ARTS is the acronym for the Authors Round Table Society, a highly productive group of Texoma authors. Two and a half years ago, three Texoma authors, John Moody, Alan Martin, and James Peercy were searching for marketing solutions for promoting their works.

At that time, James Peercy was writing, traveling to book signings, and running his computer company, Complete Communication Solutions, in Denison. John Moody, professor at Grayson County College, was promoting several books but finding his works receiving little attention. Alan was unpublished. John thought of bringing a group of authors together to pool marketing resources, encourage each other, and provide feedback.

James knew that most marketing companies geared toward authors charge writers before they have made their first dime. He realized that few authors had time to help each other in the marketing field because time is such a precious commodity to authors. James remarked, “We created a mastermind group that is so much more than what is out there! Authors helping authors promote, create, and learn how to make a living from what they love to do!”

What Does ARTS Do?

First, ARTS authors do not sit around reading their newest creations. This group strives diligently to share knowledge of marketing ingenuity. ARTS began with eight members and now counts about twenty in attendance at their monthly meetings, plus many more writers join in on the ARTS Facebook page.

Different members present their skills as a benefit to everyone in the group. This year, ARTS members published their first anthology of short stories and launched ARTS Magazine. The Authors Round Table Society is working on producing videos of their monthly meetings for remote members now. Charter member, Alan Martin, is published. All this within one and a half years—That’s productivity!

Why ARTS Magazine is Great for Texomaland

ARTS Magazine focuses on building up and supporting all Texomland arts. The idea of a magazine came up in one of the first ARTS meetings. An editor with the skills to publish a magazine, ChandaElaine Spurlock, joined ARTS last September, and the first edition of ARTS Magazine was born this summer. It will be available this July!

ARTS Magazine publishes articles and stories about local history, writers, artists, music, and businesses that cover the arts in Texomland. A photo will be selected each month for the magazine’s cover. The public is welcome to send in submissions of stories and photos.

The group wanted to launch ARTS Magazine and an anthology, It’s Not All Rockets and Ray Guns, to raise money to support the efforts of Authors Round Table Society. So, ARTS sent out a call to its members for short story submissions with a single theme of the color red. It’s Not All Rockets and Ray Guns will be available this autumn.

From James Peercy, Charter Member Authors Round Table Society

If you write or you want to publish, this is a premier go-to writer’s group with a huge influence on Texomaland’s culture. ARTS is growing, and the group is not afraid to grow bigger electronically. I met with ChandaElaine recently and attended an ARTS meeting last summer where I met the three charter members.

Me: What were the expectations and goals at the beginning of ARTS’ inception compared to now?

James: We have stayed true to our purpose. We help authors with marketing, ideas, feedback, and encouragement. The sky is truly the limit. We are working on internet video so that our remote members can participate in the monthly meetings.

Me: Are you surprised by the membership and growth of the group?

James: It has happened fast. From one standpoint, it was surprising. From the standpoint of the need, it does not surprise me at all, LOL.

Being an author is a solo sport. These meetings help us all focus, not just on writing the story, but on the other aspects necessary to make it succeed.

Me: I know that I am impressed by the professionalism and humbleness of ARTS’ members and the group’s goals and ambitions. There is an amazing amount of “Get ‘er Done” philosophy within ARTS. Can you speak about the different levels of talent the group possesses?

James: The group covers A to Z. We have unpublished/still writing all the way to published/marketing every day. We have set no limits on age or genre and want to keep it open to anyone who wishes to learn.

Social media is a big deal in today's market. Ad campaigns, websites, and newsletters play a big part in letting our readers connect to us. Just as important is the in-person presentation to the readers. What do you say on a podcast? How should you dress? How do you let people know who you are?

We learn from each other. It is the humbleness of spirit that makes us work so well. We want everyone to succeed in their dream. It is a team effort. The moment a reader finishes one book, they are reaching for another. Giving the readers great stories and making a living at what you love to do is what it is all about.

Where Does the Pen Meet the Paper?

ARTS does not charge membership fees. The meeting is currently held at 207 West Main, Denison, Texas, starting between 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. in the office of Complete Communication Solutions on the third Wednesday of each month.

Pick Up Your Copy of ARTS Magazine @:

The Desk & Easel - Denison
Epiphysis Holistic Healing & Educational Center - Denison
Imperial Barbers Stylist - Denison
Suzie Cutes Cafe - Denison
Texoma Barbershop - Denison
Rust Or Bust Boutique - Denison
Hilton Garden Inn - Sherman
Texoma Neurology Associates - Sherman
Texoma Rehabilitation and Sports Medicine Center - Sherman
Tracks Restaurant - Sherman
Mg's Restaurant - Sherman
Resale Barn - Pottsboro
Patsy's Cafe - Pottsboro
Pottsboro Library

Kaboodles - Denison

CJ's Coffee Cafe - Denison & Sherman locations

https://issuu.com/…/docs/a.r.t.s._magazine__july__2018_issue

How To Be a Part of ARTS

For submissions of stories and photos to ARTS Magazine contact ChandaElaine Spurlock at:

[email protected]

ARTS Facebook Page:

https://www.facebook.com/Authorsroundtablesociety/

ARTS on Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/authorsroundtablesociety/

It’s Not All Rockets and Ray Guns by ARTS Members on Goodreads:

https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/39796394-it-s-not-all-rockets-and-ray-guns?ac=1&from_search=true

ARTS Website: Opening Soon on a Browser in Your Neighborhood:

http://www.authorsroundtablesociety.com/

PICTURES: ARTS Members Published Books

1. James Peercy—In His Element—Leading an ARTS Meeting

2. James Peercy—Book Cover—Technology Will Kill You

3. John Moody Book Cover—Alan Martin as Cover Photo Subject—The Mighty Hand of Doom

4. Alan Martin Book Cover—The Dream Machine

5. Terri R. Malek Book Cover—My Path to OMEGA: a story of one's infinite journey into truth

6. Rita Ownby Holcomb Book Cover—A Twist of Tobacco

7. Natalie Bauman Book Cover—Texoma Tales

8. Jaqueline E. Smith Book Cover—Cemetery Tours

9, Ellen Gardner Book Cover—Shae's Song