Welcome to Luminance, the podcast that shines a light on the remarkable journeys of authors and innovators. In today's session from The 2024 Authorship Summit, we are excited to feature the prolific and visionary Alan Bourgeois.

Alan Bourgeois began his writing career at the tender age of 12, crafting screenplays for the TV show Adam-12. Although he never submitted them, this early experience ignited his lifelong passion for writing. Following the conventional advice of his generation, Alan pursued higher education to secure a stable job. It wasn't until 1989, after taking a writing class at a community college, that he published his first short story. Since then, he has written over 48 short stories and more than 10 books, including the award-winning spiritual thriller *Extinguishing the Light*.

A true champion for authors, Alan founded the Texas Authors Association in 2011, dedicated to helping Texas authors market and sell their books more effectively. His efforts led to the creation of the Texas Authors Institute of History, Inc., and the pioneering online museum, the Texas Authors Institute. Alan's innovative spirit also drove him to establish several short story contests, fundraising programs for Texas students, and the Lone Star Festival, which consolidates small-town book festivals to celebrate Texas authors, musicians, artists, and filmmakers.

In 2016, Alan founded the Authors Marketing Event and introduced a Certification program in 2017, offering attendees formal accreditation for their dedication to mastering book marketing. His recent endeavors focus on helping authors become successful Authorpreneurs through the Authors School of Business, providing programs designed to advance their careers. Additionally, Alan is exploring the potential of NFTs for authors, aiming to expand their income channels.

Join us as we delve into Alan Bourgeois' inspiring journey, his contributions to the literary community, and his innovative strategies for author success. Discover more about Alan's work and initiatives on this special episode of Luminance.