“Write what you like; there is no other
rule.” – O. Henry
Known as O. Henry, William Henry Porter was one of America’s greatest short story
writers. O. Henry’s works have not only become
classics but have set a standard for generations of writers who have followed
in his stead. Today, the O. Henry Award is a
prestigious annual prize given to outstanding short stories.
Born
in North Carolina on Sept. 11, 1862, he grew up in Texas and was on
the road to success in a number of fields – trained in banking and pharmacy
while building a reputation as a writer for newspapers and magazines – when he
got into trouble for alleged embezzlement.
While
the charges were never proven, he was arrested and in a panic,
jumped bail and fled the country, living for a time in South America where he began
writing short stories and coined the term “Banana Republic.” Drawn back to America when his wife
developed a fatal illness, he was arrested and sentenced to 5 years in
prison. While there he wrote many
successful stories, published under various names to hide his identity. One of those pen names was O. Henry.
Released
early for good behavior, he began the most prolific part of his career,
publishing dozens of best-selling stories and story collections and becoming
one of America’s most well-known and beloved writers. Among the most famous and enduring are The Gift of the Magi; The Last Leaf; The
Ransom of Red Chief (where a kidnap victim is so horrible that the kidnappers
end up paying his family to take him back); Caballero’s
Way (introducing the world to The Cisco Kid); and Cabbages and Kings (where “Banana Republic” was introduced).
He
died young (from liver disease) and said he loved every minute of his life and
work. “When one loves one's art no service
seems too hard,” he remarked. 
“The true adventurer goes forth aimless and
uncalculating to meet and greet unknown fate.”
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