An accidental writer, now with three books and more to come.
Please, introduce yourself. Tell us about your personal life, family, education.
My name is Mark Kurtis Jr. I have been lucky enough to have been blessed with two fantastic children, and a very patient, beautiful wife, whom despite all reason, has been with me for almost twenty years. I am from Eastern Pennsylvania, about 50 miles outside of Philly, (GO EAGLES), where I graduated from High school in 2003.
I tried the whole college experience, but it didn’t pan out. It wasn’t because of lack of interest, or poor grades, I simply ran out of money. The family I come from were not rich, but supportive, and loving. My parents wished they had the money to keep me in school, but they didn’t. It was no matter to me. If I’d stayed in school, I may have never met my wife, and I wouldn’t risk that for nothing.
What do you like doing in your spare time?
When I’m not working, I like to spend time with my kids, play video games, and enjoy quality time with my wife. Also, when the weather is nice, I can be seen out getting some two-wheeled therapy.
If you are active in career fields other than writing, what do you hope for the future of that business? Describe your work or business activities in which you are presently active.
While I would adore writing being my main source of income, it is not. I am a CDL truck driver. Some might see this as a mundane job, but the stories I have from delivery jobs seem to be entertaining to the people I’ve told them to. As far as the future, I hope to earn enough to continue to take care of my family and live comfortably.
Hobbies
Do you have hobbies? How did you get started in them?
In my free time, I spend time with my family. I live with nine people. It’s my wife, my two kids. Then in the in-law quarters, we have my sister-in-law, her three kids, and sister-in-law’s mother. Unfortunately, my brother passed away 2020 of New Years Eve at 36. He lost his battle with cancer. My wife and I were lucky enough to have our two best friends marry each other. I firmly believe family doesn’t end at blood.
We sold our house and bought a bigger one to suit our needs. For the past three years, my hobbies have been bonding with my kids, and helping my wife manage this controlled chaos. I also play video games and enjoy various forms of media related entertainment, especially horror.
If you are a writer, are you an avid reader?
I do love to read, when I have the time.
What is your ultimate writing goal as you see it today?
Unfortunately, it has been quite a while since I sat down and wrote anything. It is something I regret. I’d love to start up again. The creative release feels so rewarding.
What inspired you to write your first book?
My wife and I watched the final episode of Game of Thrones, and for weeks I couldn’t let it go. I know it is cliche at this point, but that final season was so poorly written, and rushed. After hearing me complain about it for days on end, my wife asked my how I would end it?
I’ve always been a storyteller. Since I could write, I’ve been writing short stories. In 2006, two of my friends asked me if I wanted to try and play D&D with them. I have never been into the game, even though I am a huge fantasy geek. Well, that weekend, my girlfriend was busy and I had a free night, so I figured why not. I was told I had to create a Character and write a back story for them. I created Markus the Black, a wizard. The back story was supposed to be one or two paragraphs, but I showed up with a ten-page short story!
That was my first and last experience with the game, just not my thing, but I kept going with the story. It was all hand written, and I left it in my car. The car got repoed and I never saw it again. After the GOT finale, I decided to try and recreate that book.
How do you decide on the title of a book?
My grandmother was a follower of the Wicken faith. She referred to herself as a Child of Magic.
Have you developed a specific writing style and why?
My favorite writers, whether they are novelists, or screen writers, are the ones who kill it on dialog. My style of writing is definitely dialog driven.
How much of your books is realistic and experiences based on someone you know, or events in your life?
Most of my characters are taken straight from my life and personal experiences. My second book, Holler House, is a true story based on the six months my family lived in a haunted house.
Who is your favorite writer, and what is it about their work that really strikes you?
That would have to be the Master, Stephen King. The way he weaves a story together, and creates characters you genuinely care about, is becoming a lost art.
First Book Read
Do you remember the first book you read?
I can’t give you an exact title, but it was probably something by Shel Silverstein.
Is there an author, past or present, you would love to meet? Why?
I would love to have a drink with Edgar Allen Poe. Such a brilliant and disturbed mind would make for a fascinating conversation. He’d probably consider me a lightweight though, and drink me under the table.
If you could not write, how would you express what you wish to convey through any stories?
I would most likely use my voice. Being an orator of some kind.
When you see new authors struggling, what single piece of advice could you give them on a moment’s notice?
Learn when to walk away. If you’re stuck, just go for a walk, watch a movie, or read a book. Do not dwell on it. Don’t try to force it. When writing feels like a job, you’re doing it wrong.
How do you want others to see you or remember you? Is it important to you?
He took care of his family, loved his friends, and was never boring! I think it is important to be remembered by your loved ones.
Do you have a blog or website viewers can visit for updates, events and special offers?
Include HTML links to any and all of your sites.
My books are available on Amazon. So far, I’ve written and published three. Thank you in advance for keeping the written word alive.
Amazon Author Page: https://www.amazon.com/stores/Mark-Kurtis-Jr/author/B087ZRWXYG?ref=sr_ntt_srch_lnk_1&qid=1709581866&sr=1-1&isDramIntegrated=true&shoppingPortalEnabled=true