Mark T. Sneed's Blog
July 19, 2021
Stepping out of my comfort zone
For those that do not know me well, I am a bit of an introvert. Again, most who know me find that statement hard to believe, but it's true. I prefer being alone or with just a few people. I enjoy the quiet of my own thoughts. Yet, I have because of circumstances beyond my control had to pivot and be an extrovert. For the longest I have loved sports and played basketball, football, baseball, run track, participated in bunch of other sports including cycling and chess. Because of my competitive nature my introvert self gives into the more extroverted self and thus I find myself telling everyone that bemoaned not being able to get out because of the pandemic that I preferred it.
I say all that to say that I have traveled three times since the vaccine was introduced and offered a way out of the global situation we find ourselves in. The vaccine is not a silver bullet, in my opinion, but it is one of many steps toward a less restrictive world.
Last weekend I went to the Atlanta Kickback and was a little further out of my comfort zone than I would have preferred but I stepped out.
Escape to the Stars
Bully Nation: The Remains: Part One
Got to keep moving forward.
The world waits for no one.
I say all that to say that I have traveled three times since the vaccine was introduced and offered a way out of the global situation we find ourselves in. The vaccine is not a silver bullet, in my opinion, but it is one of many steps toward a less restrictive world.
Last weekend I went to the Atlanta Kickback and was a little further out of my comfort zone than I would have preferred but I stepped out.
Escape to the Stars
Bully Nation: The Remains: Part One
Got to keep moving forward.
The world waits for no one.
June 25, 2021
Escape to the Stars release
Today is the day. Finally.
My fifth novel, Escape to the Stars, is now available for purchase on Amazon and in the bookstores.
The process of writing a novel, getting it edited, finding a cover design and then getting it formatted is nothing simple.
I often think about how I would sit in class, on a bench or in my bedroom writing out ideas that I thought were interesting enough to retell and think writing was not that difficult a task. I liked writing. I liked telling stories. As a writer, a published writer, the process can be daunting, but the final product is always worth it.
At least, that is how I feel today.
Escape to the Stars is my first space adventure. Hope you enjoy it.
Escape to the Stars
My fifth novel, Escape to the Stars, is now available for purchase on Amazon and in the bookstores.
The process of writing a novel, getting it edited, finding a cover design and then getting it formatted is nothing simple.
I often think about how I would sit in class, on a bench or in my bedroom writing out ideas that I thought were interesting enough to retell and think writing was not that difficult a task. I liked writing. I liked telling stories. As a writer, a published writer, the process can be daunting, but the final product is always worth it.
At least, that is how I feel today.
Escape to the Stars is my first space adventure. Hope you enjoy it.
Escape to the Stars
June 20, 2021
Five days until the release of Escape to the Stars
The countdown is on.
Just five days until the release of my fifth novel, Escape to the Stars, my first space adventure.
Very excited about the upcoming release.
Will be available this Friday.
Planning on having an ebook release and a paperback release available on Amazon and in most bookstores. If it is not at your local bookstore ask them to order it.
Thanks.
Escape to the Stars
Just five days until the release of my fifth novel, Escape to the Stars, my first space adventure.
Very excited about the upcoming release.
Will be available this Friday.
Planning on having an ebook release and a paperback release available on Amazon and in most bookstores. If it is not at your local bookstore ask them to order it.
Thanks.
Escape to the Stars
June 12, 2021
Bully Nation award
I am so pleased to announce that my second book, Bully Nation, has received a literary award. Bully Nation received 1st Place Blue Ribbon in the CYGNUS Book Awards for Science Fiction. So proud. Pick it up it is available on Amazon and in most bookstores.
Bully Nation: The Remains: Part One
Bully Nation: The Remains: Part One
June 4, 2021
Cover reveal
Very excited to announce the cover of Escape to the Stars will be tomorrow morning, June 5, 2021. Hope you like the cover. This is a bit of a departure for me in genre, style and message. As a black, male writer I am always reminded that Octavia Butler toiled and struggled to gain credibility in the science fiction community. I hope that quality and story matter more than anything else. I know differently. I am ever hopeful that as I prepare to reveal my latest efforts cover you will find it eye catching. The style and message may surprise. Enjoy.
Escape to the Stars
Escape to the Stars
May 29, 2021
Seven days until cover reveal
Have a lot to write about but only a little time to do so. Here's the long and short of it. Escape to the Stars cover will be revealed June 4, 2021. Yeah. The book is scheduled to be released June 25, 2021. It originally was going to be released June 18, 2021. Things had to be pushed back a little. Seven days.
I am a little anxious about the release of Escape to the Stars as it is a departure from the YA effort of Just One Mo. I hope that everyone that reads it enjoys the story and the writing.
In process of editing two books presently. Want to my next book in August.
Going to start ramping up for the other efforts after editing is completely done.
There are a lot of moving parts to publishing that I did not or was not aware of initially. I live and I learn.
Thanks for coming along on this journey.
Escape to the Stars
I am a little anxious about the release of Escape to the Stars as it is a departure from the YA effort of Just One Mo. I hope that everyone that reads it enjoys the story and the writing.
In process of editing two books presently. Want to my next book in August.
Going to start ramping up for the other efforts after editing is completely done.
There are a lot of moving parts to publishing that I did not or was not aware of initially. I live and I learn.
Thanks for coming along on this journey.
Escape to the Stars
May 11, 2021
Winners of Just One Mo
Just a quick note to all those that participated in the Just One Mo book giveaway. Thank you one and all. Sent out the books and hopefully those that received their books enjoy them. Thank you again for participating. It was my first book giveaway and quite overwhelming. Planning on doing another this month. Be prepared.
