Mark Leslie Lefebvre's Blog, page 2

Episode 425 – Escaping the Self-Publishing Rapid Release Rat Race with Johnny B. Truant

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 AuthorBuy eBook DirectBuy Audiobook DirectPublishing Pitfalls for AuthorsAn Author’s Guide to Working with Libraries & BookstoresWide for the WinMark’s Canadian Werewolf BooksThis 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 BuildingThe 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 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

Episode 424 – Passion From Between and Beyond The Pages with Jessica Rampersad

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 WebsiteTikTokInstagramYouTubeEP 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 AuthorBuy eBook DirectBuy Audiobook DirectPublishing Pitfalls for AuthorsAn Author’s Guide to Working with Libraries & BookstoresWide for the WinMark’s Canadian Werewolf BooksThis 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 BuildingThe 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

Episode 423 – Dear Writer: The World Needs Your Writing Now More Than Ever

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.”

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 AuthorBuy eBook DirectBuy Audiobook DirectPublishing Pitfalls for AuthorsAn Author’s Guide to Working with Libraries & BookstoresWide for the WinMark’s Canadian Werewolf BooksThis 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 BuildingThe 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

Episode 422 – Writing, Humor, and Teaching with Patrick MacPhee

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…Writers & Illustrators of the Future 2025

After the interview Mark reflects on a few of the things he discussed with Patrick.

Links of Interest:

Patrick MacPhee WebsiteFree Short Stories by PatrickWriters 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 AuthorBuy eBook DirectBuy Audiobook DirectPublishing Pitfalls for AuthorsAn Author’s Guide to Working with Libraries & BookstoresWide for the WinMark’s Canadian Werewolf BooksThis 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 BuildingThe 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

Episode 421 – Some Publishing Pitfalls

In this solo episode Mark shares some audio excerpts from his book PUBLISHING PITFALLS FOR AUTHORS.

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 AuthorBuy eBook DirectBuy Audiobook DirectPublishing Pitfalls for AuthorsAn Author’s Guide to Working with Libraries & BookstoresWide for the WinMark’s Canadian Werewolf BooksThis 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 BuildingThe 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

Episode 420 – Artist and Author Collaboration with JJ McFaull

n this episode Mark interviews Jacob from the JJ McFaull is collaboration children’s book Where Pumpkins Go After Halloween.

Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update and a word about this episode’s sponsor.

This episode is sponsored by the new book The Podcast Guest Playbook co-authored by Mark and Matty Dalrymple.

Check out the book here: https://books2read.com/podcastguestplaybook

In the interview, Mark and Jacob talk about:

Mark and Jacob talk about:

How even as a kid, Jacob was making up storiesGetting involved in the book industry in 2024 after initially trying to get his children’s book publishedThe organization CANSCAPE (Canadian Society of Children’s Authors, Illustrators and Performers) which is a great resource for creatorsThe title for his book which incites the right questions in peopleSeeing pumpkins left on the curb after Halloween, which is what inspired the storyCollaborating with his father James and working as an author/illustrator duo under the name JJ McFaull (JJ being short for Jacob and James)How Jacob’s father has been an illustrator his entire lifeThe origin of how the book got conceived and publishedAn important design element Jacob would recommend for children’s book authors to considerSome of the challenges with the quality of POD children’s books ordered from AmazonSelling books at in person fairs and other localesHow having the book tied in to a specific holiday (Halloween) can be really beneficialHow farmers markets were a great place for Jacob to set up for selling his books in personThe way that having a pre-illustrated book on submission to a publisher can actually work against an authorA little bit about the YA book that Jacob is working on right nowThe Christmas themed picture book that JJ McFaull will be releasing in the fall of 2025Advice Jacob would offer to other writersAnd more…

After the interview Mark reflects on the unique father-and-son collaboration as well as on the importance of recognizing where additional talent needs to be brought in on a project. 

Here are the different cover image styles as discussed in the interview.

Links of Interest:

JJ McFaull’s WebsiteJJ McFaull InstagramThe Indy Author Podcast – Episode 291: The Podcast Guest Playbook with Mark Leslie LefebvreManuscript 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 AuthorBuy eBook DirectBuy Audiobook DirectPublishing Pitfalls for AuthorsAn Author’s Guide to Working with Libraries & BookstoresWide for the WinMark’s Canadian Werewolf BooksThis 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 BuildingThe 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

JJ McFaull is the author/illustrator of Where Pumpkins Go After Halloween, a debut picture book released in September 2024. Under the pen name JJ McFaull, Jacob (the author) and James (his father and illustrator) combine their passions for storytelling and art to create memorable books for young readers. The second book in their holiday series is scheduled to release this fall.

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

Episode 419 – Seeing The Beauty with Artist, Photographer, Graphic Designer, and Music Aficionado Stephan Gaydos

Mark has a conversation with his life-long best buddy Steve Gaydos about art, beauty, photography, music, and so much more in a conversation recorded on their recent Canadian East Coast road trip.

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 AuthorBuy eBook DirectBuy Audiobook DirectPublishing Pitfalls for AuthorsAn Author’s Guide to Working with Libraries & BookstoresWide for the WinMark’s Canadian Werewolf BooksThis 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 BuildingThe 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

Episode 418 – Giving Away A Million Copies Of Your Book With D. C. Gomez

In this episode Mark interviews D.C. Gomez about her plan to give away a million copies of her best-selling and award-winning novel Death’s Intern.

