PODCAST · arts
Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
by Mark Leslie Lefebvre
Perspectives and reflections on the writing and publishing life. Mark Leslie Lefebvre, a writer, bookseller, digital publishing advocate and professional speaker and publishing consultant, explores inclusive and collaborate opportunities for writers and book publishing professionals via interviews, discussions and reflections about the industry. (Mark's personal website is www.markleslie.ca)
Episodes
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EP 496 - Communal Storytelling with Author and Actor Jamie Flanagan
In this episode Mark interviews actor and Bram Stoker Award–winning writer Jamie Flanagan about their work on the 2026 Carrie television series, various other scriptwriting and acting projects, their short stories, novels, and editing. Prior to the interview Mark shares a personal update and a…
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EP 495 - A Live Chat with Juliette N. Banks
Mark interviews Juliette N. Banks via a chat that was livestreamed to YouTube on Thursday October 7, 2026 at 7 PM Eastern. You can watch the video here: https://youtube.com/live/uGxilXgnAuw?feature=share Links of Interest: Juliette N. Banks Website A Book in Hand (Main Weblink with Kickstarter…
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EP 494 - Whales, Comic Books, Horror, and the Power of Community with Angela Yuriko Smith
Mark interviews Angela Yuriko Smith, a two-time Bram Stoker Award-winning author, editor, educator, and publisher. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update, welcomes a new patron, and offers a word about this episode's sponsors. This episode is…
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EP 493 - Reflections on Spines, Thumbnails, and Showing Up
In this solo episode Mark shares a couple of recent articles that share perspectives of the logistics related to "spine marketing" and "thumbnail marketing." This episode is sponsored in part by... Mark's forthcoming book A BOOK IN HAND. Click here to get to the Kickstarter listing and be…
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EP 492 - Life in the Fast Lane with Misti Hurst
Mark interviews Misti Hurst, a racer, a writer, a coach, and a mom. She is the author of LIFE IN THE FAST LANE: Discovering the Art of Cornering which is part manual, part memoir and compiles her decades of experience as a rider, a racer, and a coach. Prior to the main content Mark shares recent...
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EP 491 - Turning Intention Into Action with Avery Crumrine
Mark interviews author and entrepreneur Avery Crumrine about her business helping authors get their books into the world and her book INTENTION INTO ACTION. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update, and a word from this episode's sponsors. This episode…
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EP 490 - Horror, History, and Feminine Power with LCW Allingham of Speculation Publications
Mark interviews author, artist, and editor LCW Allingham of Speculation Publications. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update, comments from recent episodes, and a word from this episode's sponsors. This episode is sponsored in part by... Mark's forthcoming book A BOOK IN HAND.…
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EP 489 - The Balanced Approach To A Writer's Life with Ann Charles
In this episode Mark interviews USA Today Bestselling author Ann Charles. Prior to the main content, Mark provides a personal update, welcomes a new patron, and shares a word about this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use code MARK10 at...
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EP 488 - You Don't Need Permission
In this solo episode Mark shares anexcerpt from his recent book STARK REALITIES: Stacked-up Lessons Every Writer Needs To Know About The Business of Writing and Publishing. Learn more about this book at markleslie.ca/starkrealities Links of Interest: Stark Realities Book Manuscript Report (Mark's...
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EP 487 - Aurora Awards 2026 Post Mortem with Liz May Anderson
Mark chats with his partner Liz Anderson after the livestream broadcast of the 2026 Aurora Awards which they co-hosted. They have this reflective dicussion on a back-yard deck in front of a gas table fire. Prior to the main content, Mark shares a brief personal update and a word from this…
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EP 486 - Seeing The World Metaphorically with Melissa Heathers
In this solo episode Mark interviews Canadian author Melissa Heathers. Prior to the main content, Mark shares a personal update and a word about this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use code MARK10 at checkout and save 10% off your own...
