Texas Writers Month highlighted
by inaugural reading program

An initiative encouraging the reading of works by Texas authors has been launched as part of Texas Writers Month.

May marks the first One Book/One Texas program, a reading initiative similar to those instituted in other cities and states across the country. The inaugural adult selection is Lonesome Dove by Larry McMurtry, and the children’s recommendation is Old Yeller by Fred Gipson.

The 2002 Texas Writers Month commemorative poster features author Liz Carpenter. Previous posters have honored Mc Murtry, Cormac McCarthy, Katherine Anne Porter, Horton Foote, Elmer Kelton, and John Graves.

Now in its ninth year, Texas Writers Month is a statewide celebration of writers, readers, and books, with thousands of Texans taking part in literary programs sponsored by schools, libraries, bookstores, community centers, and arts organizations.

Events across the state this month include:

• The Association for Women Journalists of South Texas regional conference in San Antonio, May 17-18;

• The presentation of western writer Elmer Kelton’s new book The Way of the Coyote at BookPeople in Austin, May 20

• "Liz Carpenter: This Is Your Life" -- Liz Carpenter, Texas Writers Month author for 2002, is honored in an event hosted by Kinky Friedman and featuring reminiscences by friends of Carpenter, including Molly Ivins, Tim Henderson, Elizabeth Crook, Cactus Pryor, and others. Barnes & Noble Westlake, Austin, May 23.

• Texas Monthly Bookclub, hosted by Mike Shea, featuring special guest Jan Reid with his memoir The Bullet Meant For Me. BookPeople, Austin, May 29.

A full calendar of events is available at www.texaswritersmonth.info and www.texasmonthly.com.

Sponsors for Texas Writers Month 2002 include BookPeople, Texas Monthly, the Lydon Baines Johnson Library and Museum, Texas Writers Project, Inc., Marc English Design, Stora Enso, Williamson Printing Corporation, and Barnes & Noble.