Author: Mark R. Clifford

That time when my brain took an Unauthorized Coffee Break

mark-r-clifford-surviving-thriving-post-stroke

A Stroke is no Joke, and neither is this Post I have become a cautionary tale. Every 40 seconds, someone suffers a stroke in America. To put this into grave perspective, every 40 seconds someone commits suicide in America. We talk a lot about suicide prevention, but have you ever considered stroke prevention? My instant […]

Apocalypse ‘91 Unmasked: Don’t Panic

A historical fiction painting featuring two soldiers trekking through a desert terrain.

On June 15, 1991, the eruption of Mt. Pinatubo in the Philippines marked history’s most catastrophic volcanic eruption in a densely populated area. The eruption spewed ash, gas, and rock high into the atmosphere, relentless earthquakes, triggering lahars (mudflows) and pyroclastic flows, which devastated the island of Luzon. The eruption caused the loss of many […]

Snakeman:  Creating Compelling Cop Characters in Fiction

A man in a suit and hat standing in front of a crowd during a historical fiction event.

My journey from cop to writer is summed up in the title of Bob Dylan’s 1975 masterpiece, “Tangled up in Blue.” Creating compelling police characters in fiction is a Gordian Knot. Many see police officers as modern-day gunslingers, who protect townsfolk from outlaws and embody American justice. Others, however, have mixed feelings about law enforcement, […]

Heroes for Hope: Struggle Well

In a gripping historical fiction, a man finds himself before a fire on the typhoon coast.

Chris Murphy endured six combat deployments, but post-traumatic growth helped him rise from despair and discover new purpose in life.

Heroes for Hope: Hope in Dark Times

A historical fiction novel featuring a winged police officer guarding a bridge.

“The Guardian of The Golden Gate” Kevin Briggs, featured on Heroes For Hope, is credited with saving over 200 lives from suicide attempts at the Golden Gate Bridge.

Super Survivor 

In a historical fiction set along the typhoon coast, a woman's head is adorned with leaves and branches.

“Trauma is hell on earth. Trauma resolved is a gift from the gods.”  —Doctor Peter A. Levine  Johnny Cash sang, “Love is a burning thing, and it makes a fiery ring.” I burn more today than last year. The post-traumatic growth practices I learned at Warrior PATHH gets most of the credit. Warrior PATHH (Progressive, Alternative Training for Helping Heroes) is a special program that helps veterans and first responders […]

Heroes for Hope: A Man Unbroken

A soldier playing a guitar in the desert during a historical typhoon.

In the bloodied darkness Sergeant Scott Fraser momentarily mistakes a hail of bullets for bees swarming his Marines. Hear how he found hope and healing through his guitar.

Heroes For Hope : Surviving Grief

A woman with an American flag wrapped around her head, potentially referencing patriotism or affiliation with the USMC.

Millions of Americans are grieving at this moment. Mike Bernhardt lost his wife 31 years ago. Hear how he channels grief to rally the art community during America’s COVID crucible. Together we discover what grief is a bridge to.

Brentwood Literary Stroll 2023

The historical fiction town of Runwood, located on the Typhoon Coast in California.

Mark will be a featured author at the Brentwood Literary Stroll, May 7, 2023.Hear Mark’s story behind his epic treasure hunt adventure “Typhoon Coast”. He’ll share a glimpse into book two “Earthquake Coast.” Mark also looks forward to answering questions about the real life heroes who turn trauma into superpowers on his podcast “Doc’s Bone […]

Heroes for Hope: Taken in Ukraine

A historical fiction novel featuring a man holding a blue and yellow flag in front of smoke.

The incredible and inspiring story of an American POW held by Russian soldiers in Ukraine. Follow the struggles and triumphs of a brave volunteer soldier who refused to give up.