Virtual Book Tour: The Journey by Mark T. Rasmussen #blogtour #giveaway #literary #fiction #rabtbooktours @RABTBookTours

Literary fiction (with Adventure; Family)

Date Published: 11-28-2022

Publisher: By The Pure Sea Books

 

“The journey of a 1000 miles begins with a single step.” ~ Lao Tzu

Raiden, an emotionally troubled 40-something guy, is at a major turning point in his life. Rather than choose to face it head on, he undertakes an epic road trip adventure across North America, all with the aim of escaping the single most transformative event of his life – imminent fatherhood.

Searching for solutions in all the wrong places and faces, Raiden is forced to turn the mirror back on himself and shine the harsh light of reality not only on his quest, but into the very depths of his soul, in order to discover what it is he truly seeks.

While he does his best to find the answer, the impactful events he experiences along the way will reveal more about Raiden and his nature than the strange assortment of characters he meets on his overland odyssey.

Ultimately, The Journey is a story that no matter how far you run, your demons always follow.

 “Mark T. Rasmussen rewards readers with a fascinating tale of transformation. 5-stars!” – K.C. Finn (Readers’ Favorite)

 

Interview

What is the hardest part of writing your books?

Does finding the time count? I’m not sure if I’m joking or serious. Ha! But other than that, I’d say choosing one of my ideas in which to focus solely on and actually sit down to write. I’m one of those lucky writers who is never short of an idea. I have a folder full of them – some 50+ screenplays, 30+ books, and about the same for kid’s books. I’ll never be able to write all of them. Instead, I choose the idea that resonates the most. The one that has a clear beginning and I know the ending, that’s half the battle (and the secret) to writing great fiction. If you know where to start and have a clear end in mind, even if it changes, then at least you have something to aim for.

 

What songs are most played on your ipod?

Wow! You’re speaking to a former music reviewer and critic, who already had a huge volume of music before that role. My iPod has something like 1500+ albums or 25,000+ songs on it. And in the years since, it’s only grown even bigger. But there’s always a few go-to-faves, isn’t there? One song that comes to mind, is Moby’s haunting, powerful, pipe-organ induced Memory Gospel. That song actually features in my novel in the very first chapter. It’s also the song that I played to my first son when he was still in the belly. There’s just something so ethereal and majestic about that track. It also depends on your mood, too. Sometimes nothing beats a loud, raucous rock number like Rage Against The Machine’s Killing in The Name, or if you want a truly mellow tune, Albatross is perfect (also the song I played to my second son, when he was in his mama’s belly through headphones). Go-to faves include Jeff Buckley’s Last Goodbye, Edith Piaf’s Non Je Ne Regrette Rien, Roxy Music’s Slave To Love, etc. Then there’s the more recent, super cool newer stuff such as Kiki Rockwell’s Cup Runneth Over, Vivo by Andrea Laszlo De Simone, When This Is Over by Aussie act, Cousin Tony’s Brand New Firebird, Chinatown by Bleachers & Bruce Springsteen, Oliver Tank’s Last Night I Heard Everything In Slow Motion, Sharon Van Etten’s Every Time The Sun Comes Up. I mean this is an impossible question for me to answer because I could go on forever.

 

Do you have critique partners or beta readers?

Absolutely! My wife is a big critique and usually on point with her suggestions. I’ve also been part of two great writing groups – one in Australia, the other in L.A. A few of the former members I am still in touch with, and whose opinions I greatly respect. And yes to beta readers, I use a company I know and trust, but a word of warning to the unwise or novice writer. Sift through all suggestions and feedback, and only keep what resonates and ditch the rest. Sometimes you can have too many people interfere and you get differing opinions and thoughts. Trust yourself and your own inner critique the most, but call upon the trusted, writer souls you know (not family or friends), and your writing will better for it. 

 

What book are you reading now?

