Conversations with Mark Farrell

Today we’d like to introduce you to Mark Farrell

Mark, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Originally from Boston, I moved to Phoenix about six years ago. I love living in Arizona, but unfortunately when I arrived it was at a very low point in my life. I had just lost my job for the second time in two years. Working in nuclear power for nearly twenty years, I witnessed two plant shutdowns and my search for work brought me across the country.
At the same time, I was going through a divorce and after getting married very young, I found myself alone for the first time in many years. Starting over in a new town and far from everything I knew, I tried to distract myself with sightseeing and frequenting a couple of bars. This helped, however calming my mind was not an easy task.
One evening, while I was out, a story sparked in my head. I always had a passion for writing and had developed a young adult series for my children years earlier. It is something I still plan to publish one day. However, this new story was a bit different, a bit darker, and more adult. I love horror and monsters and I wondered what would happen if the grim reaper fell in love with a bartender.
That day Roses and Ashes was born. It took a few years to develop as for a while it was simply notes and thoughts. However, once I started typing it out, the story took on a mind of its own. What was originally a stand-alone book has now become a trilogy with an anthology and a few spin-off titles in the works. I love taking monsters of myth and legend and giving them a modern twist. The book also inspired the creation of Boogiemanbites.com, which showcases clothing and accessories all with a modern spooky vibe.
My life has certainly improved since my first days in Arizona and earlier this year, Roses and Ashes was finally published. However, the excitement was short lived as only a few weeks later I experienced a tragedy no parent should ever endure. My oldest son Kyle, who was only twenty-one, was killed in an auto accident. I honestly didn’t want to do anything after that. I think of him everyday and I know my life will never be the same. Without the help of my family, my girlfriend, and a few close friends, I’m not sure how I would have managed those first weeks without him.
Life can be unfair and unbearable at times. This thought is one of the reasons I wrote my book. It is meant to take the reader on a ride, something fast paced and entertaining, an escape from the burdens of everyday life. I think we all need that little break once in a while. I think it helps recharge us and give us the strength to conquer whatever we are facing. And that’s the most important thing, that we continue to stand no matter how many times we get knocked down.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
My life has been anything but smooth. Growing up, I experienced my fair share of being bullied and getting picked on. I was the son of an alcoholic father, and though he has since passed and I love him very much, I have seen the dark side of what alcohol can do to people. I was a dad at nineteen and struggled to balance school and work while trying to care for an infant.
I was married young and underwent a very rocky relationship, though it did bring me four amazing children. That relationship has since passed and I have processed the struggles of divorce.
I lost my job in Massachusetts after the power plant I had spent fifteen years working at announced they were closing. I then took a job in South Carolina where they were building two brand new plants and offered me an opportunity I thought I could retire from, only for my employer to cancel that project a year and a half after I took the position.
After moving to Arizona, I spent nearly two years living alone with a pullout sofa, a futon, and a desk being my only furniture in a one-bedroom apartment.
And the most excruciating tragedy I’ve experienced has been the death of my son just three months ago.

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I love writing. My mind is always moving a hundred miles an hour and it’s like therapy to put my thoughts on paper. I think something that sets me apart is a life filled with experience. I know very well what it’s like to be kicked in the teeth and at the end of the day still be expected to smile. I’ve been through plenty of lows but also some exciting highs and I try to form those feelings onto paper. I want my reader to feel what my characters are feeling, for them to be in their shoes.
The thing that I’m most proud of is that no matter what life has thrown at me I’ve always managed to get back up, even if I complain, and moan, and crawl first. I think that’s also a reason I like to give people some entertainment, because I know what it’s like to feel like everything is falling apart and I hope that in some way if my work can take someone away from that pain, to make them smile, then I’ve done my job.

Do you have any advice for those just starting out?
The advice that I would give is something a learned in Jiu-Jitsu. And that is to go with. Life is never going to go according to plan. The most important thing is that you go with whatever is thrown at you and learn to adapt.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.boogiemanbites.com
• Instagram: @boogiemanbites
• Facebook: boogiemanbites
• Youtube: boogiemanbites
• Other: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CYR3CJ63