The annual prize is presented by the Dallas Institute of Humanities and Culture to a writer-scholar in the humanities who has demonstrated great promise — and is intended to encourage and assist them for their future accomplishment. A cash award of $50,000 provides the encouragement.

Today in the roundup: A local bestselling author talks tricks of the trade, honoring Horton Foote and broadening your theater background.

Where are stories born and how does a novelist create characters and experiences that ring true with reality? Bestselling author John Irving discussed those topics and more during his appearance on Think on Monday. If you missed the program, you can listen to it here.

Today in the roundup: Troubles in the Arts District, big ups for Bach and nailing the college audition.

Today in the roundup: Alternative arts spaces, leading local arts funding and visualizing heat.

The same week that saw Dallas city manager Mary Suhm propose a 17 percent reduction in arts support for the next fiscal year now hears from the other side of the Metroplex.

Today in the roundup: Philip Johnson’s Dallas sketches, mocking Broadway and counting all the books in the world.

The WashPost talks with Kennedy Center head Michael Kaiser after he traveled to all 50 states to give advice to artists and troubled arts institutions. Last November, he spoke and answered questions at the Latino Cultural Center. Like Kaiser himself, the report is sobering and clear-eyed — but also encouraging.

The best-looking bookstore in North Texas will be ceasing operations Aug. 14.

Today in the roundup: What drives a writer, thumbs up and down at Theatre Arlington and big ups for a small Texas town.