Mark Ferdinand has written a fantastic book on wild hog hunting. Wild hog books can be hard to find at the local book shop, or are tucked away in miscategorized sections . This book is available in paperback through Amazon, and digital formats are available for every platform.
Wild Boar: A Case for the Most Beautiful Game Animal
Hunting wild hogs
This book is a profile of the hunting of wild hogs, from the ancient European traditions to the modern necessity to keep wild hog populations down in the USA. The author looks back fondly on his exposure to wild boar in Germany, then brings his passion to achieve his first wild boar kill on a California boar.
Books About Hunting
It’s never a bad time of year to test your hunting equipment! While on vacation in Colorado, it was not hunting season, but at least I could do some glassing. Hunting wild hogs is great practice for hunting other big game such as mule deer, elk, moose, and bear.
Several books about wild hogs and hunting exist. Mark’s book, however, adds a touch of history, tradition, and whimsy. It makes for a great distraction when waiting for the next hunting season to arrive!
The consistent backdrop of each hunting scene was the greenery of the surrounding forest. Having visited the Black Forest of Bavaria before this day, I had experienced the darkness it was capable of. Unlike the forests of Colorado where I had grown up, these had a foreboding quality to them. They evoked not a sense of fear necessarily, but a feeling of awe, a cautionary respect for the potential for a young person to be swallowed up and lost in the darkness.
Echolalia is the involuntary repetition of words or phrases spoken by others or heard through some type of medium. Echolalia is a phenomenon that is common among children with autism. While the typically developing child develops speech through imitation, these imitations quickly evolve into creative use of words to form language. For the child with autism and echolalic traits, this process may take much longer if it even happens at all.
Echolalia can be either immediate or delayed. In the case of immediate echolalia, the child repeats what is heard from others immediately. For example, the parent may ask, ‘How was school today?’ and the child repeats ‘How was school today’? In the case of delayed echolalia the child is repeating phrases he has been exposed to after hours, days, months or even years. For example, a child may repeat a phrase from a commercial that he finds interesting.
A different form of communication
These repetitions can serve a variety of purposes to the child. In the case of immediate echolalia it may give the child more time to process a question or comment. In the case of delayed echolalia, certain sounds or phrases may be associated with certain emotions or experiences. During stressful times, repeating certain phrases may provide comfort. Other phrases may be repeated simply because they provide a combination of amusement and stimulation.
Many children with echolalic traits are fortunate to have them in comparison to those on the severe end of the autism spectrum. Echolalia can sometimes be a foundation for the ability to develop functional communication later in life. While these expressions may not make sense to most people, parents learn that it is still communication and need to adapt to its nuances. Over time they end up interpreting each phrase and the motivation and emotions associated with it.
Autism themed books by Mark Ferdinand. Fiction and nonfiction:
Denny was diagnosed with autism at three years of age. Autism gave him the gift of obsession. This gift made him the youngest, self-made millionaire in Texas history. Autism also made him vulnerable to the forces of the outside world, of both society and nature. Fortune on the Spectrum is the journey of an unstoppable young man, destined to succeed and challenged to survive. Denny’s story takes you through struggle, humor, love, finance and danger from the voice of an atypical mind. Autism Fiction. Texas Novel.
We know about all the challenges. These stories focus on the fun and the funny side of autism. While he may not have typical communication skills, surprisingly this can be an asset in the humor department. Funny autism-related moments are a daily occurrence with this young character, and this book is a collection of the most memorable.
Shortly after our son turned three years old, he took interest in “advertising” to a new level of dedication. It started with a unique interest in commercials on television. It seemed unusual for such a little toddler to find them so interesting. Any kind of commercial would come on the screen and it would capture his interest. When the logo and tagline were finally shown, he would get giggly and touch the television screen.
“OK, he really seems to like commercials”, we thought. It seemed neat that he had such a fascination with something adult-oriented as opposed to Teletubbies or Barney the dinosaur. Little did we know at the time that this was a sign of being on the autism spectrum.
