Pleasant Hill Writers Panel – March 11, 2024

Pleasant Hill Writers Panel - March 11, 2024 1

Uncover the riveting stories behind local authors’ must-read novels at the Pleasant Hill Library’s Author Panel. Hear how real-life experiences inspire unforgettable fiction during this insightful literary event on March 11th.

Heroes for Hope: Heroes vs. AI

Heroes for Hope: Heroes vs. AI 2

The rise of artificial intelligence is drastically changing the world we live in. For first responders on the frontlines, adapting to new AI technologies presents both opportunities and challenges.

Financial Intelligence Interview

Financial Intelligence Interview 3

From battlefield to police beat: ‘Typhoon Coast’ unveils an all-American hero’s transformation through war’s trials, personal healing, and post-traumatic growth.

What’s Really Happening: Guinea Pigs and Pop Tarts

A t-rex is sitting at a desk in a classroom, surrounded by Guinea Pigs.

Mark recounts his experiences in 1991 as a young Marine buried during Mount Pinatubo’s eruption; discussing the importance of mental health.

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 […]

Tango Alpha Lima: American Legion Podcast

Tango Alpha Lima: American Legion Podcast featuring a man in sunglasses.

Mark encourages fellow veterans and first responders to embrace creativity through writing, blogging, or podcasting to share their own stories.

The Adventures of Snakeman 248: Unleash the Extraordinary Within!

An extraordinary man unleashes his adventurous side while holding a snake in The Adventures of Snakeman 248.

In the realm of captivating storytelling, author Mark R. Clifford has taken his Typhoon Coast adventure novel series to new heights with the creation of an exhilarating animated series called “The Adventures of Snakeman 248.” With each episode, Mark transports viewers into a world of action and intrigue, accompanied by the opportunity to embark on […]

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.