Wednesday, September 6, 2017

Texas Author Mark Ferdinand - Smashwords Interview

Smashwords Interview with Texas Author Mark Ferdinand

 
Texas Author

When you're not writing, how do you spend your time?

Fishing the surf, hunting, gardening, tiki carving, and DIY projects occupy my spare time.

Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?

Not at all. Too long ago.

How do you discover the ebooks you read? 

I search online for very old books that are converted to ebooks.

What is your writing process? 

I try to write at least a paragraph per day. This in addition to business writing and online banter.

Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you? 

I believe that people invent a clever answer to these types of questions. Something contrived and crafted to be profound. I cannot remember the first story I ever read. Too long ago.

How do you approach cover design? 

I make a first attempt. Then I seek simplicity and complexity at the same time. I make multiple versions until I find the right direction.

What are your five favorite books, and why? 

My favorite books are from long dead explorers that create a daily log of their travels. I trust their experiences and their writings more than I trust modern writers seeking to revise history to their liking. 

What do you read for pleasure? 

Non-fiction writing of travel, exploration, and battle from long-dead writers that carried weapons.

What is your e-reading device of choice? 

Kindle app via cell phone or tablet. With the cell phone, I can read on the terlet at work without anyone knowing my intentions when entering. 

What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you? 

Youtube videos on my Mark Ferdinand Youtube Channel. 

Describe your desk 

I have a desk with a screen, printer, and PC box on it, plus a variety of papers strewn about. On top of the PC box is a toy Jeep Wrangler, a paper Jeep Grand Cherokee, a toy palm tree and a Homies figurine that I found. I have pens, highlighters and a ruler laying on the right side. Behind me is a rack with two large cages with ball pythons in them, and a large fishbowl containing two Chinese firebelly newts. 

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing? 

I grew up in Colorado and had access to miles of mountain wilderness on a regular basis. This gave me a love for things in the natural world and a valuable comparison to urban places and urban people. It helped me to focus on clarity and perspective in my writing. 

When did you first start writing? 

In creative writing classes. High school and college level. But I always built books even as a child. 

What's the story behind your latest book? 

The story is about my son with autism. The fun and funny side of autism and the way he makes life enjoyable. 

What motivated you to become an indie author? 

I do not like being told what to do and I do not want my work to be at the mercy of the whims of others. 

How has Smashwords contributed to your success? 

It is a venue for my work that I appreciate. Gives my work exposure in the Apple device world. 

What is the greatest joy of writing for you? 

Completion of a project, which means amassing a body of work. 

What do your fans mean to you? 

They mean that someone out there is curious about what I am curious about. 

What are you working on next? 

A book about tiki carvings. I build amazing Texas tiki carvings and they should be immortalized in a book. 

Who are your favorite authors? 

Peter Capstick, Robert Ruark, HM Stanley. 

What inspires you to get out of bed each day? 

It is a man's duty to get out of bed. Inspiration has nothing to do with it. 

Books by This Author



The Autistic Prankster: Enjoying the Fun Side of Autism
 Nonfiction » Parenting 
We know about all the challenges. These stories focus on the fun and the funny side of autism. While he may not have typical communication skills, surprisingly this can be an asset in the humor department. Funny autism-related moments are a daily occurrence with this young character, and this book is a collection of the most memorable.
You're Gonna' Get Bit!: Harrowing Tales of Herpetology
 Nonfiction » Science and Nature » Life Sciences / Zoology / Ichthyology & Herpetology, Nonfiction » Home and Garden » Pets & livestock
From chasing frogs as a child, to milking venomous snakes for a living, Mark Ferdinand explores a lifetime of tales from the world of reptiles and amphibians. Whether it's a quest for his first turtle, keeping crocodiles in his closet, or chasing snakes around the workplace, You're Gonna' Get Bit! has a story that all "herpers" and nature lovers can relate to and enjoy.
Fortune on the Spectrum: An Adventure Novel
 Fiction » Adventure » General, Fiction » Inspirational
Denny was diagnosed with autism at three years of age. Autism gave him the gift of obsession. This gift made him the youngest, self-made millionaire in Texas history. Autism also made him vulnerable to the forces of the outside world, of both society and nature. Fortune on the Spectrum is the journey of an unstoppable young man, destined to succeed and challenged to survive.

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