Hi, I’m Mark McNease—author, publisher, podcaster, and workshop instructor. At the heart of everything I do is a love of stories: telling them, shaping them, sharing them, and helping others find their own voice along the way.

As a writer, I work across genres, blending mystery, speculative fiction, humor, and LGBTQ+ themes into stories that explore identity, resilience, and the beautifully complicated ways people move through the world. Whether I’m writing novels, novellas, or essays, I’m drawn to characters who feel real, flawed, and worth following—even when things get strange.

I’m also the founder of MadeMark Publishing, where I publish my own work and select projects by other writers. My approach to publishing is hands-on and creator-focused, combining professional production with the flexibility and independence of modern indie publishing. I believe books should be thoughtfully made, widely accessible, and treated with care at every stage—from manuscript to reader.

Through podcasts like The Twist, I get to indulge my love of conversation, pop culture, current events, and the occasional tangent. Podcasting lets me connect with listeners in a more immediate, informal way, and it’s one of my favorite spaces for curiosity, humor, and honest discussion.

Teaching and mentoring are also central to my work. As a workshop instructor, I lead writing and journaling workshops designed to be practical, engaging, and encouraging—especially for writers who may feel stuck, intimidated, or unsure if they “count” as writers. (They do.) My goal is always to make writing feel more accessible, less precious, and a lot more human.

Across all of these roles, I’m passionate about creativity that’s sustainable, inclusive, and rooted in real life. I believe stories matter, voices matter, and it’s never too late—or too early—to start telling your own.

Thanks for stopping by. I’m glad you’re here.

MORE, WITH LINKS

I’m the author of the Kyle Callahan Mysteries, three of which (six total) have been best sellers on Kindle. My Linda Sikorsky Mystery, Last Room at the Cliff’s Edge, was called a winner by Publishers Weekly.

I’ve released three Marshall James thrillers, two Maggie Dahl Mysteries, and three books in the horror/supernatural genre under the name M.A. McNease.

I’m a Certified Guided Autobiography instructor, guiding small-group participants through the process of thematic journaling (and more). You can read about those classes and workshops at the Guided Autobiography page.

My short story Stop the Car was selected by Amazon editors for their Kindle Singles program, and is available as an audiobook narrated by the amazing Braden Wright. It was selected twice to be included in the Amazon Prime reading library. I have 13 audiobooks available for your listening pleasure.

I’ve also won two Emmys for Outstanding Children’s Program for Into the Outdoors, a television show I co-created that is now in its 22nd year.