Mark Leslie Lefebvre's Blog, page 33

Episode 124 – Lindsay Flanagan on Working with an Editor

In this episode, Mark interviews Lindsay Flanagan, an editor that he had the privilege of working with.

Prior to the interview, Mark shares a public service announcement from CDC regarding Covid-19, a number of comments from previous episodes, a new Patron (Katie), and injects a bit of a personal writing update in with those comments. Mark also reminds listeners of their chance to win a copy of THREE STORY METHOD from J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon by commenting on Episode 123 before the end of March 2020.

He then shares a tip from this episode’s sponsor, Findaway Voices…

Learn more about Findaway Voices

n their conversation, Lindsay and Mark talk about:

How Lindsay had always been into writing, studying English Language and Literature, how her career took her away from that, and her eventual return back to the world of writing and editingThe role-flip that Lindsay and her husband took about who the main bread-winner would be, and who would do more freelance-style workHow Lindsay had been impressed by the professionalism and style of Angela Eschler of Eschler EditingHow Lindsay’s choice, in editing, always comes back to story and to languageThe one day a week that Lindsay keeps aside for her personal writing projectsA high level review of the different types of editing, such as substantive/developmental, line editing, copy editing, and proofreadingHow Mark and Lindsay professionally met as writer and editor (when Lindsay had edited Mark’s story “Requiem” in the anthology Cursed Collectibles.



[image error] Cursed Collectibles – Available in eBook and Audiobook



The things that Lindsay looks for in a writer client and what writers should look for when sourcing an editorThe style and genres of fiction that Lindsay prefers to work on when editingHow some clients at Eschler Editing are authors who want to ensure their work is polished professionally before they submit it to the traditional publisher market, while others are indie-published authors who want a professional edit before they self-publish the bookHow two different 80,000 word manuscripts might be given two different cost estimates depending on the shape the manuscript is in when it is turned in, which is why an edit can cost anywhere from $300 to $2000The important that a writer always gets a sample edit from an editor that they are considering working withWhy a professional edit is so importantThe way that an editor can help a writer understand differing changes in the marketplace for trends within specific genresSome of the most common mistakes that writers often make in their writingThat all too important question an editor often asks: “But what is this doing to move your story move forward or your character to grow?”Some of the free resources available for writers at EscherEditing.comAnd more . . .

After the interview, Mark shares his reflections on the importance of working with an editor who is properly aligned to your specifc writing and genre, in the same way that a writer needs to be thinking about their very specific target audience prior to working on marketing their book.

Links of Interest:

Eschler Editing Free Guide – The Pocket Editor’s GuideFacebookTwitterLinkedIn Lindsay Flanagan (Twitter)Angela Eschler (LinkedIn)Cursed Collectibles: (Anthology edited by Eschler Editing)Findaway VoicesEpisode 123 – Three Story Method with J. Thorn and Zach BohannonWhat the Internet Is Doing To Our BrainsPatreon for Stark Reflections



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Lindsay Flanagan is a freelance writer and editor, who, after earning a Master of Arts in English and Creative Writing, left her career of over a decade to pursue her dream job in the publishing world. She joined the Eschler Editing team in 2014 as an editor and project manager. She also edits for Immortal Works and Champagne Book Group. Because she’s a glutton for knowledge, she’s also interning with Corvisiero Literary Agency.

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Angela Eschler, founder of the award-winning Eschler Editing and manager of the boutique publisher Scrivener Books, has more than twenty years of experience in the publishing industry, including nearly a decade working in-house at traditional publishers. She now works as a freelance editor and industry coach for authors, editors, publishers, and other organizations and has edited over a thousand manuscripts from diverse genres. A published author herself, Angela’s work has been featured on television, radio, and in documentary film.

The E. Team is comprised of highly skilled writers, editors, designers and publishing and promotion professionals that hail from diverse segments of the publishing industry. They’ve amassed advanced degrees in literature or writing, been published, received distinguished awards, and worked additionally in related industry fields as librarians, reporters, or writing professors. Most importantly, as vetted genre experts, they know what it takes to make it in publishing.

