Exploring the Depths of Storytelling
Mark T. Rasmussen discusses his novel “The Journey,” the influence of personal experiences, writing for diverse audiences, handling success, and offers advice to aspiring authors: “Just bloody write.”
Mark T. Rasmussen is an Award-winning 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 resides in a Joshua Tree, California with his beautiful & brilliant author wife, and youngest son, with a return to Australia imminent.
Your novel The Journey delves into the inner turmoil and personal transformation of its protagonist, Raiden. How did your own life experiences and adventures influence the creation of this character and his journey, and what message do you hope readers take away from his story?
The novel came about when I was expecting my first child, who mere months away from being born. As a first time father, I was really ecstatic about becoming a dad. But then I wondered, what if a father-to-be wasn’t excited about the upcoming birth of his child? What if he wanted to escape wondering if it offered a better life or freedom? From there the book took shape and provided a deep dive into the male psyche, one with clear mixed emotions. It wasn’t until I went back over it that I could see how my own life experiences and adventures helped influence Raiden and his journey. And being an avid traveller, journeying some 60+ countries, on six continents, I understood the travel aspects in my book very well. I found it gave it real colour and movement.
When I started the novel, I didn’t intentionally set out to have a message, but over time, what came out is that men struggle, too – mentally and emotionally. While they may deal with less issues than women on a day-to- day basis, more often than not they have little to no support compared to their females. If more people got around men, adolescent guys, and young boys, and offered their support, you’d probably find there’d be a way less problems in the world. I sincerely hope readers take away that message because it impacts everyone.
What’s been the biggest thing which has surprised you most since your award-winning novel’s release?
How fast people are reading it. It feels almost like every second person is reading it in a day. One woman in her review on Amazon even wrote that she couldn’t put it down and read The Journey in a single sitting! It’s blown me away. I never anticipated that, I honestly didn’t. I’m thrilled people are loving my novel but devouring it as quickly as they are, that’s really surprised me.
Describe your novel The Journey, in 5 words?
Adventurous. Riveting. Transformative. Startling. Intimate.
Your work spans from evocative, thought-provoking adult novels to fun, captivating children’s books. How do you approach writing for these vastly different audiences, and what challenges do you face in switching between such contrasting styles and subject matters?
It’s funny, but I’ve never seen it as a challenge because in reality I enjoy the contrast. Adult novels are an epic exercise in discipline and self-belief, while kid’s picture books are less demanding given the much shorter page count. Having two types of my own, there’s no time to ever think too deeply about them. If they capture kid’s imaginations for 5-10 minutes, then it’s a hit!
My approach between the two is akin to that of the serious, brooding adult versus the carefree, easily excitable kid. I still aim to do children’s books justice with a depth and meaning all their own, but I find it’s easier to let go and simply have fun.
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 sit down to write. I’m one of those lucky writers who is never short of an idea, I have a folder full. I’ll never be able to write them all. Instead, I choose the idea that resonates the most. The one that has a clear beginning and ending, as 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.
Your books have received various accolades and positive reviews. How do you handle the expectations and pressures that come with such recognition, and what advice would you offer to aspiring authors looking to achieve similar success in their writing careers?
I genuinely never think about outside expectations or pressures. The ones I place on myself are far greater. In terms of advice, “Write. Just bloody write!”
Nothing – no amount of “how-to” books, workshops, or online courses – beats it. The writers that become great, write and write and write, then write more. It’s that simple.