Re-reading as the case is. For fiction, it’s my wife’s phenomenal debut novel, Daughter of Belial. Long before we ever got together, back when we were just friends, I read her first draft and even in that raw form, it was better than almost anything else I had read by other more established writers and award winning authors. It truly was. Six years later, it’s just been released, and it’s still one of the best books I’ve read in years. It’s mind-blowing, it’s brilliant, it’s dark, it’s intense, powerful, and truly unforgettable. And with a cover to die for, I cannot recommend it enough. Check it out: https://www.amazon.com/Daughter-Belial-Uncovering-truth-dangerous-ebook/dp/B0B85WN3SG/

 

In non-fiction (because I believe all authors should read a mix of genres and styles), it’s currently Tools of Titans by Tim Ferriss. Only a tiny fraction into it (it’s a monster of book), but there’s some good gems of wisdom and action to take in there, from some “titans” in the world across all various disciplines and fields.

 

How did you start your writing career?

I just wrote. But you know, I’m not really sure. One of my earliest memories of writing is a story I wrote in grade 4, that just came to me. That story got voted on by other classes in school and finished second overall. I dabbled here and there, fading in & out, until I was travelling and landed in Rio, Brazil. The Rio International Film festival was on and I was fortunate enough to attend a writing workshop that was being run by Academy Award winning screenwriter, Marc Norman (Shakespeare in Love). I was the only non-Brazilian in the class, however, he didn’t speak a word of Portuguese either. But there were a few things he said that truly resonated with me and made me go, “Wow, I really am a writer.” After the workshop I started to take my writing, and approach to it, much more seriously. That was in 2009. Once I returned home to Australia, I found a great group of writers that then led me to tripping off over to L.A, which led me to Toronto, Canada, which led to NaNoWriMo in 2016, which led to the first draft of my debut novel, The Journey. This year I took my writing and career to a whole other level, by employing professional editors, cover designer, interior formatter, proofreader etc etc, all with the aim of finally becoming an author. And now here I am – A number 1 Amazon Bestseller, with my first kid’s picture book being released early next year, and two more to follow after that.

 

Tell us about your next release.

My next adult fiction novel, is called The Last. It has a kind of sci-fi bent to it, but is still very much literary fiction at its core and is a novel very much grounded in the here and now. The Last explores humanity and its destruction of the world in big & small ways, all seen from the eyes and experiences of ‘the last’ Martian who comes to earth to see out his final days. He meets two friends who do their best to show him a good time, and shield him (not easy when he is over 7ft tall), to see what it’s like to be a human living on Earth. Instead, the last Martian sees the horrors and atrocities around the world on the news and in real life, and can see the catastrophe awaiting the world and global human population if we don’t change our harmful behaviours and destructive ways. It reminds him of his own planet and how the annihilation of Mars brought about the end of the Martian race. Needless to say, The Last is big on current global events, yet is steeped in heart and love. I’m really excited to get back into it once the launch for this novel is over. Several ideas have been percolating in my mind and I’ve already gotten a few chapters written. There’s actually a special advanced preview at the end of The Journey, letting readers into the beginning of that world. It’s my hope that readers who really enjoyed The Journey (No matter how far you run, your demons always follow), will stick around to see how I’ve progressed as a writer and intend to further my author career. I’m genuinely excited by everything I hope to achieve with The Last.

About the Author

MARK T. RASMUSSEN is an Australian author born by the sea, cultivated in the city, formed via the world. Previously a professional journalist and editor, Mark now writes evocative, thought provoking subject matter for his adult novels and screenplays, and fun, captivating, thoughtful books for children. An avid adventurer, he currently lives in a remote Mexican seaside-jungle village with his beautiful & brilliant, author wife, and youngest son, finding it an idyllic piece of paradise to read, write, and love. For more info visit: MarkTRasmussen.com

Contact Links

Website

Blog

Goodreads

LinkedIn

Spotify

Purchase Link

Amazon

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway