This month’s edition of Gal Gab features Nancy Keaton, who regularly pens articles about firearms and her outdoor experiences for The WON. However, for a large part of her life, guns actually terrified her. Nancy’s husband introduced her to the shooting world by taking her to a local range, and she shares that she “prayed the whole way there that he would forget his code to get in.” Her experience at the range that day led to a change in mindset and she started to learn, train and write about women and firearms. She also competed in 3-Gun, IDPA and ASI matches. Nancy is proud to say that 12 years after her initial range experience, she was elected as the first female president of that range’s gun club.
Nancy grew up in the Pacific Northwest and moved to Texas a few years ago – a perfect fit since she loves sunshine. She is a retired college administrator and is close to reaching her 15th anniversary in the freelance writing realm. She currently contributes to The WON and “Shooting Industry Magazine,” though her work can be found in numerous publications. Read on to discover this wonderful woman’s answers to our six Gal Gab questions.
Describe a typical day in your work life:
I’m retired so I don’t have what one would consider a typical day. Each day can be different because I’m involved in a lot of activities such as A Girl and A Gun Women’s Shooting League, Newcomers and Neighbors of Waco, McLennan County Republican Women, Daughters of the American Revolution and more. I also volunteer at the Waco Mammoth National Monument and I’m learning to fly a drone. I earned my Part 107 Small Unmanned Aircraft [drone pilot] certification through the FAA a few months ago.
Besides writing articles for The WON and Shooting Industry Magazine, my husband and I have started a blog called Winter Texans Enroute, which focuses on heritage travel for winter Texans (aka snowbirds).
#1 piece of advice you would give other females who want to break into the industry?
Just step up and do it. Whether it’s writing, teaching, or working in a factory, there’s a place for you. I have found it to be a very welcoming community. Make sure to tell as many people as you can what you want to do because they are great about helping to spread the word and trying to help you.
What motivates you?
Constantly learning. You can probably tell from my “typical day” that I’m interested in a lot of things. That’s one of the aspects I love about being a writer. I get to learn new things and talk with fascinating people and hear their amazing stories. Then I get to share all that through my articles. What could be more fun?
Most unexpected thing you’ve learned, while working in this industry?
First, there are very few women writers and there are so many outlets that need content. It’s a great way for a woman to enter the field. Second, the industry is like a small town where everyone knows everyone. Connections are valuable, don’t be afraid to ask others for help. Most people are more than happy to advise or make a recommendation.
Favorite product in the outdoor or shooting market right now?
It’s been out for a while, but I really think one of the best inventions ever is the UpLula magazine loader. I struggle with the strength to load magazines so I probably wouldn’t have continued shooting without it. Every time I’ve let someone else try it, they’re amazed by how much it helps as well. And it’s not just for women who aren’t strong; many men like it, too, because it saves their thumbs from pain after loading several magazines.
Let’s have some fun … what weapon would you use to battle a giant?
My water bottle. I carry it everywhere (I call it my emotional-support water bottle) and I keep it full. It’s 24 ounces and it’s steel, so it’s heavy and hard. Since I’m short I’d hit him in the shin, then when he bends over to howl in pain, I’d smack him in the head and knock him out.
Visit Nancy Keaton at her website, NancyKeaton.com, as well as LinkedIn and Instagram.
"Anna" is a teenage girl who loves to write, read, and do just about anything artsy. She enjoys writing about nature crafts and her experiences while learning to hunt and cook wild game. Anna firmly believes that backyard chickens lay the best eggs and that spending time outside with her flock every morning will start the day off happily. She is extremely grateful to her best friend, who inspired her to really take writing seriously. You can find her lost in her latest idea or listening to her sister "Rose" read book quotes. View all posts by Anna
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