Don Wright - 1939
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Austin Peay State University, Tennessee
I. Introduction
Many talented writers call Tennessee home. Don Wright is one of them. His historical and descriptive style of writing is entertaining and educational. His novels are mostly based on actual people and historical events, which brings a new outlook at our history.
II. Biography
Wright was born in Louisville, Kentucky in 1939,but he has lived in Tennessee most of his life. Don and his wife, Patricia, live in a historical home in Sumner County called "Walnut Grove." They have a daughter, Candace, and a grandson, Jamie.
In 1962 to1964, Wright served in the army as a military policeman. He also was an engineer, "a pipe fitter" as he put it. Then he decided to write his first book, The Woodsman. His book was on the bestseller list for sixteen weeks. He wrote two more books, The Captive, and The Last Plantation before he decided to run for the Senate. In 1992 to 1996, he was Senator of the 18th District. Then he released Gone to Texas and was awarded Best Western Writer of the Year.
In 1997, he became Mayor of Gallatin and still holds that position today.
III. Literary Works
I enjoyed reading his book The Last Plantation. The realness of the characters and the graphic details of battles during the Civil War impress me. He told the South's view on the war and on slavery. He was honest and brutal about the cruel acts against innocent women and children.
The Civil War was not glorified in this book. I realized that the Civil War destroyed the South's way of life. I am looking forward to reading his other books.
IV. Influences
Wright said his mother and her reading to him and his brothers inspired him to become a writer. His senior English teacher, Helen Browse, influenced his writing the most. "She was the hardest teacher and demanded everyone's best," said Wright. He had a chance to thank her before she died.
I asked him, What did he believe is his best writing? He said, "The Woodsman is [the] best book, The Captive the most brutal, The Last Plantation the most personal, and Gone To Texas my best writing." He advised young writers, "Do not listen to anyone but yourself." When he went back to college after he wrote, The Woodsman, his English teacher had them write an essay. When she gave him his essay back she told him that he was not ready to take her class. So he got up and left. If he would have listen to her he would have never written his other three books. Wright is an ambitious gentleman.
Wright is a talented author whose use of history to build a story enlightens the reader. I recommend reading his action-filled books. Hopefully he will finish his next book soon so it can be enjoyed by all.
This essay was submitted by a student of Judith Broadbent, a teacher at Austin Peay State University in Tennessee.