The Bodysurfer's Guide to Life

Frequently Asked Questions. . .

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Why did you write a book with self-help principles in a fictional style?

I've read books where the philosophy of life has been presented in a very textbook style. I thought if I wrote a book it would share my life philosophies and then show how they work in everyday situations. I also wanted to add humor and a little mystery, because I believe that both are a great addition to life.

Are the characters based on real people?

No, this is a work of fiction. I have tried to round out the characters to make them believable and not all good or bad.

Is the main character you?

No. There are elements of me in Jack, but I tried to make Jack an every-person type of character, who has doubts, fears, insecurities and yet still wants to improve his life.

Were there any surprises when writing the book?

Quite a few. One of the main ones was learning that I was not in control of the book and to let it write itself. And it did! Also seeing how people see Fin after reading the book. Each person I've talked to has had different ideas about who he is. I love that it is so open to interpretation.

Were there roadblocks to writing the book?

At first I saw a few. But then I began seeing them as lessons that needed to be added to the pages of the book and they changed from obstacles to moments of growth and enlightenment. Funny how that happens, huh?

Did you do the cover art for the book?

Yes, I created the cover art as a cross between 18th century Japanese woodblock prints and 1940's travel posters. I love the feel of both and think both styles do a great job of showing energy and direction.

Was creating the sand animation difficult.

At first, like any medium I work in, I had to get the feel for it. That included mixing sands to the right consistency so that they flowed through my hand well. I also had to learn to control my grip on the sand just like controling the grip on a paint brush or mouse. The important thing for me when creating is to become one with the instruments I am using and just let the creativity flow.

What are your favorite mediums?

I have a few, including painting, photography, sand animation and computer graphics, but my favorite is chinese brush painting because it is designed to be a form of meditation from the grinding and mixing of the ink to the intentionality of each stroke of the brush. It challenges me, and that helps me grow.

Mark Wollard is a graphic designer and student of life who has studied with ministers, shamans, masters and monks on his quest for inner peace. He is certified in a variety of body energy modalities and is also a nationally known speaker on accessing spirituality through the creative process. A Florida native, he divides his time between the sun and surf of Daytona Beach and the tropical gardens he has cultivated at his home in Orlando, FL.

On Creativity & The Spiritual Journey…

I’ve always found a great deal of comfort in the creative process. As a child I would often retreat with a pad of paper and my colored markers to a world where anything was possible. Once I became a commercial artist and learned that my job was to help my clients create their own vision on a deadline, I lost some of the joy of creating. Then one day I realized that creating with an agenda and deadline was not the same as creating with no limits. From that time forward I have set aside time in my schedule to create for the joy of creating. No limits, no expectations, no judgments.

I’ve also tried to incorporate this into the way I live my life. Living for the joy of living. Understanding I have responsibilities, but also understanding that my time is valuable and where I put my time shows what I am holding in esteem. For a while I discovered that I was trying to escape the pressures of modern life by watching tv or trying to keep my brain busy so I wouldn’t have to think about the things in my life I wanted to escape. But then I decided to meet those obstacles head on and turn my life into one I embrace instead of escape. It isn’t always easy, and I’ve had my setbacks, but from each set of challenges I’ve learned how to embrace life in all its glorious uncertainty.

No matter where you are on your life’s journey I’d like to remind you that you are in the perfect place to stop and move in the direction of your dreams. The choice is yours! You can take one giant leap or baby steps, but pay attention to where your life is taking you, because you just might get there.

On Connecting With The Energy of Life…

The energy of life is all around each of us, all of the time. I have found a number of ways to connect to it when my mind dramas seem to be taking over my life.

One of my favorites is gardening. There is something very healing for me when I get my hands in dirt and connect with the energy of the earth. I find the same true with doing anything I love, painting, writing, drawing and, of course, bodysurfing. When I get out of my head I find I get into the rhythm of life and things begin to flow. The same can happen for you. You don’t have to change your life drastically, but take some time to walk barefoot in the dewy grass or on the beach or plant some flowers or herbs. You don’t have to have a yard, a planter by your front door would work. (Just be sure to get the right kind of plant for the sunlight that area receives. You want this to be a positive experience for both you and the plant.) A long hot bath is another way to connect to the energy of water. The important thing is to make the time to reconnect to the energy of life. You’ll be surprised at the difference it can make.