Category Archives: Author

Author, nonfiction, Novel, Texas, Uncategorized

Texas Authors

Texas Authors

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
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
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
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

 

Tiki Book
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’s books are available through Amazon in both paperback and Kindle. Digital versions are available for Android from Google Play and iTunes for Apple devices.

Texas Author

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.

Check out Mark Ferdinand’s latest book- “Every Tiki Has a Spirit.”

Author, autism, Books, Herpetology, Texas, Tiki

Best Books 2019

Best Books 2019

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
Best Books 2019

 

 

Fortune on the Spectrum
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.

snake books
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.

fun autism books
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

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.

Best authors of 2018
2018 Books Author Mark Ferdinand

Purchase paperback Books by
Mark Ferdinand

Beyond paperback Mark’s books can be purchased for Kindle, Android, and Apple devices.

Author, Texas, Tiki

Tiki Books

Tiki Books

Mark Ferdinand has branched out into tiki books. Actually it is one book in two different versions. “Every Tiki has a Spirit” is Mark’s new offering in 2018. He has made available a full-color version and a black and white version.

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.

Tiki books
Tiki books
Tiki Book
Black and White Version

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 topics of autism spectrum disorder, working with venomous snakes and tiki mythology.

Mark started carving tikis in order to have a large tiki to decorate his garden. Ten years later, he still has no permanent tiki in his garden as he has created and sold over a hundred of them without being able to keep one for himself.

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”.

 

Books by

Mark Ferdinand

 

 

 

 

 

  • Bachelor on the Spectrum
    (Coming Soon!)

 

 

Beyond paperback Mark’s books can be
purchased for Kindle, Android, and Apple devices.

 

Author, autism, Texas

Texas Author Mark Ferdinand – Smashwords Interview

Smashwords Interview with Texas Author Mark Ferdinand

Texas Author Mark Ferdinand  discusses his background and writing. His recent book The Autistic Prankster: Enjoying the Fun Side of Autism was released at the beginning of this month.

When you’re not writing, how do you spend your time?

Fishing the surf, hunting, gardening, tiki carving, and DIY projects occupy my spare time.

Do you remember the first story you ever wrote?

Not at all. Too long ago.

How do you discover the ebooks you read? 

I search online for very old books that are converted to ebooks.

What is your writing process? 

I try to write at least a paragraph per day. This in addition to business writing and online banter.

Do you remember the first story you ever read, and the impact it had on you? 

I believe that people invent a clever answer to these types of questions. Something contrived and crafted to be profound. I cannot remember the first story I ever read. Too long ago.

How do you approach cover design? 

I make a first attempt. Then I seek simplicity and complexity at the same time. I make multiple versions until I find the right direction.

What are your five favorite books, and why? 

My favorite books are from long dead explorers that create a daily log of their travels. I trust their experiences and their writings more than I trust modern writers seeking to revise history to their liking.

What do you read for pleasure? 

Non-fiction writing of travel, exploration, and battle from long-dead writers that carried weapons.

What is your e-reading device of choice? 

Kindle app via cell phone or tablet. With the cell phone, I can read on the terlet at work without anyone knowing my intentions when entering.

What book marketing techniques have been most effective for you? 

Youtube videos on my Mark Ferdinand Youtube Channel.

Describe your desk 

I have a desk with a screen, printer, and PC box on it, plus a variety of papers strewn about. On top of the PC box is a toy Jeep Wrangler, a paper Jeep Grand Cherokee, a toy palm tree and a Homies figurine that I found. I have pens, highlighters and a ruler laying on the right side. Behind me is a rack with two large cages with ball pythons in them, and a large fishbowl containing two Chinese firebelly newts.

Where did you grow up, and how did this influence your writing? 

I grew up in Colorado and had access to miles of mountain wilderness on a regular basis. This gave me a love for things in the natural world and a valuable comparison to urban places and urban people. It helped me to focus on clarity and perspective in my writing.

When did you first start writing? 

In creative writing classes. High school and college level. But I always built books even as a child.

What’s the story behind your latest book? 

The story is about my son with autism. The fun and funny side of autism and the way he makes life enjoyable.

