Author Bio
Larry Paul Meese
Larry Paul Meese is an artist, writer, and amateur archaeologist. He is inspired by the history of the Old West and relishes museums, historical documents, and searching for and studying old relics. He once scavenged through an 1860s, dilapidated stagecoach waystation and put his hands on an authentic, weathered document from the era. He derives great pleasure in learning about obscure moments in history that often find their way into his books.
The old west values of integrity, honesty, and toughness in character have shaped Larry’s life in countless ways. His love of the cowboy life began at the age of four, when his father took him to a large cattle ranch in Texas. While there, Larry learned to ride horses and, even at that young age, came to respect the cowboys for their sense of dignity in the work they did. As a youth, Larry bought his first horse at 16 and participated in a few rodeos, which led to several sore backs and a few valuable life lessons. As he grew older, he began to think about his future. He dreamed of becoming an archaeologist and a cowboy. Since that time, the Western lifestyle has always best suited him.
Larry’s artistic career includes working as a commercial artist for a large giftware manufacturer, where his designs were sold worldwide. In more recent years, he began creating western leather art through his company, American Rider Custom Tack. Over the last few years, he has donated custom rifle scabbards to the ‘Former Texas Rangers Foundation,’ Fredericksburg, Texas. Larry completed two custom-made, inlaid rifle scabbards for a Limited-Edition Series of two new, custom-made Winchester rifles, Serial Numbers 1 and 2, Model 1895 Series 30-06s. The 1895s and Larry’s scabbards were auctioned together and were the top auction items for the Foundation. Larry is a member of the Former Texas Rangers Foundation, ranked as a “Captain.” The foundation is instrumental in Larry’s commitment to authenticity.
Larry’s writing influences include his friend Wyatt Earp, a writer, playwright, and the great-grandnephew of the legend. Through this friendship, Wyatt has shared his wealth of historical knowledge of Tombstone and the Old West, including accurate facts about those who lived it. It was Wyatt who challenged Larry to write his western novel series.
Larry’s cousin, Trent Mattoon, and his wife, Angela, provided him with real cowboy experiences, as they themselves lived the Old West lifestyle every day as South Dakota ranchers. If Larry wanted to see a real cowboy and cowgirl, he didn’t have to look any further than Trent and Angie. Texas Ranger Cal Johnston, the primary character in Larry’s book series, was modeled after Trent, as was Katherine, the female character modeled after Angie.
Larry has experienced the dangers and hardships of ranching, as well as its beauty and glory, through his friendship with South Dakota cattle rancher, Travis Beis. Many story ideas were born while herding and branding with Travis on his stunning South Dakota ranch. Photos of the bluff looking down onto the ranch valley, dubbed the “Custer’s String of Pearls Valley”, are featured on his website.
Larry previously published several leatherworking books including “Quality Leather Coasters”, a step-by-step guide on methods, techniques, and processes for professional results. Currently, Larry is developing his western novels, along with two non-fiction books with his friend Wyatt Earp, and a living relative of George Armstrong Custer.
Larry lives in a small Texas ranch town with Merry, the love of his life. They enjoy traveling, spending time with their children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and riding horses.
Larry is a member of the Western Writers of America, the Former Texas Rangers Foundation, and the Denton Texas Writers Group.
Larry is represented by Blue Cottage Agency.
