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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
Book Marketing
Kickstarter
Empathy
Marketing Strategies
Mental Health
Art
Writing Community
Superstars Writing Seminars
Indie Publishing
Authors
Imposter Syndrome
Libraries
Manuscript Report
Author Branding
Author Earnings

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

Mark interviews Misti Hurst, a racer, a writer, a coach, and a mom. She is the author of LIFE IN THE FAST LANE: Discovering the Art of Cornering which is part manual, part memoir and compiles her decades of experience as a rider, a racer, and a coach... more

Mark interviews author and entrepreneur Avery Crumrine about her business helping authors get their books into the world and her book INTENTION INTO ACTION.

Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update, and a... more

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Mark interviews author, artist, and editor LCW Allingham of Speculation Publications.

Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update, comments from recent episodes, and a word from this episode's sponsors.

This episode is sponsored in part... more

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In this episode Mark interviews USA Today Bestselling author Ann Charles.

Prior to the main content, Mark provides a personal update, welcomes a new patron, and shares a word about this episode's sponsor.

This episode is sponsored by an affiliate... more

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Recent Guests

Avery Crumrine
Author, founder of Asterah, and creator of the Author Follow Through System
Asterah
Episode: EP 491 - Turning Intention Into Action with Avery Crumrine
LCW Allingham
Award-winning author, artist and editor; co-founder and executive editor of Speculation Publications
Speculation Publications
Episode: EP 490 - Horror, History, and Feminine Power with LCW Allingham of Speculation Publications
Ann Charles
USA Today bestselling author known for humor, mystery, and supernatural elements
Author, Deadwood/Jackrabbit Junction series
Episode: EP 489 - The Balanced Approach To A Writer's Life with Ann Charles
Melissa Heathers
Author of Dear Ego, Dear Heart and host of The Book Crawl Show
The Book Crawl
Episode: EP 486 - Seeing The World Metaphorically with Melissa Heathers
Matty Dalrymple
Mystery and crime writer, Indy Author, member of ITW and Sisters in Crime
Indy Author (Matty Dalrymple brand)
Episode: EP 484 - Serializing a Novel on Substack with Matty Dalrymple
Jessica Sorrentino
Author branding insider and expert, branding consultant for writers
Open Book/Open Book Open Book Substack
Episode: EP 483 - Author Branding with Jessica Sorentino
Paul Austin Ardoin
USA Today bestselling author
Self-published author with multiple series
Episode: EP 482 - Outlining for Novelists Who Don't Outline with Paul Austin Ardoin
Laura Holley
Utah-based voice actor and speculative fiction author
Episode: EP 481 - Becoming A Creative Luminary with Voice Actor Laura Holley
Premme Mohamed
Indo-Caribbean scientist and speculative fiction author
Independent/Various publishers mentioned
Episode: EP 479 - The Keyboard Is My Favorite Fidget Toy with Premee Mohamed

Host

Mark Leslie Lefebvre
Host with extensive experience in publishing, bookselling, and digital publishing advocacy; long-running voice on industry trends and author success.

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
    Canada7 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 States9 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.

Listeners feel inspired and informed, often highlighting honest, actionable takeaways.
Guests are well-chosen and relevant to writers looking to grow their craft and audience.
The host's transparency about earnings and business realities is appreciated by listeners.
Shows deep industry knowledge and practical advice for indie authors.

Top Books Podcasts

The Book Review
The Book ReviewThe New York Times
The Book Club
The Book ClubGoalhanger
Myths and Legends
Myths and LegendsJason Weiser, Carissa Weiser, Nextpod
Selected Shorts
Selected ShortsSymphony Space
Fantasy Fangirls
Fantasy FangirlsFantasy Fangirls
Poetry Unbound
Poetry UnboundOn Being Studios

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

EP 490 - Horror, History, and Feminine Power with LCW Allingham of Speculation Publications
Q: How do you decide when to pursue self-publishing versus traditional publishing and working with an agent?
I weigh personal fit and timing, sometimes publishing with a press I trust while also keeping doors open to self-publishing or working with an agent if the opportunity aligns with my goals and schedule.
EP 490 - Horror, History, and Feminine Power with LCW Allingham of Speculation Publications
Q: Do you still have open submissions for Utterspeculation novellas, and what are the guidelines?
Yes, Utterspeculation novellas remain open with strict topic guidelines, focusing on legends or phenomena; submissions are reviewed for fit and potential fit within the series, and they publish about one novella per year.
EP 491 - Turning Intention Into Action with Avery Crumrine
Q: What are the logistics of writing the book—how did you actually draft it, and what was the role of voice typing?
I created a chapter outline, used two to three bullets per topic with stories, and did the first draft through voice typing, which helped me capture depth quickly; then I refined, edited, and laid out the book without overcomplicating the process.
EP 491 - Turning Intention Into Action with Avery Crumrine
Q: Avery, can you share how the origin of your book Intention Into Action began and what sparked the move from a talk to a published book?
It started from a road-trip conversation where someone encouraged me to write a book if I said I would, and I then dove into outlining, wrote the manuscript in a couple of weeks, and published about six weeks later, using a straightforward, no-frills approach to stay true to the message.
EP 486 - Seeing The World Metaphorically with Melissa Heathers
Q: What was the inciting incident for wanting to write this book, and how far back did it go?
It began with personal experiences and a healing journey triggered by a car accident and family losses, leading Melissa to write with metaphor and duality in mind as a way to process trauma and mindfulness.

Audience Metrics

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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 deep-dive into writing, publishing, and author empowerment, with conversations that balance craft, marketing, and the business of indie and traditional publishing. Episodes frequently feature hands-on guidance on branding, reader engagement, and practical publishing strategies, along with behind-the-scenes looks at events, production, and community building in the writing world. The show stands out for candid industry insight, long-form interviews, and a focus on sustainable, ethical storytelling that supports authors at every stage, from debuting to expanding visibility across multiple platforms. Potential guests and sponsors can expect a knowledgeable host with deep ties to authors, bookstores, and indie publishing, plus recu... more

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

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this podcast launched 9 years ago and published 493 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. Avery Crumrine
2. LCW Allingham
3. Ann Charles
4. Melissa Heathers
5. Matty Dalrymple
6. Jessica Sorrentino
7. Paul Austin Ardoin
8. Laura Holley

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