Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing

In this episode Mark interviews David Farland, a New York Times bestselling and multi-award-winning author, who has written for major franchises such as Star Wars and The Mummy, and mentored dozens who have gone on to staggering literary success, including Brandon Mull, Brandon Sanderson, and Stephenie Meyer. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update, comments from recent episodes, and...

In this episode, Mark interviews author and bookseller Laura Hayden, who is the co-founder and owner of Author-Author an experimental retail bookshop that deals in online sales, special events, books for writers and books for authors. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a word from this episode's sponsor . . . You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library...

In this episode Mark interviews Poet and teacher Kathy Mac who lives in Fredericton NB, Canada and teaches creative writing at St. Thomas University along with one of her students, Neomi about a book project, Wording Around with Prose , and the course it originated from. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a word from this episode's sponsor . . . You can learn more about how you can get your work...

In this special shorter episode of the podcast, Mark talks about a book that he has published via his Stark Publishing imprint written by a friend who found himself homeless in London, England. Mark shares the origin of the book and why he is publishing it, as well as some of the mechanics and logistics surrounding the distribution of the eBook and print editions. He also reads an excerpt from the...

This is a special "Reflections on Other Podcasts" style episode. Mark reflects on Episode 517 of The Creative Penn Podcast, where Joanna Penn interviews Holly Worton. The description from that episode, which is highly recommended that you listen to is this: How can you prevent self-doubt and fear from blocking your creative expression? What if you've built an audience for your books, but then you...

In this episode Mark interviews Mickey Mikellson of Creative Edge Publicity - a boutique publicity firm specializing in arranging events such as book signings, library or school presentations, online and print media opportunities, and many other events related to the arts in general. Mickey and his firm are advocates for both the traditional and independent artist. Prior to the interview, Mark sha...

Mark interviews Joshua Pantalleresco, the host of Just Joshing, an Aurora Award Winning podcast that features Joshua interviewing authors and other creatives and business people about life, the universe, and everything. Prior to the main content, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, shares a personal update, welcomes a new patron (Connor Whiteley) and a word from this episode's sponsor. This...

In this episode Mark shares some tips for NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month), as well as an overview of his previous NaNoWriMo experiences, sharing the errors, the mistakes, and the failures he has made along the way. Prior to the main content, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update, and a word from this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by: You can learn mor...

In this episode Mark catches up with Mark Dawson to see how his publishing collaboration with Welbeck has been going as well as to find out about some new writing and publishing projects. This episode is sponsored by: You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway .   Prior to the interview Mark share...

Mark interviews Actor, producer, audiobook narrator, and singer Sarah Beth Goer. Prior to the interview Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update, and a few words about this episode's sponsor ... You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway . During their conversation, Mark and Sa...

In this episode Mark interviews Kate Tilton about the work she does supporting and helping authors be successful. Prior to the interview, Mark shares shares comments from recent episodes and social media, offers a personal update, and says a word about this episode's sponsor ... You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at star...

In this episode Mark chats with Jeff Elkins, The Dialogue Doctor, about the importance of solid dialogue for characterization, moving a plot along, and creating a bestselling novel. Prior to the interview, Mark shares shares comments from recent episodes, welcomes new Patron, Macy Dixon, offers a personal update, and says a word about this episode's sponsor ... You can learn more about how you can...

In this solo episode, Mark shares the content that is normally reserved for patrons of the Stark Reflections Podcast in a "Stark Reflections on Other Podcasts" episode. In this episode, he shares clips from two other podcasts that he listens to, then reflects upon the things discussed. In this particular case, both episodes include the stark reality facing authors. Prior to the main content, Mark...

Rebel Author Takeover Special Episode! In this episode Sacha Black, host of The Rebel Author Podcast , takes over the Stark Reflections Podcast, renaming it the Rebel Reflections Podcast as part of celebrating the 1st anniversary of her podcast (Sept 25, 2020). HAPPY ANNIVERSARY SACHA!!!! Prior to the takeover, Sacha temporarily hands control back over to Mark, who reads comments from recent episo...

This week the indie author community felt the loss of author T S Paul. In this episode, Mark shares a few reflections on Scott as well as some highlight clips from an interview video that he recorded as well as Scott's appearance back in episode 13 of this podcast.   T S Paul is the author of Science Fiction, Space Opera, Military, Cookbooks, and Paranormal Fiction.   Links of Interest: T S Paul's...

In this solo "thanks for the inspiration" episode, Mark reflects on how Ron Roberts from Levack, Ontario was an important mentor who inspired him in his reading and his writing life.   Links of Interest: Tomes of Terror Levack, Ontario (Onaping Falls) Rush: Grace Under Pressure Mark's Feed The Obsession Kickstarter Mark's Canadian Werewolf Series This Time Around (Book 0) A Canadian Werewolf in Ne...

Mark interviews cartoonist Leigh Rubin of Rubes® the internationally syndicated single-panel cartoon that he has been creating since November 1984. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a few comments from recent episodes and Twitter, and the says a word about this episode's sponsor, Findaway Voices. You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems arou...

In this episode Mark interviews Jennifer Buchanan, President and founder of JB Music Therapy about the role music has played in her life, as well as the life-altering moment that inspired the creation of her company which uses music to help others. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, including who the winners are of Michael Arterberry's book from Episode 147, as well...

In this episode, Mark shares the details of a recent book launch, including the series re-branding, the promotion efforts taken in the metadata, the third party promotion sites used, and also shares the good, the bad, and the ugly of the results. Prior to his personal update and the main content, Mark shares comments from recent episodes and a word from this episode's sponsor, Findaway Voices. You...

In this episode Mark interviews Russell Nohelty about writing scripts, comics, novels, editing, publishing, and his work optimizing Kickstarter campaigns to raise revenue and connect with fans. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a word about this episode's sponsor, Findaway Voices. You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at...

In this special bonus/additional episode, released between regular weekly episodes of the podcast, Mark has a conversation with Joanna Penn about emerging digital A.I. technologies and what it means for writers. The initial conversation is using the words that Mark and Joanna would share in conversation, but the voice was generated using their respective Voice Doubles from Descript OverDub. After...

Mark interviews Michael Arterberry, Master Encourager, and Dynamic Motivational Speaker. Prior to the interview, Mark reads comments from recent episodes, shares a personal update and reads a word from this episode's sponsor. You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway .   In their conversation, Ma...

In this episode Mark interviews Meaghan Smith about her life as a musician and a painter, about what it's like to win a Juno Award, about collaborating with her husband, releasing music as an indie artist, vs being signed to a label, about the origin of her "Our Story" projects and so much more. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a word from this episode's sponsor which includes a new resource ab...

In this episode Mark interviews international bestselling and award winning science-fiction author Robert J. Sawyer about his latest novel release and the multiple ways he has split his IP (Intellectual Property) to optimize his income as a writer. Long-time listeners might remember Rob from Episode 4 (January 26, 2018) of the podcast, which focused on author branding. Prior to the interview, Mark...

Are you looking for ways to stop being dependent upon Amazon for your author earnings income? Are you hoping to expand and grow your sales on multiple platforms in global territories? Do you need strategies to help you get started NOW in terms of creating a successful "publish wide" author plan? Would you like to increase and optimize your sales on Apple Books, Kobo, Nook, Google Play and more? Th...