Great Texas Line Press

05/03/2020

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10/18/2019

Texas Tailgating Treats

Authors of our latest books spread the word, masterfully, on a Dallas-Fort Worth morning TV show. Travel/food writer June Naylor Harris and her husband, artist and ex-NFL player Marshall Harris, collaborated on The Texas Tailgate Cookbook, our 38th title. They've been tailgating for years and years, and used their skill set to craft a nifty book, which has gotten rave reviews..
https://www.fox4news.com/video/616357

June Naylor Harris and her husband Marshall Harris have a new cookbook out called the Texas Tailgating Cookbook. They share the recipe for grilled spiedies and Tuscan bean salad.

09/03/2019

How to plan the perfect tailgate party

https://bit.ly/2kpTRRZ

HOUSTON CHRONICLE loves our new tailgate party cookbook for Texans -- and others.

In new book, Texas authors share their successful strategies.

08/21/2019

Fort Worth foodies and TCU football fans team up for 'Texas Tailgate Cookbook'

My wee venture's latest book.

It’s one thing to entertain at home, but hosting tailgate parties is a whole ‘nother ballgame. Just in time for football season, there’s a...

05/10/2019

The Hill Country Wine Route Is Packed With Exclusive And Family-Friendly Wine Experiences

http://www.texasstandard.org/stories/the-hill-country-wine-route-is-packed-with-exclusive-and-family-friendly-wine-experiences/

Based on ur latest book. Enjoy!

03/18/2019

This wee publishing house has released 'Top Texas Wineries,' its 36th title.

Launched in January, it sold out the first press run of 1,200 by late February and Great Texas Line Press has begun shipping a second printing of the same size to, among others, Barnes & Noble, Bob Bullock Museum, Amazon, Texas Rangers Museum and soon to all of the sprawling Buc-ee's stores in Texas, once they get it in their system.

The book was called "compact, authoritative and controversial' by Glenn Dromgoole in an Abilene Reporter-News review because author Andrew Chalk purposely passed over some very well known wineries which didn't completely measure up. Some had been using misleading labels -- Lone Star flags or Longhorns on California bulk wine they bottled. All 43 wineries he selected make great wine and are committed to using Texas grapes. Sixteen "best of the best" are profiled in depth.

Cover price for the 104-page, pocket-sized paperback is $6.99 ($6.00 on greattexasline.com). Profits, if any, benefit our recreational drinking habit. Ex-Star-Telegram food editor Amy Culbertson edited the book, Tom Johanningmeier designed the insides while graphic designer Jared Stone designed the cover.

12/01/2018

Great Texas Line Press

10/30/2018

It was clear WF Strong's talk at the Texas Book Festival had been a runaway success on Sunday when Elizabeth Jordan, CEO of Austin's super indie store, BookPeople, ran breathlessly to our booth and announced they've sold out of WF's STORIES FROM TEXAS: SOME OF THEM ARE TRUE. She grabbed another 30 (for people impatiently awaiting for WF's autograph) and ran several blocks back to the BookPeople tent, a very hands-on honcho.

The appearance inside the Capitol was standing room only from the get go. Texas Highways magazine editor Russell Roe picked WF's brain, which brimmed with folksy Lone Star lore and humor, relayed in his deep, pure-de-South Texas voice. Then Roe opened it up to audience questions. Laughter reined supreme.

10/24/2018

Access Denied

https://www.wfaa.com/video/entertainment/television/programs/good-morning-texas/stories-from-texas-author-wf-strong/287-8291630

10/24/2018

WF Strong bares Texas truths on Good Morning Texas | Great Texas Line Press

Our author shines on morning North Texas show

https://www.wfaa.com/video/entertainment/television/programs/good-morning-texas/stories-from-texas-author-wf-strong/287-8291630

09/11/2018

Writer Shares His Favorite ‘Stories From Texas’ | Houston Public Media

Great radio interview on how WF Strong created his book, 'Stories from Texas' https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/shows/houston-matters/2018/07/05/294293/writer-shares-his-favorite-stories-from-texas/

W.F. Strong talks about his new book, which covers the rich cultural heritage of the Lone Star State – from the Texas dialect to the state's larger-than-life personalities.

09/11/2018

Genesis of WF Strong's 'Stories from Texas: Some of Them Are True' | Great Texas Line Press

How the book came about

Welcome to Great Texas Line Press online storeWe are an independent Texas book publisher creating Texas travel guides, books exuding a Texas sense of humor and unique Texas and Louisiana cookbooks, all affordably price while being made in USA.

