July temperatures in Texas are in the high-90’s
with “feel-like” temps in the triple digits. Which is great news because – it means autumn’s
on the way!
So, for the next few months, here are some literary events
in the state to look forward to. But first, a couple of contest updates.
First: The Writer’s League of Texas reminds me their manuscript contest is still open. But only until July 10. Which
I’m guessing means the League really, really wants to see our work. I even dug
out an older manuscript, brushed it off and sent it in, with the promise of
whether their editors loved it or hated the tar out of it, I’ll get feedback in
September.
A couple of things in this contest were new to me, although
possibly not to more recent participants. Usually, the entry form requests the
first 10 pages of manuscript plus a synopsis. This time, the limit is 2,750
words INCLUDING synopsis. My advice – keep the synopsis as short as possible,
using the format from my February 22, 2025, post “Writing a synopsis – the short road to a long tale.”
Check the WLT’s site for full details.
Second: Since I posted about the Laree Bryant
Memorial Scholarship Contest sponsored by Dallas Mystery Writers the group
has updated some of its requirements.
Previously, the contest was advertised as open to all
fiction genres. DMW has now added “except erotica” to that list. Also clarified is that entrants may not be
traditionally or self-published in any form of fiction for the past year. That’s
after September 5, 2025, for this year’s contest ending September 5, 2026. Previous winners must wait three years to
re-enter.
Unlike the WLT’s contest, there’s no entry fee for this one, and the winner receives a paid in full registration for the October 2026 Dallas-Fort Worth Writers Conference . Again, see my post, “Sunny days of writing & reading – plus a new writing contest,” for details.
 |
| image from Pixabay |
Now, to upcoming events:
Sept. 11-13: ArmadilloCon 2026, the sci-fi/fantasy/horror convention has a new
hotel – Holiday Inn Austin Midtown, 6000 Middle Fiskville Rd. Other than that,
it’s the same fan-run, fan-generated convention that’s been putting the “weird”
in Austin since 1979.
Besides chances to hear and see favorite genre writers and artists,
it includes a writers workshop on the 11th.
Early bird adult memberships are $80 or add the writing
workshop for a total of $179, including Friday lunch and membership in the rest
of the convention. See the site for registration and special rates for student
and child memberships.
Hotel reservations at convention rates are also available,
but this is the weekend for the Texas v. Ohio State football game, so the hotel
expects to sell out quickly.
Sept. 23-27: Archer City Traditional Workshop, sponsored by the Larry McMurty Literary Center . is open to writers of nearly every genre --
fiction, nonfiction narratives, memoir, history, features (even poetry and songwriting!) at all levels of experience. At the Spur Hotel, 110 North Center
Street, in Archer City, with opportunities to visit McMurtry’s former “Booked
Up” bookstore and the home of the Larry McMurtry Literary Center. See the site for detailed information, itinerary and registration.
Cost: $795 by Sept. 1, $895 thereafter, $100 non-refundable
deposit required upon first registration. Fee includes lodging and even meals
Wednesday through Saturday.
For hotel questions or questions about Archer City, contact
Kathy Floyd at kfloyd@lmcmurtrylitcenter.org.
Sept. 30 – Oct. 4: The Larry McMurtry Literary Center also sponsors the workshop, Writing Dynamic Memoir:
From Lived Experience to Gripping Story, with
instructors Ronin Plank and Glenn Stout. Also at the Spur Hotel in Archer City.
Ronit Plank is a writer, teacher and editor whose work has
appeared in The Atlantic, The New York Times and numerous other venues. Glenn
Stout is the author, editor or ghostwriter of more than 100 books for both adult
and juvenile audiences.
Cost: $1,395 by Sept. 1, $1,495 thereafter, with $100 non-refundable
deposit. Fee includes lodging and evening meals Wednesday through Sunday. See
the site (www.lmcmurtrylitcenter.org) to
register.
For hotel questions or questions about Archer City, contact
Kathy Floyd at kfloyd@lmcmurtrylitcenter.org.
Oct. 3-4: DFW Writers Conference returns to the Hurst Convention Center, 1601 Campus Dr., Hurst, TX. Lots of programming and a ticket buys one chance to pitch to the agent or editor of your choice (while time permits).
Regular registration through September 20, $449. Regular one-day registration through Sept. 20, $250. Late registration Sept. 21-Oct. 1, $499 (two-day) and $299 (one-day). See the site for registration and additional information. Or add on the pre-con Pitch Perfect Workshop, Oct.2 for $20.
Hotel reservations at the adjoining Hilton Garden Inn are also available at convention rates while space is available.
Oct. 16-18: Hay Festival Forum Dallas 2026 presents writers, musicians and activists in conversations, performances and
book clubs across the Bishop Arts District in Dallas.
Limited information so far, but Hay Festival Forum Dallas
will highlight over 25 artist and 30 events. Now in its eighth year, this will
be the largest and most inclusive Forum yet, offering big stage conversations,
workshops and book clubs in venues across the city, including The Texas
Theatre, Dallas Public Library, Whose Books, Oak Cliff Assembly, and The Wild
Detectives bookstore.
The bilingual program promises a world of different
perspectives, celebrating the range of backgrounds, languages, and experiences
represented by its guests, while bridging the border with local writing stars
and headline names from further afield.
Nov. 14-15: The Texas Book Festival returns for venues at the state capitol and around Austin! Stay tuned to the site for more details.
