Mark Winegardner, who was hand-picked to write two sequels to Mario Puzo’s The Godfather and has published a number of other novels and short stories, will give a reading of new short fiction on Feb. 23 at The University of Texas at Dallas.

The reading will be followed by a question-and-answer session on topics including fiction, writing, video games, graphic novels, digital arts and media, the future of publishing and, of course, The Godfather.  The event is scheduled for 8 p.m. in Jonsson Performance Hall.

“Mark is a good fit for us here at UT Dallas because of his wide-ranging talents and success in crossing various genre and technological barriers,” said Matt Bondurant, assistant professor of creative writing at the University.

Winegardner’s The Godfather Returns and The Godfather’s Revenge were published in 2004 and 2006 respectively.  He had already been the author of the novels Crooked River Burning and Veracruz Blues. He has also published a short story collection, That’s True of Everybody, as well as several nonfiction books and articles and essays in magazines such as Details, GQ and Sports Illustrated

He has just finished a graphic novel for DC Comics imprint Vertigo called Bastard Child Kelly.  He co-wrote the script for the The Godfather video game (Electronic Arts).  Winegardner is currently the Burroway Chair of English & Distinguished Research Professor at Florida State University.

“There aren’t many other people in this country that have written highly respected literary novels, short stories, articles and essays in popular magazines, as well as a major studio video game, a graphic novel, and two books in a trilogy of New York Times bestsellers that sold millions of copies around the world,”  Bondurant said.

“He was the driving force behind the ascendency of Florida State University to its current position as the best creative writing PhD program in the country. Despite all his accomplishments, Mark may be even more respected as a university administrator, fundraiser, department chair and teacher of writing.” 

Winegardner’s reading is free and open to the public. Books will be on hand for purchase and signing. For more information, visit the School of Arts and Humanities’ events listings.