Shows / Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
Perspectives and reflections on the writing and publishing life. Mark Leslie Lefebvre, a writer, bookseller, digital publishing advocate, professional speaker, and publishing consultant explores inclusive and collaborative opportunities for writers and book publishing professionals via interviews, discussions, and reflections about the industry. (Mark's personal website is www.markleslie.ca)
Episodes
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 440 - Behind the Scenes of The Podcast Guest Playbook with Matty Dalrymple
In this episode Mark talks with Matty Dalrymple, co-author of the book The Podcast Guest Playbook which was released earlier in 2025. Prior to the interview…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 439 - Rambling Reflections From The Road to Can-Con
On his drive to Ottawa, Ontario for the annual Can-Con (Ottawa's Sci-Fi, Fantasy, and Horror Literature Convention), Mark reflects on his experience with that…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 438 - A Personal Conversation with Malorie Cooper
Mark has a personal conversation with Malorie Cooper. In this episode they talk about: The reason she and her family moved from Boston, MA and back to Canada…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 437 - Nerding Out Over History, Science, and Maps with Malorie Cooper
Mark interviews Malorie Cooper, who writes under the name M.D. Cooper, about the various things that fascinate and inspire her writing. Prior to the interview…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 436 - Artisan Publishing with Blue Feathered Quill
In this episode Mark interviews Joshua Smyser and Alex Hale of Blue Feathered Quill Publishing. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 435 - The Power of Writers in a Divided World
In this solo episode, Mark reflects on the power that writers bring to a divided world. Prior to the reflection, Mark shares a word about this episode's…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 434 - Held Over Passion Projects with John Gaspard
Mark interviews John Gaspard about his book HELD OVER: HAROLD AND MAUDE AT THE WESTGATE THEATER. Prior to the interview Mark shares a personal update and a…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 433 - Affordable Multi-Voice Audiobook Narration from Spoken with Phil Marshall
In this episode Mark interviews Phil Marshall, the author of the recently released science fiction novel Taming the Perilous Skies and the founder of Spoken, a…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 432 - Creativity, Connection, and Community with Police Officer and Author A.L. Wahdel
Mark interviews A.L. Wahdel, a crime thriller writer brings Toronto's soul to life in his fiction. They talk about his new book TOO DARK FOR THE LIGHT, about…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 431 - An Interview with Writer, Producer, and Celebrity Publicist William J Bruce III
Mark interviews writer, producer, and celebrity publicist William J Bruce III. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update, comments, and a word…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 430 - Rambling Reflections From A Lemons To Lemonade Road Trip
This episode features a rambling reflection that Mark recorded on part of an unexpected and unplanned four-day road trip from Calgary, Alberta to Waterloo…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 429 - A Post-Mortem on Co-Hosting the 2025 Aurora Awards with Liz May Anderson
This episode features a campfire chat with Mark's partner Liz Anderson about co-hosting the 2025 Aurora Awards livestream on Sunday August 10, 2025. In the…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 428 - The "Author Versus AI" Project with Alison McBain
Mark interviews Canadian author Alison McBain about her "Author Versus AI" project, her life in writing, and more. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 427 - A Tale of Two Mountains: An Uphill Climb, Rain, Exhaustion, And Rainbows
In this solo episode Mark talks about the experience of hiking two different mountainscapes in the Canadian west. The first, Grouse Mountain in Vancouver…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 426 - Getting YOUR Book Into Bookstores and Libraries
In this episode Mark shares clips and highlights from a talk he'll be giving at the SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) Summer Virtual…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 425 - Escaping the Self-Publishing Rapid Release Rat Race with Johnny B. Truant
In this episode Mark speaks to author Johnny B. Truant about THE ARTISAN AUTHOR. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 424 - Passion From Between and Beyond The Pages with Jessica Rampersad
Mark interviews Jessica Rampersad AKA JessBeyondThePages, an expert experienced in social media management, content creation, and editing who helps authors and…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 423 - Dear Writer: The World Needs Your Writing Now More Than Ever
