"Mark's strength is beautiful language wed to an understanding of very difficult concepts of being and perception," Susan Balée wrote about Williams's novella, "The Burlesque of Graceless Acting" (2012)"A Season of Industry" (poems, 2012): "In A Season of Industry, 'Art' and 'Poetry' are restored to their stead as personal reflections, pointing us to the forgotten comfort of our wonder. Janice Phelps Williams' photographs are exquisite little tableaux of our memory well felt. Mark Van Aken Williams' poems recall our experience of puzzlement in a world we once inhabited before we could make sense of it. Like the little bits caught in amber that make it interesting and precious, the photos and poems in this little gem of a volume will help you reconnect with the not quite forgotten past you thought that you had lost." ~Miles Free, Adjunct Professor, Walsh University"The Prophet of Sorrow," (2010, 2012) is written from the perspective of Ramon Mercader, who murdered Leon Trotsky in Mexico. 2010 Book of the Year Award Finalist, Foreword Magazine, (Historical Fiction); 2010 International Book Award Finalist (Historical Fiction); National "Best Books 2010" Book Award Finalist, (Historical Fiction) "A page turner that makes you think, reminds us who these people really were, and gives them a voice to tell their side of a dark event in history. Definitely a must read for anyone who enjoys historical or spy thrillers." Lexington Literature Examiner, Review by J. W. Coffey"Circus by Moonlight: Poems 1997-2007": (2008) Williams has been writing poetry and essays for many years and his work reflects a sensibility that extends beyond national borders and encompasses the dichotomy of poverty/wealth, striving/acceptance, ancient/modern, and the particular and universal. contains 110 poems. "A perfect browse for poetry enthusiasts ... establishes Williams as an impressive talent and skilled wordsmith, deserving of as wide and appreciative an audience as possible." (The Midwest Book Review, Small Press Bookwatch: June 2009).Williams received a Master of Education and a Bachelor of Arts from Cleveland State University. He attended Hawken School.Williams has enjoyed traveling throughout the world: including salmon fishing in Alaska, visiting Mayan ruins in the Yucatan Peninsula, deep sea fishing in Costa Rica and attending an International Rainforest Workshop on the Amazon River in Peru.When not traveling or writing, Williams enjoys cooking for friends and family, golf, skiing, and following soccer (Arsenal, Columbus Crew). His favorite sport is salt water fishing. Williams and his wife, Janice Phelps Williams, an artist and writer, live in Northern Michigan.