Barbara Brannon,
Managing Editor

For some time in the late 1990s, and stretching into the twenty-first century, May was declared to be Texas Writers Month. Just who declared it wasn't always clear. Some years it was the Texas legislature. Some years it was Austin screenwriter Cary Roberts, and later his nonprofit, the Texas Writers Project. Some years booksellers and libraries voluntarily banded together to peg their promotions on it as a joint theme. Official writers were named some years. Broadsides and posters were produced. Blogs were crafted.

As Texas book-scene expert Clay Smith put it back in 1999, writing for the Austin Chronicle, “Texas Writers Month, which is May, is a bit like Black History Month; there's never really been one particular office people can call to plan events or to gather information about the occasion.”

However it was positioned, the “occasion” was a noble endeavor. Honoring Texas writers old and new, aspiring and professional, in all genres. was a way to draw attention to the literary talent residing in every corner of the state. It was a hook to draw more readers to books they might like, given the chance to discover a geographical or cultural kinship. Or to convert fans of Texas into fans of good literature.

Hmmm, that's a lot like our mission here at Lone Star Literary Life.

Let's do it again. Let's revive Texas Writers Month — and even if we don't all join forces to put on a big show or campaign, let's give a boost, and a big thanks, to all the Texas writers we know. it be so.

Hosting a Texas writer for an event this month? Feel free to download our badge for your promotional use, and send event details to info@LoneStarLiterary.com.

Pun-slingers ready for action in Austin May 9

The 38th Annual O. Henry Pun-Off World Championships will be held Sat., May 9, in Austin’s Brush Square, behind the O. Henry and Susanna Dickinson Museums at 409 E. 5th Street. More than 100 punsters applied for entrance to this year’s event; only 32 of them have qualified to compete in events, including Punniest of Show. >> READ MORE

Romantic Times coming to Dallas May 11-17

The RT (formerly Romantic Times) Booklovers Convention will be held Saturday, May 11-17, 2015, at the Hyatt Regency, Reunion Tower in Dallas. Events include agent and editor meetings with aspiring author attendees. RT Booklovers Convention is produced annually by RT Book Reviews. >> READ MORE

Sachse Author Con set for May 19

The Friends of the Sachse Public Library will host their first Author Con Tuesday, May 19, from 6 to 8 p.m. Sachse is six miles northeast of Garland, Texas.

A celebration of local authors showcasing works from children’s picture books to young adult, inspirational nonfiction, and thriller fiction novels, this event will provide attendees a chance to talk with authors, socialize with friends, and discover the services the library has to offer.

Award-winning writer and photographer Reavis Z. Wortham of Garland is the creator of the Red River Series, including Burrows and The Rock Hole.>> READ MORE

Writing Poetry: Passion, Process, and Publication slated for May 21 at BookPeople

Join the staff of BookPeople Thurs., May 21, 2015, for a discussion about the craft and business of poetry, featuring four award-winning poets from varied backgrounds and literary traditions to give the panel a broad vantage point. Panelists are Cristin O'Keefe Aptowicz, Derrick Brown, Carrie Fountain, and Sasha West. >> READ MORE

Deep Vellum’s TEXAS: THE GREAT THEFT, publisher Evans, garner recognition

Dallas’s Deep Vellum Publishing’s growing enterprise broadens the dimension of Texas publishing, with their editions’ distinctive covers and impressive list. The publishing house, which was founded with the goal of fostering cultural exchange via literature in translation, shared several kudos recently via social media. >> READ MORE

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