Here's what I'd like to ask the publisher: How were you able to talk
Elmer Kelton into writing about himself? This very modest author of more
than 50 novels, including his landmark work, The Time It Never Rained,
has penned an excellent memoir subtitled "The Winding Trail of a Texas
Writer." That trail takes him from ranch (where he learned he was a much
better reader than a roper) to the University of Texas, and into Austria
as a combat infantryman in World War II. There he meets Anni Lipp, and
eventually brings her to West Texas. He works in agricultural and
ranching journalism by day. By night, he writes stories and novels of
Texas of the Old West, basing fiction on well-researched fact. He also
explores subjects, such as African-American cowboys and buffalo soldiers
(Wagon Tongue and The Wolf and the Buffalo), long before other writers
looked their way. The San Angelo author follows his own life with a bit
of an "aw-shucks" flavor. It's a worthy read, however, about this good
and gracious man, this graceful stylist.
ANNOUNCING LOST PINES TEXAS WRITERS' WEEKEND Come join us
October 26-28 at Hyatt Regency Lost Pines Resort and Spa near Bastrop
for the first Lost Pines Texas Writers' Weekend, brought to you by the
resort, Southern Living, and Books-A-Million. You'll get to schmooze
with authors at meals and an autograph party, and hear their
presentations on writing. It's all set in the Lost Pines region of
Central Texas on 700 acres of diverse Texas terrain and adjacent to a
1,100-acre nature park. Cost is $399 per person, based on double
occupancy. For reservations call 888-233-1234, or visit
www.lostpines.hyatt.com.
