Stark Reflections On Writing And Publishing

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 about tips on marketing audiobooks. 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, shares the winners of a copy of Goal Setting for Writers by Holly Lyne, abd also a personal update which includes: Hosting the 2020 Aurora Awards Work on the forthcoming Wide for the Win Promotional activities related to the August 18th release of his Canadian Werewolf novella Stowe Away Progress on a Kickstarter he'll be launching on Sept 25th During their conversation, Mark and Meaghan tal

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 shares comments from recent episodes and a personal update. He 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. During their conversation, Mark and Rob talk about: Rob's history as a writer, including his first short story published in 1980 and first novel published in 1990 The 3-way split rights on Rob's previous novel, Quantum Night (2 Publishers, and Rob self-publishing) What Rob learned from dipping his toe into indie publishing Quantum Night four years ago, and how h

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? Then this episode which features a reading of an article by Erin Wright called "Top 10 Tips to Going Wide." Prior to the main content, Mark shares comments from recent episodes 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 his personal update, Mark shares the progress he has made on the "Canadian Werewolf" series, including a cover rebranding, a pre-order for mid August, and another pre-order for Feb 2021. He also shares the fact he has started work on a book called WIDE FOR

In this episode Mark interviews urban fantasy author and podcaster HB Lyne about her fiction, her forthcoming title GOAL SETTING FOR WRITERS, and more. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, 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. In the interview Holly and Mark talk about: When and how Holly got into writing in the first place - writing since she could hold a pen Making up stories that her young friend would illustrate Writing screenplays and theatre when when was a teenager, and going off to University with a goal to write and direct movies Writing her first book and how she wanted to share it straight away, and didn't want to wait and go through all the hoops, bells, and whistles of traditional publishing Holly's first series, with four books, and why had to plan on rebran

In this episode mark interviews Suzy Vadori about the massive in person book launches she has done for the first two books in her The Fountain trilogy and the way she had to pivot away from the original plans of a major launch for book three, Wall of Wishes, due to the global pandemic. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a word about this episode's sponsor, reads some recent comments on the podcast, and offers a bit of a personal update. 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.   Mark also shares that the podcast has surpassed 50,000 downloads, has been downloaded in over 100 countries, and he thanks listeners for helping him achieve those stats. In their interview, Mark and Suzy talk about: The giant Wall of Wishes backdrop Suzy and her kids created for the special at home video launch sessions she was doing The Fountain trilogy and where Suzy's new book "Wal

Mark interviews Luanga Nuwame (or Lue, as most of his friends affectionately know him), a 43-year old Canadian comic book publisher and writer, YouTube cardboard craft artist, board game developer, and author. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, reveals the Patreon winner of a "story stuck" consultation with Clark Chamberlain, and shares a personal update including the creation of a short Cheers parody called Mark's Tavern. 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 discussion, Mark and Lue talk about: How writing was a great outlet for Lue, particularly when he was younger, suffered from depression, didn't know how else to emote The joy of being able to escape into fantasy by creating different stories How Silver Surfer #4 was what started Lue's love of comic books as a medium that could be truly appreciated on multiple

In this episode Mark interviews Rachael Herron about her writing, her multiple pseudonyms, being a hybrid author, and writing memoirs. Prior to the interview, Mark shares some comments from recent episodes and via Twitter, some information about an offer the Clark Chamberlain has for his Story Stuck Consultation, and a personal update. He also thanks new patron Johanna Rothman as well as all existing patrons for the podcast, and lets his patrons know that they were automatically entered in a chance to win a story stuck consultation from Clark. In their conversation, Mark and Rachael discuss: The thought that being a writer is like having homework for the rest of your life Rachael's thriller (Hush Little Baby) that she just turned into her editor at Penguin Random House and which comes out in May 2021 Getting over the "who cares" issues she was having working on this novel in the middle of a global pandemic and a world-wide drive to end systemic racism by recognizing that it's okay to delve deep into a focuse

Mark interviews Ashley Joanisse, a Canadian Country Singer-Songwriter who writes songs about politics, love, and life. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, welcomes new patron Krista D. Ball, thanks patrons, and reads 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 a new StoryBundle that he is a part of, which launched on June 18, 2020, as well as a pair of videos he recently released focusing on how to pronounce his last name. In their conversation, Ashley and Mark talk about: Where Ashley's love of music first started The fact that Ashley always payed close attention to the lyrics of the songs she listened to The strong desire to write her own music rather than cover someone else's songs The little journey that Ashley kept since she was about thirteen years old, constantly jotting down poems,

