About This Episode:Alex Simmons is an award-winning freelance writer of, comic books and screenplays; as well as a playwright, teaching artist, and educational consultant. He’s written for Disney Books, Penguin Press, Simon and Schuster, DC Comics, and Archie Comics. Simmons is the creator of the acclaimed adventure comic book series, Blackjack. He has also helped develop concepts and scripts for an animation studio in England. As a teaching artist Simmons has developed and taught creative arts workshops for students and educators in the US, Holland, Russia, the West Indies, Africa, Serbia and India. Simmons has served on panels, and delivered lectures on children’s entertainment mediums, as well as empowering young people through the arts. His clients range from Random House to the New York Film Academy. Simmons founded the annual family event, Kids Comic Con, as well as three comic arts exhibits, which have traveled abroad. He is currently developing a global interactive comics and creative arts program for young people. For over 35 years, Simmons has participated with various arts and education organization such as the New York State Alliance for Arts Education, the Department for Cultural Affairs, and the Museum for Comics & Cartoon Art. He has been a panelist at many literacy and arts events, and he has been a guest speaker at numerous colleges and educational institutions here and abroad. Recently he received the Comic Con International “Inkpot Award,” as we as being voted onto the Board of Advisors for the Africa Cartooning Centre in Nigeria. Find out more about Alex at: Simmons Here and Now Blackjack Adventures Kids Comic Con See the Show Notes:jeremyryanslate.com/760 Sponsors:Gusto: This episode is sponsored by Gusto. Run your payroll the easy way, the same way we do at Command Your Brand. You'll get a. $100 Amazon Gift Card just for running your first payroll! http://www.jeremyryanslate.com/gusto Audible: Get a free 30 day free trial and 1 free audiobook from thousands of available books. Right now I'm reading "Near Dark,"by Brad Thor http://www.jeremyryanslate.com/book