Post Oaks and Sand Roughs (early draft)

Introduction

“Post Oaks and Sand Roughs” is an early draft of a semi-autobiographical adventure novel by Robert E. Howard. The story fictionalizes elements of Howard’s life through the lens of the protagonist, Stephen Costigan. Set in the early 20th century, the novel explores the personal and professional challenges faced by an aspiring writer in a small Texas town. The finished story was first published in 1989 in France by NéO (Nouvelles Editions Oswald) under the title of “Le Rebelle”.

See also “Post Oaks & Sand Roughs” for more information and a detailed comparison between the finished story and the draft.

The story is a fictional account of Robert E. Howard’s life. The viewpoint character is named Stephen Costigan but is probably not intended to be the same as Sailor Steve Costigan from Howard’s boxing stories. 

Summary

The story opens with Stephen Costigan arriving in the fictional town of Cross Plains, reflecting Howard’s own move to this area. Costigan, like Howard, is an aspiring writer of pulp fiction, drawing heavily from his personal experiences and the vibrant characters around him.

As Costigan settles into small-town life, he becomes entangled with various local figures who inspire the characters in his stories. These include brawlers, drifters, and dreamers who embody the rugged spirit of Texas. Much of the narrative delves into Costigan’s struggles to balance his writing career with the demands of daily life, including financial instability and his relationships with friends and family.

The narrative arc follows Costigan’s journey through personal growth and professional challenges. He grapples with the isolation of a writer’s life, the thrill of initial publication success, and the subsequent pressures to meet the expectations of his readers and publishers. His interactions with other residents of Cross Plains—some supportive, others antagonistic—help shape his worldview and literary output.

The draft concludes with Costigan contemplating a move from Cross Plains, driven by a desire for new experiences and the need to escape the confines of small-town life that, while nurturing his early career, now feels stifling.

Characters

  • Stephen Costigan: The protagonist, a semi-autobiographical representation of Robert E. Howard, struggling to make a living as a pulp fiction writer.
  • Vincent: A close friend of Costigan, often serving as his confidant and sounding board for his frustrations and aspirations.
  • Elaine: A romantic interest of Costigan, representing a source of inspiration and complication in his life.
  • Mr. Howard: Modeled after Howard’s own father, a stern yet supportive figure who influences Costigan’s perspective on duty and resilience.

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