Q1. Hello, can you please introduce yourself? Readers would love to know more about you.
A1. Hello one and all! As a teenager I wrote short stories for pleasure and relaxation. My passion for stories has never faded.
As a former columnist/staff writer for a local newspaper I have penned more than forty outdoor-related articles. I have also published several full-length pieces for magazines, including local history articles, parenting column,s and articles in both China and Uganda.
Fantasy, Sci-Fi, and Horror hold special places in my heart. Currently, I have two published YA Fantasy novels (Books 1 & 2 of the series: The Ruinous Curse) with the third and final installment being written now. In addition, I have one short story horror collection. (Passages of Peculiarity.)
Also, I advocate for animals rights and love the outdoors, especially the mountains.
Q2. What were the key challenges you faced while writing your book “Passages of Peculiarity”?
A2. Honestly, the creative process for PoP was thrilling. It was my first venture into short stories and my maiden voyage into horror, as well. My key challenge was forcing my mindset into a ‘short story’ mode. Along the way, I discovered I love that style of writing more than I would have believed. I am proud of my end result.
Q3. What books or authors have most influenced your own writing?
A3. My writing style developed due to authors such as J.R.R. Tolkien, David Eddings, Isaac Asimov, Agatha Christie, Stephen King, and others too numerous to mention.
Q4. What’s your favourite spot to visit in your own country? And what makes it so special to you?
A4. I love the mountains. I do not have a particular spot as I have traveled quite a bit and it would be quite difficult to pick just one. I feel at home around wildlife, trees, and the tranquility certain spots can bring. With that said, I do gravitate toward the ancient forests of Washington state.
Q5. What inspired you to write the book ‘Passages of Peculiarity’?
A5. I often tell my clients, especially if they are stuck writing their current genre, to ‘step outside of what you know and try a completely different project.’ (As I did by delving into horror) This can guide you into a wonderfully creative adventure and lead you down paths you never realized where inside you.
Stepping outside my comfort zone gave me inspiration for PoP. (I actually took my own advice!)
Q6. How long did it take you to write your book ‘Passages of Peculiarity’?
A6. Surprisingly, the stories flowed one after another. There are 11 stories within PoP. I kept it short on purpose to gauge reader reception to the collection. However, PoP 2 will contain 15 or more stories. (I have already completed four of those.)
As a proud side note, some of my stories from PoP were accepted for publication by several different presses. I am thrilled to see my work in upcoming anthologies.
Q7. On what platforms can readers buy your books?
A7. All my works can be found on Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Nook, Apple Books, and more. I also have an LIB (Link in Bio) on my social media sites like LinkedIn and FB. Simply click on that and you will have a direct link to Amazon if that is your preference.)
Q8. Tell us about the process of coming up with the book cover and the title ‘Passages of Peculiarity’?
A8. I LOVE my cover. (I know I am admittedly biased) Jess LaGreca, who is a fabulous designer, came up with the final version after we discussed what ‘feel’ I wanted. (I wanted a Gothic, creepy feel.) I am so pleased with the results.
As for the title, PoP was to be unique. It took me quite some time to find the right wording that fit my stories. Keep in mind, this collection is not themed. Meaning they are not simply a collection of slasher stories or the like. These stories range from modern day to gothic era. Some characters even have a Sherlock Holmes mentality and personality, while conversely, there are a pair of murderous teenagers, or a young grave robbing trio.
My characters are what I love most. Even though these are short stories (aka Shorts, as I call them) you can relate to them in one aspect or another.
Q9. When writing a book how do you keep things fresh, for both your readers and also yourself?
A9. I gravitate toward fantasy and horror because nothing is out of bounds, so to speak. Take Stephen King for example. He has written about possessed cars, an alien clown, and more. Very original and well done.
Fantasy and Sci-Fi wise, you have otherworldly creatures and races, talking dragons, light sabers, and so on. These imaginative genres feels like playgrounds for your mind. Nothing is really out of bounds and that is thrilling. (Tolkien is my fantasy ‘hero’ by the way.)
Q10. What is the most valuable piece of advice you’ve been given about writing?
A10. The best, and truest, advice would be: Your first book will not be perfect. It may be close, but as your experience grows, you will look back on it and understand just how far you have come and see the flaws in it.
Salman Rushdie say he took his first novels and shoved them in a drawer years ago. He never published them. Now, when he looks at them, he is very thankful he did not. I believe that is a natural progression for writers.
I tell that story to my clients, especially those seeking instant fame or fortune with their first novel. Writing is a very humbling, and often frustrating, experience. Which is why I formed my own editing /writing coach business. It is my way of being here for any authors who need a guiding hand. Simply put, I adore the written word and helping writers come into their own is what I love to do.
Buy Passages of Peculiarity by Mark on Amazon
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