Our son was a late talker to be sure. After our move to Texas we were happy to know that he was making more of an effort to sound out words. At three years old, however, we had not yet brought him to a doctor to be diagnosed. We were still holding out hope, but after much Googling and research on “late talking” our suspicions were there.
Intel commercials and the associated chimes of “Bom… bom-bom -bom BOM!” were what made him happy. This was among his first serious vocalizations combined with a word. If an Intel commercial came on TV he would run to the screen and enjoy the anticipation of what was to come. When the logo and jingle finally came he was in heaven and chimed along. He would repeat the word “Intel” and sing the lovely chimes throughout the day. This, however, was the extent of his conversation skills.
Obsession Evolved
Logos of all kinds soon captured his interest. The satellite television company would come out with a new list of channels with tiny versions of their logos printed on a sheet of paper. He carried that sheet of paper everywhere as a typically developing child would carry their favorite toy. He took care of it, and if eventually it became worn or torn, we would have a backup from the Sunday paper. We were pleased that he had something that interested him and often joked that he had a future in advertising. There was a sense, however, that this was unusual behavior in a child.
More research on the web led to an understanding that with autism there is often unusual obsessions with seemingly mundane objects or occurrences. It was not long after this period of time that we took the step of bringing him in to the doctor’s office to see what they could make of it all.
Since this time our son has expanded his interests. He has passed his Intel phase. He still (and likely will always) have his obsessions, but we have seen them change over time. Even though it brought him a lot of pleasure, we are pleased that he has finally discarded the logo sheet. It is our hope that we can aid in channeling his interests and obsessions into something that gives him not just joy, but productivity and purpose in the future.
Autism themed books by Mark Ferdinand. Fiction and nonfiction:
Denny was diagnosed with autism at three years of age. Autism gave him the gift of obsession. This gift made him the youngest, self-made millionaire in Texas history. Autism also made him vulnerable to the forces of the outside world, of both society and nature. Fortune on the Spectrum is the journey of an unstoppable young man, destined to succeed and challenged to survive. Denny’s story takes you through struggle, humor, love, finance and danger from the voice of an atypical mind. Autism Fiction. Texas Novel.
We know about all the challenges. These stories focus on the fun and the funny side of autism. While he may not have typical communication skills, surprisingly this can be an asset in the humor department. Funny autism-related moments are a daily occurrence with this young character, and this book is a collection of the most memorable.
Fathers begin dreaming about the future when they find out they will be having a child. If a male child is born or is on the way, the hopes and expectations have a special focus. Since the phenomenon of autism affects boys on a much greater statistical level, it is important to recognize the way fathers deal with the news of having an autistic son.
A dad will entertain many fantasies, realistic or not, about the future of their sons. For many it involves sports. They may think of days playing catch in the yard, the boy scoring the winning touchdown, or playing for the Yankees. Other fathers may dream of chatting by the campfire, countless fishing trips and helping a son skin his first deer.
An Autism Adventure
Once a diagnosis of autism arises, a father must adjust to new realities. A boy with autism may have many challenges that prevent traditional father-son activities from becoming a reality, at least for the time being. This is certainly dependent on the degree of autism involved. Many of these activities are possible over time with certain children on the spectrum. And of course the autistic child has individual likes and dislikes like any child.
The important thing for fathers to remember is that they still have a son – a son that they can learn so much from. Once the ego is put aside and the personal dreams are adjusted, it becomes time to go to work, and to play! The child with autism will have his own interests and fathers can, and must, find ways to participate and encourage them. The child will recognize these efforts over time and also recognize fathers as someone close to them.
Life with autism is a new and unexpected journey. Your child will introduce you to new ways of thought and new ways at looking at life. Allow him to take you down these paths and help him along the way. All the traditional and most important father roles, however; leader, teacher, disciplinarian and comforter, still apply and will be needed.
