Stark Reflections On Writing And Publishing

A rambling reflection episode that talks about writing fast and slow, writing with passion, worrying over reviews, and marketing, and Mark's "Pineapple on Pizza Principle." Prior to the main content, Mark welcomes new patron S.W. Millar, reads a few comments, shares a personal update, and 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.   Links of Interest: Episode 243 - Creating a Nurturing Welcome Sequence with Holly Darling Best Book Ever Podcast - Episode 92 - Leah Carey on "One To Watch" by Kate Stayman-London Findaway Voices Superstars Writing Seminars Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark Reflections The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors 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 (

In this episode, Mark interviews Holly Darling, an author and email marketing consultant. Prior to the main content, Mark welcomes new Patron Holger Nils Pohl, 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. During their conversation, Mark and Holly Talk About   Holly's background as a romance author and how that led to her passion about email marketing Her background in the entertainment business doing email and social media for musicians with large record companies Responding to questions like: "Why do I need an author email?" or the idea of: "I'm a new author and don't yet have a readership yet." The industry average of open rates being anywhere between 18% and 22% but how open-rates are not a reliable metric How author email offers you a lot more control over the reader journey The importance of a four-email 2nd phase nurturing aspe

An interview with Kim Lengling, author, writer, and host of Let Fear Bounce podcast and the Write Stuff, the author's voice TV Show. Prior to the main content, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, 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. During their conversation, Mark and Claire talk about: How Kim accidentally fell into writing after being asked to share a very personal story about her grandfather who was a WWI veteran in front of an audience of 800 people and a bunch of television cameras Being invited to write a monthly column on veteran issues after this speech The evolution of this writing into personal stories that Kim helped veterans shared Being the person who can help other people share their stories A little about her grandfather's personal story that Kim had shared on that fateful day The unique manner by which some of the vete

A reading, by the author (H. Claire Taylor) of her March 7, 2022 Medium article entitled: "Indie Publishing Has a Creepy Problem" Links of Interest: Claire Taylor's Website Indie Publishing Has a Creep Problem (Original Article) Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark Reflections   Claire Taylor is the founder and owner of FFS Media. She also leads the Story Alignment services offered by FFS Media. With over a dozen top-selling humor novels published (and many more on the way), she can write the crap out of a funny book. And she can help you bring out the humor in your story, too, without sacrificing a compelling narrative or strong character development. She has professionally edited 200+ fiction manuscripts, with experience in every stage of the editing process from outline evaluation to proofreading. Her passion lies in telling a story that sticks with readers long after they finish the last page, and she loves helping others achieve that goal.   The introductory, end, and bumper music for this podcast (“L

Mark has a conversation with Claire Taylor, founder and owner of FFS Media, about her writing, about story alignment, and about a creep problem that exists in the indie publishing industry. Prior to the main content, Mark shares some randomly drawn prizes for three of his Patrons (two copies of a book on worldbuilding by Angeline Trevena and a virtual course by Claire Taylor), 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. During their conversation, Mark and Claire talk about: How long it has been since the last time they saw one another in person due to that "thing that happened" (a global pandemic) Claire's start on The Sell More Books Show Podcast (with co-host Bryan Cohen) in Jan 2020 and the importance of how the two hosts can raise different points to bring perspective to the news and tips The challenge of reading news articles aloud live Claire

In this solo episode Mark talks about Public Lending Right programs. Public Lending Right (PLR) is the right of authors and other rightsholders to receive payment for the free public use of their works in libraries. PLR has been in existence since the 1940s and is currently available for authors in more than 30 countries around the world. Prior to the main content, shares a personal update that includes Writers for Ukraine: The Million Word Challenge, 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.   Links of Interest: Writers for Ukraine Go Fund Me for Writers for Ukraine PLR International Links to Established Global Region programs for PLR PLR Canada Findaway Voices Superstars Writing Seminars Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark Reflections The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors An Author's Guide to Working wit

Mark interviews Jeff Cottrill, a fiction writer, poet, journalist and spoken-word artist based in Toronto, Canada, about spoken-word art and his new novel HATE STORY. Prior to the main content, Mark welcomes a Patreon supporter, shares a personal update, comments from recent episodes 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. During their conversation, Mark and Jeff talk about: How Jeff had always been writing since he was young, including silly poems and sketches and stories The writing becoming a bit more serious in nature in high school, and then later in university, where he was actually discouraged from writing for a while Discovering the unique nature of spoken-word and open mics and then adapting his own style and adaptation of the art How really bad workshops can be traumatizing and can set back a writer for years The lack of (or overabundance of) life and e