Prior to the interview, Mark shares a word about 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 D.C. talk about:

DC being one of those kids who was into storytelling since as far back as she can rememberHaving a passion and background for video and screenplaysThe way everything changed for DC back during 9/11DC’s spiritual director who suggested that DC write a book and how it was finally the spark that she needed“Causing trouble” for 30 yearsHer first novel being Death’s InternAdapting elements that she learned in screenwriting into crafting a novelWriting within a large universe that’s interconnectedThe origin of the story “Cursed by Fur: A Little Red Riding Hood Retelling”How it’s different to connect with characters at different stages in their livesThe reasoning behind giving away a million copies of Death’s Intern with no strings attachedConstantine the talking cat character who has taken over DC’s Instagram as well as her end of month newsletterWhy DC defines herself as a “serial hobbyist”The blast that DC has doing in person eventsAdvice that DC would give to writersAnd more . . .

After the interview Mark reflects on a few things about their conversation.

Links of Interest:

D.C. Gomez (Author Website)Death’s Intern (Universal Book Link)The Podcast Guest Playbook (co-authored with Matty Dalrymple)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 AuthorBuy eBook DirectBuy Audiobook DirectPublishing Pitfalls for AuthorsAn Author’s Guide to Working with Libraries & BookstoresWide for the WinMark’s Canadian Werewolf BooksThis 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 BuildingThe 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

D. C. Gomez is a fast-talking, extra-quirky Dominican with a dark sense of humor.

A long time ago, she used to enjoy long walks at the park and long days under the sun. Unfortunately, due to a mysterious condition, she is now allergic to those pesky UV rays. Rumor has it that her true nature is coming out and her vampirism is now showing. But don’t fear my friend, she doesn’t bite (much…).

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

Episode 417 – Embracing Your Passion for Creativity with Artist and Author CL Fors

In this episode Mark interviews author and artist C L Fors about her recent award win with Writers of the Future and her life in writing and illustration.

Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update, and a word about 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 Cherrie talk about:

Cherrie’s recent win as an illustrator for Writers and Illustrators of the Future for Volume 41 of the annual anthologyEntering the contest as both a writer and an illustrator every quarter since 2016How Cherrie can be creative in both writing and illustrating based on the same spark of inspiration. Sometimes it comes out first as a story and then later as an illustration, sometimes vice versaThe process of how illustrator winners of Writers and Illustrators of the Future are “teamed up” with a writer winnerCherrie’s four-book epic science fiction series – which is a story about people re-claiming self-determinationThe graphic novel Cherrie is working on which, at first, she wasn’t sure what medium it was going to emerge intoHow a lot of the skills that Cherrie initially learned about art was self-taught, before she received more formal instructionLearning the right time to make that creative jump as a creatorHow when she is in the midst of the process of creating, regardless of whether it is writing or art, Cherrie feels most aliveTaking a step back to understand if she’s taking realistic stock of her time and energyThe challenge of getting sucked in to social mediaEnsuring that you’re not being too hard on yourselfHow Cherrie cannot remember a time when she was not doing both art and writingPublishing her first work (a magazine that had her stories, poetry and art) and selling copies of it door-to-door when she was 9 years old in order to earn money to make a purchaseGetting her Masters in Publishing at Western Colorado University and continuing the program in Genre fiction to get her MFASeeing and representing herself as BOTH a writer and an illustratorUsing C L Fors for both her art and her writingLearning that she has to “go with the flow” and use the time she has to approach her various tasks as an author, an illustrator, a wife, and a motherAdvice that Cherrie would give her younger selfHow rejection is just a lessonWhat is next for CherrieAnd more . . .

After the interview Mark reflects on a few things that were discussed including Cherrie’s advice on continuing to do something once you find the thing that you love.

Links of Interest:

CL Fors AuthorCL Fors IllustratorWriters of the FutureThe Podcast Guest Playbook (co-authored with Matty Dalrymple)Writers’ Federation of New Brunswick: WordSpring 2025Episodes with Kathy MacThe Lefebvre MonumentManuscript 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 AuthorBuy eBook DirectBuy Audiobook DirectPublishing Pitfalls for AuthorsAn Author’s Guide to Working with Libraries & BookstoresWide for the WinMark’s Canadian Werewolf BooksThis 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 BuildingThe 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

CL Fors lives and breathes stories in multiple mediums: the written word, illustration in watercolor, acrylic, digital, and ink, and the creation of custom jewelry and other artifacts of story. She is an artist with a myriad of interests and experiences that inform and flavor her writing and illustrating. A multipotentialite, mother, author, and adventurer, CL is a science and science-fiction enthusiast with a passion for research based sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and speculative fiction in general. She has at various times in her life been a film actor, military intelligence linguist in the Arabic language, a doula, childbirth educator, and student midwife for birthing, as well as a bellydancer.

Cherrie and her husband, Jason P. Crawford, founded the indie publishing house Epitome Press and together bring the work of talented authors out of the brambles and into the light of day. CL’s  debut novel, Progeny is the first installment of the Primogenitor series.The second installment, Breach of Mars is available on Amazon as are the third and fourth books in the series, Crowning of Mars and Futures of Mars.

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

Episode 416 – The Irony of a Woefully Inadequate Imposter Syndrome

That pervasive feeling of self-doubt and insecurity you believe you are not deserving of your achievements and fear being exposed as a fraud known as imposter syndrome is especially common among writers and other creatives who often grapple with the vulnerability inherent in sharing their work with the world.

But perhaps your imposter syndrome is actually a positive sign about your progression as a writer.

That’s the topic of this solo episode in which Mark reflects upon that.

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 AuthorBuy eBook DirectBuy Audiobook DirectPublishing Pitfalls for AuthorsAn Author’s Guide to Working with Libraries & BookstoresWide for the WinMark’s Canadian Werewolf BooksThis 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 BuildingThe 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