Welcome to writer Mark Wooden’s all-new (mostly), all-different (definitely) “Thoughts from the Shed” writer blog. Here you’ll find pop culture news and commentary, fanfiction, and updates on my “Shadowdance” action urban fantasy saga.

All served with a side of snark!

(NOTE: Updated October 2023)

Why a writer’s blog?

Because every writing resource says you should have one, honestly.

I never understood why until I realized the difference between, say, an author published by Berkley or Tor and a self-published author like me: Tor authors get money for advertising and a staff to control it.

(Though some argue lower-tier published authors still do the lion’s share of their publicity.)

Um, it’s just me folks. And the dog, but she sleeps all the time. And, an unfortunate update, she passed away in 2019. But I got a new dog, the same breed, different sex, still a dog so he can’t help me write and market.

So yeah, just me.

How do I find potential readers and/ or employers for my video skills? I make friends! But how to make friends? How about the old-fashioned way: introduce myself and share info and insights about stuff we all love.

A blog is the perfect place to do that.

Still know nothin’ ’bout me

I’m sure you looked at the “About” page already. If not, I’ll wait.

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Here are some more things to know about yours truly.

I’m not just heavy into TV, movies, and comic books. I’m also a fan of Sting (the musician, not the wrestler; did ya catch the heading above?), Prince, Garbage, industrial, and pop dance tunes.

I also have movie soundtracks alike The Crow and James Bond movies on heavy rotation.

I also tend to speak that which others think, but are too afraid (or too tactful) to say aloud. Those words are also unfiltered (obviously).

Hence, “Thoughts from the Shed” is the name of the blog and my podcast.

Defining what makes pop culture pop through a writer’s blog and podcast

There are nearly an unlimited amount of sites you can hit to find out if some keyboard cowboy thinks a creative work is “good” or “bad.”

I’m less concerned with something being “good” or “bad.” I’m more about learning how the creators captured the hearts and minds of their audience. I’ll find something redeemable in even the shittiest movie.

I mean, “Batman v Superman” had Wonder Woman, right?

(Yeah, that was almost a decade ago but I will still kick a movie while it’s down!)

In the “TFTS” blog and podcast, I’ll share those insights into why I think a piece of art worked or didn’t. Sometimes, art fails to capture an audience. I’ll figure out why that happened too.

My posts on media will read like an autopsy. As a kid, I always broke things apart to figure out how they worked.

Probably why I ended up as a video engineer despite my dislike of technology.

I’ll touch on the big blockbusters, but my focus is mostly on the forgotten gems or the ones you never heard about — but should have heard about.

Think of me as that crazy uncle who brings that really cool birthday present you didn’t know you wanted.

Not gonna lie: for a writer, I don’t read much fiction. You won’t see many (if any) book reviews here. It’ll be movies, TV, and the occasional comic book.

But don’t let that dissuade you from reading my blog or my books, one of which is available in October! (shameless promo).

Writer blog and podcast for how-to stuff and pop culture commentary

I will drop what knowledge I gain about the writing process. I’ll share what inspired me and why. I’ll let you know why I crafted certain elements of my fiction the way they’re ultimately presented.

I’m also gonna let you inside the scary place that is my mind. You’ll see the creative process as I continue with my work.

The state of the Shed and my action urban fantasy saga

In the Before Pandemic times, I was working on the third “Shadowdance” novel, “Illusion of Love.”

Friends (can we be friends already?), it’s kicking my butt. Lots of moving parts. I’m hanging in there, cuz I believe in this story. It’s gonna rock.

Literally.

Meanwhile, I dragged a prequel novel out of a drawer (in my mind) and started working that up. It was fits and starts as I was also trying to find a job. The pandemic wiped out my live events industry.

During that time, I overhauled this website (twice), which has become a job unto itself! But like raising children, it was worth it?

My action urban fantasy prequel novel is now the first of a trilogy, with my other two previously released books as the second and third parts. They’ll both get overhauls and new material. More on that in the future.

The first book, Two Sisters, is complete and about to sell on Amazon. You can read all about that crusade here on the blog.

On the rest of the site, you’ll find my SYFY Wire Fan Creator-famous fanfiction, blog posts, and info on the short horror film I have on YouTube.