What motivated you to become an indie author? 

I do not like being told what to do and I do not want my work to be at the mercy of the whims of others.

How has Smashwords contributed to your success? 

It is a venue for my work that I appreciate. Gives my work exposure in the Apple device world.

What is the greatest joy of writing for you? 

Completion of a project, which means amassing a body of work.

What do your fans mean to you? 

They mean that someone out there is curious about what I am curious about.

What are you working on next? 

A book about tiki carvings. I build amazing Texas tiki carvings and they should be immortalized in a book.

Who are your favorite authors? 

Peter Capstick, Robert Ruark, HM Stanley.

What inspires you to get out of bed each day? 

It is a man’s duty to get out of bed. Inspiration has nothing to do with it.

Books by This Author

2018 autism books
2018 autism books

The Autistic Prankster: Enjoying the Fun Side of Autism by Mark Ferdinand

 Nonfiction » Parenting

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 Author Mark Ferdinand

You’re Gonna’ Get Bit!: Harrowing Tales of Herpetology by Mark Ferdinand

 Nonfiction » Science and Nature » Life Sciences / Zoology / Ichthyology & Herpetology, Nonfiction » Home and Garden » Pets & livestock

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.

South Texas Author Mark Ferdinand

Fortune on the Spectrum: An Adventure Novel by Mark Ferdinand

 Fiction » Adventure » General, Fiction » Inspirational

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.

Smashwords Author link:

iTunes Author link:

Google Play Author link:

 

Author

Best Texas Authors

Author Mark Ferdinand, a resident of Corpus Christi, Texas has a son with autism that inspires him every day.  Mark’s experience enables him to bring a unique character to life in the world of fiction as the best Texas authors have achieved. With the increase of special needs characters as a trend in books, movies and television, Mark is able to approach the creation of such characters with a realism and respect not often seen in popular media.
 
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.
Best Texas Authors
Texas author Mark Ferdinand

 

Mark published his new non-fiction work entitled You’re Gonna’ Get Bit!: Harrowing Tales of Herpetology.

Best Texas Authors

 
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.
 

Mark Ferdinand writes on topics considered unusual for a Texas author. He lives on the South Texas coast with his wife, daughter and son. Fishing the surf, hunting, gardening, tiki 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.

Fortune on the Spectrum and You’re Gonna’ Get Bit are available through Amazon in both paperback and Kindle. Both are also available for Android and Apple devices.

Books by Mark Ferdinand are available here:

Amazon Page

iTunes

Google Play

Author, autism

Autism and Christmas

Autism and Christmas

The closer we get to Christmas, and the older he gets, the more involved he becomes. He starts asking about when our tree will be up, what colored lights will be on the tree, and how much time off will he get. If we try to skip anything (like outdoor lights for example) he now knows to call us on our slacking.  Autism and Christmas promises to be interesting this year!

Autism and Christmas
Autism and Christmas

More than any other holiday or occasion, my son loves Christmas. He is just like me this way. It is more than just the presents that he loves, there are so many surrounding factors as many of us know.

These days it begins after Halloween when we visit the big box stores. The Christmas decorations are on full display in the blink of an eye and he knows that the time has begun.

This is the beginning of all the sights and sounds that he loves. The beginning of lights, fake snowmen, bells and commercials on TV. After Thanksgiving, things really start to kick in!

This holiday season has run rife with inconsistency and deviations from tradition. We have already changed the routine with Thanksgiving this year. We told the grandparents we would visit them for Christmas so they skipped Thanksgiving at our house for the first time in twelve years.

Now we will be traveling and not spending Christmas in the home. We shall see what happens!

 

Mark Ferdinand is the writer of the adventure novel “Fortune on the Spectrum”.  He lives on the South Texas coast with his wife, daughter and son. Fishing the surf, hunting, gardening, tiki-carving, and repairs 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.

Books by Mark Ferdinand are available here:

Amazon Page

iTunes

Google Play

Author, autism, Books, Novel, Uncategorized

Autism and Thanksgiving

Autism and Thanksgiving

As I write this we are preparing for this year’s thanksgiving festivities. This year, however, promises to be a bit of a blow to his routine. For the last ten years or so, we have enjoyed visits from his grandparents for the entire week. I would take most of the week off, and we would enjoy visiting, eating, drinking, and going to restaurants. This year is a new experience with autism and Thanksgiving.

