Mark Evison is a writer and poet originally from Prestwick but now living in Belfast. Earlier this year he released his first collection of poetry, entitled “Hope”, and his second collection, “Moving On With Hope” is currently available for pre-order.
Mark, who is 55, uses writing to process and express the difficulties of mental illness. His frank yet humourous approach brings to life these everyday observations and he engages openly and emotionally with the reader.
Get To Know More About Mark:
How did you get started in the industry?
“I got started through my Counsellor and Support worker at Suicide Awareness, both of whom encouraged me to write as a form of therapy.”
What genre / style do you create in?
“I don’t have a particular style as such although I do have many literary influences.”
What would you be best known for?
“I wouldn’t say I’m best known for anything as yet but there’s plenty of time.”
What would you consider your biggest achievement?
“My biggest achievement is getting my first volume of poetry HOPE published.”
What would you consider to be the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your industry?
“The biggest thing I’ve learned is never give up. Just when you think it’s not going to happen there’s always a cheeky wee independent publisher to save the day.”
Tell us a little about your personal life, are you married, kids, hobbies etc?
“I’m single, two wonderful kids, love music of all genres, reading, walking, football and I love to cook so any single ladies out there??”
Tell us about your most recent work?
“My recent work is another volume of poetry called MOVING ON WITH HOPE which will be followed by JOURNAL OF A SELFISH BASTARD, which is a journal of my battle with mental health.”
PLUG !! What would you like us to tell people about?
“You can tell people to buy my books on Amazon or via excaliburpress.co.uk/store/products!”
If you had to describe your work to someone who has never heard of you what would you say?
“The best description of my work is lived and heartfelt. If I haven’t been through the tribulations of life then I know someone who has and people need to know so this is how I aim to get my message over.”
What’s the funniest experience you’ve had in your business?
“Funny for the people who weren’t me…I walked into a lamppost trying to memorize a poem so now I just read fae a book.”
Watch Mark read “The Record Store” from his book, “Hope” below:
Mark Evison Poet from Martin Lappin on Vimeo.
What would your advice be to young people hoping to pursue the same industry?
“I never thought I’d be asked to give young people advice but here goes: Don’t ever let anyone knock you down or tell you you’re not good enough. You want it, then by f**k go get it, it’s easy to knock people down so just go for it.”
Who do you look up to and why?
“I look up to the people who dedicate their lives to helping people who suffer from mental health issues, suicidal tendencies, self harming etc. and to the community workers and volunteers who work tirelessly with criminally low budgets, for without them I wouldn’t be here.”
Find out more:
excaliburpress.co.uk/store/products/hope-mark-evison
excaliburpress.co.uk/store/products/moving-hope-mark-evison