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EP 485 - On Failure, Mistakes, and the Gift of Getting It Wrong
In this solo episode Mark reads Chapter 5 (The Beautiful Mess: On Failure, Mistakes, and the Gift of Getting It Wrong) from his book STARK REALITIES: Stacked-up Lessons Every Writer Needs to Know About the Business of Writing and Publishing. Prior to the main content, Mark welcomes new patrons…
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EP 484 - Serializing a Novel on Substack with Matty Dalrymple
In this episode Mark talks to Matty Dalrymple about her recent experience serializing a never-before-published new novel on Substack. Prior to the main content, Mark welcomes new patrons, shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update, and a word about this episode's sponsor. This…
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EP 483 - Author Branding with Jessica Sorentino
Mark interviews Jessica Sorentino, an author brand strategist with more than a decade of experience helping writers and thought leaders connect with their audiences in meaningful, lasting ways. Prior to the main content, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update, and a word…
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EP 482 - Outlining for Novelists Who Don't Outline with Paul Austin Ardoin
In this episode Mark interviews Paul Austin Ardoin about his new book OUTLINING FOR NOVELISTS WHO DON'T OUTLINE. Prior to the interview Mark shares a person update and a word from this episode's sponsors. This episode is sponsored by Author Nation, being held in Las Vegas Nov 13 through 14, 2026...
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EP 481 - Becoming A Creative Luminary with Voice Actor Laura Holley
In this episode Mark interviews Laura Holley, a Utah-based voice actor and speculative fiction writer whose passion for storytelling began with her first stage performance at seven years old. Prior to the main content, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update, and a word about...
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EP 480 - Rambling Reflections From The Road: Returning From Camping & Vitamin N
In this episode Mark shares a solo reflection recording pm his return from a couple of nights spent camping on the shores of Lake Huron at Point Farms Provincial Park. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a brief personal update (which includes a segment from Joanna Penn's latest episode of The...
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EP 479 - The Keyboard Is My Favorite Fidget Toy with Premee Mohamed
In this episode Mark interviews Premee Mohamed, a Nebula, World Fantasy, Ignyte, Locus, and Aurora award-winning Indo-Caribbean scientist and speculative fiction author based in Edmonton, Alberta. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update, and a word…
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EP 478 - Stark Realities Excerpt: The Pinocchio Problem
This episode features an excerpt from Chapter 1 of Mark's book STARK REALITIES: Stacked-up Lessons Every Writer Needs To Know About The Business of Writing and Publishing. The chapter is called "The Pinocchio Problem." Prior to the main content Mark shares a brief personal update and a word from...
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EP 477 - Rambling Reflections From The Road to StokerCon
In this solo episode recorded while driving between Waterloo, Ontario and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania on his way to attending StokerCon, a horror writer conference, Mark shares some reflections on his dual life as an author-supporting industry representative and a horror author. This episode is...
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EP 476 - Not Your Granny's Grammar with Patty McGee
Mark interviews grammar educator Patty McGee about her new book NOT YOUR GRANNY'S GRAMMAR as well as how grammar should be approachable rather than feared. Prior to the interview Mark comments from recent episodes and related Stark Reflections content, a personal update, and a word about this...
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EP 475 - Writing Emotions and Making the Reader Feel with Jeff Elkins
Mark interviews Jeff Elkins, The Dialogue Doctor, about writing emotion and a new in person gathering he's organizing in Baltimore in late 2026. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episode, a personal update, and a word from this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored…
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EP 474 - Horror and Speculative Fiction and Poetry with Colleen Anderson
In this episode Mark interviews Canadian writer Colleen Anderson about writing horror and speculative fiction and poetry as well as non-fiction articles. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episode, a personal update, and a word from this episode's sponsor. This episode is...
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EP 473 - Creativity and Devotionals for Caregivers Who Don't Need Another Inspirational Slogan with Donn King
Mark interviews Donn King about his new book ANCHORED FOR THE STORM, about caregiving, and about creativity. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episode, a personal update, and a word from this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by Author Nation, being held in Las...
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EP 472 - Going All In On Substack with Orna Ross
Mark interviews Orna Ross, an award-winning novelist, poet, creative catalyst, and founder of the Alliance of Independent Authors about her recent move towards focusing all her social media energy on Substack. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episode, a personal update…
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EP 471 - Fear in Storytelling with Becca Puglisi
Mark interviews Becca Puglisi about the new book THE FEAR THESAURUS which she co-authored with Angelea Ackerman. 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 the Show, Don't Tell Writing...
