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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:
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Please print and complete the application shown below. Once completed, please send a scan copy via email to
Remember, it may take up to 30 days for a response.
Texas Authors Museum & Institute of History (TAMIH) Low-Income Author Program Application
Submit completed applications to
All information is strictly confidential and used solely for eligibility verification.
Applicant Information
- Full Name: _____________________________________________________________
- Pen Name (if applicable): _________________________________________________
- Mailing Address: ________________________________________________________
- City, State, ZIP Code: ____________________________________________________
- Phone Number: _________________________________________________________
- Email Address: _________________________________________________________
- Website/Social Media (if applicable):
________________________________________________________________________
Eligibility Verification
Income Verification
☐ I confirm that my total annual income is $50,000 or less.
Please attach one of the following documents as proof of income (redact sensitive information as needed):
☐ Recent tax return (first page only)
☐ Recent pay stub
☐ Income verification letter (from employer, government agency, or other relevant source)
☐ Other (please specify): ________________
Identity Verification
☐ I identify as a member of a historically marginalized racial or sexual identity group.
(You may provide a brief statement below, if desired, regarding your background and why you are applying for this program.)
Writing & Publishing Information
- Are you a Texas resident?
☐ Yes
☐ No (If no, please describe your connection to the Texas writing community):
- Have you published a book?
☐ Yes (Title(s) & Year of Publication):
☐ No, but I am currently working on one.
- Briefly describe your writing career and goals (250 words max):
Program Selection
Please select the program(s) you are applying for:
☐ TAIH Low-Income Membership (Discounted membership for Texas authors)
OR
☐ Lone Star Festival Vendor Space for Low-Income Authors (Discounted vendor space at the 2025 Lone Star Festival)
Agreement & Certification
By signing below, I certify that all information provided is accurate and truthful to the best of my knowledge. I understand that any misrepresentation may result in disqualification from the program.
I acknowledge that all information will be kept confidential and used solely for eligibility verification.
Signature:____________________________________________________________________
Date: ___________________________________________
Application review process takes up to 30 days. You will be notified via email regarding your application status.
Let's break down barriers and amplify your voice in the literary world!