09/03/2018

Shout out from Texas taco heads

Texas listen up! Pick up a copy of the Stories from Texas book by El Señor WF Strong. I enjoyed the Texas twang, border speak and the tall tales that yes, some of them may be true. 📚📚📚

Amazon link: https://www.amazon.com/Stories-Texas-Some-Then-True/dp/1892588668

08/02/2018

'Stories from Texas: Some of Them Are True' going into 3rd big(gish) printing

WF Strong's superb storytelling is resonating around the state. Its first press run of 1,400 was all shipped to customers in less than five weeks, and now I will be Fedexing our last case of 72 to Amazon on Thursday. (The behemoth retailer had requested 168), finishing off our second press run of 1,200-copies.

Hopefully, we'll have fresh stock in three or four weeks. Planning on another 1,200 run. A record for this wee publishing venture, started (and still) in a garage.

Much of the promotional success goes to WF himself, who has regaled interviewers, from Bob Philips of Texas Country Reporter to the Houston Chronicle. The Chron ran a long feature, which was picked up by the San Antonio Express-News. He has given radio and TV interviews with stations from El Paso to the Valley.

Professor Strong will be in North Texas in late October for several events, and will be speaking and signing books Oct. 21 at Book People in Austin. He made a number of appearances in the Houston area this summer, as well as at Paragraphs, the book store on South Padre Island.

On Amazon, 'Stories from Texas' for weeks has been the No. 1 bestseller in the general Texas travel genre, although it's not a guide but rather an entertaining book that satisfies hard-core Texana buffs while explaining this unique, if paradoxical, state to folks north of the Red River.

And the media buzz continues.:

Texas Highways magazine website said: ''You might recognize W.F. Strong's booming, theatrical voice from his 'Stories from Texas' segment on the public radio show Texas Standard. And as evidenced in his new book, 'Stories from Texas: Some of Them Are True,' his signature storytelling style translates very well on paper.'

Said Glenn Dromgoole of the Abilene Reporter-News and Lone Star Literary Life blog: “Ever’ Texan oughta read this book.”

The $11.99, 144-page book looks like it has legs.

08/02/2018

Untitled Album

06/25/2018

W.F. Strong Tells Unbelievable Tales of Texas’ Past in His New Book - Texas Highways

https://bit.ly/2luBcBi

Julia Jones of Texas Highways interviews author W.F. Strong on how he put together his remarkable new book.

You might recognize W.F. Strong’s booming, theatrical voice from his Stories from Texas segment on public radio show Texas Standard. An...

06/01/2018

UTRGV Professor's Book on Texas Tales Captures Hearts Around the World

'Stories from Texas: Some of Them Are True' author makes news in the Valley. New book proves a hit on Amazon - No. 1 Texas travel book!

A local professor’s radio program on Texas history, culture and tall tales has been adapted into a book, that’s sold out twice on Amazon.

06/01/2018

UTRGV Professor's Book on Texas Tales Captures Hearts Around the World

'Stories from Texas: Some of Them Are True' author makes news in the Valley
http://www.kveo.com/news/local-news/utrgv-professors-book-on-texas-tales-captures-hearts-around-the-world/1211152631

A local professor’s radio program on Texas history, culture and tall tales has been adapted into a book, that’s sold out twice on Amazon.

05/15/2018

Radio Storyteller (Texas Country Reporter)

Our author ("Stories from Texas: Some of Them Are True") featured on Texas Country Reporter

W. F. Strong loves to take to the airwaves and tell stories about our great state - and some of them are true. William F. Strong University of Texas Rio Gran...

05/14/2018

'Stories from Texas: Some of Them Are True' by WF Strong has gotten strong pre-publication interest. Scores of online pre-orders have been received as well as advance accolades.

"Ever' Texan oughta read this book," insists Glenn Dromgoole, of the Abilene Reporter-News and the Lones Star Literary Life blog.

''Here within these pages you get a sense of the Texas that is and the Texas that once was . . . the accomplishments achieved and dreams sometimes forgotten . . . all of it woven by one of the state s premier chroniclers of Texas lore.'' says John McCaa, WFAA-TV (Dallas) Channel 8 News Anchor

''No time to travel through every town in Texas? You're in luck, ain't no better guide than W.F. Strong. His prose is as refreshing as floating down the Brazos River on a summer afternoon: clear, stirring and full of discovery. 'Stories from Texas' will make Texans gush with pride and us foreigners wish we were from the Lone Star State. 'Nuff said.'' --Lauren Silverman, former KERA (Dallas NPR) reporter; now a senior producer at Gimlet Media.

