“How I Became Larry McMurtry's Literary Torchbearer"

George Getschow, editor of Pastures of the Empty Page: Fellow Writers on the Life and Legacy of Larry McMurtry and writer-in-residence and director of the Mayborn Literary Nonfiction Conference, will explore the late author Larry McMurtry’s legacy at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, October 2 at the Allen Heritage Village, 450 E. St. Mary Drive.

When asked why he champions McMurtry, Getschow explained, “Larry was our muse, guiding us, encouraging us, teaching us why literature mattered. He kept his four bookstores in Archer City open all night long so we could "hang out" with the 700,000 authors he had herded into four bookstores he created in Archer City. He urged us to immerse ourselves in the work of these authors, to model our writing after their best writing, and to make reading and storytelling our highest ambition.”

Using scenes of rural Texas as locations for many of his works, Larry McMurtry demonstrated a keen ability to transcend the limitations that typically confront regional writers. This skill enabled him to garner national attention and respect. The movie HUD, a recipient of three Oscars, was based on his first book Horseman Passed By. By age 27, McMurtry was recognized as a major literary figure. Through his works, McMurtry explored the complexities of relationships that can include comedy, unexpected betrayal, coming of age, loss and death.

Films based on McMurtry’s novels include:

· Released in 1963, HUD won three Oscars- best actress in a leading role, best actor in a leading role and Best Cinematography, Black and White. This film catapulted Larry McMurtry to the national stage.

· In 1971, The Last Picture Show, was a box office smash and received two Oscars.

· In 1983, Terms of Endearment won five Oscars.

· In 1986, Lonesome Dove won the 1986 Pulitzer Prize for Fiction, and in 1989, the television mini-series won 7 Primetime Emmys.

Sponsored by the Allen Public Library, the program is free. Call 214-509-4911 for additional information.

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