In this solo episode Mark expresses his frustration, anger, and anxiety over what's happening in the world right now, and reminds himself, and listeners, about…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 422 - Writing, Humor, and Teaching with Patrick MacPhee
Mark interviews Patrick MacPhee, teacher and Writers of the Future award-winning author about his love of reading, writing, and helping to inspire students…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 421 - Some Publishing Pitfalls
In this solo episode Mark shares some audio excerpts from his book PUBLISHING PITFALLS FOR AUTHORS. This episode's sponsor: This episode is sponsored by an…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 420 - Artist and Author Collaboration with JJ McFaull
In this episode Mark interviews Jacob from the JJ McFaull is collaboration children's book Where Pumpkins Go After Halloween. Prior to the interview, Mark…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 419 - Seeing The Beauty with Artist, Photographer, Graphic Designer, and Music Aficionado Stephan Gaydos
Mark has a conversation with his life-long best buddy Steve Gaydos about art, beauty, photography, music, and so much more in a conversation recorded on their…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 418 - Giving Away A Million Copies of Your Book With DC Gomez
In this episode Mark interviews D.C. Gomez about her plan to give away a million copies of her best-selling and award-winning novel Death's Intern. Prior to…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 417 - Embracing Your Passion for Creativity with Artist and Author C L Fors
In this episode Mark interviews author and artist C L Fors about her recent award win with Writers of the Future and her life in writing and illustration…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 416 - The Irony of a Woefully Inadequate Imposter Syndrome
That pervasive feeling of self-doubt and insecurity you believe you are not deserving of your achievements and fear being exposed as a fraud known as imposter…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 415 - April Showers Bring May Reflections
In this solo episode Mark shares a personal update and some reflections about writing, publishing, and some marketing ideas. This episode is sponsored by an…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 414 - Thanks for the Inspiration Nancy Kilpatrick
In this episode Mark reflects on friend, mentor, and fellow author Nancy Kilpatrick. Nancy Kilpatrick (May 6, 1946 – March 31, 2025) was a Canadian author who…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 413 - Coming Home to Your Found Family with Aaron Fors
In this interview Mark interviews author, actor, and narrator Aaron Fors about numerous aspects of his creative life. Prior to the interview, Mark shares…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 412 - Books, Bookstores, and Community
In this solo episode, Mark talks about the importance of indie bookstores to the local community and what he is doing as an author to help support/promote…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 411 - Small Acts of Kindness in Every Little Thing With Janice Landry
Mark has a conversation with award winning writer and veteran journalist Janice Landryabout her seventh book, Every Little Thing: How Small Acts of Kindness…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 410 - Writer Reflections at Lucifers Pizza with Robert J. Sawyer and Kevin J. Anderson
On Wednesday April 9, 2025, Mark had a pizza lunch at Lucifers Pizza on Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles, California. It was a place recommended by friend of…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 409 - Show, Don't Tell With Suzy Vadori
Mark interviews Suzy Vadori, Calgary Bestselling author of The Fountain Series, the founder of the Inspired Writing Community, a Resident Writing Coach for…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 408 - Definitely A Chat With Definitely The Real Alex Lifeson (AKA Tony Binns)
Mark interviews Tony Binns, an award-winning stand-up comedian and screenwriter whose feature #ROXY was nominated for 3 Canadian screen awards, 3 Canadian…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 407 - An Evening With A Drink And A Friend With Kevin J. Anderson
Mark has a virtual beer with Kevin J. Anderson while they talk through various aspects about writing and publishing. This episode is from a live chat that was…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 406 - How Authors Can Engage With Their Library
In this solo episode Mark shares an excerpt from his forthcoming book A BOOK IN HAND: Strategies for Optimizing Print Book Sales via Signings and Other In…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 405 - Ask Not What Your Bookstore Can Do For You
In this solo episode Mark shares an excerpt from his forthcoming book A BOOK IN HAND: Strategies for Optimizing Print Book Sales via Signings and Other In…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 404 - Elbows Up, Canada!