What leads me to believe that he will be at least slightly thrown off, are the questions coming up this year now that he can identify the fact that this year is different.

By this time his grandparents (called Oma and Opa) would have been here. By this time I would have already taken off work. He is happy to be off school and at home, but he knows that something is amiss.

Autism and Thanksgiving
Autism and Thanksgiving

Update: Maturity does have a positive effect on his dealings with changes. Thanksgiving came and went, and we informed him repeatedly that we would be seeing Oma and Opa on Christmas and that “This year is different”.

He now understands that when we say “Today is different” or “This year is different” he is in for a change to what he is used to, and better be ready to deal with it. I promised to take him to the restaurant on the following weekend, and we ended up making a father/son day out of it.

Autism Author Mark Ferdinand

Mark Ferdinand is a Texas author living on Padre Island 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.

funny autism stories
funny autism stories
Autism Novel
Autism Novel

Books by Mark Ferdinand are available here:

Amazon Page

iTunes

Google Play

Author, Longmont Colorado

COLORADO AUTHOR

COLORADO AUTHOR

Colorado author Mark Ferdinand is the author of the autism adventure novel Fortune on the Spectrum and the book You’re Gonna’ Get Bit!: Harrowing Tales of Herpetology.

Mark was born and raised in Longmont, Colorado attending Longs Peak Jr. High and Longmont High School. He earned a degree in Technical Journalism at Colorado State University in Fort Collins. He now lives on Padre Island on the Texas coast, but is still a frequent Colorado visitor with ties to the family cabin.

Colorado Author
Colorado Author

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.

Colorado Author
Colorado Author Novel

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.

For those like the creepy crawly reptiles and amphibians. Fun tales from amateur fun to professional pitfalls.

Colorado Author
Colorado Author – Book of Reptile Stories

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.

Corpus Christi author and Colorado author Mark Ferdinand. Mark writes novels with autistic characters, Texas fiction, and true tales of reptiles and amphibians. Paperback, Kindle and Android app.

Author, Books, Texas

Texas Author

Texas Author

Texas author Mark Ferdinand, a resident of Corpus Christi, Texas has a son with autism that inspires him every day.  Mark’s experience enables him to bring a unique character to life in the world of fiction. With the increase of special needs characters as a trend in books, movies and television, Mark is able to approach the creation of such characters with a realism and respect not often seen in popular media.

Autism Novel
Fortune on the Spectrum

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.

Mark published his new non-fiction work entitled You’re Gonna’ Get Bit! Harrowing Tales of Herpetology.

Texas author
You’re Gonna’ Get Bit!

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.

Mark Ferdinand writes on topics considered unusual for a Texas author.

Fortune on the Spectrum and You’re Gonna’ Get Bit! are available through Amazon in both paperback and Kindle. Both are also available for Android from Google Play.

Texas Author
Texas Author

When not writing, Mark can be found on a barrier island fishing the surf, hunting, gardening, tiki-carving, or fixing Jeeps.

6-21-16

 

Save

Author

Corpus Christi Author

Corpus Christi Author

Corpus Christi author Mark Ferdinand lives, works and writes on North Padre Island in Corpus Christi. While many Corpus Christi authors are not widely known, Mark’s adventure novel Fortune on the Spectrum has been honored with a spot on the Best Books about Texas list.

The City

The city of Corpus Christi plays a role in the story but much of this fictional account relates to any coastal town on the Gulf. Beach life, island life and natural conditions on the water in hurricane country all are prominent.

Fortune on the Spectrum is a unique adventure novel. A journey in the life of the youngest self-made millionaire in Texas history.

Corpus Christi Author
Mark Ferdinand in novel promotion video
Corpus Christi Author
Corpus Christi author Mark Ferdinand

Mark Ferdinand lives on the Padre Island 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.

Mark is about to publish his new non-fiction work entitled You’re Gonna’ Get Bit! Harrowing Tales of Herpetology.

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.

Corpus Christi Author

Save