due in part to the limited success of his latest book outside indiana, riley was persuaded to begin working with other midwestern writers to form an association to promote their work. popular indiana writer lew wallace, author of "", was a major promoter of the effort. during 1885, more than one hundred writers joined the group. they held their first meeting in july, naming themselves the western association of writers. at the meeting maurice thompson was named president, and riley vice president. the association never succeeded in its goal of creating a powerful advertising force, but became a social club and a rival literary community to the eastern writing establishment. riley was disappointed with the shortcomings of the group but came to depend on its regular meetings as an escape from his normally hectic schedule.