John Durand, author of The Taos Massacres, will address the annual awards banquet of the Walworth County Arts Council in mid-June. 
   Durand will discuss approaches to the historical novel and his own approach to The Taos Massacres. The title of his talk is "Four Fingers and a Thumb: Perspectives of a Historical Novel."
   Durand was also asked to present the money prizes to high school students who are winners of the council's annual writing competition. Students could submit either an essay or a piece of short fiction. A graduating senior will receive a $500 scholarship for continuing study in the arts. Three other students will receive prizes of $300, $200, and $100.
   Durand spoke to the Taos County Historical Society in Taos, New Mexico last February.