From the Guadalupe Mountains of the Chihuahuan Desert to the Hill 
Country to the Red River, the vast landscape of Texas has afforded 
the cultural depth and diversity to inspire its writers. The richness of 
Texas folklore, history, and traditions has left an unmistakable mark 
on the art of the region. Both native and transplant Texas writers alike 
have been keenly shaped by the distinctive aroma of fresh corn 
tortillas, tales of Mescalero Apaches, and Tejano and ranchera music.

    W. C. Jameson has compiled an assorted collection of fourteen 
essays by some of the most prominent Texas writers through which 
he hopes to explore the following questions: "How did they 
accomplish their goals? Why did they choose the writing life? What 
influence did the history, lore, and culture of Texas play in their 
creative process?" While readily citing the "decidedly Texas flavor" 
in his own fiction, Jameson seeks to uncover the inspirations in other 
writers from both the expansive and rugged Texas terrain as well as 
the varied people therein.

    The fourteen writers who comprise Notes from Texas range from 
the captivating and often humorous essayist Larry L. King to the 
beloved historical novelist Elmer Kelton. Other contributors include 
James Ward Lee, known for his expertise in Texas cuisine and 
culture, and poet and songwriter Red Steagall. This collection 
bestows each with a "chance to express what they wished to share 
about their art and their life as a Texas writer."

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W. C. JAMESON is the award-winning author of some fifty books, 
numerous articles and essays, hundreds of songs, and dozens of 
poems. He has written and performed in a musical and penned the 
sound tracks for three films. When not writing, Jameson performs at 
folk festivals, roadhouses, dance halls, and on television. He splits his 
time between living in Woodland Park, Colorado, and Llano, Texas.