Stark Reflections On Writing And Publishing

Mark interviews Ami Sands Brodoff, the award-winning author of three novels and two story collections about her latest book, The Sleep of Apples and the stories and books she has written over the years. Prior to the main content, Mark discusses recent comments, welcomes new patron Jared Nelson, shares a personal update, and 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 starkreflections.ca/Findaway. In their conversation Mark and Ami talk about: Ami as a "late-bloomer" writer who had worked on a number of short stories for years before working on a novel The encouragement, including a nomination for The Pushcart Prize that happened early on with Ami's first published story Being invited to The Algonquin Hotel in New York for lunch with some editors Asking herself is this the career I want to be doing no matter what The related anchor job that Ami had for guaranteed writing money coming in while she did

Mark interviews Heather Campbell co-founder and publisher at Latitude 46 Publishing, and owner of a brand-new indie bookstore in Sudbury, Ontario. Prior to the main content, Mark shares some recent comments, a personal update, and shares 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 starkreflections.ca/Findaway. In their conversation Mark and Heather talk about: Heather's long love of reading and books, and her engagement in the Sudbury, Ontario writing community Deciding to start Latitude 46 when Scrivener Press decided to close shop How Heather got into learning about publishing, distribution, and self-publishing twelve years ago by helping a friend out with her book Celebrating Latitude 46's 7th anniversary on March 22, 2022 How often a regional/local publisher has to start off doing it part time and with funding support from arts councils, etc The average number of submissions rec'd versus books pu

In this episode Mark interviews author Paulette Stout about her new novel Love, Only Better. Prior to the main content, Mark shares a recent comment, a personal update, thanks new patron Jo-Ann Carson, and shares a word and update 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. In their conversation, Mark and Paulette talk about: Why Paulette chose to fictionalize the taboo subject matter of the novel How this novel can help some women realize that they're not alone in this experience Taking a really difficult topic and making it a beach read The importance of approaching a deeply personal and emotionally difficult topic with humor The process of deciding to write this novel Reaching out to agents with queries for this book Learning about indie publishing and how it suited this book with what many publishers saw as a taboo topic Scribbling at the alter of Joanna Penn Writing a preq

Mark interviews author Brittany Fichter about writing happily ever after endings, clean romance, and taking the time to care for her readers. Prior to the main content, Mark shares a personal update, thanks new patron James S. Aaron, and shares 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 starkreflections.ca/Findaway. In their conversation, Mark and Brittany talk about: Writing clean, sweet, and wholesome romance Living and writing with OCD, Tourettes and free-floating anxiety The Writing Gals Podcast and their outline of the various levels of heat in romance fiction How the outline for Brittany's last book was 50,000 words The way that clean romances can still deal with heavy concepts and deep emotions Writing fairy tales that are full fantasy, much like the darkness to light moment in The Lord of the Rings Brittany's childhood love of fairy tales and her desire to what to know the characters beyond

Mark shares three short audio excerpts from the November 2021 20BooksVegas conference. 20Books Vegas 2021 is by far the biggest and best of the 20Books shows (there have been ten so far). It is the biggest show in the world focused on self-publishing although there is something for every author, traditional or indie. The 20Books mentality is that everyone deserves a chance to succeed if they take the knowledge and experience and apply it to their author business. With up to 20 authors making seven figures a year and hundreds making a full-time living, there will be something for everyone. Be warned, no one is going to carry you and make you an overnight sensation. You have to do that for yourself by applying what over 100 guest speakers have to offer. Are you ready to excel, reap the rewards of your good work? Then take control of your author career.   Prior to the main content, Mark shares recent comments, a personal update, thanks new patron Michael Howell and shares a word about this episode's sponsor. Yo

Mark interviews Vikrant Shaurya, CEO and Founder of Bestsellingbook.com. Prior to the interview, Mark shares an extremely brief personal update with crappy audio from a Vegas hotel room and 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 starkreflections.ca/Findaway. In their conversation Mark and Vikrant talk about: The story of how Vikrant got started in writing Spending more time in the college library than in classe Starting a company, making a number of mistakes, and being left with no money and being forced to shut down the business Discovering self-publishing and working hard to write and go through the publishing process Creating a "done for you" publishing company to help entrepreneurs and speakers Who Vikrant's ideal client is and the detailed customized process of ensuring their book is written using their insights/knowledge/experience in their unique voice The packages and costs of making the

