A Surreal Landscape of Words
Mark Divine—an indie self-published author, artist, and photographer—captivates readers with poetry that blends dark, whimsical themes. He’s a 2x Amazon best-selling author who shares his creative journey on Instagram (@maarkdivine) and through his brand (@cultofdivine). His verses often feel like lullabies that soothe while hinting at hidden shadows. That touch of the uncanny has fueled curiosity around his evolving work.
He embraces vivid imagery and lyrical storytelling, guiding people through landscapes where wonder collides with unsettling undertones. There’s a dreamlike quality in each poem—like drifting into a reverie, unsure whether to feel comfort or a slow sense of dread. He balances enchantment and darkness in a way that appeals to those who crave poetic escapism.
The Beginnings and Four Published Poetry Books
At eighteen, Mark Divine introduced his style with “Lost Lullabies: Collection of Horror Poems and Lullabies.” That first publication paired gentle rhythms with a chilling undercurrent, offering an early glimpse of his blend of sweet melody and looming fear. He followed with “Nightmare,” extending those eerie elements into a world of vivid, sometimes disconcerting imagery.
His third collection, “Heartbreak Hotel,” ventured into themes of love and sorrow, weaving longing into scenes tinged with gothic allure. “Nightmare: The Insomnia Edition” served as his fourth release, intensifying haunting atmospheres and exploring nighttime anxieties. Each book stands as a poetic foray into realms where beauty and dread coexist, proving his willingness to push boundaries.
A Distinctive Aesthetic
One reason Mark Divine’s work resonates is the sense of immersion he creates. He crafts verses that beckon readers to step into cobweb-laden halls lit by flickering candles. He’ll describe a hush that settles over a forgotten graveyard or the sudden hush of a moonlit clearing. These images spark the imagination, urging people to sense what lingers at the edges of each stanza. He prefers to blend elements of fairy tales with the stark reality of unspoken fears, forming a tapestry that’s both elegant and ominous. His poetry hints at universal truths—loneliness, longing, hope—and wraps them in an ethereal package.
A New Chapter: “Embalmed Angel”
In May, he’s unveiling “Embalmed Angel,” a fifth poetry collection expected to meld fairy-tale touches with a macabre edge. Early buzz suggests sultry nights and ghostly visions—images that flirt with the line between reality and dreams. Fans who followed his earlier works anticipate more moody magic. They’re ready to immerse themselves in pieces that evoke hushed corridors, veiled figures, and the soft glow of candles burning through midnight.
There’s talk of mythic flourishes appearing in these pages, reflecting his fascination with sculpture, veils, and layers of meaning. This release promises new forms of tension, inviting readers to wonder what lurks beneath delicate surfaces.
In a World of Contrasts
Mark Divine thrives on contrasts that shimmer with life. He pairs moonlit paths and whispered secrets with vivid language that underscores hope and despair in equal measure. Each line unfolds like a delicate thread in a tapestry that combines longing with a hint of foreboding. His fans find themselves transported to a parallel world—part lullaby, part nightmare—where even a gentle breeze can carry an ominous chill.
Though he’s an Amazon bestseller, he keeps an indie spirit. He engages directly with followers who connect with his raw honesty and surreal aesthetic. He also encourages fellow creatives to experiment, believing passion stirs in the liminal space between safe and strange. Photography and illustrations round out his artistic expression, adding visual layers to his poetic landscapes.
Moving Forward
With “Embalmed Angel,” Mark Divine continues expanding his vision. His four existing poetry books demonstrate a knack for weaving darkness and light, leaving readers with lasting impressions. This new volume is poised to reveal more of his fascination with life’s fragile edges. Expect an interplay of heartbreak, warmth, and disquiet that remains long after you’ve closed the book.
Those who revel in haunting verses are invited to explore his newest realm—a place where statues might breathe, and whispers echo long into the night. Mark Divine’s craft has always been about stepping into the unknown and shaping it into art that resonates. “Embalmed Angel” promises to carry that tradition forward, merging shadow and wonder to create something truly captivating. His journey unfolds poem by poem, reminding everyone that a single spark of imagination can illuminate even the darkest corners of the mind. Whether you’re drawn by the subtle glow of hope or the chilling allure of uncertainty, his poetry offers a passage into a world where anything feels possible—and dreams linger.
We had the privilege of interviewing the author. Here are excerpts from the interview:
Thank you so much for joining us today! Mark Divine feels like both a narrator and a spirit haunting the pages. How much of him is you, and how much is he a persona?
“In the beginning Mark Divine was someone who I wanted to be so badly, but it wasn’t until I started to peel back the layers I started to realize that he’s almost everything I don’t want to be. we are similar for sure, but we have lots of differences. It’s definitely a challenging character to embody at times, especially when I’m writing through his eyes.”
There’s a strong sense of Southern Gothic and mythic imagery in this collection. Were there any specific inspirations—literary, cinematic, or otherwise—that guided the atmosphere?
I was really inspired by the veiled Virgin sculpture by Giovanni Strazza; the veil perfectly wrapped around a face like that, for some reason, really held me in a chokehold. It was one of the only art pieces that I saw that really touched me in different ways for this project in particular. Another big inspiration was the hot, muggy nights of summer, which make you feel like doing bad things. I really wanted to capture that experience within this book.
If “Embalmed Angel” had a scent or a sound, what would it be?
“ if it was a sound, it would be wind chimes on a warm spring night. for a scent, I think it would smell like lavender mixed with damp grass.”
How do you feel about returning with this next poetry book since your last one titled “nightmare”?
“I feel like I’m just in a different place in my life. I’ve grown a lot and I’m not really afraid anymore to showcase myself nor what my writing is saying.”
Embalmed Angel comes out in May this year; what do you hope people feel—or fear—after reading this book?
“I hope people can relate to mark divine’s experience. it doesn’t matter who you are, It’s normal for us as humans to want to give love, and want to be loved. I think people will like it, it’s a haunting love story that will hit home with a lot of people.”
Thank you so much, Mark, for giving us your precious time! We wish you all the best for your journey ahead!
Photo Credit: Mark’s Photographer friend @thomas.1 clicked the picture featured above