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.

Welcome to Luminance, the podcast that highlights the journeys of extraordinary authors and leaders. Today, we are honored to present a special session from The 2024 Authorship Summit featuring the inspiring Lila Holley.

Lila Holley is a multi-award-winning, bestselling author, Army Veteran, and the visionary founder of Camouflaged Sisters. With a deep commitment to helping fellow Service Members navigate the challenging transition from military life, Lila uses her books and real-life experiences to empower others to own their stories and heal through the power of storytelling.

The Camouflaged Sisters anthology series, a testament to Lila's dedication, consists of eight published books that share the inspirational stories of 143 courageous military women. These anthologies cover a wide range of topics, including leadership, mentorship, sisterhood, career challenges, and combat experiences. They also bravely address difficult subjects like surviving military sexual assault, toxic leadership, PTSD, and domestic violence while serving. The goal is for other women to read these stories and know they are not alone in their struggles, finding solace and strength in shared experiences.

Lila believes in the unparalleled power of firsthand storytelling, asserting that there is no one better to tell these stories than the women who lived them. This approach to writing is not only therapeutic for the authors but also profoundly healing for the readers.

Join us as we delve into Lila Holley's incredible journey, explore the impactful stories of the Camouflaged Sisters, and uncover the healing power of storytelling. Discover more about Lila's work at camouflagedsisters.org. Get ready to be inspired by the resilience and bravery of these remarkable women on this special episode of Luminance.

Welcome to Luminance, the podcast that shines a light on the journeys of trailblazing entrepreneurs and creatives. In today's session from The 2024 Authorship Summit, we are thrilled to feature the remarkable Myra Wallace-Walker.

A Southern California native, Myra Wallace-Walker stands at the forefront of the fashion and beauty industry, carving a unique path as an award-winning designer and published author. Her extensive experience spans fashion and apparel design, runway production, and business management, earning her widespread recognition and acclaim.

Myra's latest venture, Valor & Virtue Productions, is renowned for producing the popular "Fashion At The Fountain" runway show. Additionally, she serves as the President of the Midwest Chapter of the Black Design Collective, further solidifying her influence in the fashion world. Her career is marked by numerous awards, reflecting her savvy business acumen and comprehensive fashion expertise.

Spiritually grounded and driven by a passion for blending the business of fashion with the art of entrepreneurship, Myra epitomizes the term "fashionpreneur." Her motto, "Trust God, Believe in Yourself, Dare to Dream BIG," encapsulates her approach to life and business.

Join us as we delve into Myra's inspiring journey, exploring her innovative contributions to the fashion industry and her visionary leadership. Discover the secrets behind her success and be inspired by her incredible story on this special episode of Luminance.