About
Nine years ago, what motivated me to start writing were mostly financial reasons. Sure, I had a feeling I could put together something worthwhile—but I wasn’t even close to certain anyone would want to read it. I started writing the Scrapyard Ship book series because of my love of Science Fiction (I’m an avid reader). I’d always had this weird fascination with old junker cars, junkyards… scrapyards—and several years back I produced a film that featured a ginormous scrapyard located on the outskirts of Denver, Colorado. In the movie, I added a chase scene where the protagonist frantically ran and hid behind rusted-out old automobiles,
broken-down buses, and heaps of scrap metal. Added to the drama, it was pouring down rain—which only added to the gritty and dark characteristics of the scene. I thoroughly enjoyed those couple of days of filming—and that experience influenced me when writing this book.
Mark Wayne McGinnis is the #1 best-selling author of thirty-two novels. His book series include Scrapyard Ship, Star Watch, the Simpleton, Boy Gone, and Ship Wrecked.
Mark grew up on both coasts, first in Westchester County, NY, then in Westlake Village, CA. For the last twelve years Mark and his wife, Kim, have lived in Colorado … and most recently, in Castle Rock, with their three dogs, Rika, Sammi, and Lilly.
Mark Wayne McGinnis on Writing:
Nine years ago, what motivated me to start writing were mostly financial reasons. Sure, I had a feeling I could put together something worthwhile—but I wasn’t even close to certain anyone would want to read it. I started writing the Scrapyard Ship book series because of my love of Science Fiction (I’m an avid reader). I’d always had this weird fascination with old junker cars, junkyards… scrapyards—and several years back I produced a film that featured a ginormous scrapyard located on the outskirts of Denver, Colorado. In the movie, I added a chase scene where the protagonist frantically ran and hid behind rusted-out old automobiles, broken-down buses, and heaps of scrap metal. Added to the drama, it was pouring down rain—which only added to the gritty and dark characteristics of the scene. I thoroughly enjoyed those couple of days of filming—and that experience influenced me when writing this book.
Writing is a discipline I enjoyed as far back as I can remember. First as a tech writer twenty-five years ago at one of my first salaried jobs. Writing continued to be important as a marketing entrepreneur at my own creative agency, and then more recently, as a writer/filmmaker. I think I’m drawn to writing for the same reasons was drawn to filmmaking—evoking an emotional response from people and somehow affecting them in a personal way… it’s just plain fun for me.
My suggestion to anyone, at any age, interested in writing their first novel, would be to first create a safe space for yourself where you have the time, support, and commitment to actually complete what you start. Then, just go for it. My wife Kim, my mother, sister—cousins and friends, and some people I barely knew, were there to coax me on. I joined several writing groups too, and that was beneficial as well.
Mark directed and co-produced (with wife, Kim) the popular feature film, Openings – The Search for Harry. The film was picked up for distribution and can be seen via GaiamTV.
Mark can be reached at markwaynemcginnis (@ ) gmail.com
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