So no matter if you want to self-pub or get an agent, we’ll help you learn to stand out, be discovered, and make a bigger impact. Why? Because filling the world with powerful books is vital. Writers are important; they’ve changed history, they’ve changed our lives, and we want to ensure they keep changing the world one reader at a time. That’s our story. Now, let’s make sure your story is heard.

The 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 123 – Three Story Method with J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon

Storytelling doesn’t have to be complicated. In this episode, Mark chats with J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon about their new book THREE STORY METHOD which proves that storytelling can be straightforward.

[image error] You could win print copies of these two books – see below for details…..

Bohannon and Thorn are successful co-authors, are the minds behind the Authors on a Train, Vampires of New Orleans, Sci-Fi Seattle, Night of the Writing Dead and Cleveland Rock Apocalypse writing retreats. They also launched their Career Author podcast in January 2018, the same week that the Stark Reflections Podcast was launched.

Prior to the interview, Mark waxes poetic about the previous times J. and Zach were on the podcast, including episode 74, where Mark had shared details about how he had proposed to his girlfriend Liz on the 50th birthday during an Alicia Witt concert, with a song Alicia wrote for him to use for the occasion. He also shares a short clip from the chorus of the song.

Mark then talks about working on getting a representative from Google Play Books to come on in a future episode, and reminds writers that it’s easier than ever to create a direct Google Play account for publishing:

New publishers can visit g.co/play/publish and create an account in just a few easy stepsThere’s no longer an invite code or waiting period when setting up a new publisher account

Mark also shares a word from this episode’s sponsor, Findaway Voices…

Learn more about Findaway Voices

You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway.

In their conversation, Mark, J., and Zach talk about:

The origin of Three Story Method and how the process for it was developed over the course of publishing a dozen books togetherThe importance of a having a process that can be used in a similar way for multiple different projectsHow the book is meant for getting from an idea to a first draft of a manuscript and should be all that a writer needs. There’s no up-selling or courses associated with itThe accompanying workbook that can either be downloaded for free or purchased for the lowest price they could set on Amazon for itOngoing dedication to learning, and re-learning, and continuing to refine the craft of writingThe importance of starting off with a good book before you even begin or consider heavy marketingThe value of the community that comes from running a weekly podcastWhy they value tight-knit, intimate groups when it comes to hosting author gatheringsThe experience of brainstorming a universe for an anthology in a room full of engaged authorsJ.’s ways and Zach’s hacks (a bit they do on their own podcast)….and more….



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After the interview, Mark reflects on the importance of life-long learning of both the business and the craft of writing.

He then shares how listeners have until the end of day March 31, 2020 to leave a comment on the show notes for Episode 123 at www.starkreflections.ca for a chance to win a free copy of Three Story Method and the accompanying workshop, courtesy of J. and Zach.

Mark asks that commenters leave either a “Way” or a “Hack” that they’ve found useful for either the business or the craft of writing (in honour of the J.’s Ways and Zach’s Hacks bit that the two regularly do on their own podcast.

Mark also mentions that Patrons who support this podcast over at www.patreon.com/starkreflections are all automatically entered into a drawn to win the same prize. $1 / month patrons will be entered in for one chance. $3 /month patrons will be entered in twice. $5 / month patrons will be entered in 3 times.

Links of Interest:

The Career Author
PodcastThree Story Method
Findaway VoicesEpisode 116 – Taking the Short Tack with Matty DalrympleEpisode 21 – Real World Connections in a Digital World with J. Thorn and Zach BohannonEpisode 74 – Perspectives on the Past, Present, and Future of Publishing (with J, Zach, Mark, Jim Kukral and T.W. Piperbrook)Alicia WittPatreon for Stark Reflections



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Zach Bohannon writes post-apocalyptic science
fiction, horror, and fantasy. He is the author of the bestselling
zombie series, Empty Bodies, as well as the bestselling post-apocalyptic horror series, Final Awakening. He’s the co-owner of Molten Universe Media. 

