• EP 429 - A Post-Mortem on Co-Hosting the 2025 Aurora Awards with Liz May Anderson
    2025/08/14
    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 interview, Mark and Liz talk about: The background of co-hosting the Aurora Awards over the yearsWorking on a pandemic parody music video on a whim within about 24 hours as a bit of an escapeThe trepidation and challenge of working on something that one is not as familiar aboutThe level of commitment and interest within the speculative fiction communityHow much time and creative energy people have poured themselves into the creative work they doThe privilege of being able to highlight these creators and their achievementsA history of the themes Mark and Liz have used for their Aurora opening shtick bits over the yearsThe "Last Minute Production" branding that Liz has long adaptedLeveraging the mixture of talent/skill in singing when working on a project together (how Mark sings with far more passion than abilityHow Liz and Mark have been pushing themselves every yearThe challenge of offering constructive feedback to someone you are close toThe importance of just getting it done when you're completing a task with a tight deadlineConsidering that "first draft" of something that's created in order to get to the next levelGetting the thing "out of your head" to keep things movingThe different approaches Mark and Liz have when it comes to putting content into the worldLiz's experience having never fallen flat on her face when creating content completely at the last minuteAdvice about stepping into an environment where you're not as familiar with the landscapeould give to writersAnd more... After the interview Mark reflects on the way Liz described the staff and students at her school. The introduction and concluding reflection were performed by Mark's digital AI voice clone from ElevenLabs. Links of Interest: The 2025 Aurora Awards (Livestreamed on Aug 10, 2025) Previous Years Auroras 2024202320222020 Opening Shtick Clips 2025 ("If I Had $1000000" Parody)2024 (Graduating and Getting Married)2023 (Teaching Liz about Sci-Fi)2022 (Last Minute Host/Co-host) Mark and Liz Parody Videos Stuck in This House Here with YouK-Tel Pandemic Collection Commerical Parody Manuscript Report (Mark's affiliate link)Buy Mark a CoffeePatreon for Stark ReflectionsThe 2025 Aurora Awards Livestream (Sunday Aug 10 at 5 PM Eastern) The Opening Schtick Bits from previous Aurora Awards 2022 Opening2023 Opening2024 Opening Mark's YouTube channelMark's Stark Reflections on Writing & Publishing Newsletter (Signup)An Author's Guide to Working With Bookstores and LibrariesThe Relaxed Author Buy eBook DirectBuy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for AuthorsAn Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & BookstoresWide for the WinMark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story)A Canadian Werewolf in New YorkStowe Away (Novella)Fear and Longing in Los AngelesFright Nights, Big CityLover's MoonHex and the CityOnly Monsters in the Building The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and AutomobilesYippee Ki-Yay Motherf*cker: A Trivia Guide to Die HardMerry Christmas! Shitter Was Full!: A Trivia Guide to National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 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 Attribution 3.0
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    58 分
  • EP 428 - The "Author Versus AI" Project with Alison McBain
    2025/08/08
    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 personal update, and a word about this episode's sponsor. This episode's sponsor: This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use code MARK5 at checkout and save $5.00 off your own personalized report. In the interview, Mark and Alison talk about: The various roles that Alison has played in the creative artsWanting to be a writer since she was young and her first written story created when she was 4 years oldThinking that one day she would be a teacher or a professor, but never actually taking that pathAlison's very first published piece of writingThe early days of writing that involved mailing manuscripts out and then waiting for a responseAlison's first book, The Rose Queen, which is a retelling of Beauty and the BeastThe many awards that Alison has wonThe creative team you have working with you whenever you publish with a traditional publisherThe magazine (ScribesMICRO - which features stories and poems of no more than 100 words) that Alison started with a few other editors during the pandemicBeing surprised at how popular this magazine was and the new 100-word story award that they recent startedThe thrill of helping discover and publish newer writers in this magazineDeciding how Alison could, as one human, try to take on AI by writing a book a week for a full yearCompleting 8 months of the challenge with a total of 34 booksThe more than 2 dozen books that Alison has ghost-writtenHow Alison writes in numerous genres with a spirit of "why not try it all?"The preparation Alison had to do in order to write those 34 novels so effectively during her challengeAdvise Alison would offer to authors who are thinking of doing a similar type of writing challengeHaving a writing space that's outside the houseBalancing writing with family lifeWhat Alison has recently been working onThe coaching that Alison offers to other writers and how it can be like being a parentAdvice Alison would give to writersAnd more... After the interview Mark reflects on a few things that came up in their conversation. Links of Interest: Alison McBain WebsiteAlison's "Author Versus AI" ProjectScribesMICROManuscript Report (Mark's affiliate link)Buy Mark a CoffeePatreon for Stark ReflectionsThe 2025 Aurora Awards Livestream (Sunday Aug 10 at 5 PM Eastern) The Opening Schtick Bits from previous Aurora Awards 2022 Opening2023 Opening2024 Opening Mark's YouTube channelMark's Stark Reflections on Writing & Publishing Newsletter (Signup)An Author's Guide to Working With Bookstores and LibrariesThe Relaxed Author Buy eBook DirectBuy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for AuthorsAn Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & BookstoresWide for the WinMark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story)A Canadian Werewolf in New YorkStowe Away (Novella)Fear and Longing in Los AngelesFright Nights, Big CityLover's MoonHex and the CityOnly Monsters in the Building The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and AutomobilesYippee Ki-Yay Motherf*cker: A Trivia Guide to Die HardMerry Christmas! Shitter Was Full!: A Trivia Guide to National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Alison McBain’s human-created novels are the recipients of over 13 awards, including the Foreword INDIES. Her latest novella Dual took home 3rd place in the 3-Day Novel Contest. When not writing for herself, she’s a ghostwriter who has penned over two dozen books for clients, as well as an award-winning editor who has worked with both celebrity and NY Times-bestselling authors. In 2024, she pursued a project called “Author Versus AI,” where she wrote a book a week, using NO AI at all (34 books total). When not writing, Ms. McBain is the associate editor for the magazine ScribesMICRO and draws all over the walls of her house with the enthusiastic help of her kids. She lives in Alberta, Canada. 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 Attribution 3.0
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    55 分
  • EP 427 - A Tale of Two Mountains: An Uphill Climb, Rain, Exhaustion, And Rainbows
    2025/07/31
    In this solo episode Mark talks about the experience of hiking two different mountainscapes in the Canadian west. The first, Grouse Mountain in Vancouver, British Columbia. And the other, the foothills of Fairview Mountain at Lake Louise, Alberta. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update, and a word about this episode's sponsor. This episode's sponsor: This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use code MARK5 at checkout and save $5.00 off your own personalized report. Links of Interest: Manuscript Report (Mark's affiliate link)Buy Mark a CoffeePatreon for Stark ReflectionsMark's YouTube channelMark's Stark Reflections on Writing & Publishing Newsletter (Signup)An Author's Guide to Working With Bookstores and LibrariesThe Relaxed Author Buy eBook DirectBuy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for AuthorsAn Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & BookstoresWide for the WinMark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story)A Canadian Werewolf in New YorkStowe Away (Novella)Fear and Longing in Los AngelesFright Nights, Big CityLover's MoonHex and the CityOnly Monsters in the Building The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and AutomobilesYippee Ki-Yay Motherf*cker: A Trivia Guide to Die HardMerry Christmas! Shitter Was Full!: A Trivia Guide to National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 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 Attribution 3.0
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    48 分
  • EP 426 - Getting YOUR Book Into Bookstores and Libraries
    2025/07/25
    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 Conference 2025. Ready to take your children’s book career to the next level? Wherever you are in your publishing journey, the Virtual Summer Conference provides an opportunity for growth, creativity, and connection. Dive into every aspect of the children’s book world, from writing and illustrating to translating, marketing, and self-publishing. Put your art in front of industry pros in the career-launching Portfolio Showcase. And get inspired by sessions tailored for illustrators, picture book authors, nonfiction writers, graphic novel creators, and more—no matter your path or publishing background. Best of all? You’ll have access to all 50+ sessions until September 14th, so you can learn and grow at your own