This collection of engaging Texas vignettes by Strong -- a UT-Rrio Grande Valley communications prof, indefatigable raconteur, Fulbright scholar and regular contributor to NPR's Texas Standard program -- will be officially released June 1. In time for Father's Day. (WF can arrange autographed copies; inquire within)

As with all of our titles, 'STORIES' is a collaborative effort.

Eminent Texas wildlife photographer Wyman Meinzer, provided the eye-grabbing cover photo, ex-Star-Telegram staffer Amy "The Nit Whisperer" Culbertson edited, Fort Worth historian Richard Selcer consulted and fact checked, Tom "Fingers" Johanningmeier designed the innards, and Jared "The Rock" Stone designed the cover.

The E-book version is already online (Amazon Kindle and Barnes&Noble/Nook). And WF is currently recording an audio book, delayed a bit by a head cold.

We will update y'all on brick-and-mortar availability. Pre-order now now through greattexasline.com, Amazon and (autographed copies) from WF (email us and we'll pass along the request). Enjoy, y'all!

05/14/2018

Untitled Album

04/13/2018

"Stories from Texas: Some of them Are True" will be our next book, to be released June 1.

WF Strong, Fulbright Scholar and prof at UT-Brownsville, has reworked his popular weekly segments from NPR's Texas Standard program for this most enjoyable read. We are value pricing it at $11.99 -- 144 pages, original paperback with cover photo by Texas wildlife photographer Wyman Meinser, editing by Amy Culbertson, cover design by Jared Stone, book design by Tom Johanningmeier, history consultant Richard Selcer,

Autographed copies will be available. Stay tuned.

08/16/2017

Spent a long day away from the wayward presidential news at a photo shoot for three cookbook cover photos, including for Jennifer Briggs Gerst's upcoming "Texas White Trash Cookbook." Photographer Ralph Lauer on my dining room floor shooting the cover shot for "Texas Down Home Cooking," a reissue of "Cordon Bubba Texas Cuisine," aided and abetted by cookbook editor Amy Culbertson and designer Jared Stone. Also in the pipeline is a Louisiana-wide cookbook by Jyl Benson. Hopefully all out before Christmas. (We had planned on the White Trash recipe book long before the Trump campaign widened our potential market...)

08/05/2017

REMINDER: Author/sports writer Jim Reeves will speak at Kinokuniya Book Store from 3:30 to mark Independent Book Store Dal. 100 Legacy Dr, Plano, TX 75023. Great Texas Line top hand Barry Shlachter will follow at 4 pm.

Jim is author of Dallas Cowboys: The Legends of America's Team. After selling thorough four printinga, he has released an updated second edition.

07/29/2017

Yes new brick-and-mortar book stores exist in the US. Only this one in Carrollton (and soon to be more in Texas) was opened by the Japanese chain, Kinokuniya. Next Saturday, ex-Star-Telegram Sports Columnist will release the updated, 2nd edition of his book, Dallas Cowboys: The Legends of America's Team. After his brilliant talk, I will explain how a journalist without any business experience launched a boutique press specializing in Texas books, now publishing 32 books with three, maybe four in the pipeline.

07/29/2017

Great Texas Line Press

07/29/2017

Yes new brick-and-mortar book stores exist in the US. Only this one in Carrollton (and soon to be more in Texas) was opened by the Japanese chain, Kinokuniya. Next Saturday, ex-Star-Telegram Sports Columnist will release the updated, 2nd edition of his book, Dallas Cowboys: The Legends of America's Team. After his brilliant talk, I will explain how a journalist without any business experience launched a boutique press specializing in Texas books, now publishing 32 books with three, maybe four in the pipeline.

09/15/2016

Cowboys

08/24/2016

Another craven self-promotion post: My micro publishing universe, Great Texas Line Press, has graced the world with yet another title.

"Celebration's From a Cowgirl's Kitchen: Texas Fiestas, Fandangos & Feasts," is written by ex-ESPN staffer-turned cowgirl chef Christine Gardner, and contains complete menus and decorating suggestions for throwing cowgirl-themed bashes. (Her chef-winemaker husband Simon Webster operates a Sabor a Pasion inveyard and restaurant in Palestine, E Texas.)

Again, the cookbook was a village effort. Ex-Star-Telegram Food Editor, the breathlessly talented Amy Culbertson, coordinated the project and edited; the extraordinary ex-ST photographer Ralph Lauer shot the cover (on my dining room table; styled by Christine), ST's dangerously versatile deputy sports editor Tom Johanningmeier designed the inside pages, and ex-Fort Worth designer Kari Crane created the cover from far flung Minnesota.
Just getting into the stores now, but quick-footed Paul Coombs already has them on display at his remarkable independent book shop, The Last Word, at 615 S Jennings Ave. Call (817) 862-9859. to reserve a copy before they're all gone. (Also available on Amazon, BN.com, greattexasline.com)

Same size as our other tiny cookbooks, 4.25" X 5.5" but nearly twice the pages at 144. Priced at $7.50. (That's not a misprint.) Makes a perfect house gift to complement a bottle of wine, or mail it off as a birthday gift and Xmas holiday stocking stuffer.