Mark interviews Chris Racknor about his Shawn Ronin mystery series, about science fiction and about his experiences in both traditional and indie publishing. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a brief personal update and 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 starkreflections.ca/Findaway. In their conversation Mark and Chris talk about: The report card snapshot from the first grade indicating Chris had an affinity for writing The serialized blog stories on Chris's blog early on in the advent of digital reading The 2004 goal Chris set related to writing a novel, and how that came to pass in 2020 Heading into the science discipline and wondering if it was for the science or for making the science-fiction more believable How Chris's mother, concerned that he was reading too many comic books, handed him a copy of a Robert B. Parker novel How science-fiction is about asking questions, while mysterie

Mark interviews John Gaspard about his mystery novels, his decision to move from traditional publishing to indie publishing, and other behind the scenes business decisions about his life in writing. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a brief personal update and 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 starkreflections.ca/Findaway. In their conversation Mark and John talk about: John's journey to traditional publishing and the process of getting his rights back and checking out indie publishing Working with an agent Some of the research John has done to find a publisher What a "right of first refusal" clause in a contract is Offering his publisher money to get out of the contract he was in The writing John was doing as full time work that was NOT writing novels Writing a mystery in novel form compared to writing it for the screen John's early introduction to film mak

Mark has a conversation with Sarah Kades and Adrienne Kerr about how their relationship as a writing and editing team, about Sarah's recent release, Kiss Me in the Rain and about their pathways into the writing and publishing world. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a word about this episode's sponsor: Stark Publishing and his books for writers. In their conversation, Mark, Sarah, and Adrienne talk about: How Sarah got into writing and how Adrienne got into editing The first book that Adrienne edited and the intriguing story behind it Sarah's first experience with a nurturing editor and how that led to a positive experience ensuring she stuck with writing The importance of having a solid connection and relationship with an editor who understands your goals How Adrienne and Sarah first met and the huge faux pas Sarah made trying to connect with Adrienne The airport pickup story and how Sarah and Adrienne bonded in the car on the way to the conference hotel The way the two helped one another at mutually cri

Mark interviews Matty Dalrymple about her new book THE INDY AUTHOR’S GUIDE TO PODCASTING FOR AUTHORS. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a brief personal update and 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 starkreflections.ca/Findaway. In their conversation Mark and Matty talk about: Matty's celebration of the 100th episode of her podcast and the ongoing celebratory series of 7 episodes featuring Orna Ross The workshop that Matty and Mark collaborated on for the 2021 Alliance of Independent Authors Self Publishing Conference talking about the craft of writing short fiction The drabble writing assignment that Matty and Mark offer as part of their workshop. (A drabble is a short story that is exactly 100 words) Matty's new book The Indy Author's Guide to Podcasting for Authors that includes podcasting itself as well as being a good podcast guest The downloadable Captain's Log resource that Matty ha

Mark interviews Patricio X. Maya, who writes in both English and Spanish. They talk about his writing, his essays, his first novel, Reggaetón Cruise, which has been called "a techno-beat The Great Gatsby" about cultural exile, multiculturalism, and so much more. Prior to the main content, Mark shares a personal update, thanks Patreon supporters and shares 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. - What drew Patricia to writing in the first place, and those early teenage poems written in Spanish Being inspired by Columbian writer Gabriel García Márquez Patricio's move to the United States when he was 13 and his introduction to the English world Writing prose in English and poetry in Spanish Patricios's first book, a collection of essays and philosophies The theme of cultural exile in Patricio's second book Cherished early memories and defining half of his life from the

Mark interviews Carol Van Natta about the collaborative author PETS IN SPACE series. Prior to the main content, Mark shares a personal update, recent comments, and shares an audio clip of Will Dages from Findaway Voices, 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, Mark and Carol discuss: How, back in high school, Carol and a bunch of her friends wrote a great deal of fan fiction Pitching her first co-written book to publishers, and then experimenting with KDP (Kindle Direct Publishing) The different series novels that Carol has written and released The origin of the Pets in Space anthology series and the charity it raises funds for "Pigs in Space" from the Muppet Show and how the anthology is meant to be a fun one that doesn't take itself too seriously Each release of the anthology being limited so that the rights can go back to all the individual authors Carol

Mark has a conversation with Canadian author Valerie Francis, a literary editor, podcaster, story nerd, and the bestselling author of the steamy romance, Masquerade (think Bridgerton for the 21st century). Prior to the main content, Mark shares a personal update, recent comments, thanks Patrons and offers a few words about this episode's sponsor regarding their forthcoming marketplace. This episode is sponsored by Findaway Voices. 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, Mark and Valerie talk about: - Valerie's introduction to becoming a StoryGrid editor in 2015 when she had finished her first novel, a middle-grade fantasy she had written on instinct The New York trip Valerie took to a two day workshop and how her writing took a quantum leap from that How, despite learning the intricacies of story and breaking elements apart, Valerie hasn't lost her love of story The different tool

