About The Book
In First Date, Mark E. Scott explores the delicate and exhilarating journey of two people who find themselves unexpectedly drawn together. What begins as a casual encounter quickly transforms into a meaningful evening filled with humor, vulnerability, and raw honesty. As they open up about past relationships, dreams, and fears, each conversation brings them closer, unearthing emotions they didn’t expect to reveal so soon. With each story and laugh, the walls between them begin to fall, exposing a rare connection that feels as exhilarating as it does terrifying.
This novel captures the essence of what it means to take a chance on someone new, to trust in the unknown, and to find beauty in shared moments. Scott paints an intimate portrait of human connection, exploring how a single evening can open the door to something life-changing. First Date is a heartfelt and honest look at love’s potential, the courage it takes to be truly seen, and the joy of discovering someone who just might understand us in a way few ever will.
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First Date Reviews
Mark Scott takes his readers on a harrowingly convincing descent
Mark Scott takes his readers on a harrowingly convincing descent into his anti-hero’s personal hell. As it turns out, the guy does have a reason to keep on living, but he doesn’t recognize her until, in any other world, it would have been too late. The story opens with one of the darkest moments in modern literature and proceeds through a bizarre series of near misses. If Cormac McCarthy were to write a love story, it might read something like this.
David Wecker
Brand Flick (‘Real Stories, Real People, Real Connections’)
Scott explores past, present and future through keen observation
Haunted by the tragic death of his young nephew, due in part to his own carelessness, Jack, Drunk Log’s thirty-something protagonist, keeps a drink-by-drink, bar by bar diary of his spiraling, suicidal thoughts, addressing his guilt and roadblocks to finding love. Like Joyce in Ulysses, Scott explores past, present and future through keen observation and a deep but often darkly humorous internal monologue. It is an unconscious, self-deprecating cry for help that, initially unknown to Jack, does not go unheard.
Jim DeBrosse
Contributing Writer, Cincinnati Magazine
Mark Scott takes the reader on an inexorable path
In this highly engaging, tightly written book, portraying what could be the final night of a man tortured by a tragedy for which he feels ultimately responsible, Mark Scott takes the reader on an inexorable path, leading to what could be the end of his story or his moment to find redemption.
Iris Libby
Former Editor
Frequently Asked Questions
What inspired you to become a writer?
I’m not sure. Sometimes I feel more compelled than inspired! I started writing when I was eight years old and never really stopped.
How do you develop your characters and plot?
Before I start writing, I know the beginning and end of the story. Since I know what the end is going to be, the plot follows a natural story arc toward that end. Characters are often developed along the way, depending on how important they are to the story. But I’m more a “pantser” than a “plotter,” meaning I mostly fly by the seat of my pants as opposed to summarizing an entire book before I start writing. It’s worked for me so far!
Do you have a favorite character or book you've written?
I don’t really have a favorite book, but if you put a gun to my head I’d probably say King of Peru. It was the first book I ever finished and therefore has a special place in my heart. So far, my favorite character is Aria, from the Day in the Life series. I was surprised by how big she became to that story and love her for it.
When is your next book coming out?
Well, Free Will just came out on November 5th. I believe King of Peru is next and will be out by spring 2025.
The story continues...
On New Year’s Eve, a young man embarks on a risky, all-night journey that brings him face-to-face with his past. As he revisits choices, regrets, and dreams, he confronts the moments that have defined him—and discovers whether redemption is within reach.
Through one powerful day, a man’s choices unravel the depths of personal freedom and consequence. In this journey, he explores what it means to truly live with intention, challenging the boundaries of fate and the courage to choose.
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