50 Years of Storytelling, Literacy, and Texas Heritage

In early fall of 2024, it hit me—I’ve been writing for 50 years. Wow, time flies!

At 64, it’s incredible to think how one book could change my path entirely, or maybe, as I believe, guide me to the journey God intended—one of education and support for authors. My mother, a voracious reader, seemed to devour a book every two days, no genre off-limits. Yet, her passion for reading didn’t immediately pass to me. The one time she tried to get me into reading for pleasure (rather than school assignments) was in 1975 when she handed me a paperback of Jaws.

It took me just three days to finish it—a huge feat at the time—and the suspense of that story, combined with the characters' drive to conquer the relentless shark, sparked something in me. That’s where my passion for storytelling began. It also taught me the importance of originality in my writing.

I dabbled in short stories, but at that time, my heart was set on writing screenplays for the TV show Adam-12. Little did I know, the show had already ended, but it didn’t matter. The joy of writing storylines and drawing from real-life events gave me the foundation I would later use in my stories.

Like many parents, my mother wanted the best for me, and she advised me to put my writing dreams on hold to focus on school and getting a good-paying job. I took her advice, but the desire to write never fully left me.

In 1989, while attending a community college writing class, I was challenged to write about a personal experience. That exercise reignited my passion for writing, and my story $200 Alan was published in the college paper. From there, I wrote over 75 short stories—many tucked away, but a few found their way to publication and even earned awards. It was a joy, but as many writers know, writing alone doesn’t always pay the bills.

Then in the winter of 1997, another pivotal moment occurred. In just six weeks, I completed my first novel, God’s Army to Purge Homosexuality. While it needed some polishing, that book, and its sequel GAPH 2: The Readers, will be re-released this spring in fully revised editions.

Navigating the challenges of writing and learning the publishing world—including dealing with shady publishers—lit a fire in me to help other authors succeed. In 2011, I founded the Texas Association of Authors, which evolved into several organizations, ultimately leading to the creation of the Texas Authors Institute of History in 2015. This institute is a unique museum that not only supports current authors but also preserves 200 years of Texas literary history, inspiring future generations of writers. This is the legacy I hope will continue long after I’m gone, serving and uplifting Texas authors.

Over the years, I’ve published over 40 books, ranging from fiction thrillers to children’s books, how-to guides, and even a few late-night novels. Writing has given me the ability to transport readers, to inspire, educate, and offer them an escape from the ‘everyday.’ But nothing compares to the fulfillment I’ve found in helping authors succeed.

For the past 15 years, I’ve witnessed many authors find inspiration, renewed energy, and success on their own terms—some starting publishing companies, marketing firms, and more. Even in the face of adversity—when critics attacked my work, when I faced personal and business losses in 2022—I’ve kept moving forward, knowing I was truly helping others. That’s the lasting mark I want to leave on the author community.

You’ll always encounter critics—people who may dislike your work or claim you're not a "real" author because you self-publish or made a typo. But you can’t please everyone, and nor should you try. If you have a passion for writing and storytelling, keep at it. Even if your sales are slow or you haven’t hit your goals as quickly as you’d like, don’t give up.

Your passion is what fuels you, and each step you take, no matter how small, validates that you’re on the right path. Keep writing, keep growing. Every one of us has a story to tell—whether it’s written, sung, painted, or taught. Don’t let your light fade, even if it takes fifty years to build your legacy. Just keep at it!

Author’s Note:
In 2025, I’m teaming up with authors from across Texas for special events and programs aimed at making Texas authors a powerful force in the publishing world. I invite each of you to support the Texas Authors Institute of History by becoming a member, participating in the programs, and supporting TAIH, just as it supports you. This is a true community built on positive action and growth. You can follow TAIH through its newsletter, website (https://TexasAuthors.Institute), and on over 10 social media platforms as TAIHistory or Texas Authors. Let's continue this incredible journey together!