Category Archives: Novel

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.”

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

Longmont author

Longmont Author

Longmont 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.

Longmont author
Longmont author Mark Ferdinand

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

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.

Autism Novel
Autism Novel – Fortune on the Spectrum

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.

You're Gonna' Get Bit!: Harrowing Tales of Herpetology
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 and Texas author Mark Ferdinand. Mark writes novels with autistic characters, Texas fiction, and true tales of reptiles and amphibians. Paperback, Kindle and Android app.

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Texas Romance Novel Cover

Texas Romance Novel Cover

Just for fun once again. I am getting a kick out of creating a Texas romance novel cover using the title of my book, Fortune on the Spectrum.  I love the covers for Texas romance novels and as an author from Corpus Christi, I wanted to get in on  the action. Here is my latest…

Texas Romance Novel Cover
Texas Romance Novel Cover
Autism Novel
Actual Cover

Above is the actual cover for Fortune on the Spectrum.

Fortune on the Spectrum

Fortune on the Spectrum is a new novel featuring a character with autism. This character becomes the youngest self-made millionaire in Texas history and endures multiple challenges both before and after his great achievement. Autism books fiction.

Books and novels abound these days with themes relating to autism spectrum disorder.  A large percentage of these books are in the non-fiction category which give advice to parents and loved ones of children with autism. Doctors, therapists and other professionals also have added their take on the subject in great numbers of published works.

My novel is obviously a work of fiction, but so much of it is drawn from real-world experience raising a son with autism. Many of the interesting quirks and behaviors of the main character were inspired by my son. Of course I gladly ran with the fleshing out of an interesting adventure for all readers, but knowing parents with experience with such things will recognize familiar themes as well.

Texas Author Mark Ferdinand

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.

Corpus Christi author and Texas author Mark Ferdinand. Mark writes novels with autistic characters, and Texas fiction.

 

Autistic Character

The Texas-based novel “Fortune on the Spectrum” delves deeply into the life of Denny Jagen, an autistic character.  Texas author Mark Ferdinand was inspired to write an adventure novel by his son who was diagnosed with autism at age three.  He imagined what kind of adventures such a character may have as he overcame challenges of normal society.

Autistic character
Autistic character

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.

autism fiction
Autism fiction in paperback or Kindle format

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.

Autistic character author Mark Ferdinand
Autistic character author Mark Ferdinand

Corpus Christi author and Texas author Mark Ferdinand. Mark writes novels with autistic characters, and Texas fiction.  Mark is actively working on the next installment of the life of Denny Jagen, exploring HAUTISM, and other fun projects to come in 2016.  Writing projects are ongoing.

Autism fiction

Autism fiction

Mark Ferdinand has written the adventure novel, Fortune on the Spectrum, with the main character on the autism 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.

autism fiction
autism fiction

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.

Corpus Christi author and Texas author Mark Ferdinand. Mark writes novels with autistic characters, and Texas fiction. Fortune on the Spectrum is available in paperback or Kindle.  Also available for Android (Google Play) and Apple (iTunes).

Kindle Version Customer Review:

“I found this book to be a fascinating work, not only because of the unique storyline, but also because of the glimpse the book provides into some of the daily aspects of interfacing and communicating with an individual who is on the spectrum. The story is one of love, hope and promise. What an interesting view of the potential that lies within these unique individuals waiting to be unlocked! Thoroughly enjoyable and touching. ” -Rita

Novels about Texas

Novels about Texas

Fortune on the Spectrum has to be one of the more unusual novels about Texas.   For one thing it takes place on a barrier island on the Gulf of Mexico.  Also it’s main character is on the autism spectrum.  Money and finance play a key role, while it has nothing to do with the oil business.

Fortune on the Spectrum deals with a few serious challenges for the main character.  Besides the obvious challenges of having autism, he must endure a record-sized Texas hurricane that hits the gulf when it is least expected.

Mark Ferdinand writes his Texas-themed novel out of Corpus Christi Texas, on North Padre Island.

novels about texas
novels about Texas

Just for fun, he has created a romance novel cover for this title. Click the image above to view the real cover where it is available on Amazon in paperback or Kindle.

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.

Mark Ferdinand writes on topics considered unusual for South Texas authors. Both Fortune on the Spectrum and You’re Gonna’ Get Bit! are available through Amazon in both paperback and Kindle.

Texas Novels

Texas Novels

There is an abundance of novels set in the Lone Star State or simply called Texas Novels. Few, if any, are set on the Texas coast. The “third coast” as it is sometimes referred to.

Fortune on the Spectrum by Mark Ferdinand delivers just that. The main character is born and raised on a barrier island in the Texas coast. He makes his fortune there, lives and loves there, but has his life severely tested by the forces of nature. The worst hurricane ever to strike the island.

Texas Novels
Parody Cover of Texas Romance Novels

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.

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.

South Texas Authors

Mark Ferdinand – South Texas authors

South Texas authors are making their presence known. Mark Ferdinand works in Kingsville, Texas and lives on North Padre Island in Corpus Christi, Texas. Mark is the author of the 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.

Fortune_Coverpromo Open10-15

Fortune on the Spectrum an Adventure Novel

South Texas Authors
Mark Ferdinand in novel promotion video

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.

Mark Ferdinand writes on topics considered unusual for South Texas authors. Both Fortune on the Spectrum and You’re Gonna’ Get Bit! are available through Amazon in both paperback and Kindle.

Son with autism enjoying new pool

My son with autism likes to jump and do cannonballs when he goes to the pool. I recently installed a semi above ground pool for him, but I didn’t want him using the coping to do his jumps. I finally built a primitive platform for him. I still need to add some hand rails and secure it a bit better in the ground. It is working for now.

Son with autism enjoying new pool.

As usual I include an advert for my novel, Fortune on the Spectrum, by Mark Ferdinand. An autism adventure novel.