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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
Nancy Kilpatrick
Storytelling

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)

PublishesTwice weeklyEpisodes474Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
BooksArts

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Artwork for Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing

Latest Episodes

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... more

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 co... more

YouTube

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 ep... more

YouTube

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... more

YouTube

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
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Contact Information
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Recent Guests

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
Marie Lynne Desrochers
Montreal-based author, speaker, director and former banking executive
Author, Speaker, Director
Episode: EP 468 - Identity and Not Being Who You Thought You Were with Marie Lynne Desrochers
Nicole Bross
Certified book coach, editor, and author of A Novel Approach, Strategies for ADHD Writers
Nicole Bross (author/co-author)
Episode: EP 467 - Strategies for ADHD Writers with Nicole Bross
Roz Morris
Novelist, memoirist, developmental editor, and writing coach; creator of Nail Your Novel
Roz Morris
Episode: EP 464 - The Big Stories of a Memorable Memoir with Roz Morris
Julie Hiner
Author of horror/suspense with 80s metal influences
Author/Creatively branded book launches
Episode: EP 463 - How to Bring Your Book Alive at an Author Event with Julie Hiner

Host

Mark Leslie Lefebvre
Host with extensive experience in writing, publishing, and digital publishing advocacy; provides industry insights and hosts conversations with guests from across the publishing ecosystem.

Reviews

4.8 out of 5 stars from 49 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
    Canada3 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 States5 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, insightful discussions with industry pros are a standout.
Writers will find practical, walk-away tips for indie publishing.
Listeners appreciate the host's transparency and actionable guidance.

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Selected Shorts
Selected ShortsSymphony Space

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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.
EP 467 - Strategies for ADHD Writers with Nicole Bross
Q: Before we get into talking about the book, what's your background and how did you get into writing nonfiction about ADHD?
Nicole explains she started as a mystery novelist, moved into nonfiction after being diagnosed with ADHD, and teamed up with Kirsten Donaghey to write a book that combines writing instruction with ADHD guidance. The collaboration was online across continents, with a structured outline and regular Friday check-ins to build accountability.
EP 468 - Identity and Not Being Who You Thought You Were with Marie Lynne Desrochers
Q: What was the inciting incident that led you to writing this book?
It started with a Facebook message from a man claiming to be her father, which triggered a deep questioning of her identity and led to a journey exploring family secrets and truth.

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?

A thoughtful show centered on writing, publishing, and the business of indie author success. Across episodes, the host chats with authors, editors, and publishing professionals to uncover practical craft tips, branding strategies, event production, and digital publishing opportunities. The conversation style blends candid industry insights with personal storytelling, often highlighting how to navigate the evolving landscape of self-publishing, marketing, and reader engagement. A notable strength is the willingness to explore cross-media formats, community building, and ethical, transparent approaches to earnings and publishing decisions.

What stands out is a mix of hands-on guidance for indie authors, thoughtful interviews with diverse gue... more

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These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

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

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this podcast launched 8 years ago and published 474 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. Orna Ross
2. Becca Puglisi
3. Isabelle Knight
4. Matthew Del Papa
5. Andy Taylor
6. Marie Lynne Desrochers
7. Nicole Bross
8. Roz Morris

To view more recent guests and their details, simply upgrade your Rephonic account. You'll also get access to a typical guest profile to help you decide if the show is worth pitching.

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