In this special additional solo episode, Mark reflects on the term "Elbows up!" and recent events in Canada/US relations and the tariffs being needlessly…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 403 - The Magic of Combining Poetry and Playwriting with Richard Marsh
Mark interviews writer, actor and poet, Richard Marsh, the genius behind YIPPEE KI YAY the one-man poetry stage parody of Die Hard. Prior to the interview…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 402 - The Visible Author Method of Marketing with Laurie Cooper
Mark interviews Laurie Cooper, an award-winning speaker, and an author coach and marketing expert, who helps fiction authors go from struggling, feeling…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 401 - Reflections From the Road: Superstars Writing Seminars 2025
Mark reflects on the power and importance of Superstars Writing Seminars and why it's one of the most important annual in person sessions he attends and…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 400 - Community Reflections
In this special 400th Episode, Mark shares comments from the Stark Reflections Community. This episode's sponsor: This episode is sponsored by ScribeCount…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 399 - Post Publishing Marketing with Deborah Kevin
Mark interviews Deborah Kevin, the visionary founder and chief inspiration officer at Highlander Press, about her new book SHELF LIFE: A Field Guide to…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 398 - Multiple Outlets For Storytelling with Denise Baden
Mark interviews Denise Baden about the novel/book version of Murder in the Climate Assembly as well as the various incarnations and adaptions she had created…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 397 - In It For The Creativity and Compassion with Ron Vitale
Mark interviews Ron Vitale about his writing, and his recent unflinching and honest looks at his writing income versus expenses. Prior to the interview, Mark…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 396 - Waubgeshig Rice on Community, Publishing, and The Creative Journey
Mark interviews Waubgeshig Rice, an author and journalist from Wasauksing First Nation, and the author of four books, most notably the bestselling novels Moon…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 395 - Rants and Reflections From The Road
Mark shares reflections on his 2024 sales, as well as a bit of a rant about people sharing their 2024 sales without disclaimers about how much they spent, or…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 394 - Centerfold Stories with Charlotte Kemp
Mark interviews author and former Playboy Playmate Charlotte Kemp about her book CENTERFOLDS. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update and word…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 393 - Book Adjacent Strategies with Jody Swannell
Mark interviews author Jody Swannell about her writing and the book ajacent activities and strategies she has employed. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 392 - Pillars of Author Success with Emma Dhesi
Mark interviews Emma Dhesi, a bestselling author and certified book coach who educates and inspires first-time authors to fulfil a calling and write their…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 391 - Networking for Authors with Dale L. Roberts
Mark interviews Dale L. Roberts about his new book NETWORKING FOR AUTHORS. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update, reads comments from recent…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 390 - Author Accounting Made Simple with D.F. Hart
Mark interviews author D.F. Hart about 2 of Harts Business Services, a company she founded with her sister by empowering indie authors and small businesses…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 389 - "Now You've Gone" with Cathy Rankin and Ken K. Mary
Mark interviews Cathy Rankin and Ken Mary about Cathy's new single "Now You've Gone." On October 29, 2024, Cathy Rankin released her debut single "Now You've…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 388 - Unconditional Boundaries with Andy Lidstone
Mark interviews Andy Lidstone about the unconditional boundaries he talks about in his life coaching as the Uncondictional Coach. This episode is sponsored by…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 387 - Rambling Reflections From The Disappointing Aftermath
In this solo episode Mark reflects on how disappointed he is with the recent US election, and the importance of creators, artists, and writers to continue to…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 386 - Inside Every Poem, a Raging Sea of Writerly Advice with Liz Worth
Mark interviews Liz Worth about her new poetry book Inside Every Poem, A Raging Sea. Mark skips the regular introductory matter to skip right to the interview…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 385 - Rambling Reflections From The Road: Go West Not So Young Man
In this solo episode, Mark shares a few thoughts from his hotel room in Victoria, British Columbia, on Canada's West Coast. This episode is sponsored by the…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 384 - Rambling Reflections From The Road: World Fantasy Con 2024
In this solo episode, Mark shares a few thoughts from the hotel room at World Fantasy Con 2024 in Niagara Falls, New York. This episode is sponsored by the…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 383 - 20 Haunting Years
In this solo episode Mark talks through the logic and reasoning behind a recent book launch by sharing a little of his own experience and publication history…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 382 - From Page to Platform: How to Succeed as an Author Speaker
Mark interviews Matty Dalrymple and Michael La Ronn about their new co-authored book From Page to Platform: How to Succeed as an Author Speaker. Prior to the…
- Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
EP 381 - Showcasing Independent Bookstores, Publishers, And Authors with Andrew Snook
Mark interviews Andrew Snook about his writing and editing work as well as Canadian Independent Publishers magazine, which is celebrating its first…