Why do authors put their characters through hell? Because without conflict, there’s no story. In Confessions of a Sadistic Author, Mark explains why Jacobine, Billings, and the rest of his cast are constantly battered and bruised — and why their scars make them unforgettable.
Confessions of a Sadistic Author Read More »
The votes are in, the ballots counted, and my writing schedule is now set—thanks to all of you. Fall From Grace is up first (yes, Thomas Billings is about to get shoved off an emotional cliff). Next comes Sister Jacobine #7—because apparently six books of bullets, assassins, and bad coffee weren’t enough for you. And finally, Credible Threat, Season 2 rounds things out. I’ll admit, I briefly considered ignoring the results and writing a cookbook instead—“101 Ways to Kill a Man With Kitchen Utensils” still has a nice ring to it—but you spoke, and I’m listening. Mostly.
So, You’ve Spoken (and I’m Listening… Mostly) Read More »
One of the perks of writing thrillers is getting to torture characters. Jacobine makes me work harder—she’s deadly, clever, and never blinks. Billings, though, is convinced he’s in control…until the floor drops. Who’s more fun to torment: the nun with a gun, or the cocky spook?
Jacobine vs. Billings: Who’s More Fun to Torture? Read More »
Mark’s got three thrilling projects fighting for attention in his brain—another Jacobine adventure, a high-octane Billings sequel, or a brand-new season of Credible Threat. He’s throwing the decision to readers: which story should he dive into next?
Help Me Decide What to Write Next Read More »
Mark’s desk is overflowing with thrillers, Jacobine adventures, anthology deadlines, and even a dash of erotica. Add in a Kickstarter campaign, real-world book selling, and you’ve got the “good kind of busy.” Coffee recommended.
Juggling Chainsaws (and Books) Read More »
Just a quick reminder, Assassinating Yesterday is currently on pre-order at half price of just $2.99. After it release on November 28, it will jump up to full price of $5.99. If you’d like to make sure you get it at half price, here’s the link to pre-order: https://storiesrulepress.com/product/assassinating-yesterday-project-gateway-1-0/ In the meantime, here’s the first chapter. Enjoy!
Meet Special Agent Ryan Cochrane Read More »
Happy Saturday! (I hope your Friday the 13th was a good one!) Based on the emails I’ve been getting in the last week or two, several of you have noticed that I haven’t done my regular Saturday posts for a couple weeks now. So, I thought I’d bang out a quick one to let y’all
Making The Heart Grow Fonder Read More »
Happy Monday! I hope your week is off to a brilliant start. Let me ask you a question: Who shot J.R.? Do you remember? I don’t, actually. I do remember that in the summer of 1980, you couldn’t swing a dead cat without hitting someone who was talking about it. The season finale cliffhanger of
Lunchtime Hanging Off A Cliff Read More »
Happy Saturday! So, I was in the middle of writing a post for Monday about an imminent new release and suddenly realized I still hadn’t written this morning’s post. Crap! Some of the research for that post had me looking at something that happened in the late spring of 1980. As most of you know,
The Good Old Days… Read More »
Happy Saturday, A couple of Saturdays ago, I asked for your suggestions for what to put in a goodie bag for a grown-up’s goodie bag. And, you obliged, in spades! Although, believe me, this might be the most expensive goodie bag in the history of goodie bags. But, it would make the party and the
World’s Greatest Grown-Up’s Goodie Bag Read More »
Happy Saturday! Some of you are aware that Tracy and I, for health concerns, shifted to eating a whole-food, plant-based diet in August 2021. If you’re aware of that, chances are you’re aware of just how good the results have been. In the seven months since we started, we’ve both removed all of the negative
Happy Saturday! Tomorrow is my dad’s birthday. Still going strong at 86. So tomorrow, we’re headed over to mum and dad’s for birthday cake and coffee. My two brothers and their wives will also be there. We’ll have a few laughs and celebrate my dad being here for another trip around the sun. Remember having