Charles McColl Portis is a renowned American author, best known for his novels "Norwood" and "True Grit." Both of these works have been adapted into films, with "Norwood" being adapted in 1970 and "True Grit" in 1969, starring John Wayne, and again in 2010. Portis's unique writing style and comedic flair have earned him a reputation as one of the most inventive writers of western fiction.
Prior to his career as a novelist, Portis served in the Marine Corps during the Korean War and attended the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville. He graduated with a degree in journalism in 1958 and went on to have a successful career in journalism. Portis worked at the Arkansas Gazette and later moved to New York to work for The New York Herald Tribune. He eventually became the London bureau chief for the paper before leaving journalism in 1964 to focus on writing novels.
Portis's journalistic background is evident in his writing, as his novels often feature strong narrative structures and well-developed characters. His ability to create believable and engaging characters has made his novels enduringly popular with readers, and his unique voice and perspective have solidified his place as a beloved figure in American literature.
In addition to "Norwood" and "True Grit," Portis has written several other novels, including "Masters of Atlantis" and "Gringos." His work has been praised for its wit, humor, and intelligence, and he is widely regarded as one of the most important and influential writers of his generation. Despite his many accomplishments, Portis remains a humble and private individual, preferring to let his work speak for itself.