Gene Hackman novel on the way

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Actor Gene Hackman will publish his first solo novel, ‘Jubal’s Bounty,’ with Pocket Books, a division of Simon and Schuster. The book is a Western set in late 19th century New Mexico, and will come to shelves in the summer of 2011.

Hackman, an Academy Award-winning actor, is the coauthor of three previous novels: ‘Wake of the Perdido Star’ (1999), ‘Justice for None’ (2004) and ‘Escape from Andersonville’ (2008). ‘Jubal’s Bounty’ will be his first solo effort.

Hackman lives in New Mexico with his wife; he turned 80 earlier this year. His most recent film was ‘Welcome to Mooseport’ in 2004.

‘I haven’t held a press conference to announce retirement, but yes, I’m not going to act any longer,’ he said in 2008. ‘I’ve been told not to say that over the last few years, in case some real wonderful part comes up, but I really don’t want to do it any longer.’

Hackman came to prominence in the late 1960s, getting his first Oscar nomination for his supporting role in ‘Bonnie and Clyde.’ He’s been nominated for the award five times, winning twice -- for 1971’s ‘The French Connection’ and for his role as Sheriff Little Bill Daggett in ‘Unforgiven,’ the 1992 Western directed by Clint Eastwood.

In 2008, Hackman explained what he likes about writing. ‘I like the loneliness of it, actually. It’s similar in some ways to acting, but it’s more private and I feel like I have more control over what I’m trying to say and do.’

He continued: ‘I write every day for at least a couple of hours. I exercise a little bit. And then it’s time for the old folks to go to bed.’

-- Carolyn Kellogg