ABOUT ME
Mark McNease here, Guided Autobiography instructor, workshop facilitator, novelist, publisher, former board member for the Mystery Writers of America – New York Chapter … have I left anything out?
I’m the author of the Kyle Callahan Mysteries, three of which (six total) have been best sellers on Kindle. My Linda Sikorsky Mystery, Last Room at the Cliff’s Edge, was called a winner by Publishers Weekly.
I’ve released three Marshall James thrillers, two Maggie Dahl Mysteries, and three books in the horror/supernatural genre under the name M.A. McNease.
I’m a certified Guided Autobiography Instructor, guiding small-group participants through the process of thematic journaling – a process of rediscovery as we journal on themes and prompts, each of them a door leading to our lived experiences.
I’ve also won two Emmys for Outstanding Children’s Program for Into the Outdoors, a television show I co-created that is now in its 24th year, and I’m a former board member of the Mystery Writers of America, New York Chapter.
Welcome
Whether you’ve been writing for decades or you’re just beginning to find your voice, you’ve come to the right place. Your Write Path offers practical, encouraging guidance for fiction writers, aspiring authors, and anyone drawn to the power of personal narrative. I believe every person has stories worth telling — and that the right support can make all the difference in getting them onto the page.
Having written and published 15 novels, countless short stories and more articles than I can recall, both for pleasure and for hire, I’ve learned what it takes to move from idea to finished manuscript, from manuscript to published book, and from published book to readers who connect with your work. My goal here is to share what I know in ways that are accessible, useful, and genuinely enjoyable.
Workshop Offerings
Fiction Writing Essentials
Every great story rests on a foundation of craft, This workshop covers the core elements of fiction writing in an easy-to study format that covers story structure, point of view, scene-building, dialogue, pacing, and the all-important question of what your story is really about. Whether you’re working on your first draft or trying to understand why a project isn’t coming together, Fiction Writing Essentials gives you the tools and the framework to move forward with confidence.
This workshop is ideal for writers at the beginning or intermediate stage who want a clear, practical grounding in how fiction works — and how to make it work for them.
Character Creation
Readers don’t just fall in love with plots. They fall in love with the characters at the center of them. A compelling character with desires, contradictions, history, and voice is what transforms a good story into an unforgettable one. This workshop takes you into the art and craft of building characters who feel real, who surprise you as you write them, and who stay with your readers long after the last page.
We’ll explore how characters are shaped by their past, how they reveal themselves through action and dialogue, how to write both heroes and villains with depth and authenticity, and how your characters’ inner lives drive your outer plot. You’ll leave with a richer understanding of the people in your stories, and the skills to bring them fully to life.
Self-Publishing
Publishing has changed. The path from finished manuscript to published book has never been more accessible, but it can also feel overwhelming without the right guidance. This workshop demystifies the self-publishing process from start to finish, covering everything from manuscript preparation and formatting to cover design considerations, ISBN registration, metadata, distribution platforms, and how to position your book for readers.
Drawing on years of experience as an independent author and publisher, I’ll walk you through the decisions you’ll need to make, the tools that work, and the pitfalls to avoid. By the end, you’ll have a clear, realistic picture of what it takes to bring your book into the world on your own terms, with professionalism and confidence.
Thematic Journaling
Every life is a story, and each of us is the storyteller. Not all writing is fiction, and not all personal writing is memoir. Thematic journaling occupies a rich space in between, a guided, reflective practice that uses focused themes to help you explore your life, your memories, your values, and your voice. It’s writing as discovery, and it can be transformative.
Drawing on my background as a Certified Guided Autobiography Instructor, this workshop guides participants through thematic prompts designed to unlock stories you may not have known you were carrying. Each theme opens a new door: relationships, turning points, work and purpose, the body and health, and the world you grew up in. You’ll write, reflect, and share in a supportive community of fellow participants.
Thematic journaling is open to all — no prior writing experience required. Just a willingness to show up on the page and see what’s there.
Work With Me
Ready to take the next step? I offer these workshops both in person and online, and I’m available for one-on-one author coaching as well. If you’re not sure which offering is right for you, reach out — I’m happy to help you find the best fit. YourWritePath AT Outlook.com