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Written by: Texas Authors Institute of History

Category: Uncategorised

Published: 18 December 2024

Hits: 2610

5th Lone Star Festival 2026

In 2025, our annual celebration of Texas Creatives, the Lone Star Festival, is relocating to Austin, Texas on June 5 - 7, 2026. If you're interested in being part of this event, we're now accepting $50 deposits to secure your spot for the two-day festival at a total vendor cost of $255.

NOTE: Author vendors will be included in the World Record events at NO additional cost.

This non-refundable deposit ensures you lock in this incredibly low festival fee and guarantees additional advertising starting in June 2024. Don't miss out on this opportunity to save big! Reserve your space with a deposit today, for only $50.  The balance of the vendor space will be required to be paid in full by May 1, 2026.

To reserve your space, you have two payment options below.  We do ask that you send an email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., please include the author's name, bio, pic, and a link to direct people to purchase the author's book.  Upon confirmation of receipt, of the payment and the email, we will confirm with you and add you to the website.

The above is subject to change without notice.  Deposits lock in the guaranteed vendor space fee as listed above.  Vendor fee is expected to increase over the next few months.

Make your $50 reservation deposit here: PayPal Credit Card Debit Card Extended Payments

Make Full payment here, which includes the Pay Later feature to help spread out your payments.

Musicians:

If you're interested in performing during the event, please contact us at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for details.

Payment:

To participate in the 2024 event, email your picture, short bio, and details of your book or artistic item to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..
Upon receipt, we will invoice you the $150 vendor registration fee.
Payment must be received within 24 hours of the invoice for proper inclusion in the system.

Our Commitment to Our Vendors

We are committed to promoting authors and artists on our site, providing extensive advertising for a low vendor fee. Join us for an unforgettable Lone Star Festival experience!

Rain or Shine Event:

This event will be held regardless of rain or shine.  Therefore, there are no refunds of any type.  The money received from the vendor registration is considered as a donation for the Texas Authors Institute of History, Inc., a 501.c.3 non-profit organization based in Austin, Texas.

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Written by: Texas Authors Institute of History

Category: Uncategorised

Published: 18 December 2024

Hits: 1774

Announcing the TAIH Y'all Write Program & Contest

Calling all Texas writers! The Texas Authors Institute of History (TAIH) is excited to announce a special contest designed to showcase the incredible talent of Texas authors. This March (2025), as part of the Texas Independence Day Month we are launching the first TAIH Y’all Write program and contest: to encourage Texas writers of all ages to share their stories and creativity.

Why Y’all Write?

March is an exciting time for authors around Texas to challenge themselves to write a 50,000-word novel in just 30 days. It's a month dedicated to creativity, perseverance, and storytelling. At TAIH, we believe that Texas writers have some of the most compelling stories to tell, and we want to shine a spotlight on them.

Our contest is a perfect way for writers to not only complete their novel but also to gain recognition and support from the Texas writing community. This is a fantastic opportunity to develop your writing, receive feedback, and potentially win great prizes that will help further your writing career!

Each participant will receive a FREE eBook copy of "Y’all Write: A Month of Writing Celebration and Growth!" to help you to succeed. (Scroll down to learn more about the book.)

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Written by: Texas Authors Institute of History

Category: Uncategorised

Published: 18 December 2024

Hits: 3284

Texas Authors Short Story Contest - Adults

9th Annual Short Story Contest

Presenting the 9th Annual Short Story Contest! I'm thrilled to declare the commencement of our ninth yearly Short Story Contest. The past eight years have been brimming with surprises and remarkable tales. Volumes 3, 4, and 5 were generously distributed to over 1,000 Texas Libraries for FREE as part of the DEAR Texas Literacy Program, supporting Title 1 schools and libraries. Unfortunately, due to the challenges posed by COVID-19, volumes 6 and 7 couldn't follow the regular distribution channels. However, Volume 8 is slated to reach 1,000 readers as per our usual schedule in 2024.

This exhilarating contest is open to all Texas Authors, and we're excited to extend an additional contest for Indie Authors worldwide, eager to share their short stories. Prizes of distinction await the top three winners in each genre, including printed copies of the anthology, memberships, and cash rewards.

