A chronicle of Houston's long and surprising history of brewing, from the city's founding to the modern craft-beer movement.

Houston Beer: A Heady History of Brewing in the Bayou City

Ronnie Crocker is a veteran newspaper editor and writer. Most recently, he was executive editor of the Beaumont Enterprise, following a long career as an editor with its sister paper the Houston Chronicle. He is available for freelance opportunities.

Crocker-Journalism

Ronnie Crocker's fiction is rooted in the oral storytelling tradition of his native Texas, with lively dialogue and sharp details that engage readers regardless of whether they've ever set foot in the state. His work has been cited for its "strong sense of voice, of guilt and retribution, the framework of us vs. them, of inherited burdens." Crocker honed his observational skills over a long career as an award-winning newspaper reporter and editor, and more recently as a freelance writer on topics from hemp farming to windmill building. He is also the author of the popular "Houston Beer: A Heady History of Brewing in the Bayou City," published by The History Press. He lives in Houston with his wife, Patricia Shepherd, and their freakishly athletic blue heeler, Josie.

Crocker-Creative writing

This essay condemning the flubbed hiring of a new journalism department head at Texas A&M appeared in the Houston Chronicle's Sunday opinion section. The university president resigned in the wake of negative press coverage.

A&M's treatment of McElroy violates Aggie values

A first-hand report on what the transition to renewable energy looks like in rural Central Texas.

Central Texas landowners pick up wind turbine deals as politicians rail against renewable energy

Profile of Stephanie Stuckey, who has revived the fortunes of the once-ubiquitous family rest stop founded by her grandfather.

Stuckey's, a Texas road-trip icon turned 'ghost store,' sees revival under founder's granddaughter

Feature on an enduring love story involving Methodist ministers in East Texas appeared on the front page.

Ronnie Crocker

Books

Selected work