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EP 470 - Building Your Author Brand with Isabelle Knight
Mark interviews former publicist to the stars Isabelle Knight who is the founder of Build Your Author Brand, an online consultancy helping fiction and non-fiction authors to grow your readership, raise your profile and give your books the best chance of success. Prior to the interview Mark shares...
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EP 469 - Small-Town Canadian Superheroes with Matthew del Papa and Andy Taylor
Mark interviews Matthew del Papa and Andy Taylor, editors of SUPERCANUCKS: An Anthology of Small Town Canadian Superheroes. Prior to the interview Mark shares a brief personal update and a word from this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use...
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EP 468 - Identity and Not Being Who You Thought You Were with Marie Lynne Desrochers
Mark interviews Marie Lynne Desrochers about her new memoir SHAKEN AWAKE: A Memoir on Identity and Connection. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update, and a word about this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by Toronto Indie Author Conference, taking place in Toronto, ON…
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EP 467 - Strategies for ADHD Writers with Nicole Bross
In this episode Mark interviews author, editor, and certified book coach Nicole Bross about her co-authored book A NOVEL APPROACH: STRATEGIES FOR ADHD WRITERS. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update, and a word about this episode's sponsor. This…
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EP 466 - Publishing Wide But Shallow
In this solo episode, Mark shares an article he posted on Substack earlier in March called "Publishing Wide But Shallow." Prior to the main content (the article), Mark shares a word about this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by Toronto Indie Author Conference, taking place in…
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EP 465 - Rambling Reflections From Before The Road
In this solo episode, Mark reflects on Ireland, the importance/value of repeating information and sharing, and the Public Lending Rights program. Prior to the interview Mark shares a word from this episode's sponsors. This episode is partially sponsored by Toronto Indie Author Conference, taking...
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EP 464 - The Big Stories of a Memorable Memoir with Roz Morris
Mark interviews novelist, memoirist, and professional story whisperer Roz Morris about her writing life and her pivot into writing memoirs alongside her fiction. Prior to the interview Mark shares a brief personal update a word from this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by an…
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EP 463 - How to Bring Your Book Alive at an Author Event with Julie Hiner
Mark interviews author Julie Hiner about creating an unforgettable book event for a book launch. Prior to the interview Mark shares a brief personal update a word from this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use code MARK10 at checkout and save...
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EP 462 - Daryn Brito on Showing Up With Love, Compassion, and Empathy
Mark interviews Daryn Brito, an advocate, writer, and researcher dedicated to supporting those who have faced trauma and adversity about her work and her new book THE BECOMING: UNREPEATABLE MIRACLE, WHO ARE YOU? Prior to the interview Mark shares a brief personal update a word from this episode's...
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EP 461 - The Power of Stories to Instill Empathy, Resilience, Joy, and Hope with Ka-Yee Essoe
In this episode Mark interviews Ka-Yee Essoe about the power of stories to instil empathy, resilience, joy, and hope, based on her experiences in the academic world, in research, in teaching, and in writing an epic fantasy novel. Prior to the interview Mark shares a brief personal update and word...
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EP 460 - Rambling Reflections From The Road: You Are Loved
In this short solo episode Mark shares a "Rambling Reflection From The Road" while at Superstars Writing Seminars talking about the important signals that seemed to come at the right time: Your feelings are valid Your opinions matter You are irreplaceable Your best is enough It's okay to take a...
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EP 459 - Creating Experiences in Art and Story with Tanya Hales
In this episode Mark interviews author and artist Tanya Hales. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update, comments from recent episodes, and a word about this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use code MARK10 at checkout and save…
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EP 458 - Push For Better
In this brief bonus episode Mark shares an annual "Push for Better" Push-Up challenge he has joined for the third Feb in a row and the fact he has created a team that others can join. The Push-Up Challenge is one that combines fun physical activity (2000 pushups between Feb 5 and Feb 27, 2026)…
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EP 457 - A Show That Makes You Smile with The Patrick Scott Patterson Project
Mark interviews Scott from The Patrick Scott Patterson Project Podcast. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update, comments from recent episodes, and a word about this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use code MARK10 at checkout…
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EP 456 - The Published Novelist Saves Schrödinger's Cat!