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J. Thorn has published two million words and has sold more than 185,000 books worldwide. In March of 2014 Thorn held the #5 position in Horror alongside his childhood idols Dean Koontz and Stephen King (at #4 and #2 respectively). He is an official member of the Science Fiction and Fantasy Writers of America, the Horror Writers Association, and the Great Lakes Association of Horror Writers. 

Episode 122 – Evan Gow on StoryOrigin

In this episode Mark interviews Evan Gow, founder of StoryOrigin, about the platform and the many tools and offerings it has for authors.

Prior to the interview, Mark shares the two winners of the book TAKING THE SHORT TACK: Creating Income and Connecting with Readers Using Short Fiction written by Mark and Matty Dalrymple. One winner was randomly selected from those who left comments on Episode 116, and the other was select from among the patrons of the podcast.

Mark then shares a word from this episode’s sponsor . . .

Learn more about Findaway Voices

You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway.

He then shares a personal update that includes writing projects, revised book covers, and the cancellation of the London Book Fair.

In their conversation, Evan and Mark discuss:

The origin of StoryOrigin, which started in high school and then a college entrepreneur program called “Three Day Startup” in Austin, TexasHow Evan determined the different needs and desires of indie authors in order to build his suite of what StoryOrigin offers themThe confusing term “newsletter swap” and an explanation of what one actually isThe transparency that is available for authors who are wanting to collaborate on newsletter swaps or group promotionsThe strategy for beginning authors to start by creating a reader magnet, and what a reader magnet might be
– Using StoryOrigin for distribution of promo codes from Audible US, UK and Findaway VoicesThe ability to make an informed decision regarding potential reviewers who are requesting codes to review your book after receiving a free download codeSome of the things authors were quick to adopt that Evan was surprised byThe goal-tracking tools within StoryOriginThe open and free beta that StoryOrigin is currently in, as well as the transparent plans Evan has for charging authors for these tools

After the interview, Mark reflects on a couple of things that Evan had mentioned in the interview.

Links of Interest:

StoryOriginFindaway VoicesEpisode 116 – Taking the Short Tack with Matty DalrymplePatreon for Stark Reflections



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Evan Gow is the indie developer of StoryOrigin, a marketing tool and community of authors that work together to build their mailing lists, increase sales, find reviewers, and stay on top of deadlines.

The 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 121 – Reinventing Yourself and Currency for Everyone with Sir John Hargrave

In this episode Mark interviews Sir John Hargrave, the author of MIND HACKING, SIR JOHN HARGRAVE’S MISCHIEF MAKER’S MANUAL and the bestselling book BLOCKCHAIN FOR EVERYONE.

Prior to the interview, Mark discusses listener comments from recent episodes and also shares a word from this episode’s sponsor, Findaway Voices…

Learn more about Findaway Voices

You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway.

Mark offers a personal update in which he shares a writing tip gleaned from Dean Wesley Smith at the recent WMG Publishing anthology workshop in Vegas that Mark had been speaking at earlier in the week.

He also shares the result of this year’s PLR Program (Public Lending Right Program) check.

[image error]Mark’s latest PLR Program cheque

In their discussion John and Mark chat about:

The origin (which was a prank) where the name Sir John Hargrave came fromThe concept of reinventing yourself and how John went from being a human author to a geeky self-help author, to discussing rebuilding the global economyThe common threads that move through all of John’s booksThe many mini careers that people tend to have in today’s day and age that draw upon the same core skills. In John’s case they are humor and technologyHow BLOCKCHAIN FOR EVERYBODY is about the reinvention of the self as an accessible book with humorWhat blockchain is and how John got into the technologyThe interesting origin of Bitcoin and the mystery of the creator who has vanishedThe concept of “one world money”How John had to write the book BLOCKCHAIN FOR EVERYONE twiceThe great promotional opportunity that John had for the bookFinding the strength to go on when things are dark, and how you successfully respond to challengesHow John had done his own audiobook using a professional recording studio that his son created in their homeThe new book BLOCKCHAIN SUCCESS STORIES that John is co-authoring for O’ReillyAnd more…

After the interview, Mark reflects on something John mentioned in the interview regarding persistence and personal growth in the face of adversity, and reads from two poems that he feels address the sentiment: “If” by Rudyard Kipling and “Still I Rise” by Maya Angelou.

