Our Story
In 2015, a group of West Texas writers came together to foster literacy and to give voice to West Texas writers, and foster a writing community in the Permian Basin. We support writers of all skill levels and development. We encourage the craft of writing, and help market the works our authors produce. From Lubbock to Marfa at the edge of the Big Bend, from the border at El Paso to the red clay of Abilene, Bookies are writing in every genre. Some have literary agents and publishing contracts, while others are just getting started. We are open to writers at all levels of development.
The Permian Basin Bookies incorporated under the Texas Nonprofit Corporation Act, with a 501 C(3) IRS nonprofit classification.
Today, as a committed group, the Bookies’ activities are many and varied. We actively support functions in the arts community, notably the Arts Council of Midland. We sponsored the publishing of West Texas Lore and Legend, an anthology of ghost stories, tall tales, fiction and nonfiction for the whole family. All profits from the sale of the anthology goes to the Recording Library of West Texas, where volunteers read for the blind and disabled.
The Bookies also host an annual Permian Basin Writers Workshop. Held on campus at Midland College, the event brings to the Basin dozens of writing and editing professionals for intense but casual craft development and marketing tips. Visit the website for more information.
Distances are vast here in West Texas, so we make it easy. Bookies meet once a month and keep in touch with those not able to attend via newsletter and email. This is an electric group of writers in every genre who support each other. Bienvenidos. Pros and newbies, young and old, all writers are welcome!
2023 Board Of Directors
President – Crystal Sosa
Treasurer – Brance Davis
Secretary – Roger Manning
At large – Larissa Gardner