The world of fiction is highly competitive. More than a thousand new titles are introduced daily. How does an author break through to successful publication? How are passion and creativity transcended but the cold hard reality of business? 

Join us for a very educational and inspirational fireside chat with Mark Greathouse. We're going to learn about "Art is a business. Business is an Art" as Mark shares lessons learned going from business and investing to writing, becoming a published author, and how that brought him back to his entrepreneurial roots. 

Mark shares his journey from the corporate world, entrepreneur, advisor to early stage company founders and management teams, Managing Director of Mid-Atlantic Angel Investors,  and Adjunct Professor to chucking it all to follow his true passions of history, writing, and poetry. He realized that writing and being an author is as much about the art as well as business. He further realized that he had to return to his entrepreneurial roots and learn how to be an entrepreneur in the business of art and writing.   

Mark’s writings are deeply rooted in his South Texas ancestry beginning with the Mexican-American War.  While Mark was Managing Director of Mid-Atlantic Angels, he began researching his history and roots and realized that he had material for a novel series.  Mark has long been a poet, historical researcher, and writer.  He decided to write The Tumbleweed Sagas, a western historical novel series based upon his extensive research.  The first of the novels is titled Nueces Justice. His book was released this summer by Defiance Press to great acclaim and is available on Amazon and other popular online booksellers in hardcover, audio, and eBook.  

As Mark was nearing the end of his first draft of Nueces Justice and early discussions with potential editors and publishers, he realized that, as with previous entrepreneurial ventures, he had to develop a business plan, raise money, negotiate and close a contract, and then implement his plan inclusive of the tasks and responsibilities associated with any startup venture.

Mark notes that like any business the “4Ps” (product, price, place, & promotion) are essential to successful publishing. He found that passion, vision, and dedication to the mission are critically important.”