Mark Tullius

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Tell us a little bit about yourself, your hobbies and interests.

I'm a father and husband who spends most of my free time training jiu jitsu, learning German and guitar, and playing videogames.

When and why did you start writing books?

I always loved telling stories but it wasn't until my early twenties when it turned into a passion.

What made you decide to tackle writing as a career?

I'm a writer because it's what I love to do. Writing was never about making a ton of money. It's about having fun, collaborating with others, and creating new worlds that no one has ever entered. I don't know if I'll ever be willing to give that up.

Which one of your books or characters is your favourite?

It is so hard to say which of my books is my favorite, but easy to point out my most important - TBI or CTE: What the Hell is Wrong With Me? I prefer writing fiction over nonfiction, but I wouldn't be here writing this if I hadn't taken the time to look at and repair my brain damage.

Which one of your books was the hardest to write and stretched you the most as a writer?

Ain't No Messiah was probably the hardest novel to write. Unlocking the Cage was the most difficult physically as I visited 100 gyms and life on the road was brutal. TBI or CTE was the worst, a depressing and very emotional journey I wish I hadn't had to go on.

Who is your favourite author and book?

Stephen King was my favorite author until about 10 years ago. I haven't read much outside of indie authors for quite some time and out of those, I'd say Duncan Ralston is my top pick. I'm a huge fan of his writing and so grateful he opened up his Ghostland universe to a Try Not to Die.

What book are you reading right now?

Cadaverous by Jay Bower

Where do you get your inspiration for your books?

I've always had a pretty vivid and graphic imagination, often much darker than I would like. There never seems to be a shortage of ideas, only the time in which to expand them all.

What do you enjoy doing in your spare time?

4-5 days a week, I begin my day with jiu jitsu. After I survive guys half my age trying to take off my head, the rest of the day is pretty relaxing. I've turned my love (and my family's love) for the martial art into another nonfiction project. Our Jiu Jitsu Journey is a coffee table book that I'm adding to every time we visit a gym around the world.

Do you have any new books in the works?

Always! In 2024 I will be publishing: Try Not to Die: On Slashtag Try Not to Die: In a Dark Fairy Tale Try Not to Die: At Meadows Spire Mall Try Not to Die: Arcranium Doomed to Die: Super High Plus 2-3 other books.