Stark Reflections On Writing And Publishing

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 distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway. Mark also shares comments from recent episodes and a personal update, which include the following: A walk through of the Draft2Digital payment splitting A talk about the writing and publishing Mark will be doing for Susie Moloney, the Writer in Residence for Edmonton Public Library on Dec 8, 2020. (It's free to attend but you can email susie.moloney@epl.ca to register The Let It Snow Audiobook Giveaway #snowaudio2020 Working on adding courses to his Stark Publishing Teachable platform During the interview, Mark, Kathy, and

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 chapter "Down and Out in London."   Rude Awakenings from Sleeping Rough Peter C. Mitchell Hardcover ISBN: 9781989351413 Print ISBN: 9781989351376 eBook ISBN: 9781989351383   Links of Interest: Rude Awakenings from Sleeping Rough (Universal Book Link) Rude Awakenings (Hardcover - via Author, Author) Rude Awakenings (Paperback - via Author, Author) A Different Drummer Bookstore (Burlington, Ontario) Patreon for Stark Reflections   The introductory, end, and bumper music for this podcast (“Laser Groove”) was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod of www.incompetech.com and is Licensed under Creative Commons: By At

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 want to change direction? Joanna Penn discusses these issues and more with Holly Worton in Episode 517 (November 23, 2020) of The Creative Penn Podcast. Holly Worton is the author of 17 nonfiction and self-help books about business mindset and personal growth, as well as on walking and the wisdom of trees and nature. She's also the host of the Into the Woods podcast. Prior to the episode's main content, Mark shares comments from previous episodes, 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 starkreflection

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 shares some recent comments from listeners, 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. In their conversation, Mark and Mickey talk about: The last time Mark interviewed Mickey, for the Kobo Writing Life podcast in Calgary at When Words Collide What Creative Edge Publicity does and how they work with authors in terms of setting up interviews, chats, appearances, articles, etc, since 2016 How it had been Robert J. Sawyer, Mickey's first traditionally published a

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 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. In their conversation, Mark and Joshua talk about: How Joshua could sum up his career as one great big accident The books and authors Joshua loved reading, and the novel he wrote when still in high school Josh's start interviewing people for a comic book website How working for one of his heroes led to a great moment of trial and tribulation for Joshua How a miscommunication about an interview Josh did with Robert J. Sawyer led to his recent podca

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 more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway.   Links of Interest: Mark's NaNoWriMo Profile Episode 160 - Growing, Experimenting, and Collaborations with Mark Dawson Episode 100 - Another Publishing Industry First with Mark Dawson Episode 146 - Finding Yourself in Our Song with Meaghan Smith Kobo Writing Life NaNoWriMo Promo (use coupon code NANO2020) Meaghan Smith Rude Awakenings from Sleeping Rough Mark's Canadian Werewolf Series This Time Around (Book 0) A Canadian Werewolf in New York (Book 1) Stowe Away (Book 1.5) Fear and Longi

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 shares the following: Comments from recent episodes A welcome to new patrons A personal update that includes: Short story writing deadlines (2 target hits with 1 to go) Recent media appearances related to a new book (and the fact that it's Halloween) The song Mark commissioned from Meaghan Smith for his fiance Liz's 50th birthday to go with the artwork commissioned from Josh Vogt.  (Both called "Wonder Woman") A recent music parody Mark created inspired by "The Monster Mash"   In their conversation Mark and Mark discuss: How the role of "writer" is Mark's prime passion The way Mark protects his writing time despite w

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 Sarah talk about: The fact that this is Sarah's first appearance as a podcast guest Working with Erin Wright on releasing her romance novels in audiobook How and when Sarah got started in audiobook narration The reality of trying to be an actor in LA - including the difficulty of even getting an audition Sarah's determination to get at least 200 rejections before giving up on this pursuit The importance of understanding your goal of having your books in audio Other suggestions to authors on strategies for determining whether or not its worth investing on audiobooks What Sarah wants every author to know about licensing t

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 starkreflections.ca/Findaway. During their conversation, Mark and Kate talk about: Meeting for the first time at the basement in the Javitz Center in New York at Book Expo America How Kate got into the book business The way that interacting in social media led to Kate falling into the role of author assistant Kate starting in the book business when she was still in high school and always being an "old soul" her entire life The fact that Kate has always been a "How" person who likes to figure out processes and how to make things work The challenges of "re-identifying yourself" within an industry How Kate helps authors mak

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 get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway. During their conversation, Mark and Jeff talk about: What good dialogue is going to do for your book The fundamental way that two people connect with one another, which is usually through conversation The reader engagement that comes for characters because of solid dialogue How Jeff filled a gap in the writing craft realm by focusing on dialogue Jeff's background writing conversation simulations and how that lead to his expertise in dialogue The way a person changes the way they speak when in different moods,

