Tony Hillerman's name became a brand before we really understood what branding was all about. It may have become THE most successful brand in all of literature, at least until Harry Potter. Among writers, editors, publicists and publishers, the Southwest U.S. has become Hillerman Country.
To a lesser extent, his protagonists--Jim Chee, Joe Leaphorn et al.--became a brand known for their humanity, compassion and flaws, albeit not being particularly emotive, as Native American's tend not to be.
Why then award the prize to an author who is wooden, swearing revenge on his the murderer of his brother (who he didn't particularly like and wasn't particularly close to)? Or have a plot set in Las Vegas and Europe, both of which might as well be outer-space colonies in contrast to Hillerman Country?
Roy Chaney's "Ragged End of Nowhere" is a decent read if you don't care about character depth. But Bodo Hagen makes Jack Reacher seem as flighty as a high school sophomore getting ready for the prom as he coolly faces down a Gordian knot of shady Las Vegas types and finally the French Foreign Legion in trying to ferret out the truth.
The Hillerman Book Prize is awarded to the best novel set in one of the eight states considered the Southwest U.S. That is the only thematic requirement. But what makes it unique is that the entries are unpublished manuscripts and self-published novels that haven't made a big splash.
The winner, decided by St. Martin's Press, is announced at the Hillerman Mystery Writer's Conference in November. He or she receives a contract to be published by St. Martin's and a $10,000 advance against royalties.
St. Martin's should be praised for this undertaking, so unusual in the current publishing climate. But wouldn't it make it much better if the story somehow reflected Tony's work a little more authentically?
To a lesser extent, his protagonists--Jim Chee, Joe Leaphorn et al.--became a brand known for their humanity, compassion and flaws, albeit not being particularly emotive, as Native American's tend not to be.
Why then award the prize to an author who is wooden, swearing revenge on his the murderer of his brother (who he didn't particularly like and wasn't particularly close to)? Or have a plot set in Las Vegas and Europe, both of which might as well be outer-space colonies in contrast to Hillerman Country?
Roy Chaney's "Ragged End of Nowhere" is a decent read if you don't care about character depth. But Bodo Hagen makes Jack Reacher seem as flighty as a high school sophomore getting ready for the prom as he coolly faces down a Gordian knot of shady Las Vegas types and finally the French Foreign Legion in trying to ferret out the truth.
The Hillerman Book Prize is awarded to the best novel set in one of the eight states considered the Southwest U.S. That is the only thematic requirement. But what makes it unique is that the entries are unpublished manuscripts and self-published novels that haven't made a big splash.
The winner, decided by St. Martin's Press, is announced at the Hillerman Mystery Writer's Conference in November. He or she receives a contract to be published by St. Martin's and a $10,000 advance against royalties.
St. Martin's should be praised for this undertaking, so unusual in the current publishing climate. But wouldn't it make it much better if the story somehow reflected Tony's work a little more authentically?
date
newest »
newest »
Ron Baird's comment seems reasonable. As a former educator, I found it tough enough getting Geography students to correctly find places on a map or globe. Somehow, I never pictured the French Foreign Legion protecting the safety of the citizens of the American Southwest. Mr. Hillerman was indeed a brand to be enjoyed and cared about. Hopefully, those who honor him will do so in the same spirit that he honored Hillerman Country.
