Featured Interview With Mark Steven Porro
Tell us a little about yourself. Where were you raised? Where do you live now?
I’m a New Jersey native (Exit 163) with an Industrial Design degree from The Ohio State University. After years of agency work, my love of acting led me to Hollywood, where I appeared in dozens of television, film, and stage productions. I also spent my twenty-eight years in Tinseltown, entrepreneuring. I started five non-profit companies, but hold the applause, none were intended to be. I now lives in the South of France, but hold your pity. I of sound mind and body chose to suffer in the heart of wine country where the locals insist my French isn’t so bad—at least that’s what I think they’re saying.
I’m an award-winning designer, writer, director, and now an Amazon Best Selling author. I have written lots of jokes, several screenplays, and one award-winning short film. A Cup of Tea on the Commode—a sad, sweet, and funny debut memoir—chronicles my multitasking adventures of filling my mother’s last years with love, laughter, and joy. Though not always successful, I came pretty damn close. I’m a step-father to two rescue dogs, one American, one French.
At what age did you realize your fascination with books? When did you start writing?
My love of books came later in life. But I did start writing early on. I loved writing funny stories, then greeting cards, and then memory books. I have always been fascinated with family history which led me to Italy to dispel a family rumor. I made a documentary of this journey and also wrote a screenplay loosely based on it. My writing came into full gear in Hollywood.
Who are your favorite authors to read? What is your favorite genre to read. Who Inspires you in your writings?
I love non-fiction best, but appreciate a good story in any genre. David Sedaris is a favorite of mine, also Rick Bragg. Others include Mitch Albom, Anthony Bourdain, W.P. Kinsella, Daniel Wallace, and Joan Didion.
Tell us a little about your latest book?
At 55, I gave up my carefree bachelor life to become a first-time parent to a ninety-year-old, sharp-tongued, guilt-tripping, stubborn as all get out, and yet funny lady who could barely remember my name. My mother. It’s rare for a son to take on 24/7 caregiving, but I jumped in with gusto to fill Mom’s last years with love, laughter, and joy. Not always successful, but I came pretty damn close.
“A Cup of Tea on the Commode” chronicles my multi-tasking adventures. My hope is to not only entertain as there are a lot of fun stories in it, but to inspire others, especially men, to find the joy in caregiving. I did, and I’m a better man for it.
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