In this episode Mark interviews Angeline Trevena, an author of dystopian urban fantasy and post-apocalyptic fiction, a podcaster, an events manager, and the author of a number of phenomenal books about world-building. Prior to the main content, Mark shares a short personal update, including the fact one of his patrons will win a copy of Angeline's latest edition of 30 Days of Worldbuilding, a coupon code to get $100 off registration for Superstars Writing Seminars 2023 (STARKSSWS2023) 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. During their conversation, Mark and Angeline talk about: The release of the 2nd edition of her book 30 Days of World-Building How Angeline has always loved fantasy, and choose-your-own-adventure books The way reading The Chronicles of Narnia was one of the factors that led to her love and passion for world-building The original 30 Days of Wo

Mark has a panel discussion with four of his patrons. This episode is sponsored by the patrons of the Stark Reflections Podcast who supposed this podcast via www.patreon.com/starkreflections. Matty Dalrymple Alyssa Kuron Kathy Mac Faye Whyte The round-table discussion focuses mainly on the following topics: Digital/virtual versus real-world/in-person connections POD and bookstore returns Mark also gives out a coupon code for $100 off of for first-time attendees of Superstars Writing Seminars (Colorado Spring, CO), for Feb 2023. Use STARKSSWS2023 to get $100 off if you register before June 1, 2022. Links of Interest: EP 216 - Podcasting for Authors with Matty Dalrymple EP 166 - Wording Around with Kathy Mac EP 108 - Silver Linings with Talena Winters Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark Reflections The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & Bookstores Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Tim

Mark interviews Annaliese Morgan, an author, traveller, a solo mum of two boys, and an award winning Advanced Veterinary Surgical Nurse, about writing, her book STAY WILD, and her passion for inspiring young adults and young readers through fiction. Prior to the main content, Mark 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. During their conversation, Mark and Annaliese talk about: Annaliese's entrance to writing in the 1990s after her extensive veterinary work Those veterinary related books, and how that led to a successful blog of autobiographical vignettes The way that real life elements can be incorporated into her fiction Annaliese's first novel, STAY WILD, an urban fantasy story set in present day London Her imprint, Black Daisy Press, and her plans for it The importance of inspirational fiction, particularly for younger readers Advise t

This episode goes a bit meta with Mark sharing a recording of Kathy Mac interviewing a group of her students shortly after a virtual talk that Mark gave to them on the opportunities available to authors within the traditional and indie publishing realms. It is a "reflections on a reflective talk" episode. Prior to the main content, Mark 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.   Links of Interest: Episode 166 - Wording Around with Prose Episode 226 - Reflective Round Table Dec 2021 Episode 231 - Reflective Round Table Jan 2022 Findaway Voices Chirp Listing for Canadian Werewolf series The Canadian Mounted Patreon for Stark Reflections The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & Bookstores Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short

Mark interviews author E.E. Judd about her new novel, TEETH, her writing life, and interacting with her readers. Prior to the main content, Mark 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 Elise talk about: The humor that Elise puts in her biography and how it's indicative of the tongue-in-cheek snark in her fiction as well as in her author newsletter Her new novel TEETH, the first in the series, and the creation of the prequel story "reader magnet" How Elise has always loved the werewolf genre, and the werewolf books by Patricia Briggs and Kelley Armstrong Enjoying blood and guts, and action, and monsters The decision to release her books under the "gender neutral" pseudonym E.E. Judd The main character, Danielle Waters, who is a naive werewolf with no idea of the world of the other supernaturals that exist W

Mark interviews David Boito, a screenwriter and novelist about his new novel VALLEY FLIERS, writing screenplays and scripts, and so much more. Prior to the main content, Mark 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 David talk about: What you call the role of a flyer The similarities with the way that a radio controlled model aircraft has with a full scale aircraft How David first got interested in RC controlled aircraft and the nearby Apollo 11 Flight field e inspiration to write a story based on this intriguing locale Initially beginning to write this novel in screenplay format and then later adapting it into a novel David's other script work, including writing an episode of the last 1980s TV sitcom Head of the Class starring Howard Hesseman How, once you have the screenplay you have a solid outline Makin

