There are many great Texas authors who write fiction. Some well - known ones include Larry McMurtry. His works like 'Lonesome Dove' are set in Texas landscapes and often explore themes of the American West, with complex characters and a vivid sense of place. Another is Sandra Cisneros. Her fiction, such as 'The House on Mango Street', offers a unique perspective on Latina identity within the context of Texas and the broader American experience. Texas - based fiction can range from cowboy tales to stories of urban life, reflecting the diverse cultures and landscapes of the state.
One hidden gem in Texas authors' fiction is the work of Benjamin Alire Sáenz. His novels often touch on themes of identity, family, and the search for belonging, especially within the context of the Latino community in Texas. His writing is lyrical and engaging. Another is Américo Paredes. His works blend folklore and history, providing a unique view of the Tex - Mex border culture. These less - well - known Texas authors offer different perspectives compared to the more famous ones and are worth exploring for a deeper understanding of the state's literary landscape.
One of the well - known authors is S. C. Gwynne. His 'Empire of the Summer Moon' is a great piece of Texas historical fiction. Elmer Kelton is also popular for his works that often deal with the ranching and cowboy life in Texas history. Then there's Sandra Brown who has written some engaging historical fictions set in Texas.
Charles Portis is famous for his Texas - related crime novel 'True Grit'. Larry McMurtry, the author of 'Lonesome Dove', is also well - known in this regard as his novel contains elements of crime in the Texas frontier setting. John Connolly, who wrote 'The Killing Kind' set in Texas, is another notable author. His books are known for their dark exploration of crime and the human mind.
Ace Atkins is a great author of Texas mystery novels. His books like 'The Devil's Backbone' are set in rural Texas and are known for their dark and engaging mysteries. Sophie Littlefield is also well - known for her Texas - centered mystery novels. Her characters are often strong - willed women who get caught up in the local mysteries. And don't forget Carol O'Connell, whose 'Bone by Bone' is a gripping Texas mystery.
Debbie Macomber also has some works that could be considered Texas romance novels. She is great at creating heartwarming stories, and when she sets her stories in Texas, she brings out the unique charm of the state, with its own set of traditions and values that influence the romantic relationships in her novels.
Lorraine Heath is a well - known author of Texas romance novels. Her works often feature passionate love stories set in Texas. Another is Jodi Thomas. She has written many novels that are set in Texas and explore themes of love, family and the Texan way of life.
One of the popular authors was Zane Grey. He wrote stories set in the West, including Texas, that had elements of romance. His works often depicted the rough and tumble life of the frontier and the romances that blossomed there.
There's also William Sydney Porter, better known as O. Henry. Some of his short stories are set in Texas. He has a knack for creating interesting characters and plot twists that are often set against the backdrop of Texas cities and towns. His stories can give us a glimpse into the social and cultural fabric of Texas at the time he was writing.