Steve Frazee's early life was profoundly influenced by his native Colorado, where he spent his formative years immersed in the harsh yet majestic landscape of heavy construction and mining. This rugged environment, characterized by its unforgiving terrain and demanding physical labor, played a pivotal role in shaping his worldview and would later serve as a rich source of inspiration for the stories he would go on to tell.
One of the most notable literary achievements of his illustrious career was the critically acclaimed short story "My Brother Down There", which garnered top honors at the prestigious annual story contest hosted by the esteemed Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, a competition renowned for its rigorous standards and exacting judges.
This remarkable literary accomplishment was further solidified when the same short story was selected for inclusion in Martha Foley's esteemed annual anthology "Best American Short Stories of the Year", a distinction that is particularly rare and notable for a genre story, as it is a testament to the story's exceptional quality and enduring appeal.
Meet Frank Frazee, a celebrated and accomplished writer of western fiction, whose remarkable literary legacy has made a lasting impact on the world of letters. With a vast and impressive body of work to his credit, he has established himself as a respected and revered figure in the literary community, and has been honored with the distinguished position of president of the Western Writers of America, a testament to his unwavering dedication and unimpeachable expertise in the field of western fiction.
Frazee's remarkable career has been marked by a plethora of prestigious recognitions, with the Western Heritage Award standing out as a testament to his extraordinary achievements in the realm of western literature. This highly respected honor serves as a fitting tribute to his unparalleled contributions to the genre, cementing his status as a trailblazer in the world of western storytelling.
In 1961, Frazee's outstanding work was further recognized by the Cowboy Hall of Fame, a distinguished institution that has long been revered for its commitment to preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage of the American West. This induction into the Hall of Fame serves as a powerful endorsement of Frazee's enduring influence on the western genre, as well as his unwavering dedication to the art of storytelling.
Noted for his remarkable literary output in the western fiction genre, Frazee has also established himself as a masterful storyteller capable of captivating the attention of a diverse audience, including children and parents, with his enchanting narratives. His books have successfully transcended age boundaries, earning him a reputation as a cherished and respected author among both the young and the young at heart.
Bill Pronzini, a renowned writer and critic, has publicly extolled the exceptional literary abilities of Frazee, emphasizing his remarkable aptitude for weaving enthralling stories that captivate and engage readers. Pronzini's praise specifically focuses on Frazee's extraordinary talent for creating rich, evocative descriptions of sweeping landscapes and the majestic power of nature, which effortlessly transport readers to a world of breathtaking beauty and majesty.
Pronzini has offered high praise for Frazee's remarkable talent in crafting richly detailed characters, remarking on his extraordinary capacity to bring to life fully formed, utterly convincing individuals that seem to burst forth from the page.
Pronzini has publicly recognized Frazee's exceptional skill in weaving intricate, suspenseful storylines that captivate readers, holding them in a state of heightened tension and anticipation as they devour the pages, their palms growing increasingly damp and sweaty with excitement and trepidation, their minds racing to uncover the secrets and surprises that lie just ahead.
