Review: 'Living and Writing in West Texas: Two Speeches by Elmer Kelton'

The renowned author Elmer Kelton, born on August 22, 1926, has made a lasting impact on the Western literary landscape, a century after his birth. Though he passed away in 2009, his legacy continues to resonate, leading many to crown him as perhaps the greatest Western writer of all time. Over his prolific career, Kelton published forty-eight novels, fourteen non-fiction books, and six short-story collections. He was not just a writer but a storyteller who lived and breathed the spirit of the Wild West.

His editorial prowess shone through fifteen years as the farm-and-ranch editor for the San Angelo Standard-Times, then five years at Sheep and Goat Raiser Magazine, and an additional twenty-two years steering Livestock Weekly. Kelton won eight Spur Awards from the Western Writers of America, three Western Heritage Awards, and an Owen Wister Award for lifetime achievement. In April 1997, the Texas State Legislature even declared an Elmer Kelton Day.

To commemorate what would have been Kelton's 100th birthday, TCU Press has released a new hardcover edition of Living and Writing in West Texas: Two Speeches by Elmer Kelton. This collection is remarkable in its brevity, listed on Amazon ^[*] at just 37 pages, but don’t dismiss it as lightweight. Beyond its foreword and afterward, this book presents the heart and soul of Elmer through two stirring speeches delivered at the Friends of the Library Symposium and the Texas Folklore Society, both in Lubbock, Texas, during the mid-80s.

Now, I read an uncorrected proof, so I can't speak to the final page count, but what I encountered was a charming glimpse into the mind of a man who sat at the crossroads of history and fiction. Yes, it’s a niche book, but for fans of Kelton, Western fiction aficionados, or anyone enchanted by Texas lore, this is a treasure trove. You’ll find yourself entranced by Kelton’s own words, infused with the authenticity of his experiences and outlook. It’s akin to having a quiet conversation with the man himself as he shares stories from his youth, his love of reading, storytelling, and most interestingly, his creative so-called thievery.

“I will say that fiction writers are professional thieves,” Kelton muses, offering a wry perspective on how life and the people he encountered fed into his creative wellspring. In true storytelling fashion, he artfully describes borrowing, not stealing, fragments of inspiration from the world around him, painting a luminous picture of the writer’s craft. He reflects on the origins of some of his most popular stories, including The Time It Never Rained, The Good Old Boys, Stand Proud, and The Day the Cowboys Quit.

Despite its brevity, Living and Writing in West Texas is an engaging, thought-provoking read that hums with Kelton’s unmistakable rhythm. It’s not just a collection of speeches; it’s an invitation to step into the mind of a man who understood the magic of storytelling, the gravity of place, and the enduring spirit of the West. I heartily recommend it to all Elmer Kelton fans and anyone who has ever felt the pull of the open range. This book reminds us that the best stories are often rooted in the very essence of life. ╌★★★★★

Please consider supporting future reviews on this blog by purchasing Living and Writing in West Texas in hardcover ^[*].

〜B.J. Burgess

Disclosure: I received a free review copy from the publisher. This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. [*]