Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
I started my artistic creation in the world of composing music. I even went to school for it for a time, but I felt pressure to do something more practical and changed majors to math. It was here that I met my husband.
I spent more time writing short stories, a novel, and blogging than I spent on my math studies, so I took a plunge and decided to become a full-time writer with the support of my husband.
I’ve now written ten books. Seven are romances, and I’ve branched out into other genres under a different name.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
My latest book is The Harp of Dunnbog. I had been writing about a fictional small town in the U.S. called Merlin’s Grove where magical things happen. I wanted a break from that, but I wanted to continue with the idea of mixing gay romance with magical elements.
I’ve always been fascinated with the language and history of Ireland, so I made a new fictional small town set there. What’s could be a better location for ancient magic than the land of druids and faeries?
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I tend to want to write in a different place every day. One day the office, the next in the guest bedroom, the next on the couch, the next at the kitchen table.
What authors, or books have influenced you?
I grew up on fantasy like the Lord of the Rings, His Dark Materials, and Shannara. Back then gay romance wasn’t a thing. I found a few novels with gay characters, like At Swim, Two Boys, but they were rare. I basically read them in secret.
I always wished the two could be combined. Now paranormal mm romance is a thing, and it’s great!
What are you working on now?
I’ve outlined a new Merlin’s Grove book, but I might do the next book in the Irish Dream Hunks series first.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
My best method has been to participate in Facebook groups dedicated to my genre and to tell them about a sale.
Do you have any advice for new authors?
You will probably spend a ton of time looking for fast, easy ways to build a writing career. I know I did, and there’s a ton of books and youtube videos selling the idea to you.
In the end, there is no substitute for putting in the work day after day. If you do this, though, you’ll be rewarded with a slow but steady rise.
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
Do your writing first thing in the morning. If you have a day job, get up earlier. Your willpower is diminished at the end of the day. Plus, you can reward yourself for getting it done with whatever else you like to do.
But everyone is different. I’ve heard of people that write best at night.
What are you reading now?
The Last Days of Magic by Mark Tompkins.
What’s next for you as a writer?
I plan on continuing in the two series I’ve started for the indefinite future. So if you’ve enjoyed those, they’ll keep coming.
If you were going to be stranded on a desert island and allowed to take 3 or 4 books with you what books would you bring?
War and Peace: It’s long; I’ve heard it’s good; and I’d never read it except for that situation.
The Great Gatsby: It’s perfect and infinitely re-readable. Though I’m not sure it would resonate as much stuck on an island.
The entire Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy for the fun to lighten the mood.
Author Websites and Profiles
Mark C. Wade Website
Mark C. Wade Amazon Profile
Mark C. Wade’s Social Media Links
Goodreads Profile
Facebook Profile
Twitter Account