Three years ago, I received a call from Mark L. Baynard, an aspiring author in Montgomery, Alabama. His story’s compelling twist dropped me into a chair. Mark’s family “collectively” wasted more than 100 years in prison. He bluntly related the challenges he overcame after his own release. Then he divulged how he exhorts others to join in the journey to end the cycle of crime and prison in our communities.

We shared a friendly networking conversation about the genre of memoir, indie publishing, professional editing, and book promotion. In February 2015, Mark released 100 Years: A Journey to End a Vicious Cycle (accessible with his other publications on his Amazon page).

These days we face a divide in our country. However, Mark communicates a unifying voice and practices positive actions. As a youth advocate in a state-run facility, he works closely with students to instill structure and discipline in their lives. Mark is also the founder…