Mark Stanley

Firstly l’d like to say a big thank you to all you wonderful readers who have stumbled upon my writing and have stuck around to actually give it a read! So, born in the amazing 80s (1984 to be precise), I’m Mark Stanley, and my life’s been quite a journey, fueled by a mix of optimism and the occasional misadventure. Following in my old man’s footsteps, I did a stint in the British army where I saw some of the best and the worst the world has to offer, but, no matter where I was in the world, there would always be a book in my pack. Then, I ventured into the world of international intrigue with NATO for a solid three years. Let me tell you, writing international policy is nowhere near as exciting as conjuring up fantasy realms! Alongside my partner-in-crime (and life), Katie, we run a recruitment agency that’s ticking along nicely, all while I’m secretly plotting my next epic fantasy masterpiece. Family is my anchor in life. Three crazy kids—Luis, Ava, and Owen keep me on my toes, along with our crazy spaniel, Stanley, and the majestic feline queen, Tia. Fun fact: my love for the fantasy genre? You can blame my mum’s creative disciplinary tactic of making me read as a punishment! When I’m not crafting stories, you’ll find me experimenting in the kitchen or sweating it out at the gym, trying (and often failing) to keep pace with Katie. Now for some insight into my academic credentials: I’ve got a CIPS Level 3 Certificate in Procurement and Supply and an LLB Hons Law Degree from the University of Hertfordshire. But let’s be realistic, formalised education and my ADHD? Let’s just say they didn’t always see eye to eye. I am an avid reader and writer inspired by the captivating works of Michael R. Miller, Philip C. Quaintrell, David Estes, Will Wight, Jeffrey Kohanek, Davis Ashura and Terry Mancour. Drawing from the rich worlds and compelling characters created by these authors, I craft stories that blend fantasy and adventure, aiming to transport readers to realms filled with wonder and excitement. With a passion for storytelling and a dedication to the craft, I continually try and explore new narratives and share them with my growing audience. So, that’s me in a nutshell—full-time writer, full-time dreamer, family man, and eternal seeker of the next great adventure. Thanks for joining me on this wild ride called life! And if you’d like to delve deeper into my world of writing and adventures, feel free to connect with me on social media or visit my website for updates and behind-the-scenes glimpses into my writing process.