McCoy nabs another honor

Author Max McCoy has been notified by State Librarian Christie P. Brandau that his novel “Hellfire Canyon” has been named a 2008 Kansas Notable Book.

Formerly of Pittsburg, he is now on the faculty at Emporia State University.

The Kansas Notable Books list was created to recognize the literary richness of the state. It is a project of the Kansas Center for the Book at the State Library of Kansas.

Each year 15 books reflecting Kansas cultural heritage are selected for the list. They must be either written by a Kansas resident or about a Kansas-related topic. A committee considered eligible books published in 2007, and presented a recommended list to the state librarian for final selection.

As a Notable Book author, McCoy will be invited to a reception this summer at the State Library to receive his award from Gov. Kathleen Sebelius. He and the other authors will also be  honored at a reception Sept. 26 in Lawrence.

“Hellfire Canyon” was also named Best Paperback Original by the Western Writers of America. McCoy will receive that award, called a Spur, June 14 at the WWA Convention at Scottsdale, Ariz.