The Center for the Book in the State Library of Louisiana established the Louisiana Writer Award in 2000 to honor Louisiana writers and scholars whose published works represent distinguished contributions to Louisiana's literary and intellectual heritage. Elmore Leonard was honored in 2006 for his outstanding contributions to the literary heritage of Louisiana.

Elmore John Leonard, Jr. was born Oct. 11, 1925, in New Orleans. During his highly successful career, he has written numerous short stories and screenplays, and more than forty western and crime novels, including the bestsellers The Hot Kid, Mr. Paradise, Tishomingo Blues, Be Cool, Get Shorty and Rum Punch, and the critically acclaimed collection of short stories, When the Women Come Out to Dance, which was named a New York Times Notable Book in 2003.

Detailed information on Elmore Leonard is available at www.ElmoreLeonard.com.