I'm so excited to introduce a great new author and good friend, Mark K. McClain! I've had the priviledge to read this book before it was born and hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Mark K. McClain grew
up in southern Pennsylvania and as a teenager wrote short stories for pleasure
and relaxation. During this time his personal style began to grow, thanks in
large part to authors such as Tolkien, Eddings, Asimov, Christie, King, and
others too numerous to mention. He reads nearly every genre, though Fantasy and
Sci-Fi hold a special place in his heart.
At the tender age
of 18, Mark joined the United States Air Force, and after blinking a few times,
21 years had passed. After a lifestyle of traveling the globe, he retired to
pursue a lifelong dream.
That is when his attention
turned to writing, editing, helping others find a love of the written word, and
to chase their own dreams. As a former columnist/staff writer for the Idaho
Statesman, Mark has penned more than forty outdoor-related articles. He
has also published several full-length pieces for magazines,
including local history articles and parenting columns.
Mark’s world-building
skills comes from extensive travels. He has had the pleasure of visiting Japan,
Okinawa, Korea, Germany, Greece, Turkey, and many others. He also participated
in Desert Shield / Desert Storm. He has hiked, backpacked, camped, kayaked, and
visited many beautiful states, including South Dakota, Idaho, Pennsylvania,
Oregon, Colorado, Florida, Louisiana, and more. His firsthand knowledge of
other cultures and states provides fuel for burgeoning ideas of world
building.
Mark rarely goes
anywhere in nature without a dog by his side. There’s simply something special
about spending time together with a pawed buddy.
Presently, he lives in the beautiful state of Idaho with his family and a few furry companions who without doubt, rule the kingdom.
How many hours a day do you write?
I generally write 2 hours a day, first thing in the morning.
I’m an early riser and find when the house is quiet and still my creativity
flows best.
What is your favorite childhood book?
Without any doubt, The Hobbit.
What inspired you to write this book?
I take my inspiration from many authors who are no longer
with us. Tolkien, Eddings, etc.
Five years from now, where do you see yourself
as a writer?
I see several craft related / informational short books and
several more novels, both YA and Adult fantasy genres.
How many unpublished and half-finished books do you have?
(Laughing) More than I care to admit. In the vicinity of
15-20.
Was there a person who encouraged you to write?
Living person: My partner, Rochelle, is very encouraging and
supportive. I couldn’t ask for a better cheerleader.
Deceased: Tolkien has been my influence for over 50 years.
No comments:
Post a Comment