Mark has been fascinated by words, stories, and images (especially as they work together) for as long as he can remember. Growing up in New York City his childhood, rich in books, art and design, fed that curiosity.
An avid and eclectic reader, Mark loves not just discovering marvelous books, but also learning more about how language works. Why did the author choose to do that and how does it affect the reader? How does the language, style, and accompanying images serve or stand in the way of the author’s apparent purpose?
Mark has a PhD in Rhetoric from the University of California, Berkeley and he was a lecturer in Stanford University’s Program in Writing and Rhetoric from 2005-12. There he taught undergraduates how to write, research, and create compelling oral presentations. He also consulted in the Stanford Writing Center, working one-on-one with undergraduates, graduate students, and post-docs in all disciplines.
Mark has also worked for an art gallery, an environmental non-profit, and as a cook.
In 2012 Mark moved with his family to Portland, Oregon. In addition to his work with Writing Works, Mark volunteers with Portland Public Schools; gardens and cooks; and tries to keep his eyes and ears open.
Writing Works 