Part of series of bonus "Reflective Round Table" episodes that are discussions between Mark and a selection of patrons of the podcast. This episode is sponsored by the patrons of the Stark Reflections podcast who support this podcast at: https://patreon.com/starkreflections In this episode, Mark chats with: Matty Dalrymple Julie Strauss Kathy Mac Linda Hill Talena Winters   Links of Interest: EP 216 - Podcasting for Authors with Matty Dalrymple EP 166 - Wording Around with Kathy Mac EP 108 - Silver Linings with Talena Winters EP 35 - Lessons Learned from the Novel Intensive Workshop (Julie Strauss guest) Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark Reflections The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors 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 Lover's Moon

Mark interviews author Jacob Hess about character development, world-building and The Hero's Journey. Prior to the main content, Mark shares a personal update, a cautionary tale about making POD titles returnable, 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 Jacob talk about: Jacob's initial interest in world-building and character development through imaginative play as a child How his love for stories eventually merged with a later love of reading that he developed Describing his fictional world as a mix between Star Wars and Lord of the Rings The passion Jacob has for the Hero's Journey and how that came from his discovery of Shawn Coyne's The Story Grid Having Lord of the Rings read to him as a child, and then enjoying re-reading it as an adult A quote from Tolkien with a unique perspective on story that inspired Jacob The importanc

Mark interview Michelle Rowen/Morgan Rhodes about her different pen names, the genres she writes, her publishing journey, and her latest novel, ECHOES & EMPIRES. Prior to the main content, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update that includes devastating news of the loss of a writer friend, along with some good news related to his writing, the results of a recent Chirp audiobook promotion, 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 Michelle talk about: ECHOES AND EMPIRES, Michelle's new alt-world fantasy under the name Morgan Rhodes Michelle's thoughts on the difference between her Michelle Rowen and Morgan Rhodes pseudonyms and the different genres under each Being inspired by Buffy's drama, action, and humor The "fallen princess" phase or theme that keeps coming up in her writing lately The way the covers pr

In this episode, Mark looks back at his 2021 goals and achievements, outlining the successes, the failures, and the unexpected. Prior to the main content, Mark shares comments from recent episodes and also 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. A high level overview of Mark's 2021 Goals Stated 2021 Goals 1 - Publish FEAR AND LONGING IN LOS ANGELES (Completed Feb 2021) (In addition - Pub'd FRIGHT NIGHTS BIG CITY 2 - Publish WIDE FOR THE WIN (Completed March 2021) - had to push pub date back from Jan 26 to March 16 3 - Publish LOVER'S MOON (novelette/novella) (Didn't do it) 4 - Stark Publishing Solutions - Unnamed book for writers (Completed Aug 2021) 5 - Stark Publishing Solutions - Unnamed book 2 for writers (Didn't do it) 6 - Publish SCREAMING SKULLS X (Didn't do it) 7 - Publish GHOSTLY GANANOQUE X (Didn't do it) 8 - Considering another anthology (Didn't do i

Mark reads from a 2000 word article he wrote when asked to discuss publishing trends for 2022. Prior to the main content, Mark, using an AI voice double (Overdub) from Descript to speak the words he has typed, explains why he is using a voice double for the interstitial parts of the podcast, and also 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.   Links of Interest: The Top Eight Publishing Trends for 2022 - Article by Clayton Noblit from Written Word Media EP 148 - Voice Double Conversation with Joanna Penn The Canadian Mounted Patreon for Stark Reflections The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors 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 Ang

The first in a new series of "Reflective Round Table" discussions between Mark and a selection of patrons of the podcast. This episode is sponsored by the patrons of the Stark Reflections podcast who support this podcast at: https://patreon.com/starkreflections In this episode, Mark chats with: Matty Dalrymple Shari Decter Hirst (writing as Sherilyn Decter) Jeff Elkins Kathy Mac In their conversation Mark, Matt, Shari, Jeff, and Kathy talk about The importance of a strong narrative question/theme for a book and/or series Different planning processes as we hurtle toward 2022 Timelines/stressors/deadlines where editorial input is shortchanged  And a few other things in between   Links of Interest: Matty Dalrymple Shari Decter Hirst (writing as Sherilyn Decter) Jeff Elkins Kathy Mac The Dialogue Doctor The Indy Author The Canadian Mounted Patreon for Stark Reflections The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries &am

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