For Immediate Release

Contact:
David Duhr
Fiction Editor, Texas Observer
Duhr@TexasObserver.org
617.899.1706

Larry McMurtry to Judge Texas Observer Short Story Prize

(Austin, TX) – The Texas Observer has always loved a good story, but the ones they’ve published over the last half-century—mostly hard-hitting investigative pieces—have been depressingly true. The venerable publication is looking to change that by launching its first annual short story contest, to be judged by Larry McMurtry (Lonesome Dove, Terms of Endearment, The Last Picture Show).

The winner will receive $1,000 and publication in the Observer’s 2011 Summer Books Issue.

No genre, theme, or residential restrictions. Deadline is May 1, 2011. Entry fee is $25. For details, guidelines, or to submit a story, visit https://www.texasobserver.org/2011-short-story-contest.

The Texas Observer is a nonprofit news organization that specializes in investigative, political and social-justice reporting from the strangest state in the Union. It reports on issues ignored in the mainstream press, covering stories crucial to the public interest and provoking dialogue that promotes democratic participation and open government in pursuit of a vision of Texas where education, justice and material progress are available to all.

The Observer‘s truth-telling has led both state and national media—including The New York Times, The Washington Post, Harper’s, 60 Minutes, 20/20, Frontline, Mother Jones, The Nation, TIME magazine, National Public Radio and ABC News—to important stories about injustice and corruption in Texas.

The award-winning magazine is published fortnightly, and its website features daily content.

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