Links of Interest:

Sir John Hargrave’s WebsiteMedia ShowerBlockchain for EveryoneWMG Publishing WorkshopsEpisode 120 – Writing all the Things with Leah CutterFindaway VoicesTwisted by Jeffrey DeaverThe Sixth SenseStrangers to Superfans by David GaughranPublic Lending Right Program PLR InternationalPLR Program CanadaPLR Video (1:34)More detailed PLR Video (7:04) Patreon for Stark Reflections



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Sir John Hargrave is author of MIND HACKING, SIR JOHN HARGRAVE’S MISCHIEF MAKER’S MANUAL and the bestselling book BLOCKCHAIN FOR EVERYONE.

He is also the CEO of Media Shower, his company publishes the blockchain investor website, Bitcoin Market Journal which reaches 100,000 blockchain investors monthly. He is a frequent speaker, lecturer, and was a hoot to interview.

Episode 120 – Writing All The Things With Leah Cutter

In this episode, Mark has a chat with Leah Cutter who writes page-turning, wildly imaginative fiction set in exotic locations, such as a magical New Orleans, the ancient Orient, rural Kentucky, Seattle, Minneapolis, and many others.

Prior to the main episode content, Mark shares a quick personal update that includes details related to his writing income for 2019.

2019 Writing Income
64.97% Self Published
15.03% Traditional Publishing
20.00% Mixed Self and Trad

Mark then shares a word about this episode’s sponsor.

Learn more about Findaway Voices

You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway.

In their discussion Leah and Mark discuss:

Leah’s choice of doing the interview and some writing at a local coffee shopHow Leah does the majority of her writing during the week in the tiny house she lives and works in during the weekLeah’s 8 year old document that stated that when she grew up she wanted to be a writerThe way that Leah only writes on one specific project at a time (despite writing broadly in multiple genres)How each new project she works on must pass “the giggle test” and how she can’t write something that she’s not truly excited aboutLeah’s writer tagline as “Writer/Traveler”How many projects Leah publishers in a given yearThe decision Leah made to publish something new once a month every month for the past three yearsHow Leah knows if a project is going to be a story, a novella, or a novelThe fact that Leah has a seperate writing computer and a separate writing desk in her tiny house where she divides up the different types of workThe “Business for Breakfast” books that Leah has publishedThe strategy of publishing to the 30 day Amazon pulse while still publishing wide to other platformsThe two flavors of newsletters that Leah produces based on things she learned from Tammi Lebreque’s Newsletter Ninja course…and more…

After the interview, Mark reflects on Leah’a positive attitude, her passion, and the dual newsletters that she produces each month for her followers.

Links of Interest:

Leah Cutter’s WebsiteWMG Publishing WorkshopsFindaway VoicesPatreon for Stark Reflections

Leah Cutter writes page-turning, wildly imaginative fiction set in exotic locations, such as a magical New Orleans, the ancient Orient, rural Kentucky, Seattle, Minneapolis, and many others.

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She writes fantasy, science fiction, mystery, literary, and horror fiction. Her short fiction has been published in magazines like “Alfred Hitchcock’s Mystery Magazine” and “Talebones”, anthologies like Fiction River, and on the web. Her long fiction has been published both by New York publishers as well as small presses.

Read more books by Leah Cutter at http://www.KnottedRoadPress.com.

Follow her blog at http://www.LeahCutter.com.

The 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 119 – Super Reflections from Superstars Writing Seminars 2020

In this episode Mark shares a few tidbits from the 2020 Superstars Writing Seminars conference held in early February in Colorado Springs.

Prior to the main episode content, he shares a personal update about his writing (or lack thereof) as well as a few comments from listeners from previous episodes.

