Tell us about yourself and how many books you have written.
First-time author! It’s been a dream of mine to write a book since I was in the fifth grade. My English teacher, Mrs. Blake, encouraged me to pursue writing outside of her classroom requirements. I’ve been hooked ever since, but kept putting this off…until my dad got Alzheimer’s. Then I knew it was time.
What is the name of your latest book and what inspired it?
The name of the book is Ten Days With Dad: Finding Purpose, Passion, & Peace During the Darkest Days of Alzheimer’s and COVID-19. I knew I wanted to share my story the moment my dad got Alzheimer’s. Or I should say, after he spent ten days with me prior to moving into an assisted living apartment in 2019.
Do you have any unusual writing habits?
I prefer to write in the evenings with a bourbon nearby. Just one though!
What authors, or books have influenced you?
Stephen King’s writing book, for starters.
What are you working on now?
Ten Days With Dad just launched March 13, 2022, so I will be promoting this for the remainder of 2022 (and beyond, until I launch my next book).
Ten Days will be a series. The next one has yet to be determined, but I’m hoping it will be about a former Marine and Secret Service agent turned entrepreneur. I want to learn other people’s “commandments for life” or Ten Rules they adhere to or learned from someone or someplace in their lives.
I also plan on turning the book into a screenplay, focusing on living with Alzheimer’s (victim perspective) and the caregiver’s angle.
What is your best method or website when it comes to promoting your books?
It’s been Facebook so far. I have the largest following on that platform. I use LinkedIn, Instagram, and pretend to know what I am doing on Twitter–but have no idea, really!
Do you have any advice for new authors?
Yes.
1. The first draft will be awful no matter what you do, so don’t try to make it good. Just get the words out. First drafts are not for perfectionists!
2. Write every day, even if it’s one paragraph.
3. Read other books in your genre.
4. Start building out one platform. If it’s Facebook, start reconnecting with old friends, teachers, coaches, etc. Just add and add friends, because they will help promote your book (and buy it) when the time comes.
4. Pursue your passion–just do it!
What is the best advice you have ever heard?
On writing? Probably just write every day. Writing will never be easy, but ideas come easier when you are in the habit of writing every day. In life: “you’re only getting screwed if you think you’re getting screwed,” by Barry Resnick, my dad. Read the book!
What are you reading now?
Reading mainly other authors’ nonfiction books and helping them with Amazon reviews. It’s a two-way street. I read every day, a lot! My favorite books to read though are spy novels. Vince Flynn, Marc Cameron, Daniel Silva. Those guys are amazing.
What’s next for you as a writer?
Another Ten Days with _____, then a screenplay on the original book.
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?
Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows
One Goal by John Powers and Arthur Kaminsky (1980 hockey team)
All Politics is Local, Tip O’Neil
And Ten Days with Dad, of course!
Author Websites and Profiles
Mark Resnick Website
Mark Resnick Amazon Profile
Mark Resnick’s Social Media Links
Facebook Profile