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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)

PublishesWeeklyEpisodes478Founded8 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
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Artwork for Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing

Latest Episodes

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 cont... more

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 th... more

YouTube

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 wor... more

YouTube

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

YouTube

Key Facts

Accepts Guests
Accepts Sponsors
Contact Information
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Number of Listeners
Find out how many people listen to this podcast per episode and each month.

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Recent Guests

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
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

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 States6 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.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Apple Podcasts
#208
Ukraine/Arts/Books

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

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.
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.

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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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 478 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. Jeff Elkins
2. Colleen Anderson
3. Donn King
4. Orna Ross
5. Becca Puglisi
6. Isabelle Knight
7. Matthew Del Papa
8. Andy Taylor

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