08/14/2016

Great Texas Line Press's cover photo

08/14/2016

Our latest Texas book is a practical self-help guide aimed at keeping your college-age kid out of the clink, all the way to graduation.

"Legal Street Smarts (Texas Edition): How to Graduate with a Clean Record, Avoid Evictions, Arrests & Worse" [Berkeley Place Books, $9.95] was written to prevent the sort of scandals that have rocked Baylor, Stanford, Vanderbilt and Tennessee.

It goes on to cover many other possible run-ins with authorities, big and small, that a Texas student might encounter. Instead of listening to the frat-house know-it-all, this book gives authoritative insights.

The author is San Marcos-based Scot Courtney, who is both a Board Certified Criminal Defense Attorney and a veteran rugby coach (Texas State). In these roles, Courtney has both represented and mentored college students, giving him a rare perspective into their lives and problems.

The book is now available at The Last Word Book Shop, 615 S Jennings Ave, Fort Worth, and is on order at campus book stores at TCU, UTA, SMU, Texas Tech, Texas State and University of Houston. It's also carried by Amazon, both paperback and Kindle versions. And can be ordered directly from us --. http://savoryhousepress.com/index.php?act=viewCat&catId=8

Berkeley Press Books, named for our south Fort Worth neighborhood, is an imprint of Great Texas Line Press. (Under the same imprint we will be issuing a Dallas Cowboys book by award-winning sports writer Jim Reeves next month.)

08/14/2016

Great Texas Line Press

03/23/2016

SAVORY HOUSE PRESS | GREAT TEXAS LINE PRESS

Who says book publishing is dead?

Despite possessing scant business skills and no experience, my wee venture is more than weathering the industry downturn and disappearance of traditional book stores.

Great Texas Line Press (www.greattexasline.com) sales climbed 20.8% in 2015, thanks to more than 250 retail outlets around Texas.

They include The Alamo, LBJ Ranch, Barnes & Noble, Bob Bullock Museum, (every single) Buc-ee’s and an illogical assortment of hardware stores, western wear shops, small town general stores, a fudge shop and a pottery store (in Marble Falls), gourmet shops, hotel gift shops, wineries, Southfork Ranch, state parks, national parks, art galleries, a river raft renter in Terlingua, and an historic spice shop.

In many stores, ours are the only books for sale.

This insane diversity allowed Great Texas Line Press to weather the contraction of retail booksellers, although we still sell to Barnes & Noble (what’s left), Hastings, Book People in Austin and The Twig Book Store in San Antonio.

That’s not to say 2015 wasn’t without challenges.

Our long time printer, Hanson Printing of Fort Worth, closed when owners Bill and Shirley Swiger retired in July. There was a learning curve with new printers. Just before the Christmas season, I had to ship back 3,000 books to one of the suppliers because each page had a mess of holes at the bottom. Other books had crucial parts of the cover trimmed off. The list of issues goes on. Hopefully, we’ve fixed the problems.

More importantly, Great Texas is leaving its comfort zone of Texas-themed cookbooks, travel guides and humor books in 2016.

Out mid-summer will be a book for Texas college kids on how to stay out of jail, written by veteran San Marcos attorney Scot Courtney, board certified in criminal justice. It will be marketed to college book stores and worried parents of incoming freshmen. Know any?

A bit later will be an insightful look at the Dallas Cowboys from creation through the topsy turvy Jerry Jones era, by longtime Star-Telegram sports columnist Jim Reeves.

Along our traditional lines will be a cowgirl cookbook by Texas food writer Christine Gardiner (by default we’ve become the biggest publisher of cookbooks in Texas, albeit very tiny ones).

Also being prepared is a book about the state’s best hikes by Allan Kimball, author of our hilarious Texas Redneck Road Trips. The lines’ Texas wineries guide is being updated, which requires considerable sober research by co-author Amy Culbertson and me.

In the meantime, we issued the line’s first e-book versions this week, The Big Bend Guide and Bicycle Texas on Kindle, Nook and Kobo. We’re not afraid of the digital world; just don’t like it.

As in the past, we continue to donate books to NPR stations in Texas and Louisiana, and just picked up a new one in Commerce.

Read on

Barry Shlachter, Top Hand