pace. Join us and invest in your passion. It’s time to bring your stories to life! REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN. You can register for the full conference, which takes place July 31st through August 3, 2025 online at scbwi.org. Links of Interest: SCBWI Virtual Summer Conference 2025Manuscript Report (Mark's affiliate link)Buy Mark a CoffeePatreon for Stark ReflectionsMark's YouTube channelMark's Stark Reflections on Writing & Publishing Newsletter (Signup)An Author's Guide to Working With Bookstores and LibrariesThe Relaxed Author Buy eBook DirectBuy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for AuthorsAn Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & BookstoresWide for the WinMark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story)A Canadian Werewolf in New YorkStowe Away (Novella)Fear and Longing in Los AngelesFright Nights, Big CityLover's MoonHex and the CityOnly Monsters in the Building The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and AutomobilesYippee Ki-Yay Motherf*cker: A Trivia Guide to Die HardMerry Christmas! Shitter Was Full!: A Trivia Guide to National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 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 Attribution 3.0
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    34 分
  • EP 425 - Escaping the Self-Publishing Rapid Release Rat Race with Johnny B. Truant
    2025/07/18
    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 update, and a word about this episode's sponsor. This episode's sponsor: This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use code MARK5 at checkout and save $5.00 off your own personalized report. In the interview, Mark and Johnny talk about: Johnny's return to this podcast (with neither of them being able to remember how many episodes he'd been on previously). Technically, this is his fourth time. Two previous episodes were interviews, and the other was Johnny's brief guest reflection spot in Episode 300Why Johnny's new book THE ARTISAN AUTHOR is a much-anticipated and needed book in the industryA definition of what it means to be an artisan author, which is kind of the opposite of being a "rapid release, Kindle-only eBook" authorThe importance of taking away that stress-cycle of having to pump out so many books as a single prescription "how to do it" answerRemembering an important thing that, just like there is no single "the way" neither is being an artisan authorThe paradigm shift and mindset change that is required as a fundamental starting pointHow readers outside of the eBook/Kindle-only marketplace aren't as focused on lower price points and are okay with higher pricesThe reality of the publishing landscape in terms of the books being sold and money being earnedThe misinterpretation of the book Johnny and Sean Platt released years ago called WRITE, PUBLISH, REPEATHow there are two kinds of writers. The type who approach the business as trying to solve a puzzle and the type who approach it as a way of telling a story that they really want to shareHow a call of "go slow and make art" is not nearly as sexy as a "solution"The experience of driving off to meet a couple of long-term fans to sign and sell directly to themConnections and humanity being a key element of the artisan author experienceThe value of authentic connection, regardless of whether or not it's in person or onlineThat powerful experience Johnny had doing one of his first major live book signing events as an author at Author Nation in Vegas and how that led to doing a lot more in person eventsThe ability to adapt to a customer based on their reactions in personLook at it as connections, and then if sales happen . . . great!Being really generous with your time and attentionSome of the logistics of doing an in person book signingA couple of unexpected and amusing anecdotes from selling books in personThe Kickstarter that Johnny is doing for this book, which runs July 15 through Aug 14 (johnnybtruant.com/artisan)The additional "continuum of education" that Johnny is including in this Kickstarter (Artisan University)The importance of authors entering into things with conscious decisions rather than just blindly following the generic advice they've foundAnd more . . . After the interview Mark reflects on a few specific points from the discussion. Links of Interest: Johnny B. Truant's WebsiteThe Artisan AuthorEP 424 - Passion From Between and Beyond the Pages with Jessica RampersadEP 322 - The Art of Noticing with Johnny B. TruantEP 302 - Fat Vampires, Storytelling, and Empathy with Johnny B. TruantEP 300 - Celebrating 300 Episodes with Guest ReflectionsManuscript Report (Mark's affiliate link)Buy Mark a CoffeePatreon for Stark ReflectionsMark's YouTube channelMark's Stark Reflections on Writing & Publishing Newsletter (Signup)An Author's Guide to Working With Bookstores and LibrariesThe Relaxed Author Buy eBook DirectBuy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for AuthorsAn Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & BookstoresWide for the WinMark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story)A Canadian Werewolf in New YorkStowe Away (Novella)Fear and Longing in Los AngelesFright Nights, Big CityLover's MoonHex and the CityOnly Monsters in the Building The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and AutomobilesYippee Ki-Yay Motherf*cker: A Trivia Guide to Die HardMerry Christmas! Shitter Was Full!: A Trivia Guide to National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Johnny B. Truant is one of indie publishing’s early authorities, having created and co-hosted the original Self Publishing Podcast with Sean Platt and David Wright. He is also the author of the indie cornerstone guide Write. Publish. Repeat, and hosted the Smarter Artist Summit author conference in Austin, Texas from 2015-2018 with the same two partners. On the fiction side, Johnny is the bestselling author of Fat Vampire, adapted by The SyFy Network as Reginald the Vampire. His other books include Pretty Killer, Gore Point, Invasion, The Beam, Dead City, Unicorn Western, and over 100 other titles across many genres. Originally from Ohio, Johnny and his family now live in Austin, Texas where he's finally surrounded by creative types as weird as he is. The introductory, end, and ...
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    1 時間 8 分
  • EP 424 - Passion From Between and Beyond The Pages with Jessica Rampersad
    2025/07/10
    Mark interviews Jessica Rampersad AKA JessBeyondThePages, an expert experienced in social media management, content creation, and editing who helps authors and brands elevate their online presence. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update, and a word about this episode's sponsor. This episode's sponsor: This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use code MARK5 at checkout and save $5.00 off your own personalized report. In the interview, Mark and Jessica talk about: Jessica being a reader her entire life and how she has fallen in and out of love with it because of the workload from schoolDoing research based on a fictional character in a Lauren Asher novel and then deciding upon that as a career pathSome of the misconceptions that authors have when it comes to social mediaHow the various social media platforms prefer specific types of contentIdeas on things that really resonate with readers that authors can share on social mediaThe services that Jess offers to authors and her willingness to be flexible and learn/try new things that authors are interested in doingThe types of books that Jessica typically reads and works on (mystery, romance, thriller) as well as the master list she sends out to other readersThe challenge of Mark's various brands along with the fact "MarkLeslie" was already taken on a lot of social media when he arrivedHow Trope Maps are often the way Jess starts working with an author on their branding for their booksThe importance of a positive and collaborative partnership between an author and their PAsHow valuable giving recognition or giving thanks is, and the positive impression that can makeAnd more . . . After the interview Mark reflects on the value of sharing your passion instead of focusing on sales. Links of Interest: Jessica Rampersad's Website TikTokInstagramYouTube EP 422 - Writing, Humor, and Teaching with Patrick MacPheeEP 417 - Embracing Your Passion For Creativity with C L ForsManuscript Report (Mark's affiliate link)Buy Mark a CoffeePatreon for Stark ReflectionsMark's YouTube channelMark's Stark Reflections on Writing & Publishing Newsletter (Signup)An Author's Guide to Working With Bookstores and LibrariesThe Relaxed Author Buy eBook DirectBuy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for AuthorsAn Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & BookstoresWide for the WinMark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story)A Canadian Werewolf in New YorkStowe Away (Novella)Fear and Longing in Los AngelesFright Nights, Big CityLover's MoonHex and the CityOnly Monsters in the Building The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and AutomobilesYippee Ki-Yay Motherf*cker: A Trivia Guide to Die HardMerry Christmas! Shitter Was Full!: A Trivia Guide to National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation Jessica Rampersad's bio. Hi, I'm Jessica! Experienced in social media management, content creation, and editing, I help authors and brands elevate their online presence. I specialize in building engaging digital communities, coordinating book launches, and crafting compelling content strategies. Passionate about storytelling, I work with authors at every stage (independent, traditional, debut, or seasoned) to amplify their voices and help them connect with audiences across platforms. You can find me on TikTok and Instagram at @jessbeyondthepages, and on YouTube at youtube.com/smileyrue. 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 Attribution 3.0
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    59 分
  • EP 423 - Dear Writer: The World Needs Your Writing Now More Than Ever
    2025/07/03
    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 the power of writing and why the world NEEDS you and your writing now more than ever before. Link to video of Mark's Keynote for The BookFest Spring 2025. "Writer, the World Needs You: Why Your Writing Is More Important Than Ever." https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9c6usfgdtmg Links of Interest: Manuscript Report (Mark's affiliate link)Buy Mark a CoffeePatreon for Stark ReflectionsMark's YouTube channelMark's Stark Reflections on Writing & Publishing Newsletter (Signup)An Author's Guide to Working With Bookstores and LibrariesThe Relaxed Author Buy eBook DirectBuy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for AuthorsAn Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & BookstoresWide for the WinMark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story)A Canadian Werewolf in New YorkStowe Away (Novella)Fear and Longing in Los AngelesFright Nights, Big CityLover's MoonHex and the CityOnly Monsters in the Building The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and AutomobilesYippee Ki-Yay Motherf*cker: A Trivia Guide to Die HardMerry Christmas! Shitter Was Full!: A Trivia Guide to National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation 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 Attribution 3.0
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    20 分
  • EP 422 - Writing, Humor, and Teaching with Patrick MacPhee
    2025/06/27
    Mark interviews Patrick MacPhee, teacher and Writers of the Future award-winning author about his love of reading, writing, and helping to inspire students. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update, and a word about this episode's sponsor. This episode's sponsor: This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use code MARK5 at checkout and save $5.00 off your own personalized report. In the interview, Mark and Patrick talk about: Patrick's experience reading Fellowship of the Rings when he was rather young and how it impacted him in a profound wayThe impact on the mind and imagination when reading something really slowlyHow when you're a kid you play in a specific way when experiencing new thingsSeeing speculative fiction as having that additional special spice that enhances a regular dishThe five-book epic fantasy series that Patrick mapped out years ago (and which he recently finished writing book one of)Being influenced and inspired by Neal Stephenson's writingPatrick's Writers of the Future Award-winning story "Thirty Minutes or it's a Paradox"How the inspiration for this short story came from something Patrick was intimately aware of as a teacherSome of the previous stories that Patrick has had published in semi-pro magazinesHow Patrick learned about Writers of the Future and some of his submission history with the contestGetting the call from Joni about Patrick's finalist position in the contestPatrick's thoughts about the experience being in Hollywood and seeing the rendition of his story illustrated by Cam CollinsHow Patrick got into teaching and an important thing that he learned in that vocation - What Patrick is going to be doing nextAdvice for other writersAnd more... After the interview Mark reflects on a few of the things he discussed with Patrick. Links of Interest: Patrick MacPhee Website Free Short Stories by Patrick Writers of the FutureManuscript Report (Mark's affiliate link)Buy Mark a CoffeePatreon for Stark ReflectionsMark's YouTube channelMark's Stark Reflections on Writing & Publishing Newsletter (Signup)An Author's Guide to Working With Bookstores and LibrariesThe Relaxed Author Buy eBook DirectBuy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for AuthorsAn Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & BookstoresWide for the WinMark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story)A Canadian Werewolf in New YorkStowe Away (Novella)Fear and Longing in Los AngelesFright Nights, Big CityLover's MoonHex and the CityOnly Monsters in the Building The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and AutomobilesYippee Ki-Yay Motherf*cker: A Trivia Guide to Die HardMerry Christmas! Shitter Was Full!: A Trivia Guide to National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation In addition to being a writer, Patrick MacPhee considers himself very luck to spend the past twenty years helping young people become better versions of themselves in his role as a teacher. He has learned that almost every part of the curriculum has room for a little humor — sometimes a lot of humor. We talk about that as well as his writing, and what inspired him to write the Writers of the Future Award-Winning story “Thirty Minutes or It’s a Paradox.” 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 Attribution 3.0
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    1 時間 7 分