Author James Magnuson, who served as director of the Michener Center for Writers for more than 20 years, died January 18, the Austin American-Statesman reported. He was 84. Magnuson wrote nine novels, as well as works for movies, TV, and the stage.
He began his writing career after college as a playwright in New York City, directing street theater in Harlem and writing for small troupes until he was brought on to write and direct new plays at Princeton University.
Magnuson published his first novel, Without Barbarians, when he was 32. His other works include Orphan Train, Open Season, The Rundown, Ghost Dancing, Money Mountain, Windfall, and Famous Writers I Have Known.
In 1985, he took a teaching job in the English department at the University of Texas, then spent time in California before returning to Texas, where he was founding director of the Texas Center for Writers. The Center had been started by author James Michener and his wife, with an $18 million gift, and was renamed the Michener Center after his death in 1997. "Besides attracting top creative writers, the UT center stands out as the only such writing school to offer full and equal funding for all writers in the three-year Master of Fine Arts program," the American-Statesman noted.
"Jim Magnuson's presence in my life was so pervasive, and his loss so enormous, that I'm finding it hard to settle on something specific to say about him. He was just... atmospheric," said novelist and colleague Stephen Harrigan. "His own novels were remarkable, but his greatest legacy might end up having to do as much with the words he spoke as those he wrote--the words of inspiration, kindness and insight that he jovially bestowed upon his students at the Michener Center for Writers and upon fortunate friends like me. "
Harrigan added that Magnuson "was the most convivial person I ever knew. He defied every stereotype of the hard-drinking, self-destructive, self-promoting novelist. He was centered and sober and true.... Many years ago, when the institution was only a year or so old, I once asked James Michener himself what he thought of the man who had been chosen to be its first director. 'Jim Magnuson,' Michener told me, 'is as honest as a glass of buttermilk.' "
"My job is a terrific one," Magnuson once said. "I spend my days supporting and encouraging young writers."
Playwright and teacher Steven Dietz said that Magnuson "had the rare ability to serve as your mentor while situating himself in your life as your friend. Jim held a special place in his heart for playwrights, since he had started his career as one. His stories about creating and producing plays in Harlem in the 1960s were vivid and unforgettable. Better yet, they were delivered with a wink from Jim's eye and the cackle of his great laugh. An exceptional and inventive novelist, Jim was also a stunningly modest one: He seemed to champion every writer but himself."