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 shares a personal update as well as 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 the main segment for the episode Mark reflects upon clips from: Sell More Books Show Episode 330 The Career Author Podcast Episode 144     Links of Interest: Sell More Books Show Episode 330 - Clear Strategy, Full Data Sets, Can't Lose The Career Author Podcast Episode 144 - Technology & Publishing Mark's Canadian Werewolf Series This Time Around (Book 0) A Canadian Werewolf in New York

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 episodes, shares a personal update, and also a work from this episode's two sponsors....   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 motivational show for all the creatives out there with an inner rebel. Listen for interviews, industry news, tips, tricks and tools to help you take your creative business to the next level. Learn more about the Rebel Author Podcast.   In this episode Sacha poses the questions on the following topics which both Mark and Sacha answer: Favorite rebel in history Favorite literary rebel W

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 Blog T S Paul’s Facebook Page T S Paul Instagram T S Paul’s Fergus The Unicorn’s Facebook Page T S Paul’s Fergus The Unicorn on Twitter Episode 13 - Going your own way with T S Paul Mark's Feed The Obsession Kickstarter YouTube Chat with T S Paul Mark's Canadian Werewolf Series This Time Around (Book 0) A Canadian Werewolf in New York (Book 1) Stowe Away (Book 1.5) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles (Book 2) Findaway Voices Books2Read Draft2Digital Wide for the Win Submission Form Patreon for Stark Reflections The introductory, end, and bumper music for this podcast (“Laser Groove”) was composed and produced by Ke

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 New York (Book 1) Stowe Away (Book 1.5) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles (Book 2) Findaway Voices Books2Read Draft2Digital Wide for the Win Submission Form Patreon for Stark Reflections   Thanks for the Inspiration is a type of show that appears from time to time in the regular schedule for this podcast. As writers, we often absorb elements from the world, the places, and the people around us. We observe, we ask questions, we speculative, we listen, we watch, we feel, and we write so much of that down which gets re-integrated, like some sort of sausage creation, into the stories and words and worlds we share with o

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 around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway. In his personal update, Mark shares: What he is doing on the Obsessions anthology project A forthcoming $0.99 price-drop promo for Stowe Away, the latest release in his Canadian Werewolf series. How he "met" Leigh after creating a short dad joke video entitled "Dramatic Exit" inspired by one of his Rubes® cartoons. In their conversation, Mark and Leigh talk about: The two things that Leigh excelled at in Kindergaten. Napping and cartooning. Pushing the boundaries in his cartoons from those earliest days. The encouragement received from his third grade teacher, Mrs. Mu

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 as a word from 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 starkreflections.ca/Findaway. In his personal update, Mark shares: Info about a couple of episodes he shared for patrons of the show (a reflections on other podcasts where he shares a clip from and talks about Episode 190 of The Writer's Well with Rachael Herron and J. Thorn (both have been guests on previous episodes of this podcast) An update on the progress made from his recent booklaunch, with the push on the free "first book" in series and t

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 can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway. In his personal update, Mark shares details about the Kickstarter that he launched on August 25, 2020 called Feed the Obsession, as well as the advice he took from Russell Nohelty (Episode 149's guest), and what advice he didn't employ. Mark's Kickstarter funded in less than 48 hours, and he is now working on the stretch goals. In his anatomy of a book launch, AKA anatomy of a series re-launch, Mark shares information in the following areas: A Brief history of the stories/boo

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 starkreflections.ca/Findaway. Mark then shares comments from recent episodes and a personal update.   In their conversation, Mark and Russell talk about: How Russell got into writing because he was never told he couldn't pursue the things he was interested in doing Russell's high school work in theatre, writing and working on plays; taking broadcast journalism in college, and his experiences writing and shooting his own short films How getting into a car accident and being unable to do the full film production tasks (except for writing), that funneled Russell into focusing on writing - one of the only things he coul

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 the AI Voice Double conversation, the real Mark and Joanna share their thoughts and reflections on the conversation, the process behind creating the computer-generated conversation and what it all means for the publishing and writing communities.   Joanna Penn writes non-fiction for authors and is an award-nominated, New York Times and USA Today bestselling thriller author as J.F.Penn. She’s a podcaster and an award-winning creative entrepreneur. Her site, TheCreativePenn.com has been voted in the Top 100 sites for writers by Writer's Digest.   Links of Interest: The Creative Penn Episode 002 - Living the Healthy Wr

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, Mark and Michael talk about: Where Michael's title as "Master Encourager" came from, via a story about a farmer and a donkey How this story relates to Michael's childhood experience in both his home and neighborhood The value of shaking the dirt The way that Michael re-adapted the original donkey story he had heard, added new elements/concepts to it, and made it his own Getting into sports and being gifted as a lead athlete (from the age of 8 until high school graduation) How coaches became parental figures and role models, and his team-mates became his brothers and sisters Michael's gift of being able to feel the pain