Mark and Joanna Penn talk about collaborating on the writing and release of their co-authored book THE RELAXED AUTHOR: Take the Pressure Off Your Art and Enjoy the Creative Journey. Prior to the main content, Mark shares comments from a recent episode, thanks Patrons and offers a few words about this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by Findaway Voices. 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, Mark and Joanna talk about: How pretty and beautifully designed the book turned out to be Where the idea for this book came from and why they decided to write it Knowing one another both personally and professionally for so long and the inherent trust and understanding they had getting into this project How to determine that a potential opportunity is with the right partner The contract that Joanna and Mark signed as part of this agreement/collaborative publishing The logistics beh

Mark interviews Marty Essen, the author of several non-fiction and fiction titles, and a much sought after public speaker. Prior to the main content, Mark thanks Patrons to the podcast, shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update, and a word about this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by Findaway Voices. 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, Mark and Marty talk about: How Marty's first book tour experience evolved into compelling storytelling rather than dry readings from his book Differences involved in moving from writing short articles for newspapers and magazines to writing a book The eye opening experience of working with an editor Winning an award at Book Expo America in NYC Marty's experience working at radio stations The newspaper interview that resulted in being invited to write an article about his Amazon Rainforest exploration How Marty's show

A keynote from Morgan Rhodes (Michelle Rowen) about her writer journey and facing creative block. The keynote is from the When Words Collide August 2021 Virtual Conference. Prior to the main content, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, shares a personal update, and a word about this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by Findaway Voices. You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway.   Links of Interest: Morgan Rhodes Michelle Rowen Video of WWC Keynote Talks (Que'd to Morgan's talk) Empire Builder's Summit The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors Patreon for Stark Reflections An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & Bookstores Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story) A Canadian Werewolf in New York Stowe Away (Novella) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles Fright Nights, Big City     Morgan Rhodes i

Mark interviews Kerrie Flanagan and Chuck Harrelson about collaborating on multiple genres under two shared pseudonyms, growing global sales, increasing author newsletter subscribers, and experimenting with marketing through Twitch. Prior to the interview, Mark welcomes new patron Malcolm Coon, shares a personal update, and a word about this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by Findaway Voices. 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, Kerrie, and Chuck talk about: The origin of how Kerrie and Chuck started writing together under multiple pseudonyms The books that they are working on under the names C.G. Harris (The Judas Files - Urban Fantasy; The Rax - Science Fiction) and C.K. Wiles (Romance) Their experimentation with going exclusive on their eBooks with KDP Select and how it failed and they returned to publishing wide Dedication to getting more subscriber

Mark interviews Deborah Levison, a multi award-winning author, freelance writer, publicist and the author of THE CRATE: A Story of War, a Murder, and Justice - a true crime story with echoes of the Holocaust. Prior to the interview, Mark reads comments from recent episodes, shares a personal update, and talks about this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by Findaway Voices. 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 Debbie talk about: How much of a bookworm Debbie was from an early age, and that she'd always dreamed of being an author One of the earliest essays she had to write for school about her, her mother, and her grandmother going to visit the bears at dusk at the local garbage dump Debbie's lonely childhood growing up spending summers in the Muskoka region of Ontario, and how that helped fuel her imagination and love of fictional characters from books

This solo episode features a recording of a talk Mark gave at When Words Collide 2021. Prior to the talk, Mark shares a personal update and a word from this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by Findaway Voices. You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway.   Links of Interest: Episode 99 - Getting Your Book into Libraries Episode 191 - Insights from the Immersive Media & Books 2020 Consumer Survey Episode 177 - Author Insights from Youth Services Librarians Episode 110 - A Conversation About Working with Bookstores and Libraries Episode 87 - You, Your Book, and Bookstores Episode 193 - Showcasing Indie Author Books in an Indie Bookstore Episode 167 - Bookseller Insights with Laura Hayden The Relaxed Author Publishing Pitfalls for Authors Patreon for Stark Reflections An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & Bookstores Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (

This episode features a 2021 When Words Collide Keynote given by New York Times and USA Today Bestselling author Steena Holmes. The talk was recorded on Friday August 13, 2021. After the talk, Mark shares a couple of reflections and thanks patrons of the podcast who support it at patreon.com/starkreflections. He also shares that the presentations he gave at When Words Collide will be shared in video and audio formats for patrons.   Links of Interest: Episode 17 - Focusing on Your Readers with Steena Holmes When Words Collide The Relaxed Author Patreon for Stark Reflections Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story) A Canadian Werewolf in New York Stowe Away (Novella) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles Fright Nights, Big City   Steena Holmes is the New York Times and USA Today bestselling author with over 2 million copies of her titles sold world wide, including The Forgotten Ones, Saving Abby and The Memory Child. Named in the Top 20 Women Author to read in 2015 by Good H