Submissions are open from March 1st, through July 31st, with the winners set to be revealed in early September. Anticipate the release of the 9th anthology in October.

Winning brings not only recognition but also coveted prizes such as anthology copies, press releases, and extended marketing support over six months. Join the ranks of Texas Authors who have experienced a boost in readership through this esteemed short story award.

Short stories serve as powerful marketing tools, allowing published authors to share compelling backstories from their novels, ultimately promoting their literary works. Don't miss the chance to be part of this exciting literary journey!

How to Enter:

Texas authors are welcome to enter in any genre.  Entry fee is $40.00. Click here to pay entry fee.

We have kept our entry process as simple as possible.

Please email us your short story to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..  Once we receive your entry, we will then send you an invoice that you can pay with your CC/Debit card.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Click here to view the past nine anthologies our winners have been printed in.

Judging Guidelines

The following are the guidelines that the librarian judges will use to score your short story entry.

1. Plot: When evaluating the plot, we look for coherence, originality, and engagement. A well-constructed plot should have a clear and logical progression of events that is easy to follow. It should be original, presenting fresh ideas or a unique take on common themes. Additionally, the plot should be engaging, capturing the reader's interest from beginning to end and keeping them invested in the story's outcome.

2. Character Development: For character development, we assess depth, relatability, and growth. Characters should be multi-dimensional with complex personalities and motivations. They should be relatable, allowing readers to connect with their experiences and emotions. Throughout the story, characters should show growth or change, reflecting the impact of the events and their personal journeys.

3. Setting: In scoring the setting, we look for vivid description, integration, and relevance to the story. The setting should be richly described, painting a clear picture of the environment. It should be seamlessly integrated into the narrative, enhancing the overall atmosphere and supporting the plot. The setting should also be relevant, influencing the story and characters in meaningful ways.

4. Theme: The theme is evaluated based on clarity, depth, and exploration. The theme should be clearly conveyed, providing insight into the underlying message or central idea of the story. It should have depth, encouraging readers to think critically about the issues or concepts presented. Additionally, the theme should be thoroughly explored, woven throughout the narrative and reflected in the characters and plot.

5. Writing Style: For writing style, we consider clarity, grammar, and creativity. The writing should be clear and easy to understand, free of confusing language or structure. It should be grammatically correct, with proper punctuation, spelling, and syntax. Creativity is also key, with the author using language in a unique and imaginative way to enhance the storytelling.

6. Pacing: Pacing is assessed based on the flow and balance of the story. The narrative should have a smooth and consistent flow, without dragging or rushing through important scenes. It should maintain a good balance, with the right mix of action, dialogue, and description to keep the reader engaged. Proper pacing ensures that the story unfolds at a natural and enjoyable rhythm.

7. Dialogue: When evaluating dialogue, we look for realism, relevance, and contribution to character development and plot. Dialogue should sound natural and believable, reflecting how people actually speak. It should be relevant, moving the story forward or revealing important information. Dialogue should also contribute to character development, showcasing personalities, relationships, and changes.

8. Emotional Impact: Emotional impact is judged by the story's ability to evoke emotions and resonate with readers. The narrative should provoke a strong emotional response, whether it's joy, sadness, fear, or excitement. It should resonate with readers, leaving a lasting impression and connecting with them on a personal level. A powerful emotional impact can significantly enhance the reader's experience.

9. Ending: The ending is evaluated based on satisfaction, resolution, and impact. The conclusion should be satisfying, providing a sense of closure and tying up loose ends. It should offer a resolution that feels appropriate for the story and its characters. Additionally, the ending should have a lasting impact, leaving readers with something to think about or a strong emotional response. A well-crafted ending is crucial for a memorable story.

Below is the suggested concept of the scoring of points from 1 to 10

1 – this should have never been written
5 – it’s ok, but…
10 – this is fantastic

The story must meet a minimum score of 70 to be considered in the final round of judging.

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Written by: Texas Authors Institute of History

Category: Uncategorised

Published: 18 December 2024

Hits: 1467

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