Just before the main topic, Mark shares a word about this episode’s sponsor, Findaway Voices…

Learn more about Findaway Voices

In this episode, Mark discusses things that were mentioned by the following instructors/attendees of the conference during various presentations and panels.

Nick ThackerMichael AnderleBrian MeeksTara CreminKevin IkenberryRebecca MoestaJames A. OwenKevin J. Anderson



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Mark mentions that this is just the tip of the iceberg of the amazing content that was packed into several days for this conference.

He closes by reflecting upon the Rush lyrics that opened out the episode, explaining the way Kevin Anderson had been using them to inspire writers, and what the lyrics meant to mark in the writer context.

Mark closes by offering an ambassador code that people can use to get $100 off registration of Superstars Writing Seminars 2021. (MARK9776).

Links of Interest:

Episode 118 – Wish I’d Known Then with Jami Albright and Sara Rosett Wish I’d Known for Writers (Podcast Website) Episode 116 – Taking the Short Tack with Matty DalrympleEpisode 114 – Thanks for the Inspiration, Neil PeartEpisode 61 – Gold Nuggets from Superstars Writing Seminars 2019Episode 27 – Jamie Ferguson on Bundles, Curation, and CollaborationEpisode 68 – Mastering Book Descriptions and Amazon Ads with Brian MeeksEpisode 16 – Crowd Funding and Audience Engagement with Natasha BajemaAdam Croft’s Online Mini Courses (Affiliate Link) (Be sure to use “STARK” coupon code to save 50%) Superstars Writing Seminars Special link to get $100 off registration for 2021 Amazing Monster Tales: Monster Road Trip A Canadian Werewolf in New York This Time Around (Free Short Story) Findaway VoicesPatreon for Stark Reflections

The 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 118 – Wish I’d Known Then With Jami Albright and Sara Rosett

This episode features a conversation with Jami Albright and Sara Rosett.

Jami is the multiple award-winning author of the Brides on the Run series–a fun, sexy, snarky, laugh-out-loud good time. USA Today and Audible bestselling author Sara Rosett writes lighthearted mysteries with atmospheric settings, fun characters, and puzzling whodunit.

The two are the best of friends, and Mark talks with them about their writing, their friendship, and their new podcast Wish I’d Known Then for Writers.

Prior to the interview, Mark shares an audiobook marketing tip from this episode’s sponsor, Findaway Voices…

Learn more about Findaway Voices

You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway.

Mark then shares a personal update, which includes:

Flying to Colorado Springs for the 2020 Superstars Writing Seminars where he is a returning guest instructorThe release (on Feb 4th) of TAKING THE SHORT TACK (a book on how writers can leverage short fiction for marketing and revenue), which he co-authored with Matty Dalrymple

He then announces the winners of two different prizes that were randomly drawn from listeners who left comments on two previous episodes as well as patrons of the show who support the podcast over at http://patreon.com/starkreflections.

During their conversation, Jami, Sara, and Mark discuss:

How they first got into writing, and their unique entrances and pathways into the writing world, as well as the unique genres they write inThe runaway bride trope/theme in romantic comedy and the potential double standard of runaway groom not being as popularThe cozy mystery genre and the way certain readers have specific preferences for how a series is structuredWhat it would take for either of them to say “yes” to a traditional publishing contractWhy a traditional publisher wouldn’t be able to afford an advance for what Jami makes in a money off of her indie eBook salesHow Sara ended up with POD print titles in a bookstore and how she managed returns with a returnable status for the US and Canada only and non-returnable for the rest of world



[image error]Sara and Mark at Haslam’s bookstore in St Petersburg, FL



How Sara and Jami first met at the Smarter Artist Conference in Austin, TX and learned that they both lived in Austin about ten minutes away from one anotherThe ongoing “ladies that lunch” they participate in, often with other local writersThe importance of having other writer friendsWhy they both enjoy attending writer gatherings and writer conferencesThe origin of the new podcast that Jami and Sara started called Wish I’d Known Then for WritersWhat they each wish they’d know then, before they got into writing

After the interview, Mark reflects on something Sara mentioned about changes in the industry. Be warned, attentive listener, because Mark uses that as an excuse to quote Rush lyrics. 

