In an effort to introduce my readers to other authors and their work, every week I run an Author Spotlight, sharing information about an author, their work, and how they go about writing their books.
Mark Walker was a Peace Corps volunteer in Guatemala and spent over 40 years helping disadvantaged people in the developing world with organizations such as Make-A-Wish International, MAP International, and Hagar USA, where he was CEO. Walker’s three books are Different Latitudes: My Life in the Peace Corps and Beyond, My Saddest Pleasures: 50 Years on the Road, and The Guatemala Reader: Extraordinary Lives and Amazing Stories. He’s written 80 book reviews, and two of his 30 published essays were recognized by the Solas Awards for Best Travel Writing. He’s a contributing writer for The Wanderlust Journal and Literary Traveler. His column, The Million Mile Walker Review: What We’re Reading and Why, is part of the Arizona Authors Association newsletter. Mark’s honors include the “Service Above Self” award from Rotary International. He’s a board member of the Arizona Authors Association and an Advisory Board member of Peace Corps Writers. His wife and three children were born in Guatemala. You can learn more about Mark at www.MillionMileWalker.com
A conversation with Mark:
When did you decide to become an author and why?
In 2013, I was the CEO of Hagar in the US, with a focus on increasing donor numbers and annual income. Hagar is an international Christian organization dedicated to the recovery of survivors of extreme human rights abuse, particularly human trafficking, gender-based violence, and sexual exploitation. Much to my surprise, the board chair contacted me before we sent out our most important end-of-year fundraising mailing to tell me that they’d decided to let me go. When I asked why, I was told that, according to Arizona law, they didn’t have to tell me. Initially, I wanted to find out why they’d made such a rash decision, which would cost them considerable income since the mailing was going out in my name. But then I thought, “Wait, over the last 40 years working with international development agencies, I’ve seen a lot of strange things and weird decisions which impacted my ability to accomplish my income goals, so do I want to do this again? I’ve traveled the world developing programs for some of the top international non-governmental agencies and leading donor tours globally. I’ll sit down and share what I’ve seen and shared.
How long have you been writing, and what was your first book?
My memoir, Different Latitudes: My Life in the Peace Corps and Beyond, was published by Peace Corps Writers in 2017. It begins in 1971 when I hoped to do some traveling, preferably not to Vietnam on Uncle Sam’s dime. The book is about my lifelong journey of physical and spiritual self-discovery, traveling through Latin America, Africa, Europe, and Asia, and exploring different ways to improve others’ lives. It’s an uplifting insider’s guide to international development, philanthropy, and travel.
What genres do you write in?
Adventure travel, memoirs, nonfiction, self-discovery, and travel journals.
How many books do you have out?
Three. My latest, The Guatemala Reader: Extraordinary Lives, Amazing Stories, was recognized by the BookFest Awards for Nonfiction travel, Self Discovery, and Travel Journals. Stephen Benz, author and Professor of English Literature, University of New Mexico, said, “The Guatemala Reader is brimming with wisdom, insight, and compassion. Mark D Walker is the ideal guide for those looking for a deeper understanding of the issues confronting Guatemala and Central America.” My forthcoming book is My Saddest Pleasures: The Expanded Edition, which is part of the Yin and Yang of Travel series.
Are you trade published, independent, or a combo?
A combo. Peace Corps Writers published my first book, Cyberwit.net, based in India; Peace Corps Writers published the second; and the third was self-published.
What is your writing style? Panster or plotter or?
I’m a “plantser,” a hybrid leaning toward pantser. I generate voice and thematic direction through drafting, but I value structure once the project takes shape. I dislike over-engineering and prefer the flexibility to let my creative juices flow. I revise toward clarity rather than plan toward clarity. I think that my nonfiction and literary interests naturally favor discovery.
Do you write more than one book at a time?
While I’m finishing up My Saddest Pleasures: The Expanded Edition, I’m still working on The Moritz Thomsen Reader, which I’ve been working on for over eight years. Moritz wrote the Peace Corps experience classic book Living Poor: A Peace Corps Chronicle. Not only was he an amazing author who influenced authors like Paul Theroux and Tom Miller, but he also wrote about poverty, failure, and friendship without ever flattering himself.
How much research is involved in your writing?
I used innumerable journals and field reports to write my memoir, Different Latitudes. I’ve been working on The Moritz Thomsen Reader for over eight years. I’ve written many essays about him and worked with fellow travel writer Tom Miller, who knew and respected Moritz. He shared the five boxes of letters, his artwork, and personal notes from the collection he donated to the Special Collections at the University of Arizona.
Where do you write? Do you have a home office, write in a coffee shop, or what?
I write in my home office, or on the road, wherever inspired. I’m reorganizing my office after downsizing from our home of 32 years in Scottsdale. I have a nice view of the hummingbirds and wildlife outside our home in the Coronado Historic District, a diversified community that helps keep the creative juices flowing.
Do you use any programs like ProWriting Aid or Grammarly?
I use Co-Pilot (AI) for research, promotional, and marketing activities. This allows me to keep focused on my creative writing. I also use Grammarly before sending my work to a professional editor, Eugenia Lazaris.
How do you promote your books?
I’ve given several presentations on the changing trends in the publishing industry. The Arizona Authors Association hosted my latest Zoom workshop on the importance of book reviews. It’s among the ten videos and interviews of my work on YouTube. The Authors Show, press releases, Substack, Kickstarter, signings, through several literary journals, and Wanderlust Journal. Since most books are sold online, I pay attention to digital-based platforms like The Authors Show, where I’ve been a contributor for over five years. They provide interviews, videos, and book reviews, which help writers broaden their audience. I have an active social media presence, including a monthly Substack newsletter, The Million Mile Walker Dispatch, and regular posts on Facebook and BlueSky. I’ll do an occasional workshop with one of the local literary associations and sign books at Changing Hands bookstore.
What are your writing goals, long and short term?
To continue submitting essays to various publications, writing book reviews, and contributing to various newsletters. I’ll be promoting my next book, My Saddest Pleasures: The Expanded Edition, through various methods, such as securing Best Seller status on Amazon and sending out a press release to over 600,000 literary journals and publications worldwide.
I’m working on a Kickstarter campaign to raise funds to cover the publishing and promotional costs of bundling my books into The Yin & Yang of Travel series. This fund-me initiative raised several thousand dollars to cover the costs of The Guatemala Reader.
Any advice to new authors or someone who wants to become an author?
Embrace the literary community as a source of professional support, fellowship, and inspiration. I started my writing career by getting involved with Phoenix Writers Club and the Arizona Authors Association, where I’m a board member and have a monthly column, The Million Mile Walker Review. I’ve made presentations at these groups and at Arizona Professional Writers, and been interviewed several times by Global Connections TV, Global Radio, and SIETA Society for International Education, Training, and Assessment, and most recently, SoftPower Fulstories. I’m also an active member of PEN American and the Peace Corps Writers, which will publish my next book. All this networking opens doors, introduces one’s work to the broader literary community, and creates opportunities to serve fellow professional writers.
Get a subscription to Writers Digest and listen to podcasts like Joanna Penn’s The Creative Penn Podcast. I also recommend Ryan Murdock’s Personal Landscape. For those who like poetry and storytelling, check out The American Dream, actor Martin Sheen’s podcast.
Did you know that you can find all of my books and sign up for my free author’s newsletter on my website at www.nickrussellbooks.com?