Just One Mo
Just One Mo
May 5, 2021
Reader Views reviewed Nothing Simple or Easy recently
Nothing Simple or Easy
Mark T. Sneed
ABM Publications (2020)
ISBN: 9780578803753
Reviewed by Lily Andrews for Reader Views (04/2021) 5*Fast-paced, contemporary, heartwarming story
“Nothing Simple or Easy” by Mark T. Sneed is a heartwarming story of how love can be found even in the least expected places and thrive against all odds. Jules Temple was raised by a single mother in the streets of Chicago. He lived in a rough neighborhood where people were killed for even the flimsiest reasons, and shootouts were common. Jules kept well out of crime despite having several friends who were members of gangs.
He attended Elmhurst College on an athletic scholarship, graduates, and gets hired by Chicago Tribunal in the technology department. Jules had neither had a keen interest in girls nor a knack for long-term relationships. These circumstances change when he meets the beautiful Bethany, at a club. This chance encounter makes him a target by the ringleader of one of the most dreaded gangs in Rogers Park, Diamond Martin, who was romantically involved with Bethany, conditionally. Was Jules willing to take a chance on the beautiful Bethany? Was he willing to confront Diamond and his gang and be ready for whatever implications that would have on him or would he choose to give up and go back to Logan Square where he lived?
It takes a writer's natural talent to immerse a reader into a story to an extent they feel they are part of the story. This book does just that. It was hard to imagine the story as fiction. The author uses flashbacks to usher the reader into Jules’s life. The author did a great job interweaving backstories and present events in a captivating manner such as the scene where Jules recounts the circumstances that led to him being thrown in the Chicago River by Diamond's gang. I commend the author for his good descriptions of events and surroundings.
My favorite quote from the book was from Kenneth Parker as he was reassuring Jules: “The greatest thing any of us possess is hope. Hope is the thing that gets us out of bed every day.” At first, the lead character was displayed as perfect, however, as the plot developed, he became more relatable and less invincible. Fans of contemporary romance who love a fast-paced plot that is easy to follow will enjoy this “Nothing Simple or Easy” by Mark T. Sneed.
Nothing Simple or Easy
Mark T. Sneed
ABM Publications (2020)
ISBN: 9780578803753
Reviewed by Lily Andrews for Reader Views (04/2021) 5*Fast-paced, contemporary, heartwarming story
“Nothing Simple or Easy” by Mark T. Sneed is a heartwarming story of how love can be found even in the least expected places and thrive against all odds. Jules Temple was raised by a single mother in the streets of Chicago. He lived in a rough neighborhood where people were killed for even the flimsiest reasons, and shootouts were common. Jules kept well out of crime despite having several friends who were members of gangs.
He attended Elmhurst College on an athletic scholarship, graduates, and gets hired by Chicago Tribunal in the technology department. Jules had neither had a keen interest in girls nor a knack for long-term relationships. These circumstances change when he meets the beautiful Bethany, at a club. This chance encounter makes him a target by the ringleader of one of the most dreaded gangs in Rogers Park, Diamond Martin, who was romantically involved with Bethany, conditionally. Was Jules willing to take a chance on the beautiful Bethany? Was he willing to confront Diamond and his gang and be ready for whatever implications that would have on him or would he choose to give up and go back to Logan Square where he lived?
It takes a writer's natural talent to immerse a reader into a story to an extent they feel they are part of the story. This book does just that. It was hard to imagine the story as fiction. The author uses flashbacks to usher the reader into Jules’s life. The author did a great job interweaving backstories and present events in a captivating manner such as the scene where Jules recounts the circumstances that led to him being thrown in the Chicago River by Diamond's gang. I commend the author for his good descriptions of events and surroundings.
My favorite quote from the book was from Kenneth Parker as he was reassuring Jules: “The greatest thing any of us possess is hope. Hope is the thing that gets us out of bed every day.” At first, the lead character was displayed as perfect, however, as the plot developed, he became more relatable and less invincible. Fans of contemporary romance who love a fast-paced plot that is easy to follow will enjoy this “Nothing Simple or Easy” by Mark T. Sneed.
Nothing Simple or Easy
May 2, 2021
Escape to the Stars prep
I have begun to prepare for the release of Escape to the Stars. My first science-fiction novel is about a space marine and space fleet on a far flung adventure. I hope you come along for a different type of science-fiction adventure.
Giveaway Ends with a Bang!
Wow. This was my first Goodreads giveaway and I have to say thank you to everyone that entered. I am simply humbled by the responses. You guys outstretched my wildest imaginings.
I have already mailed out the signed books to the winners. Hope you enjoy the book.
For those that did not win Just One Mo is available on Amazon, B&N and most retailers.
Thanks again for the interest.
The greatest takeaway for me is that Goodreads community is amazing. Period.
Be on the look out for my first science fiction effort, Escape to the Stars set to be released in June.
More details to follow.
Thanks again everyone that entered the giveaway and those that wanted to but forgot.
Best,
Mark
Just One Mo
I have already mailed out the signed books to the winners. Hope you enjoy the book.
For those that did not win Just One Mo is available on Amazon, B&N and most retailers.
Thanks again for the interest.
The greatest takeaway for me is that Goodreads community is amazing. Period.
Be on the look out for my first science fiction effort, Escape to the Stars set to be released in June.
More details to follow.
Thanks again everyone that entered the giveaway and those that wanted to but forgot.
Best,
Mark
Just One Mo
