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The Texas Authors Museum & Institute of History is proud to present the Lone Star Author Advocate Award to B. Alan Bourgeois, whose visionary leadership and unwavering dedication have transformed the literary landscape of Texas. As the founder of the Texas Authors Institute of History, the first museum dedicated to preserving and celebrating the legacy of Texas authors, Alan has created a lasting tribute to over 200 years of literary contributions. His efforts have ensured that the stories of Texas authors are honored and accessible to future generations.
Beyond his work with the museum, Alan has been a relentless advocate for independent authors. He established the Texas Authors Association to help writers better market and sell their books, and he created the Lone Star Festival, uniting authors, musicians, artists, and filmmakers in a celebration of Texas creativity. Through initiatives like the Authors Marketing Event and the Authors School of Business, Alan has provided invaluable resources and support to help authors navigate the ever-evolving publishing world. His passion for storytelling and commitment to empowering others embody the spirit of the Lone Star Author Advocate Award.
Learn more about Alan here: BourgeoisMedia.com
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2025 Rising Lone Star Author
Theo Boyd was born and raised on a farm in the small town of Whitney, Texas. Her unique name is derived from her grandmothers—Thelma and Elizabeth. In middle school, her classmates nicknamed her Theo. It stuck!
Theo grew up writing poems with her daddy, learned faith through hardship from her momma, and finished college late in life to become a high school English and Creative Writing teacher. She was awarded Rookie Teacher of the Year her first year in the classroom while continuing to write as a guest columnist for several local newspapers.
In 2019 a sudden and traumatic loss set the scene for her debut memoir, My Grief Is Not Like Yours. It was also the catalyst for her podcast, Think Theo, where she discusses complicated grief and the many layers of loss.
When she’s not writing, Theo can be found with her dog Manly by her side, walking the fields on the farm, planning her next podcast with a glass of wine, or enjoying an evening out with close friends. She and Manly currently live on the lake in her hometown of Whitney.
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Voices of America: 250 Years of Storytelling
A National Short Story Contest Celebrating America’s Semiquincentennial
Submission Period:
September 1, 2025 – February 15, 2026
Anthology Release:
May 2026, in time for the July 4th celebrations
Contest Theme:
“What America Means to Me”
In honor of the United States’ 250th anniversary, we invite writers to explore the multifaceted American experience. Whether through historical reflection, contemporary narratives, or futuristic visions, share your unique perspective on what America represents.
Submission Guidelines:
- Word Count: 1,000 to 5,000 words
- Genres Accepted:
- Historical Fiction
- Speculative Fiction (Sci-Fi, Fantasy, Alternate History)
- Cultural Heritage & Identity
- Future Visions
- Voices from the Margins
- Reimagined Founding Myths
- The American Dream—Then and Now
- Resilience & Resistance
- Heartland & Hometown
- Coming of Age in America
- Eligibility: Open to U.S. citizens and residents aged 16 and older
- Format:
- Times New Roman, 12pt, double-spaced
- Submit as .doc, .docx, or .pdf
- Include a cover page with your name, contact information, and story title
- Entry Fee: $25 per submission
- Submission Portal: email to
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Prizes & Publication:
- Top 25 stories will be featured in the “Voices of America” 250th Anniversary Anthology
- Top 3 winners will receive:
- 1st Place: $100
- 2nd Place: $75
- 3rd Place: $50
- Spotlight interviews and promotional features
- Complimentary copies of the anthology
- All selected authors will benefit from:
- National exposure through our July 4th celebration campaign
- Opportunities to participate in virtual readings and events
Important Dates:
- Contest Opens: September 1, 2025
- Submission Deadline: February 15, 2026
- Winners Announced: April 2026
- Anthology Release: May 2026
Join the Celebration:
Be part of a historic literary tribute as we commemorate 250 years of American stories. Share your voice, reflect on the past, and envision the future.
For more information and to submit your story, visit:
Email story to:
Celebrate America's rich tapestry through storytelling. Your narrative could shape the next chapter of our nation's history.
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Below are the author spotlight articles for each author that has taken advantage of this great marketing tool. Click on each one to discover a great new author:
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Exciting News for Texas Writers!
Texas Authors Magazine is proud to announce a brand-new feature debuting in our July 2025 issue—a dedicated Author Spotlight designed to showcase the incredible literary talent of Texas writers. This exclusive feature is part of our Level 4 Membership Program, offering authors a unique opportunity to share their stories, books, and creative journeys with a wider audience.
Shining a Light on Texas Literary Voices
At Texas Authors Magazine, we believe every writer has a compelling story to tell—not just in their books but in their personal journey as an author. This new feature will offer in-depth, engaging articles based on a detailed questionnaire, allowing readers to dive into the inspiration, challenges, and triumphs of Texas-based authors.
Each Author Spotlight will highlight:
- The writer’s background and their connection to Texas
- Their latest book—what inspired it and why readers should pick it up
- The Texas influence in their storytelling
- Publishing insights—whether traditional, indie, or hybrid
- Marketing experiences and advice for fellow authors
- Personal touches—favorite Texas reads, places, and inspirations
Exclusive to Level 4 Members
This premium feature is available exclusively to Level 4 members of the Texas Authors Membership Program. As a Level 4 member, authors will receive a full-length feature article crafted from their interview responses, offering them a polished promotional tool to boost their visibility. This article will be published both in print and online, maximizing exposure within the Texas literary community and beyond.
Why This Matters for Texas Authors
In a competitive book market, visibility is key. Our Author Spotlight goes beyond traditional author bios—it brings personal narratives to life, connecting readers with the heart and soul behind the books they love. By featuring authors in an engaging, story-driven format, we’re helping Texas writers gain credibility, attract new readers, and expand their reach.
Be Part of the First Round of Spotlights!
The first round of Author Spotlights will appear in the July 2025 issue, and spots are limited! If you’re a Level 4 member and want to be considered, be sure to complete the official questionnaire to share your story with us.
Not a Level 4 member yet? Now is the perfect time to upgrade and take advantage of this powerful promotional opportunity.
For more details on the questionnaire and membership options, visit [Insert Website Link].
Join us in celebrating Texas authors and their incredible stories—one spotlight at a time!
Texas Authors Magazine – Where Texas Writers Shine
Here are two recent Author Spotlights:
