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Artwork for Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing

Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing

Mark Leslie Lefebvre
Writing
Self-Publishing
Publishing
Publishing Industry
Creativity
Kickstarter
Book Marketing
Empathy
Marketing Strategies
Mental Health
Art
Writing Community
Superstars Writing Seminars
Authors
Libraries
Manuscript Report
Author Earnings
Community Engagement
Indie Publishing
Nancy Kilpatrick

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)

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Artwork for Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing

Latest Episodes

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 se... more

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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 r... more

YouTube

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 Mar... more

YouTube

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 represent... more

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Key Facts

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Recent Guests

Patty McGee
Nationally recognized literary consultant, speaker, educator
Not Your Granny's Grammar; corwin.com (publisher)
Episode: EP 476 - Not Your Granny's Grammar with Patty McGee
Jeff Elkins
Author and Dialogue Doctor, specializing in writing emotion and craft
The Dialogue Doctor
Episode: EP 475 - Writing Emotions and Making the Reader Feel with Jeff Elkins
Colleen Anderson
Writer of horror, speculative fiction, and poetry
Colleen Anderson (author)
Episode: EP 474 - Horror and Speculative Fiction and Poetry with Colleen Anderson
Donn King
Author and speaker focusing on authentic communication and caregiving through writing
The Alignment Show, author of Devotionals for Caregivers
Episode: EP 473 - Creativity and Devotionals for Caregivers Who Don't Need Another Inspirational Slogan with Donn King
Orna Ross
Award-winning novelist, poet, creative catalyst, founder of the Alliance of Independent Authors
Alliance of Independent Authors
Episode: EP 472 - Going All In On Substack with Orna Ross
Becca Puglisi
Co-author of The Fear Thesaurus and The Emotion Thesaurus series
Writers Helping Writers
Episode: EP 471 - Fear in Storytelling with Becca Puglisi
Isabelle Knight
Former publicist to the Stars; founder of Build Your Author Brand
Build Your Author Brand
Episode: EP 470 - Building Your Author Brand with Isabelle Knight
Matthew Del Papa
Editor, co-editor of SUPERCANUCKS
Co-editor, SUPERCANUCKS
Episode: EP 469 - Small-Town Canadian Superheroes with Matthew del Papa and Andy Taylor
Andy Taylor
Editor, co-editor of SUPERCANUCKS
Co-editor, SUPERCANUCKS
Episode: EP 469 - Small-Town Canadian Superheroes with Matthew del Papa and Andy Taylor

Host

Mark Leslie Lefebvre
Host of Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 50 ratings
  • One of the best mentors in the biz

    If you haven’t discovered Mark Leslie yet I can’t recommend this podcast highly enough

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Raingirl51
    Canada4 months ago
  • Awesome

    Always useful, frequently inspiring, occasionally freaking amazing. This podcast goes beyond just sharing information, Mark lets us into his world for a few minutes, and I frequently come back just a little changed. It’s not your average podcast experience! Thank you, Mark!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Cheryel H.
    United States7 months ago
  • Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

    The post-election episode was so very appreciated, especially coming from a white male. I really needed this tonight, thank you. ❤️

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Albertparrot
    United States2 years ago
  • Awesome!

    Inspiration in the dark hours of indie publishing. Thanks!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Mutant Lord: The Mutant Epoch
    Canada2 years ago
  • Lots of insite from an industry expert

    Mark's got a lot of experience in the publishing industry, and has so much common sense for indie authors.

    If you want to sell your books to readers all over the world, in online and brick-and-mortar bookstores OR even libraries, Mark should be your goto expert!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Roland Denzel
    United States5 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Honest discussions about industry realities and pricing
Great mix of craft and business strategy for writers
Thoughtful, practical insights for indie authors and publishers

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The Currently Reading PodcastMeredith Monday Schwartz and Kaytee Cobb

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

EP 476 - Not Your Granny's Grammar with Patty McGee
Q: So is this approach something that a writer like me can embrace without memorizing grammar terms?
Yes. Patty emphasizes practical, experience-based learning with manipulatives and a three-bucket model that focuses on how grammar functions in real writing, not on memorizing terms; the goal is fluency and confidence.
EP 473 - Creativity and Devotionals for Caregivers Who Don't Need Another Inspirational Slogan with Donn King
Q: Donn, can you let my listeners know where they can hear from you, where they can check out your books?
Mark asks where listeners can find Donn King's work and resources; Donn provides donnking.com and donnking.com/books, plus SUBSTAC at donnking.com/kc as a landing path to his work.
EP 472 - Going All In On Substack with Orna Ross
Q: Orna, where can people find you online on all the socials, but where on Substack can people find you online?
Orna can be found at ornoross.com or simply Orna Ross on Substack.
EP 467 - Strategies for ADHD Writers with Nicole Bross
Q: What practical advice do you give to writers with ADHD who feel overwhelmed by finishing a manuscript?
Break the project into smaller pieces, create an adjustable outline, track progress with a word count spreadsheet, and remember that you can write non-linearly and still complete a book. The key is to start with manageable goals and maintain forward momentum.
EP 467 - Strategies for ADHD Writers with Nicole Bross
Q: What was the process like for co-authoring this book, and how did you divide the work?
They created a substantial outline, divided topics to play to each writer's strengths, and used a shared Google Doc to prevent overlap. Regular scheduled check-ins kept the project moving over several years despite personal and life events.

Audience Metrics

Listeners, social reach, demographics and more for this podcast.

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show centers on the realities of writing, publishing, and indie storytelling, with a consistent emphasis on practical craft, author branding, and career strategies for indie and transitioning authors. Episodes commonly feature seasoned writers, editors, publicists, and industry advocates who share actionable tips on writing craft, editing processes, marketing foundations, and sustainable publishing paths across traditional and indie routes. Noteworthy angles include how to build direct-to-reader platforms, craft authentic author brands, and navigate events, sponsorships, and community building in a rapidly changing book market. The format often blends storytelling, business insight, and real-world examples, making it especially useful ... more

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These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. The Creative Penn Podcast For Writers
2. The Indy Author Podcast
3. Wish I'd Known Then Podcast For Writers
4. Self-Publishing with ALLi
5. Self Publishing Insiders

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this podcast launched 8 years ago and published 482 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Patty McGee
2. Jeff Elkins
3. Colleen Anderson
4. Donn King
5. Orna Ross
6. Becca Puglisi
7. Isabelle Knight
8. Matthew Del Papa

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