

That’s why I’m excited to announce that Realms Unwritten: Under Western Skies is currently in processing for publication and moving steadily toward release.

Inspired by the spirit of classic frontier storytelling, this latest addition to the Realms Unwritten prompt book series explores the enduring themes that have made Western fiction a beloved genre for generations.

For Fans of the Classic West

If your bookshelf includes works by Louis L’Amour or Zane Grey, you’ll feel right at home beneath these skies.

If you grew up watching the larger-than-life screen presence of Clint Eastwood or the enduring frontier heroism of John Wayne, you’ll recognize the spirit that helped shape this collection.

And if you’re completely new to the Western genre but find yourself drawn to tales of open country, frontier courage, lawmen and outlaws, pioneers and prospectors, then this book was created with you in mind as well.

The goal isn’t simply to revisit familiar Western tropes. It’s to provide writers, artists, worldbuilders, role-players, and dreamers with a rich collection of prompts designed to spark new stories and fresh adventures beneath vast skies and distant mountain ranges.

Whether you’re developing a novel, sketching artwork, building a campaign setting, or simply looking for inspiration, Under Western Skies offers opportunities to saddle up and head into unexplored territory.

Another Journey in the Realms Unwritten Series

One of the joys of creating these prompt books is exploring genres that continue to inspire readers and creators alike. The Western remains one of the most enduring storytelling traditions ever created because its themes are universal. With Realms Unwritten: Under Western Skies, I wanted to capture both the grandeur of the landscape and the human stories that unfold within it.

Coming Soon

The publication process is underway, and I’ll be sharing updates as we move closer to release. When Realms Unwritten: Under Western Skies becomes available, you’ll be able to purchase it online, and we’ll also have copies available at our next in-person book sale.

Until then, keep your boots clean, your campfire burning, and your imagination pointed toward the horizon.

Thank You for Supporting Independent Publishing in Cleveland

D.B. Hopson here and I wanted to say Sunday’s book signing in Cleveland was something special, and I wanted to take a moment to thank everyone who stopped by, talked stories, and picked up copies of the writing prompt books. Seeing people flip through the pages, point out favorite prompts, and talk about the kinds of stories they want to tell reminded me exactly why I started putting these collections together in the first place.

There’s something satisfying about watching an idea spark behind somebody’s eyes.

For those who came out and supported the books — thank you. Independent publishing lives and dies on word of mouth, local support, and readers willing to take a chance on something handmade and heartfelt. It means more than you probably realize.

The good news is the work hasn’t slowed down.

There are several more prompt books currently in the works, each exploring different themes, aesthetics, and genres. Some lean into strange little corners of storytelling that don’t fit neatly on a shelf. I’ve been spending long evenings sketching concepts, refining prompts, and building collections designed to help writers break through creative walls and find stories they didn’t know they had in them.

If all goes according to plan, the next time we make our way back out to Cleveland in the coming months, there should be at least one or two brand-new prompt books sitting on the table alongside the current collection.

Until then, keep writing. Keep daydreaming. Keep chasing the odd ideas.

Most stories worth telling start small.

Literary Fiction vs. Genre Fiction Exercises

Exploring Creative Expansion at Ford Mountain Publishing

There’s a certain electricity that comes with being a creative thinker—a constant hum, a spark, a feeling that something is always cooking upstairs. Some people worry about running out of ideas… but for minds like ours, the “problem” is the opposite. Ideas don’t trickle; they flow. One concept rushes in while another is still forming, and the challenge becomes capturing them fast enough before the next imaginative wave arrives.

It’s chaotic, joyful, exhausting, and absolutely exhilarating.

🏔️ Ford Mountain Publishing: Growing Beyond the Page

That same creative current is what fuels Ford Mountain Publishing. What started as a home for editing, formatting, and publishing books has naturally begun to expand—because creativity rarely stays in one lane for long.

We’re thrilled to share that FMP is now moving into new creative territory: merchandise design.

🎨 From Books to Bookmarks… and Beyond

We’ve already designed custom bookmarks to accompany the children’s books—little pieces of art that capture the spirit and magic of the stories. But that was just the beginning.

🐉 3D Character Models in the Making

Right now, the eccentric minds behind Ford Mountain Publishing are working on 3D models of beloved characters from the Wings of Wisdom series. Bringing these characters to life in physical form is an exciting new challenge, and we can’t wait to share the results as they evolve.

👕 Design Concepts for Apparel & Accessories

We’re also mapping out ideas for:

Hats
T-shirts
Tote bags
Stickers
And other fun, whimsical creations

Below are a couple of early design concepts we’ve been experimenting with—just a taste of what’s on the horizon.

💬 Tell Us What You’d Love to See!

Creativity is always better when it’s shared, and we’d love to hear from you. Which characters, quotes, or themes from the stories would you be excited to wear or display?

Drop a comment, send a message, or interact with this post in whatever way feels right. Your feedback helps guide what Ford Mountain Publishing will create next, and we can’t wait to bring even more imagination into the world—together.

✨ Here’s to creativity without limits.

📣 Side Note for Local Readers

If you’re in the Tri-State area, don’t forget to stop by the Bradley Square Mall on December 14 for the book signing event at Plus Ultra Coffee, starting at noon. There will be free giveaways, opportunities to get your books personally signed, and even a few fun surprises waiting to be revealed. Come join the celebration and make a magical afternoon of it!