Story Ideas

Mark is always available to speak with the media. In fact, some potential features about Mark could include:

• If you’re one of the Northern Colorado news organizations, he’s local! It’s not often you have a critically-acclaimed writer living right in your community. Consider that his books have been read around the world, and you have the basis for a good story about a local who’s accomplished great things.
• Again, for the Northern Colorado news organizations, three of Mark’s books have been nominated for the Colorado Children’s Book Award in the last two years. It’s a favorite award for many writers and illustrators, since the winners are selected by the children of Colorado. “The Flower Man” and “When I Was A Girl… I Dreamed” are competing against each other for the 2007-08 award.
• Mark is a talented speaker. He travels to schools, businesses and other organizations and offers inspirational and encouraging messages. Through going to different schools, Mark has seen how many schools are run. If you want to speak to someone outside of the district who has the “pulse” on our schools, Mark is the guy.
• School budgets have been decimated in recent years, and the districts are often forced to cut programs perceived as “less important” to channel money to those it feels are more important. It’s something Mark keeps a close eye on as he travels from school to school. Why? Mark is an advocate for literacy and arts in schools. He would be happy to respond to questions relating to the topic.