• NEW

    NEW! ‘One Thing Or Another: Life, Aging, and the Absurdities Of It All (2nd Edition) Now Available on Amazon and IngramSpark

    December 3, 2025 /

    Now on IngramSpark (and Amazon, too!)

    Welcome to the Second Edition of One Thing or Another, a collection of humor columns that takes a look at life, aging, and the absurdities of it all. It’s been a few years since the first edition, and even more since they were written. The Big Six-Oh is now the Big Six-Seven, and life is just as absurd as it was the first go-round.

    From our culture’s refusal to use the word ‘old,’ to the sometimes comical consequences of aging in body and mind, if not always in spirit, you’re sure to enjoy this skewed look at life’s foibles for the ages. Collected from the author’s personal columns, these short essays will make you chuckle, recognize yourself, and sometimes grimace at the not-always-funny price we pay for simply staying alive.

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  • NEW,  The Twist Podcast

    The Twist Podcast #310: On to Christmas, Colonoscopy Gift Ideas, and Prime’s ‘The Outsider’ Chills

    November 29, 2025 /

    Join co-hosts Mark McNease and Rick Rose as we head for the Christmas homestretch, take a break for Mark’s colonoscopy, and recommend Prime’s ‘The Outsider’ for some winter chills.

    NOW ON YOUTUBE! Check us out each week on the MadeMark Publishing YouTube Channel. Playlist: The Twist Podcast.

    Our holiday survey: What are your favorite parts of the holiday season?

    TAKE THE SURVEY HERE!

    You can treat your co-hosts to a cup of coffee … just $3 a brew!


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  • NEW

    ‘God’s Teeth’ Places Third In Hunterdon Main Library Short Story Contest – Read Them All

    November 19, 2025 /

    How much more could I love our local libraries? The main branch of the Hunterdon County Library, where I also conduct workshops, recently held a short story contest. All of the stories are posted online, and you can read my own ‘God’s Teeth’ at the library’s website. LINK HERE.

    UPDATE: My story placed third! From the Hunterdon Co. Library organizers:

    “Hello Mark,
    Congratulations! Your story “God’s Teeth” got third place in the Adults Category of the Hunterdon County Short Story Contest. Pick up your prize at the North County Branch Library in Clinton.
    Thank you so much for participating! It was a pleasure to read your work!
    Best,
    Tess Furnari”

     

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  • NEW

    Coming in January! Weekly Autobiographical Journaling Workshop In-Person in Lambertville

    November 14, 2025 /

    Coming up in January: A weekly journaling workshop in Lambertville, NJ

    REGISTER HERE

    I’ll be conducting a weekly autiobigraphical journaling workshop every Monday, from 2:00 – 4:00 pm (eastern) at Bucks on Bridge Coffee Shop/Soupcon art space. It’s a great location for intimate workshops and it’s also a terrific way to support and be part of the community.

    It will be $10 weeklyk ‘at the door’ or $30 for a month (4 or 5 weeks, excluding absences for vacation or travel).

    Autobiographical journaling centers on thematic writing, with participants writing each week on a selected theme. Wokshops include handouts, thought- and conversation-generating ideas and suggestions, ice breakers, flash writing each week, and the pleasures of bonding with the group members while we all travel this path together.

    Every life is a story, and each of us is the storyteller. Participants will join in journaling exercises, various weekly pre-workshop assignments (such as bringing in photos or objects of meaning) and a weekly theme-based writing assignment. Pen and pad are strongly suggested! In -person participants will receive the workshop outline (PowerPoint), complimentary folder, yellow writing pad, and pen.

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