Archives for April 2016

Once upon a time, in a land far, far away known as “Texas” there was a gathering of word-wizards and prose-warriors known for their fearlessness, generosity, and clever minds. They were the Smarter Artists and this is the story of their Summit meeting. Everything about this magical event might have been lost if not for the reluctant hero of this story, the protagonist with a heart of gold and access to Google Maps. Might have is a key phrase here, because it is suspected that other writers in attendance have also chronicled the daring adventures of both the hosts and the attendees. To ascertain the veracity of this hypothesis, quest for the Self Publishing Podcast, the Creative Penn, and Garrett Robinson. You might even search for #TheLegendOfBenHale on Instagram.Ben Hale, you see, is an author who writes in the YA Fantasy Genre (The Chronicles of Lumineia), thirteen books at the time of this writing and more on the way. “Ben is the most excellent of people,” one attendee reported. Later, as the event neared it’s dramatic conclusion, Ben Hale was called upon to name one-hundred-and-fifty attendees that he had just met, including the sound engineer and photographer. The price of failure would have been dire humiliation, or at least some awkward teasing — since the Smarter Artists were all great friends by this point.“It was amazing,” an attendee said. “It shows that Mr. Hale really pays attention to the people he meets. He is of excellent character.”From the first moments of the Smarter Artist Summit, it was evident that this was no ordinary writing conference. First of all, there was a magical creature known as Amy who rallied all the forces of good. It is roundly believed that Johnny B. Truant, Sean Platt, and David Wright owed her many thanks and encouraged all of the Smarter Artists to thank her by clapping and otherwise expressing appreciation.This occurred frequently. Sean would identify something awesome and say, “Big hand for Amy!” And there was much rejoicing.The protagonist of this story, who will remained unnamed due to his inability to remember every master and student, felt the two day event was magical beyond rational description and secretly wished he was Ben Hale, so that he might know all the Smarter Artists. Do to the benevolence of the universe, he learned a great deal about building a quality writing career and met the coolest people ever. Many of whom pledge to stay in touch with the Book of Faces.What might have happened if the Smarter Artist Summit never happened? The world would be a less interesting place. Many writers would have missed finding “there people.” Stories that are destined to entertain and inform thousands of people would remain in the dark.The Presenters included:Andre Chaperon (Internet Business Guru)Nick Stephenson (Best Selling Author and Internet Marketing Smart Guy)James Tonn (Podium Publishing)Mark Lefebvre (Kobo Writing Life)Joanna Penn (Best Selling Author)Julia Kent (Best Selling Author)J. A. Huss (Best Selling Author)Damon Courtney (Book Funnel App)Dan Wood (Draft 2 Digital)Ben HaleJohnny B. Truant (Best Selling Author)Sean Platt (Best Selling Author)David Wright (Best Selling Author)Amy Teegan (The Amy Teegan)Jim Kukral (Best Selling Author and Business Guru) Bryan Cohen (Author of Ted Saves the World)In time, all of the attendees and presenters will find their names in the story of the Smarter Artists. And that will be the best adventure ever.