In this episode, Mark interviews Michael W. Lucas about he books he has written which range range from crime and SF thrillers to arcane tomes on how to build your own Verizon. They also chat quite a bit about Michael's latest book: Cash Flow for Creators. In the opening of the episode, Mark shares some comments from recent episodes, 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.   Immediately prior to the interview Mark shares a personal update about his recent appearance on the overnight radio program Coast to Coast with George Noory, and all the positive results that came from that. In their conversation, Michael and Mark talk about: How writing for Michael started when he was about 4 and realized that books were created by human beings and this was something people could grow up to do The evolution of getting to full time writer via rejection no

Mark interviews editor Joshua Essoe who has edited for bestsellers, Piers Anthony and David Farland, for Dean Lorey, lead writer of Arrested Development, as well as numerous Writers of the Future winners, and USA Today bestsellers. Prior to the interview, Mark reads some comments from recent episodes, reveals the winner of Sacha Black's Anatomy of Prose and says a word about this episode's sponsors, the patrons of the podcast. Mark also shares a person update that includes: Work being done on his Canadian Werewolf series of books A new non-fiction writing project he will be releasing in the Fall of 2020:  Wide for the Win In their conversation, Mark and Joshua talk about: How, 11 years ago, Joshua accidentally fell into the role of editor Joshua's previous role as an old book restorer Being a book nerd since Joshua was 7 years old Asking Brandon Sanderson to read one of his stories and the generous and constructive feedback he was offered Advice from Superstars Writing Seminars that led Joshua to deciding

In this episode Mark interviews Brian Rathbone who is an international #1 Bestselling author on Google Play with both audiobooks and eBooks. Brian talks about the strategies and things he has learned about success in selling audiobooks, a market he has been playing in for two decades now, so he has a lot of learning to share there - as well as how he reached #1 on Google Play, a market that a lot of authors are struggling to learn and understand. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes and reminds listeners of their chance to win a signed copy of Sacha Black's latest book, Anatomy of Prose, by commenting on Episode 133 as per the episode and show notes details, prior to the end of day Friday May 29, 2020. This episode is sponsored by the wonderful patrons of the Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing Podcast. You can learn how you can become a patron, gain access to special patron-only prizes and also receive bonus patron-only episodes of the podcast as well as other additional

In this episode Mark interviews Joe Scacciaferro who has been in the media and entertainment business for over 30 years, has founded and run several successful media and entertainment production and technical support companies, most noticeably FerroProductions, and is behind the collaborative platform FerroCity. Prior to the interview, Mark shares some comments from recent episodes, a personal update, 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 the interview Mark and Joe talk about: How story has always been important in Joe's life, and how that sometimes backfired when he was a young child The way that everything is a story, and the more that we are comfortable with story, the better we can engage with others Joe's musical background, and how story through music was one of his first loves and felt natural to him The prominence of unplanned transi

In this episode, Mark interviews Melissa Dalton Martinez, a publishing industry PR and marketing manager, marketing consultant, and media professional. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a word about this episode's sponsor (the awesome Patrons of this podcast), and a personal update. In his personal update, Mark talks about the creative collaborative projects that he and his partner Liz have been working on - parody music videos, and how a chance in perspective looking at a bowl filled with broken egg yolks resulted in an unexpected and delicious breakfast that was better than what was originally planned.   In their interview Mark and Melissa talk about: Where the show that Melissa runs "The Book Break" runs and what the content of the episodes are How Melissa helps authors get onto various different media and the coaching that she does to prepare them for their appearances Melissa's entrance into the publishing world as a PAR representative in 2003 How Melissa is one of those

Mark interviews Sacha Black about her role and brand as a Rebel Author, about her writing, her podcast, and about her books for writers on crafting heroes, villains, and prose. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update, talking about recent birthday activities, a recent Star Wars parody video he created, and what that type of creation means to him as a writer. He then shares some comments from recent episodes and a word from this podcast'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 their conversation, Sacha and Mark talk about: Where Sacha's "Rebel Author" brand came from, and how she has always been a bit of a rebel How, the best way to get Sacha to do something is to ask her not to do it The way that being an indie author is a bit rebellious in and of itself The thrill of being a little bit naughty How people are able to connect when you are being more authentic Be