Episode 117 – Multi-Layered Collaboration with Kerrie Flanagan, Chuck Harrelson, and MacLeod Andrews

Mark has a conversation with Kerrie Flanagan and Chuck Harrelson who are collaborating yet again under the author name C.G. Harris, and their mutual collaboration with audiobook narrator MacLeod Andrews.

They discuss the book The Nine, which is the first book in The Judas Files series, which is narrated by MacLeod, a multi-award-winning narrator.

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Prior to the conversation, Mark shares a few personal updates, which include:

Heading to Colorado to attend Superstars Writing Seminars as a guest instructor the first week of FebruaryA forthcoming two hour keynote he has been booked into for the springA virtual talk he’ll be doing at one conference in Alberta while he is attending another conference in Colorado

Mark then shares a word from this episode’s sponsor, Findaway Voices…

Learn more about Findaway Voices

In the interview, Mark, Kerrie, Chuck and MacLeod talk about:

The origin of Kerrie and Chuck starting to write together, originally for a romantic comedy series of three books under the name C.K. WilesWhere the name C.G. Harris came from (as well as Mark’s continued mispronunciation of C.G. Harris as “C.J. Harris” and his feeble excuse that that’s the way Canadians pronounce it)MacLeod’s background as an actor and how he got involved in recording audiobooks, which he had never thought of as a possible career pathThe 12 books that MacLeod had done with Brilliance audio and how that turned into a full time profession, allowing him to leave cater waiteringThe decision to do this collaboration with Findaway Voices, and how this project was the first one MacLeod had done in a more independent fashionThe full service studio in Los Angeles that MacLeod used to record THE NINEHow this series was something that Kerrie and Chuck wanted to be similar to or appeal to fans of Jim Butcher’s “The Dresden Files”The decision to reach out to MacLeod to see if he would be interested in narrating THE NINEHow the collaboration between writers and narrator began and progressed, and the way that Kerrie and Chuck enjoyed the playful experimentation that MacLeod did on this project and also fully trusted himHow the Voices Share royalty splitting option worked for them via Findaway VoicesWhat THE NINE is all about and the plans for the 12 books in The Judas Files seriesThe way that comedy plays a role in a dark novel such as this oneThe desire to do a simultaneous release of the print, eBook and audiobook for Book 2 in the series in August 2020The plans for the next two books in the series coming relatively quickly after that (November and December)



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After the conversation, Mark talks about how Chuck was a fan of MacLeod’s previous audiobooks and had the idea to ask if he would be interested in working with them. He reflects on the importance of asking.

Links of Interest:

C.G. Harris (Website)Kerrie Flanagan (Website)MacLeod Andrews (Website)
MacLeod on Twitter
Episode 115 – Embracing the Indie Author Mindset with Adam CroftAdam Croft’s Online Mini Courses (Affiliate Link)
(Be sure to use “STARK” coupon code to save 50%)
Superstars Writing SeminarsLiberty State Fiction Writers ConferenceWordbridge ConferenceFindaway VoicesPatreon for Stark Reflections

C.G. Harris is an award winning science-fiction and fantasy author from Colorado who draws inspiration from favorites, Jim Butcher, Richard Kadrey and Brandon Sanderson. For nearly a decade, Harris has escaped the humdrum of the real world by creating fictional characters and made-up realities. When not writing, Harris enjoys sipping scotch while watching the twisted humor of Drunk History. Seeing our past through the bottom of a whisky glass is more entertaining than reading a dusty textbook. C.G. Harris is the pen name and combined persona created by authors, Chuck Harrelson and Kerrie Flanagan. Together they have published, The Judas Files, a gritty urban fantasy series and The Rax, an apocalyptic science fiction series.

