Smashwords Interview with Texas Author Mark Ferdinand
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
by Mark Ferdinand
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
by Mark Ferdinand
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.