Mark interviews Martin Popoff about his latest book ANTHEM: Rush in the 70's as well as a lifetime of passion writing about music. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update and some 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 their conversation, Martin and Mark talk about: Martin's introduction to music when he was six or seven years old Turning people into metal-heads when Martin was working at a record store about the age of fifteen How people learned about music and records prior to the internet How Martin's love and passion for music evoled into life of writing about music, which he started to do full time in 2000 Martin's first book, which was a self-published book of a collection of record reviews, which later got picked up by a traditional publisher in 1997 Writing 9 or 10 music books per year The

In this solo "thanks for the inspiration" episode, Mark reflects on how Todd Anderson was an important colleague whose influence, mentorship, and leadership resulted in a critical shift in his career. Prior to the main segment, Mark shares a personal update, some 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.     Links of Interest: The FISH Philosophy of Customer Service Episode 130 - Grace Under Pressure with Kevin J Anderson Mark's Audiobooks (on sale) at Nook The 7 P's of Publishing Success Evasion Campus Chills Anthology Campus Chills Book Launches Espresso Book Machine / On Demand Books Examining Alternative Futures for Publishing Tell Me About The Early Days of Self Publishing Findaway Voices Patreon for Stark Reflections     Thanks for the Inspiration is a type of show that appears from time to time in the reg

In this episode Mark interviews author Kevin J. Anderson about dictating his first drafts, about adapting to change in the publishing industry and about writing through personal tragedy, grief, and trauma. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update and goes into detail about the challenges he has faced with not being able to focus or write in the past several weeks, falling behind in several writing deadlines. But he talks about how he has continued to be creative, and that creators will always create. He shares a writing warm-up practice he has started again - writing parody lyrics to songs and poetry. He then shares the experience of doing that recently and collaborating with Liz, the opening and closing voice of the podcast, and his fiance. He shares the music video they created on Easter Sunday and how working on that project has reinvigorated his own creative spirit and energy; particularly as a reminder for the fact that the world needs writers, and the smiles this parody song and video have

In this additional "between episodes" addition, Mark shares a Medium article with the following important message. "From one citizen to another, I beg of you: take a deep breath, ignore the deafening noise, and think deeply about what you want to put back into your life. This is our chance to define a new version of normal, a rare and truly sacred (yes, sacred) opportunity to get rid of the bullshit and to only bring back what works for us, what makes our lives richer, what makes our kids happier, what makes us truly proud. We get to Marie Kondo the shit out of it all. We care deeply about one another. That is clear. That can be seen in every supportive Facebook post, in every meal dropped off for a neighbor, in every Zoom birthday party. We are a good people. And as a good people, we want to define — on our own terms — what this country looks like in five, 10, 50 years. This is our chance to do that, the biggest one we have ever gotten. And the best one we’ll ever get." The message is from the article "Prepa

In this episode Mark shares a live chat with Roland Denzel, AKA the Indestructable Author, from April 2, 2020 about Strategies for a Healthy Home Workspace. Roland shares what people can do to maintain health and exercise with limited space and no equipment; fundamentals of creating an ergonomic workspace in your home, and much more. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a reflection on how he feels Covid-19 is going to become a major tipping point for the way that people consume books and move from print-book puritans to eReading adoptions. He also shares the fact that it's likely the major publishers are going to be forced to finally properly dip their toes into the eBook pool. Mark then shares comments from recent episodes 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 Roland talk about: Roland's background as a writer and health coach

In this episode, Mark has an in depth conversation with author Blaze Ward. Blaze Ward writes science fiction in multiple universes. He also writes odd bits of high fantasy with swords and orcs. In addition, he is the Editor and Publisher of Boundary Shock Quarterly Magazine and many other magazines and publishing projects. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes. He also announced the winner of the book and workbook for THREE STORY METHOD from J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon from a random selection of commenters from Episode 123. In addition, the Patreon winner is also announced. In their conversation Mark and Blaze discuss: When Blaze started to kick into full production schedule for his writing Writing 400,000 words a year while he was employed and working full time, and how he ramped it up to 100,000 words a month, which he has consistently reached for the past two years The daily/weekly schedule that Blaze keeps in order to write 4000 words a day Monday through Saturday The plan for