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Chuck Harrelson spent almost thirty years as a fire fighter, mostly for Space Command in the Department of defense. He has amassed a wealth of knowledge over the years as he not only excelled in his job but also spent his off time honing his craft as a successful science fiction and fantasy author. He is now retired and writes full time, publishing his novels with writing partner Kerrie Flanagan. Chuck resides in Denver Colorado and is an active member of both the Rocky Mountain Fiction Writers and the Northern Colorado Writers Group. His past manuscripts won the 2014 Top of The Mountain Book Award competition, the Ballot Press Competition and one was a finalist at the 2016 San Diego Writers Conference.

Kerrie Flanagan is an author, writing consultant, presenter, and freelance writer with over 20 years’ experience in the publishing industry. She’s the author of, The Writer’s Digest Guide to Magazine Article Writing and creator of the Magazine Writing Blueprint. In addition, she has published twelve other books, including three series’ with her co-author Chuck Harrelson, under the pen names, C.K. Wiles and C.G. Harris. Their book, Showtime Rendezvous, was a finalist in The Beverly contest and also received an Honorable Mention for the Writer’s Digest self-published books awards. Her articles and essays have appeared in publications and anthologies including Writer’s Digest, Alaska Magazine, The Writer, FamilyFun, and six Chicken Soup for the Soul books. Over the years, she has worked with hundreds of authors through classes and individual consultations. Her background in teaching, and enjoyment of helping writers has led her to present at writing conferences across the country and teach continuing studies classes through Stanford University. Now as a member of the Writing Day Workshop team, I help coordinate one-day writing conference throughout the country. www.KerrieFlanagan.com.

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MacLeod Andrews is a multiple Audie, Earphone, and SOVAS award winning audiobook narrator, as well as an award winning film actor and producer. He’s perhaps most recognized in audio for narrating the Sandman Slim series by Richard Kadrey and The Reckoners series by Brandon Sanderson. His films They Look Like People and The Siren have played festivals all around the world and are available for streaming on major platforms domestically and abroad. He has a cat named Luna, a well known affinity for chocolate chip cookies, and rations his social media fix to twitter.

The 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 116 – Taking the Short Tack with Matty Dalrymple

Mark has a conversation with Matty Dalrymple about her new collaborative book project.

Matty is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers and the Ann Kinear Suspense Novels. She is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and the Brandywine Valley Writers Group. She lives with her husband Wade and their three loveable puppies in Chester County, Pennsylvania, which is the setting for two of her Lizzy Ballard Thrillers.

Prior to the interview Mark shares comments from recent episodes and reminds listeners of the chance to win prizes for leaving comments on recent episodes thanks to his amazing patrons. Then he shares a word from this episode’s corporate sponsor.

Learn more about Findaway Voices

In their conversation, Mark and Matty talk about:

How and why they both got into writing short fictionTheir experiences with collaboration (which includes Matty admitting she never thought she would collaborate with another author, at least not for a fiction projectHow they connected and the way that their new book project came aboutAfter several minutes about teasing the mention, Matty and Mark reveal the name of their new book, coming Feb 2020: Taking the Short Tack: Creating Income and Connecting with Readers Using Short Fiction



[image error] Taking the Short Tack



The origin of the imprint for the book “William Kingsfield Publishers”Mark’s consistent DIY approach to publishing, which started when working at his high school newspaperThe importance of actually asking for something when you have an idea (ie, in the case of an idea for a book and a collaboration)The way that they collaborated and the tools they used along the wayThe discipline and organization that Matty brought into Mark’s work process for this projectThe process of the writing of the book and the back-and-forth communication of the changes, and how they smoothed the differences in writing styleThe possibility of future collaborations now that they have learned one another’s stylesThe origin of the title and the references to sailing inherent in the term “the short tack”The importance of focusing on building relationships rather than just selling a bookWho the book is for, and how it can be used by authors in different waysThe importance of a contract for two authors who are collaboratingWhy they decided to publish the book through Draft2Digital via a beta program that allows for payment splittingThe great learning experience that this project was for both Matty and Mark

After the conversation Mark reflects on one of the nautical concepts that Matty referenced and how it relates to authors.

