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Local man Mark Grice publishes first novel

May 2, 2019   ·   0 Comments

By Mark Pavilons

An Orangeville-area artist has taken his creativity a step further, and developed a real page-turner.

Following a successful 30-year career as a horse trainer and another 10 years as a sought-after artist, Mark Grice recently released his first novel, “Paint The Horse Blue.”

Mr. Grice combines his interest in horses and art to create a fictional story spanning over 100 years and into 10 states and one Canadian province.

“If you like horses, horse shows, horse auctions and rural small town life, you’re going to love this book,” said Mr. Grice. “But there is enough mystery, crime, history and relationship issues to entertain the non horse person, too.”

Mr. Grice brings an authenticity to the equine world which is evidence of his lifetime of experience in most aspects of the industry including Hunters and Jumpers, Quarter Horses and Rodeo.

Paint The Horse Blue follows the fictitious horse trainer Kella Major on her journey to get her life together and save her farm after tragic circumstances alter her life and finances. Readers will also enjoy the bonus of some excellent “cowboy poetry” included in the story.

This is a strictly a fictional story and although the plot becomes art related, Mr. Grice’s own art is only on the cover.  The plot is all fiction but he’s drawn upon his life experience as a horse trainer to add authenticity. 

The transition from artist to writer was very easy, he pointed out.

“I approached each chapter as if I was creating a painting or even directing a scene in a movie. This story is as much about relationships as it is about horses.”

Each generation of a family in the horse business adapts and adjusts to the changing times.

“People ask me which character is me and of course, I say I am ALL of them. 

“I really enjoyed creating a character and then letting them tell me what they were going to do or say next. Readers can expect a ‘page turner’ story that they won’t be able to put down.”

Even if you are not into horses you are going to enjoy the story. If you live in a small town in Southern Ontario, this book will really hit home. This is a book suitable for adult readers. Available on Amazon in paperback, hardcover and Kindle versions and in select book stores.

Published by Archway Publishing it’s available in three formats on Amazon Books worldwide.

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