Over twenty years ago Mark Svendsen received news he would be published in book form for the first time. Now he has more than a dozen books to his credit.

Like all teachers, Mark loves to ‘see the light go on’ in kids’ eyes, particularly when they ‘get’ literary devices and descriptive language. He believes that through age-appropriate challenges, students can discover for themselves how their own simple self-directed effort can make the ordinary shine.

Mark’s works of poetry, picture books, junior fiction and young adult fiction, are published by UQP (Jam Roll), Hachette, Lothian Books, Houghton Mifflin (USA) and Random House (Woolshed). Mark has also written lyrics for choral symphonies and songs, and is in negotiation with the Queensland Symphony Orchestra regarding a commission for a story to be accompanied by music for regional Queensland kids.

Mark’s philosophy in workshops and author talks on either poetry or narratives for children of any age – from Prep to adult – is that:

Success Is The Best Motivation!

Let Mark challenge writers of any age to success in his workshops, or be inspired by his author talks. 

 Mark's Latest Books:

As Hammers Fall

 - Joseph Hill is a passionate idealist. He believes in socialism and peace. But life is complicated. Joe Hill is also in love with his best mate's girl, friends with the ‘treacherous’ Russian émigrés and firebrand trade unionists, is a pacifist fighting the forced conscription of men to the army, the son of radical Socialists and, in spite of all, needs to keep believing that only the Revolution can heal the planet.

As old world certainties crumble around him, Joe Hill must try to make sense of the maelstrom of social and personal change, insecurity, pandemic and betrayals that the First World War and its aftermath brings.

Poison Under Their Lips 

- Arthur Wilbraham is lost - between love and hate, between his romantic vision of an earthly heaven and his descent into a very personal hell. Is it ever possible to forgive the unforgivable? Will he find his way? Can he earn his redemption?

In the year 1876, Arthur Wilbraham, an idealistic young Christian, comes from South Australia to the Colony of Queensland, Australia, to join the Native Police Force. Under the infamous Lieutenant Frederick Wheeler, his education in the methods of this notorious police force begins.