Autism themed books by Mark Ferdinand. Fiction and nonfiction:
Denny was diagnosed with autism at three years of age. Autism gave him the gift of obsession. This gift made him the youngest, self-made millionaire in Texas history. Autism also made him vulnerable to the forces of the outside world, of both society and nature. Fortune on the Spectrum is the journey of an unstoppable young man, destined to succeed and challenged to survive. Denny’s story takes you through struggle, humor, love, finance and danger from the voice of an atypical mind. Autism Fiction. Texas Novel.
We know about all the challenges. These stories focus on the fun and the funny side of autism. While he may not have typical communication skills, surprisingly this can be an asset in the humor department. Funny autism-related moments are a daily occurrence with this young character, and this book is a collection of the most memorable.
Texas has a coast. Texas has beaches. Texas has palm trees and tropical plants. Tiki in Texas? Where is the tiki?
A good question when I arrived on North Padre Island to plant roots. As I created my tropical oasis in the back yard, I recall thinking that something was missing. When I lived in California I saw tikis in the garden section of Home Depot. Just what I need as an added touch to my yard! I assumed it would be as simple as going to my local Home Depot and picking one up, but no tiki was to be found.
Tiki in Texas
Well then, there must be someone that makes tiki carvings here, right? Nobody that I could find. So it would be up to me. Ten years later I have created a large body of work, part-time as it is. It started with twelve-inch attempts, but what I wanted was something to dominate the yard. An imposing god! So my attempts at five and six-foot versions, and everything above and below, were cranked out at every opportunity.
Eventually a local restaurant took notice, they asked what it would take to “tikify” their place. I really had no idea, but I was willing to try, and they were willing to let me. I was constrained only by my own imagination and was allowed to make permanent cuts into the supporting structure of their establishment. I took the responsibility seriously and made the coolest tikis I could at the time. My first gig a success.
Tiki carving and haka at the restaurant
Tikis adorning the bar area
Tiki warriors protecting the entrance
Palapa Tikis
So, a gentleman eating at the establishment took notice and decided that my work would fit perfectly with his residential palapa beside his pool. Again I was given the honor to just go crazy. His home bar now has an exotic touch that no one else can match.
Tiki palapa supports
Tikis at the outdoor bar
Tikis and Real Estate
Because a local home builder caught wind of my creations, he decided that adding tiki to his new construction would help him become the winning entry in the annual parade of homes. I was given free reign on the waterfront deck to turn it into a functional art object with an exotic feel. His home won first prize in its category.
Mark Ferdinand has created an unusual chronology of his tiki carving works. As an added touch he has filled in the blanks to the pesky questions of the origins of humanity.
Budget B&W print version or full-color Tiki Books
“Every Tiki has a Spirit” is an immature account of the works of a tiki carver, and a serious account of the origins of the earth and mankind. The author indulges in his quest for creating bad-ass oceanic art that one can sip a cocktail by. This he alternates with a concise mythological blueprint of how this all came to be, and what we were given to navigate our way through it. A book for tikiphiles, mythology buffs, and wood carvers.
There is a growing number of autistic characters found in popular movies, television and fiction. These characters are of varying realism and accuracy in their representation of autistic children. The goal of the piece and its target audience affects the autism character in books.
Autistic Characters in Fiction
Fortune on the Spectrum is a work of fiction in which the main character lives and succeeds on the autism spectrum. Being autistic is both a help and a hindrance to his life covering birth to young adulthood.
When it comes to characters in books and other fictional media, the experience of the writers will vary a great deal. Therefore, in my case autism is something that I am deeply familiar with and integrate into my novels. Of course there are artistic liberties taken along with autistic liberties.
Autistic kids in books
Mark Ferdinand lives on the South Texas coast with his wife, daughter and son. Fishing the surf, hunting, gardening, carving, auto and home repair occupy his spare time. Most importantly he has written on the topic of autism spectrum disorder from a father’s perspective in parenting articles and in other non-fiction venues. Having limited typical communication skills, his son introduced Mark to new ways of interpreting his special needs and aspirations. As his son grew older Mark became fascinated by the story potential within these amazing children. This prompted the creation of a dynamic adventure story focusing on a character with autism. Corpus Christi author and Texas author Mark Ferdinand. Mark writes novels with autistic characters, and Texas fiction.
