Photo © 2009 Sharon Matthews-Stevens
“Eclectic” may be the best word to describe both Mark’s work and interests.
The first story he ever sold was about learning how to sail, the next one was a conductor’s guide to making choirs more musical, the third was a feature in a youth magazine about tattoos do’s and don’ts. He has written government grant proposals, political speeches, campaign platforms, webpage copy, resumes and cover letters, letters of introduction and sales letters along with magazine and newspaper features.
Mark is a former keelboat sailing instructor and currently a Canadian safe boating instructor. At one time he played both jazz and classical music professionally and has been a high school music teacher for twenty-five years.
His writing credits include regular contributions to Toronto Star, Toronto Sun, Dreamscapes, Powercruising, Lakeland Boating, Canadian Yachting, Cruising World, Sail, Sailing and Pacific Yachting, Church Musician Today and The Instrumentalist.
Other credits include Men’s Fitness, Car and Travel, Cottage Life, Blue Water Sailing, Ski Press, Ski Canada and Vacation and Travel, among others – all testament to his writing skills and range of interests. For three years he was managing editor for Canadian Yachting.
Former Lonely Planet editor Jay Cooke has referred to Mark’s “sublime wordsmithing” and Carleton journalism professor, Lois Sweet has said that “there is a distinct rhythm in Stevens’ writing, a rhythm that is both solemn and strong.”
These attributes of Mark’s writing have resulted in numerous awards and help to truly make him the “write man for the write job”, whatever that job may be.