Mark Anthony (M.A.) Clayborne grew up in the Eastern North Carolina town of Kinston, North Carolina. Kinston was known for textiles, tobacco and tales!  From an early age he was hooked on the art of storytelling as he sat and listened to his mother and many aunts and uncles regale the younger generation with anecdotes of their lives on the farm. Like so many young people from his generation he left Kinston after High School attending Southeastern College and Patriot University graduating with a Bachelor’s in Education. He went on to complete his teaching certification at East Carolina University and also earned a Master of Arts in Religion from Liberty University. He is currently writing his dissertation to earn a Doctorate in New Testament Theology.

A man with many interests, he is an Ordained Minister, Entrepreneur, Martial Artist, holding a Black Belt in traditional Japanese Ju-Jutsu, retired High School Soccer Coach and is the Head of the History Department at American Leadership Academy (Johnston) where he teaches Entrepreneurship and Economics. Additionally he is a guitarist, singer songwriter and has written a full catalog of Sacred as well as Country music. Ultimately, it’s all about telling a good story for him, whether it takes the form of a song, short story or novel. The goal is always the same; connect with people and make them feel something.