New non-fiction title “You’re Gonna’ Get Bit! coming soon. For those like the creepy crawly reptiles and amphibians. Fun tales from amateur fun to professional pitfalls.
Books by Mark Ferdinand
Mark’s titles are available in both paperback and Kindle on Amazon. Visit his Amazon author bio page here: Mark Ferdinand
Pursued throughout time by kings and the common man, the wild boar has intrigued and beguiled hunters throughout the world. With so much sensational news of problem wild hog populations and unwanted interaction with humans, a need has arisen to remind us all of the nobility that surrounds this ancient and prized game animal. He is near the point of being reviled in some quarters. Author Mark Ferdinand pays tribute to the wild boar and makes the case for elevating its status to that of the most respected wild game species that hunters give chase to. A humble hunter makes the case for wild boar being the most beautiful game animal.
Hunting books
Hunting Books
Mark first became fascinated with wild boar during childhood trips to Germany. Here he would visit with family but also learn about the rich history of hunting in the Black Forest and other parts of Bavaria. While visiting castles in the surrounding area he would marvel at the tapestries glorifying the hunt and tribute payed to the wild boar. An uncle showed him the deep traditions of hunting boar in the old country.
Mark Ferdinand lives on the South Texas coast with his wife, daughter, and son. Fishing the surf, hunting, gardening, tiki carving, and DIY projects occupy his spare time. He has written on the topic of autism spectrum disorder, reptiles, mythology, and hunting.
Texas authors are making an island splash. Mark Ferdinand resides on Padre Island in Corpus Christi, Texas and has dedicated a significant part of his life to writing. His body of work includes a novel featuring an autistic character, a chronicling of wild reptile stories, humorous tales of autism, and a mythological account of giant tiki carvings.
Fortune on the Spectrum
Autism Novel
Fortune on the Spectrum is a novel in which the main character has autism. Traits of his autism give him great focus on his obsession with day trading the stock market. He becomes the youngest self-made millionaire in Texas history.
You’re Gonna’ Get Bit!
Books about Snakes
After completing his first novel, Mark decided to compile a group of stories that brought him to the unusual occupation of snake venom extraction. For those like the creepy crawly reptiles and amphibians, these are tales from amateur fun to professional pitfalls.
From chasing frogs as a child, to milking venomous snakes for a living, Mark Ferdinand explores a lifetime of tales from the world of reptiles and amphibians. Whether it’s a quest for his first turtle, keeping crocodiles in his closet, or chasing snakes around the workplace, You’re Gonna’ Get Bit! has a story that all “herpers” and nature lovers can relate to and enjoy.
Funny Autism Stories
funny autism stories
We know about all the challenges. These funny autism stories focus on the fun and the funny side of autism. While he may not have typical communication skills, surprisingly this can be an asset in the humor department. Funny autism-related moments are a daily occurrence with this young character, and this book is a collection of the most memorable.
Every Tiki has a Spirit
Grey-scale Version
An enduring part of Mark’s life is that of tiki carving, and his works are spreading across the Corpus Christi area. Mark has carved individual tikis ranging in sizes from 12 inches to ten feet. In addition, Mark has converted large support posts to tiki carvings for commercial establishments, private residences, and home builders for their Polynesian/South Pacific decor projects. He has become quite well known in the state of Texas for being the state’s premier Polynesian carver.
Taking this experience and relaying it to readers in an entertaining way was Mark’s goal in writing the book “Every Tiki has a Spirit”. It is a fun chronicling of Mark’s experience with tiki carving and alternates to a mythological chronicling of the origins of the earth and mankind. Printed versions in color and black and white.
Mark Ferdinand writes on topics considered unusual for Texas authors.
Mark Ferdinand lives on the South Texas coast with his wife, daughter and son. Fishing the surf, hunting, gardening, carving, auto and home repair occupy his spare time. He has written on the topic of autism spectrum disorder from a father’s perspective in parenting articles and in other non-fiction venues.
