Craig Rainey

Craig Rainey (b. 1962) is an American film actor, author, screenwriter, and musician with deep Texas roots dating back to the original impresario settlers under Stephen F. Austin. Born in San Angelo, Texas, and currently residing in Austin, Rainey’s diverse life experiences—from serving as a military veteran to working as a professional cowboy in South Texas—have profoundly shaped his storytelling. Inspired by his remarkable life experiences, Rainey brings a rich blend of grit and authenticity to his writing.

His fiction works include the gripping Western Massacre at Agua Caliente and the popular Carson Brand series, which features titles like Stolen Valor and Dark Motive. As a screenwriter, Rainey has garnered multiple accolades, including Best Screenplay (2023, 2024), Best Narrative Period Piece, Most Likely to be Produced as a Movie, and numerous Official Selections. His breakout success came with his award-winning script for Massacre at Agua Caliente, which earned him the title of Best Breakout Writer.