I’m Mark Feenstra, and I write fantasy books.
I’ve published over 45 works of fiction under various pen names and across a variety of genres, but these days I’m mainly focused on slice-of-life stories set in the fictional world of Tellen. Most notably, the forthcoming classic fantasy series, The Traveling Librarian, about a… well, that one’s fairly self-explanatory.
I’ve been publishing fiction for over a decade now, mainly under a variety of pen names, but it’s only recently that I had a long hard think about what kind of stories meant the most to me. I’m a fairly avid reader with a history that has spanned genres like spy thrillers, horror, beat poetry, sci-fi, CanLit, romance, and the kind of stuff you’d find on the average New Yorker or Paris Book Review subscriber’s bookshelf.
Mark lives in Vancouver with his wonderful and inspiring fiancé, a daughter coming into her inheritance of a wicked sarcastic streak, and a fearsome bearded dragon named Cricket.
The bulk of this work has been set in a fantasy world called Tellen, in which a young librarian travels far and wide in search of rare and dangerous books. These stories are not without their trials and tribulations, but they are tales that take their time exploring the nuance of what it means to experience these fantasy narratives.
Through it all, there has been fantasy of all stripes. Maybe it’s the craziness of the last several years, and maybe it’s just my personal need for relaxed slice-of-life fantasy I just can’t find enough of, but these days I find myself writing cozy(ish) adventure and slice-of-life fantasy. You know those stories that feel like a warm blanket and a mug of your favorite hot beverage on a rainy day? Books that whisk you away from the everyday stress of a life circumstances that never seem to let up? That’s where I’ve been living and writing these past couple of years.
If you’ve ever wanted a fantasy story that lets you breathe—one that lingers in quiet moments as much as it does in adventure—you’re in the right place.
These are stories about people finding their place in the world. About the weight of knowledge, the comfort of routine, and the quiet courage it takes to keep going.
Start Your Journey in Tellen
If you’d like to experience this world for yourself, I offer a selection of free stories set in Tellen—perfect for getting a feel for the tone, characters, and quiet magic of these books.
These stories are the same kind I write in my novels: reflective, grounded, and quietly adventurous.
A Bit More About Me
I’ve been writing and publishing fiction for over a decade, with more than 45 works released across multiple genres and pen names.
Along the way, I’ve spoken on panels, taught workshops, and worked with writers at all stages of their journey—but at the core of it, everything comes back to the same thing: telling stories that resonate.
These days, my focus is on building a body of work that feels cohesive—stories that explore sanctuary, identity, and the quieter corners of fantasy.
Among the Stacks is where I share new stories, reflections on writing, and occasional glimpses into the world of Tellen.
It’s less about announcements, and more about staying close to the kinds of stories we don’t get enough of.
Where to Go Next
Depending on what you’re looking for, here are a few ways to explore further:
📚 Read the Books
- The Traveling Librarian [Forthcoming]
- The Wolf of the Library
🎤 Speaking & Workshops
- Speaking
- I also speak and teach on storytelling, emotional resonance in fiction, and building sustainable creative practices.
✍️ Writing & Craft
- Teaching & Workshops
- If you’re a writer, I share practical insights drawn from years of publishing and teaching.
At the end of the day, I write the kinds of stories I wish I could find more of.
If that sounds like something you’ve been looking for too, I’d be glad to have you along for the journey.