Mark Howen

Having survived numerous self-imposed geographic transplants, my roots reach far, yet— for the most part—are still intact. Yes, I am a multi-generational Coloradan, but would have to claim more a simple Westerner. My wife and I ended up raising our family in the state of Washington. Here we will most likely put in our remaining time on this wondrous blue ball called planet Earth.

What I do for a living has never truly complimented that which I was attempting to do for a life. As a result, a battle of wills would culminate, and needs would usually claim victory over dreams. It is a common ailment found in the pursuit of all art. Yet, I have never stopped searching.

This is my latest endeavor in writing a complete novel. To say it is “art" will be up to the opinion of the reader. However, it can be said that the act of creation—in anything—is the essence of all art. What the end result happens to be is purely a personal experience. For me, it was an incredible journey into my mind and soul. I feel I have learned enough to move forward with confidence, in spite of the flaws. You might say that it’s a history of where I was when I wrote this. I am simply a student of writing; a student of art; a student of life.