Mark Steven Porro is the Author of the Day

Mark Steven Porro, a New Jersey native, holds an Industrial Design degree from The Ohio State University. After years in the agency world, his passion for acting took him to Hollywood, where he appeared in numerous television, film, and stage productions. Mark’s story, Is That Your Picasso? is featured on the Catch The Story! podcast.

Where do you find inspiration for your books?
“Family” is all the inspiration I need. I’ve always enjoyed memorializing significant family events in poems, greeting cards, memory books, and screenplays. In 1995, I shot a documentary of my father’s journey to discover family roots in a mountain top village in Italy. 

When I got that call from my brother back in 2011, I realized my mother deserved better. So, I gave up my carefree bachelor life, moved back into my childhood home to fill her last years with love, laughter, and joy. Though not always successful, I came pretty damn close.  I chronicle my journey in “A Cup of Tea on the Commode: My Multi-Tasking Adventures of Caring for Mom. And How I Survived to Tell the Tale.”

I took lots of notes, photos, and videos. My original intent was to record those precious moments missed by other family members. When I shared some of my experience with friends, they seemed to get some benefit from it. So, I thought I may have something valuable here. I decided a book was the best way to share my story with others. 

How do you choose the titles for your books?
I’ve only written one book so far. A second is in the works, but I believe I have a working title for it. The titles come to me from the writing. I had two title ideas for my first book. “Be Patient” was the first option. That’s also a chapter title in the book describing a pivotal incident. But “A Cup of Tea on the Commode” just appeared to me not only because it was a daily ritual during our adventures, but because it’s catchy and intriguing.
My second book will focus more on my father. He always loved a good play on words. When he invented a new snack food, he named the original flavor “Slightly Unsalted,” as in not unsalted but not too salty either. So, the working title for that book is “Slightly Unsalted. My Father, his half-popped popcorn snack, and our journey to discover our Italian roots.”

What themes or messages do you hope readers will take away from your work?
My motto is “Find the joy.” I’ve had a pretty adventurous life, and I’ve learned to look for the joy in whatever I do. It just makes everything so much easier. My journey with Mom challenged me every day, physically, mentally, and emotionally, but I tried my best to find the joy in it. A tremendous help, but if I failed, it was on to wine, red, and plenty of it.

Are there any specific authors or books that have influenced your writing style or storytelling?
Tuesdays with Morrie by Mitch Albom is an old favorite.

All Over but the Shoutin’ by Rick Bragg reads like poetry to me.

Anything by Anthony Bourdain. He delivers straight talk. Anyone from New Jersey appreciates straight talk in any form. And I love the honesty and humor of David Sedaris.

Two books that have inspired me because of their father/son focus are W.P. Kinsella who wrote “Shoeless Joe” and Daniel Wallace, writer of “Big Fish” which inspired two of my favorite movies, “Field of Dreams” and “Big Fish.” 

Can you share some insights into your creative process?
When defending myself, my first boss always asked, “Did you write it down?” I learned early to write everything down. I have ideas floating around in my head all day and sometimes throughout the night. I’ve learned from past experience that sometimes those brilliant ideas that cannot be forgotten certainly can be, so write it down. If I’m not at my desk, I jot down notes so I don’t forget. I learned to write in the dark, though deciphering those scribbles can often be a challenge. We now have so many tools to help us to record those thoughts and ideas, iPad, iPhone or desktop. And paper and pen still work, scribbles or not. 

What challenges have you faced as a writer, and how have you overcome them?
For me, focus. I have many interests. Sitting and focusing on only writing is not easy. But once I get going, sleep is not easy. So, there’s that. Also, as a new memoir writer, finding a publisher was not easy, but I never gave up and after many rejections, some due to my living in France, I finally got two offers. I chose the one more interested in quality over rush to publication.

Are there any particular genres or topics you enjoy writing about most?
I got my start writing funny songs and skits. In Hollywood I wrote jokes, short films, and screenplays. All that experience paved the way for my current preferred genre. Once I decided on memoir, I studied with a memoir coach and of course read many memoirs. Family is the main topic for me. And I have many more to write.

What advice do you have for have for aspiring authors who are looking to get their first book published?
Love what you do. Make it the best it can be and do your research. Then go get ‘em. Rejection is all part of the game. Each “No” moves you closer to a “Yes.”

How do you handle writer’s block or periods of low motivation?
Take a break. Go for a walk. Clear your head. I recently took up carving again after a fifty-year break. I needed to step away from the computer and work with my hands, not just with my head and fingers. The finished product turned out great though my back was happy for me to get back to the writing. 

Do you have any upcoming projects or future writing plans?
Well, while continuing to marketing “A Cup of Tea on the Commode,” I’m working on my next book which focuses more on my father. That story will be more entertaining than educational. So, if people need a good laugh or some inspiration, they will find it that book.

What role do you believe literature plays in shaping society and culture?
I believe the role can be one of great influence and impact. “Find the Joy” is my motto. I’ve led a pretty adventurous life, I’ve tried many new things, lived in many places (I now live in the South of France), taken lots of risks, failed many times, and what has kept me from getting discouraged is my motto. I always look for the positive in whatever life deals me. Imagine if, instead of focusing on all the ugly in the world, we focused on finding the joy. How cool would that be? In my small way I’m trying to spread that message through my writing.   

Find out more about Mark at: https://acupofteaonthecommode.org/

Listen to Mark’s story at Catch the Story!