Having limited typical communication skills, his son introduced Mark to new ways of interpreting his needs and aspirations. As his son grew older Mark became fascinated by the story potential within these amazing children. This prompted the creation of a dynamic adventure story focusing on a character with autism.
After completing his first novel “Fortune on the Spectrum”, he decided to compile a group of lifetime stories that brought him to the unusual occupation of snake venom extraction called “You’re Gonna’ Get Bit!: Harrowing Tales of Herpetology.”
Corpus Christi author and Texas author Mark Ferdinand. Mark writes novels with autistic characters, Texas fiction, and true tales of reptiles and amphibians. In 2017 Mark published his autism parenting book- “The Autistic Prankster: Enjoying the Fun Side of Autism.” Available in paperback and Kindle.
Mark Ferdinand has written several books on a range of topics. Much of his writing has focused on the topic of autism spectrum disorder in both nonfiction and fiction. Mark also has written on herpetology in his adventure book: You’re Gonna’ Get Bit! Books about tiki, however, are something new that Mark has recently chosen to dabble in.
Books about tiki
An enduring part of Mark’s life is that of tiki carving. Mark has carved individual tikis ranging in sizes from 12 inches to ten feet. In addition, Mark has converted large support posts to tiki carvings for commercial establishments, private residences, and home builders for their Polynesian/South Pacific decor projects. He has become quite well known in the state of Texas for being the state’s premier Polynesian carver.
Taking this experience and relaying it to readers in an entertaining way was Mark’s goal in writing the book “Every Tiki has a Spirit”. It is a fun chronicling of Mark’s experience with tiki carving and alternates to a mythological chronicling of the origins of the earth and mankind.
Mark discusses his motivations for creating his first tiki, and some of the meaning behind a few of the hundreds of tikis he has created since. He imagines a South Pacific bible of gods and goddesses that help humanity guide its way on earth.
Every Tiki has a Spirit is available in two versions: Full color and grey-scale.
Grey-scale Version
Mark is the author of the adventure novel “Fortune on the Spectrum”, the herpetology stories of “You’re Gonna’ Get Bit!” and the autism stories of “The Autistic Prankster”.
The best books 2019! You may be looking for an enthralling novel this year. You may be craving exciting true tales or inspiring parenting stories. Perhaps you are interested in the origins of mankind? These four books could get you through the year, or at least through the month. Each are short enough to digest easily in a reasonable time frame, and each pack a punch.
Get ready for some terrific reading.
Best Books 2019
Fortune on the Spectrum
Denny was diagnosed with autism at three years of age. Autism gave him the gift of obsession. This gift made him the youngest, self-made millionaire in Texas history. Autism also made him vulnerable to the forces of the outside world, of both society and nature. Fortune on the Spectrum is the journey of an unstoppable young man, destined to succeed and challenged to survive. Denny’s story takes you through struggle, humor, love, finance and danger from the voice of an atypical mind.
You’re Gonna’ Get Bit!
From chasing frogs as a child, to milking venomous snakes for a living, Mark Ferdinand explores a lifetime of tales from the world of reptiles and amphibians. Whether it’s a quest for his first turtle, keeping crocodiles in his closet, or chasing snakes around the workplace, You’re Gonna’ Get Bit! has a story that all “herpers” and nature lovers can relate to and enjoy.
The Autistic Prankster: Enjoying the Fun Side of Autism
Autism Books. We know about all the challenges. These stories focus on the fun and the funny side of autism. While he may not have typical communication skills, surprisingly this can be an asset in the humor department. Funny autism-related moments are a daily occurrence with this young character, and this book is a collection of the most memorable.
Tiki Books
Tiki Books! An immature account of the works of a tiki carver, and a serious account of the origins of the earth and mankind. The author indulges in his quest for creating bad-ass oceanic art that one can sip a cocktail by. This he alternates with a concise mythological blueprint of how this all came to be, and what we were given to navigate our way through it. A book for tikiphiles, mythology buffs, and wood carvers. Paperback in both Color and black & white versions.
