Education
"The value of a college education is not the learning of many facts, but the training of the mind to think."
–Albert Einstein
Becoming a skilled writer demands patience, determination, and a commitment to continuous growth. Mark has pursued rigorous training through formal study, hands-on experience, and mentorship from industry leaders. His educational journey reflects both breadth and depth—from copywriting to creative nonfiction, from literary fiction to screen writing—equipping him to serve writers and readers with excellence.
Houston Christian University
Master of Fine Arts in Creative Writing
2022–2024, Houston, TX, GPA: 4.0
Key courses:
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Faith, Culture, and the Arts I–II
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Creative Writing Workshop, Fiction I–IV
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Topic & Genres: Writers on Writing
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Fiction Techniques
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Creative Nonfiction
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Poetry Workshop
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Literary Theory & Romantic Criticism
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Screenwriting
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Master Class
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Thesis I–II
Christian Publishing Institute
Editorial Management Course
2004, Colorado Springs, CO
Hosted by David C. Cook Publishing, this intensive course equipped managers and publishers with advanced editorial skills and industry best practices.
Abilene Christian University
Master of Arts in English / Writing
2000–2001, Abilene, TX, GPA: 4.0
Key courses:
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Fiction Workshop
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Advanced English Grammar
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Studies in British Literature
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Business and Professional Writing
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Drama
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Electronic Publishing
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Master's Thesis and Defense
World Journalism Institute
Intensive Journalism Course
2001, Ashville, NC
For four weeks, Mark studied under prominent journalists from across America, learning rigorous methods for investigating and communicating truth in modern media.
University of Central Florida
Graduate Studies in Technical Writing
1999–2000, Orlando, FL, GPA: 4.0
Key courses:
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Graduate Writer's Workshop
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Methods of Bibliography and Research
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Great Writers & Writing*
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Literary Criticism*
*Courses taught by Dr. Michael Dirda, Pulitzer Prize-winning book columnist for The Washington Post.
Pensacola Christian College
Bachelor of Science in Communication; Commercial Writing Emphasis
1995–1999, Pensacola, FL, GPA: 3.71
Key courses:
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Desktop Publishing
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Creative Writing
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Yearbook Production
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American Literature
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British Literature
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Lettering and Typography
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Photography I
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Principles of Drawing
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Conceptual Design
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Technical Writing
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Public Relations
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Professional Selling
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Journalism
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World Drama
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Copywriting
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Copy Editing I & II
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Professional Writing
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Advanced English Grammar and Composition
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Commercial Writing Practicum
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Advanced Creative Writing
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Writing for Publication