UA Little Rock Faculty Frank Thurmond Wins McMath Post-Publication Book Award for Debut Novel
Frank Thurmond, Instructor of English at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock, recently earned the Phillip H. McMath Post-Publication Book Award for his debut novel, Lottie Deno: A Novel of the Civil War and the American Southwest.
This honor was awarded through the ArkaText Literary Festival. The festival, now in its 10th year, is dedicated to recognizing Arkansas authors. For Thurmond, a native Arkansan, the award feels especially meaningful.
“To be recognized as an Arkansas writer and to win this award is a really special achievement for me,” Thurmond shared.
Thurmond described his literary path as deeply connected to his life in Arkansas. From growing up in rural Arkansas and attending UA Little Rock as a Donaghey Scholar, where his mother also taught, to returning home after years of study and travel abroad, his journey came full circle as he now teaches alongside the same professors who once mentored him as a student.
His novel was first selected as a finalist by students in UCA’s MFA Creative Writing program, then chosen as winner by renowned Arkansas literary figure and attorney Philip H. McMath. Along with the award, Thurmond received a trophy, a $1,500 cash prize, and an invitation to give a public reading and talk about his work and writing process.
“I had been told by friends that my name, Frank Thurmond, came up as a 19th-century outlaw, and a friend said, ‘You should write a novel about this namesake,’” Thurmond said. “I started researching that person, and the only thing he did worthwhile was having married this famous woman, Lottie Deno. I realized the real story was her story, and that led me to researching her and finding out about the incredible story of Lottie Deno.”
The result is Lottie Deno: A Novel of the Civil War and the American Southwest, a historical fiction novel that follows the life and adventures of the legendary gambler during Reconstruction-era Texas.
“It was a new experience to have an award like that,” Thurmond reflected. “It brought renewed attention to the book and inspired me to keep writing and working on new material.”
In addition to being a writer, Thurmond is also a screenwriter, filmmaker, and musician, teaching across multiple departments.
“I get to practice what I preach and preach what I practice,” Thurmond said.
His commitment to sharing his work extends beyond the classroom. Students attend his book launches, readings, and film screenings, further connecting academic study to real-world creative achievement.
“It’s wonderful to be encouraged by students who express interest in and appreciation for my work. That, in turn, inspires me to keep going,” he said.
Thurmond believes in leading by example, encouraging his students to pursue their dreams with determination.
“I always tell them to persevere and give it their best shot,” he said, emphasizing the importance of networking, seeking out opportunities, and maintaining confidence in the face of setbacks.
The award adds another milestone to Thurmond’s work as a writer and educator at UA Little Rock, where he continues to balance teaching, creative projects, and an evolving literary career rooted in Arkansas.