Joyce Gibson Roach, a fifth generation Texan, is the author of non-fiction books, short fiction, juvenile fiction, editor of anthologies, contributor to both fiction and non-fiction anthologies, collections and essays; a folklorist, historian, rancher and naturalist. She is a Fellow and lifetime member of Texas State Historical Society and of Texas Folklore Society, an elected member of Texas Institute of Letters and Philosophical Society of Texas; past president and lifetime member of National Horned Lizard Conservation Society and founder of Center for Western Cross Timbers Studies that uses Crosswinds Ranch as headquarters. She is an honoree in the National Cowgirl Hall of Fame and Museum.