Edward Heward Bunker (December 31, 1933 – July 19, 2005) was an American author of crime fiction, a screenwriter, and an actor. Bunker wrote numerous books— some of which have been adapted into major motion pictures featuring prominent actors such as Dustin Hoffman and Jon Voight— and was a screenwriter on Straight Time (1978), Runaway Train (1985) and Animal Factory (2000). Bunker also appears on screen as an actor in a number of films, most famously as Mr. Blue in Reservoir Dogs. And like many of the writers who reach out to the PEN America Prison and Justice Writing Program, Mr. Bunker was involved with the justice system for decades before finding significant success as a writer and actor. The PEN America/Edward Bunker Prize in Fiction awards the work of a cohort of incarcerated fiction writers who show exceptional talent and merit in the genre, and honors Mr. Bunker’s work in illuminating the tenacious path from the identity of prisoner to writer. We are proud to celebrate not only Mr. Bunker’s contribution to letters and film, but also his continued influence on a new generation of writers who show deep dedication to, and passion for, the craft of writing, and a compelling creative vision. Listen to close friend of Edward Bunker, Danny Trejo, describe their long friendship and lessons in staying humble. Eddie Bunker's wife, Jennifer Steele, and son, Brendan Bunker join Eddie's agent Jeanne Field, PEN America Prison and Justice Writing Program director Caits Meissner, and Program manager Robert Pollock in discussing Eddie Bunker's legacy. This event celebrated the legacy of Eddie Bunker with a preview of award-winning works from the 2019 winners, read by bridgette bianca, Dorothy Randall Gray, Darrell Larson, Laurie O’Brien, Laurie Okin, Christopher Soto, and Carl Weintraub. Read more about the event and award at: https://pen.org/event/celebrating-edward-bunker/ Audio Credit: Intro by Mark Gallagher Music by Orquesta Arrecife