In this solo episode, Mark reads a new article entitled: The Published Novelist Saves Schrödinger's Cat! How to Improve the Odds Before You Open the Box—OR—What Writers Can Control While Their Book's Fate Remains Uncertain Links of Interest: Substack Article Link The Dialogue Doctor Manuscript...
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EP 455 - Kobo Insights with Tara Cremin, Director of Kobo Writing Life
Mark interviews Tara Cremin, Director of Kobo Writing Life about Kobo, Kobo Plus, and the self-publishing platform Kobo Writing Life (KWL). Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update and a word about this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript...
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EP 454 - Finding Surprising Success Publishing Kids' Books with Darcy Pattison
Mark interviews award-winning author Darcy Pattison about publishing childrens' books. In their conversation, Mark and Darcy talk about: Darcy's background on getting into being an author of children's book The 70 books Darcy has written in the past 13 years The number of different illustrators...
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EP 453 - Celebrating Eight Years, 452 Episodes and One Simple Truth
Mark reflects on the anniversary of the first episode of this podcast, which took place on Jan 5, 2018. Links of Interest: EP 001 - New Year, New Reflections Substack Article: Eight Years, 452 Episodes, and One Simple Truth Manuscript Report (Mark's affiliate link - use MARK10 to save 10%) Buy…
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EP 452 - Accounting for Murphy's Law when Setting Realistic Goals
In this solo episode Mark outlines a dozen tips to consider when setting realistic goals. Links of Interest: EP 451 - Tales from the Backburnder: A Pair of Messages to Readers Draft2Digital Self Publishing Insiders - Jan 1, 2026 Episode (YouTube) Manuscript Report (Mark's affiliate link - use...
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EP 451 - Messages to Readers
In this solo episode Mark shares a couple of recent messages to readers in the hopes that it inspired other authors with ideas of the types of things that their readers might find interesting. The two examples are: 1) Mark's introduction to his recent collection of stupid dad jokes (and how that...
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EP 450 - The Life of a Mercenary Writer with Jarrett Mazza
Mark interviews Jarrett Mazza about his action/thriller novels and his mercenary-style approach to writing. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update and a word about this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript...
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EP 449 - The Myth of "Upload Your Book And They Will Come"
In this solo episode, Mark reads from an article that he recently shared on the Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing Substack page. This is be Part 2 of a two-part series of episodes. (See Part 1) Prior to the main content of this episode, Mark shares a personal update, comments from…
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EP 448 - When Your Writing Gets Rejected A Gazillion Times
In this solo episode, Mark reads from an article that he recently shared on the Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing Substack page. This will be Part 1 of a two-part series of episodes. Prior to the main content of this episode, Mark shares a personal update, a comment from a recent…
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EP 447 - The Future of Hybrid Publishing with J.D. Barker
Mark interviews J.D. Barker about his writing and publishing journey and his many collaborations over the years, including with James Patterson, and the unique publishing and distribution collaboration with Simon & Schuster that combines the best of the self-publishing and the traditional...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Perspectives and reflections on the writing and publishing life. Mark Leslie Lefebvre, a writer, bookseller, digital publishing advocate and professional speaker and publishing consultant, explores inclusive and collaborate opportunities for writers and book publishing professionals via interviews, discussions and reflections about the industry. (Mark's personal website is www.markleslie.ca)
HOSTED BY
Mark Leslie Lefebvre
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing have?
Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing currently has 382 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing about?
Perspectives and reflections on the writing and publishing life. Mark Leslie Lefebvre, a writer, bookseller, digital publishing advocate and professional speaker and publishing consultant, explores inclusive and collaborate opportunities for writers and book publishing professionals via interviews,...
How often does Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing release new episodes?
Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing publishes regularly with 382 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing?
You can listen to Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing?
Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing is created and hosted by Mark Leslie Lefebvre.
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