Mark Scantland was born in Orlando Florida in 1952. His parents relocated back to Indiana where Mark spent his childhood in Muncie Indiana. After graduating from high school, Mark worked various jobs including installing carpet, painting contractor, electronic security systems specialist. Mark married at age 21 and enlisted in the Indiana Army National Guard and held a secret security clearance and served in a signal battalion 1972-78. His Father and Father-in-law both served in the Army during WW2. Mark and his wife raised three children, and he spent the next 32 years building industrial and institutional electrical control systems. Always a daydreamer, his desire to write grew as the years passed by. Now retired, he officially began dreaming on paper, hence THE BLACKBIRD THREAT.

Visit Mark on Amazon, Goodreads, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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What motivates you to write, and how did you get started?

I’ve always loved a good story. So being a big daydreamer and a creative person, I think it came down to fate. I made a living making or building things with my hands. So creating something from nothing came naturally to me. So my challenge was could I build a good story with my mind? I had zero writing experience and just a very distant high school education. So a few months before retiring, at the age of 65, I decided to give it a try.

What’s most rewarding about writing?

It took 3 years to write The Blackbird Threat. The most extended project of my life. So just getting my novel published on Amazon was very rewarding. I have always considered myself an introvert. However, I find so many writers I’ve talked to on social media describe themselves as introverts too. Writing gives writers a better way to express and share and liberate their thoughts and feelings they usually wouldn’t share.

What’s your favorite genre, and why?

I like to read all genres. But, I like to write thrillers and action-adventure. I like writing fast-paced storylines and shorter chapters. Or it could be I’m just old and have a short attention span.

Where do your characters come from?

Some of my characters are based on friends. Some I build from scratch, depending on whatever the story needs. Sometimes I use traits from famous personalities.

Who is an author who inspires you, and why?

George Orwell, Tom Clancy, James Patterson, Lee Child. But I am most inspired by my indie author friends on social media. The support I get on Twitter/Facebook is priceless. Such a great writing community to many to name, but many are featured on your blog. And of course you as well, Sandy! Thank you very much for all you do for the writing community!

What do you look for in other people’s books?

First and foremost, a great story. I look at plot structure, character building, writing style, pacing. There is always something to learn from reading others’ work, and I’m still learning.

Tell us about your newest book or what you’re writing now?

I’m currently working on book two, a stand-alone but with a few references to book one. Working title – FATAL RECEPTION – A year has passed since their last assignment. Jack Jacobs and Diane Glass are requested by the director of the CIA to investigate a tiny newly created settlement nicknamed Colemanville. A small town located south of Rachel, Nevada. Near Area 51. UFOs, Black Helicopters, and unmarked military vehicles were reported near Colemanville. The next day Lincoln County sheriff’s department found 66 dead bodies, the entire population of Colemanville. All died violently in an apparent murder-suicide rampage. The Sheriff and crime scene investigators, as well as the 66 dead bodies, are now missing! This multi-genre thriller will keep you guessing what’s next?

What kind of book would you like to be known for?

I would hope my books would be exciting, fast-paced, heart-pounding, and thought-provoking.

What has writing taught you about yourself?

Even old dogs can learn new tricks with patience, persistence, and passion.

How has your life experience influenced your writing?

That’s a great question. In my case, I grew up in the ’60s and ’70s. Political assassinations, race riots, the cold war, race to the moon. Birth of computers to big tech. And the usual first love, heartbreak, marriage, and raising a family. Death of my parents. I’ve been around the block of life. Each of life’s events affects you in such a profound way. You can’t help it; it just oozes out in your writing in one form or another.

What encouraging advice can you offer new writers?

Just write. You will learn as you go. There is a ton of free information on writing to get you started. In fact, there is a whole industry devoted to helping to make you a better writer. Also, get in the habit of making lists. Ideas/plot/storylines, character traits, settings, etc. These lists will be critical if you decide to write a series. Many self-publishing writers find marketing more challenging than writing. Be prepared for other learning curves along your writing journey.