To celebrate Texas Writers Month, this week we are spotlighting Texas native, medical media expert, mother, award-winning author and board-certified family physician, Dr. Jill Grimes.

Texas Writers Month began in 1994 as an effort to get Texas bookstores and media outlets to feature their local authors more prominently and a way for the community at large to celebrate the craft of writing and the work that goes into publishing books. 

This year, the statewide celebration is being brought to you by the Author to Influencer Accelerator, a DIY book publicity membership community. Texas Writer’s Month is being celebrated a little differently this year due to COVID-19, but it is no less important.

That’s why this week’s spotlight falls on Dr. Jill Grimes, the author of “The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook,” who believes that passion is prevention. After two decades of private practice, Dr. Grimes now enjoys seeing patients at the University of Texas in Austin. 

Dr. Grimes is a Texas Aggie (class of ’87) who earned her medical degree at Baylor College of Medicine and now works on the Longhorn Forty Acres! Being a Texas author is a special privilege because she is thrilled to be giving back a little something to the state that has given her so much.

 Her favorite Texas bookstore is Austin’s BookPeople. “Their author events are fantastic. From internationally famous authors like Jeff Abbott and Rick Riordan (both Texans, by the way), to local authors with unique perspectives, BookPeople consistently offers fresh new stories and storytellers. Additionally, their friendly staff seems to know every book in the store, and their recommendations are always spot on.”

A few of Grimes’ favorite things about Texas, when we’re not under stay-at-home orders? (Cue “Sound of Music.”) Raindrops on (Tyler) roses, and packed football stadiums; tacos for breakfast and brisket for dinner; Friday night lights with a fabulous band; these are the things that make Texas so grand!

Growing up in San Antonio, her heart swells with any mention of the beautiful River Walk. She adores the twinkling lights reflecting on the river, the boisterous mariachi bands, the fabulous smell of fresh tortillas and churros, and the happy chatter and waves from dinner boat guests.

 In Austin, where she currently lives, Grimes’ favorite place will always be the Ann and Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail at Lady Bird Lake. She’s not sure if the humans or the dogs enjoy it more! 

Dr. Grimes’ latest book, “The Ultimate College Student Health Handbook: Your Guide for Everything from Hangovers to Homesickness,” is a head-to-toe health guide for college students, addressing what they REALLY need to know. The book offers practical advice on everything from hangovers to homesickness to heartburn and headaches. The goal? To help college students learn how to manage their own physical and mental health. 

Inspired to read more? Then check out these other Texas authors with newly released books: 

Judy Gaman –  Love, Life, and Lucille 

Chrysta Castaneda –  The Last Trial of T. Boone Pickens

Douglas A. Burton –  Far Away Bird

Ruby Walker –  Advice I Ignored

Douglas Ferguson – Beyond the Prototype

John Fitch – Time Off

Now, join Marika Flatt from PR by the Book in celebrating May: Texas Writers Month.

Cover photo courtesy San Antonio Book Festival

Lili Cardiff is an Assistant Publicist at PR by the Book and an honors graduate from Texas A&M University with a bachelor’s degree in Agricultural Communications and Journalism.