Biography of the author Mark Bertrand award-winning novelist

Mark hosts the YouTube channel Righter’s Doom featuring exclusive takes on modern storytelling, the struggles of an independent novelist, and dark sophisticated humor. He has received a five-star editorial review from Readers Favorite for his novel This Could Be It, in his Nirvanaing series. He is a finalist in the Best Thriller Book Awards (2024) for the novel Snodgrass from his Married Stupid series. He managed the Mudra Buddhist Abbey in San Diego for twelve years and he was the CFO for the nonprofit Purple Lotus Foundation.

Mark Bertrand crafts bold, suspense-driven speculative fiction that probes the dark complexities of human nature and the fragile boundaries of morality. An award-winning novelist, Mark is renowned for razor-sharp dialogue, intricate plotting, and psychologically layered characters. With advanced degrees in Mathematics, an MBA, and a Ph.D. in Epigenetics, Mark brings analytical precision and scientific insight to every story.

Over the course of a diverse career spanning aerospace and medical technology engineering, nonprofit leadership, and financial advisement, Mark has worked at the cutting edge of innovation while exploring the human side of leadership. These experiences lend authenticity and depth to their stories, weaving themes of humanity, science, and the unrelenting pursuit of power.

Beyond writing, Mark connects with readers through their YouTube channel, offering an inside look at the art of storytelling and the intellectual challenges behind their novels. They are currently completing their latest work, a gripping exploration of humanity’s tenuous future in a world shaped by ambition, science, and unintended consequences.

A Colorado native, Mark now resides on the sun-drenched shores of southern Spain. When not immersed in storytelling, they enjoy relaxing with a cigar and a glass of Laphroaig, watching sailboats drift along the Mediterranean.

Award Winning Author Mark Bertrand

Mark Bertrand’s literary style and thematic writing are characterized by a focus on deep psychological insight, moral ambiguity, and a strong sense of realism. His work often delves into the complexities of human behavior, exploring the darker aspects of the human psyche and the ethical dilemmas that arise in the face of challenging circumstances.

Literary Style:

Realism and Grit: Bertrand’s writing is often grounded in a gritty, realistic portrayal of life. He avoids romanticizing his characters or their situations, instead presenting them with all their flaws, complexities, and contradictions.
Psychological Depth: His narratives frequently delve into the inner lives of his characters, providing readers with a nuanced understanding of their motivations, fears, and desires. This psychological depth adds layers of complexity to his stories, making them compelling and thought-provoking.
Minimalist and Precise Prose: Bertrand’s prose tends to be precise and economical, with a minimalist approach that leaves much to the reader’s interpretation. He doesn’t waste words, often letting the subtext and the unsaid carry significant weight in his narratives.
Suspense and Tension: Bertrand is adept at building suspense, using tension and pacing effectively to keep readers engaged. His stories often feature unexpected twists and turns, contributing to a sense of unpredictability and intrigue.

Thematic Writing:

Moral Ambiguity: Bertrand’s works frequently explore themes of moral ambiguity, where characters must navigate complex ethical dilemmas. His stories often challenge the reader to consider what is right or wrong in situations where the answers are far from clear.
Human Flaws and Redemption: His characters are typically flawed individuals who grapple with their past mistakes, seeking redemption or at least some form of understanding. Bertrand is interested in how people cope with guilt, regret, and the consequences of their actions.
Identity and Existential Questions: Themes of identity, purpose, and existential questioning are recurrent in Bertrand’s work. He often examines how individuals understand themselves and their place in the world, especially when faced with life-altering events or crises.
Social Critique: Bertrand’s writing often includes a subtle critique of societal norms and institutions. He doesn’t shy away from exploring the darker side of society, including issues like corruption, injustice, and the failure of systems meant to protect or uplift individuals.
Isolation and Connection: Many of Bertrand’s characters struggle with feelings of isolation, either physically or emotionally, and his stories often explore their attempts to find or maintain connections with others in a world that can be indifferent or hostile.

Overall, Mark Bertrand’s literary style and thematic writing create a body of work that is intellectually challenging, emotionally resonant, and unafraid to confront the complexities of the human experience. His stories often leave readers with lingering questions and a deeper appreciation for the intricacies of morality and human behavior.

You can visit Mark Bertrand online at his website, www.markbertrand.com, and on Twitter @markbertrand.