Links of Interest:

Matty DalrympleThe Indy AuthorTaking the Short TackEpisode 97 – 10 Tips for Marketing and Making $$ off Short FictionAdam Croft’s Online Mini Courses (Affiliate Link) (Be sure to use “STARK” coupon code to save 50%) Episode 113 – Productivity for Authors: A Panel DiscussionEpisode 114 – Thanks for the Inspiration Neil PeartEpisode 115 – Embracing the Indie Author Mindset with Adam CroftFindaway VoicesPatreon for Stark Reflections



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Matty Dalrymple is the author of the Lizzy Ballard Thrillers Rock Paper Scissors, Snakes and Ladders, and The Iron Ring; the Ann Kinnear Suspense Novels The Sense of Death and The Sense of Reckoning; and the Ann Kinnear Suspense Shorts, including Close These Eyes and Write in Water. Matty lives with her husband, Wade Walton, their two Labrador Retrievers (Juno and Sophie), and their terrier (Griffin) in Chester County, Pennsylvania, which is the setting for much of the action in The Sense of Death and Rock Paper Scissors. They enjoy vacationing on Mt. Desert Island, Maine, where The Sense of Reckoning and Close These Eyes take place, and Sedona, Arizona, the setting for much of Snakes and Ladders​ and The Iron Ring.

Matty is a member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, International Thriller Writers, and the Brandywine Valley Writers Group.

Episode 115 – Embracing the Indie Author Mindset with Adam Croft

In this episode Mark interviews Adam Croft and talks about the important and significant change in Adam’s mindset that allowed him to become a successful best-selling author.

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Prior to the interview, Mark shares a marketing/release strategy tip from this episode’s sponsor, Findaway Voices…

Learn more about Findaway Voices

Mark then shares and talks about some of the comments from Episode 113 and reminds listeners of the chance to win a copy of Joanna Penn’s PRODUCTIVITY FOR AUTHORS by commenting on that episode show notes at www.starkreflections.ca by Jan 31, 2020.

Within that comment talk, he shares a short clip from a podcast he had started in 2006 (and then abandoned in 2011 after only 18 episodes) called Prelude to a Scream.

In their conversation, Mark and Adam talk about:

How long it took to plan out the interview (based on both Mark and Adam being disorganized)The beginning of Adam’s journey into writing – from school and then 2008 when he wrote his first book and 2010, the early days of digital publishingAdam’s first book TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT, and the planning of the 10th book in that seriesHow Adam spent 5 years floundering about and not really sure what he was doing in the early daysThe recognition of how his writing itself was a small business, and not a hobby – and how that led to an important and significant changeThe importance of changing his way of thinking, and bringing the business mindset into his writingThe value of taking courses and learning, such as Mark Dawson’s Facebook Ads for Authors courseHow a stand-alone book (instead of a series) was the first big breakaway for Adam, because of the dramatic and attention-grabbing/marketing hook: “Could you murder your wife to save your daughter?” (This was HER LAST TOMORROW)Questions, and how they need to be psychologically answered, as a log-line/hook for getting a potential reader’s attentionThe tag line for TELL ME I’M WRONG: “What if you discovered your husband was a serial killer?”Adam’s translated novels in Portuguese, Dutch, French, German, Italian, and KoreanThe comparison between sending Adam’s son to pre-school and the releasing of a novel (regularly considered an author’s “baby”) out into the worldTrying not to have an emotional attachment to any novel, but consider it as a commercial/business enterpriseThe “imposter syndrome” that continues to plague Adam with each new novel releaseThe two or three “life changing” books Adam has released that did blockbuster sales numbers, and the many other books which have done well, but weren’t nearly as remarkable – and the candid nature he has always shared thatHow Adam deals with the ins and outs and highs and lows of the waves of sales trends in publishingThe importance of preparing for the long term, which is an important element in the indie author mindsetThe value of “evergreen” and a solid residual revenueThe partnership with Kobo to have a few of his books translated into Dutch (for the Netherlands market with Kobo’s partner BOL.com)The courses Adam runs as well as the Indie Author Mindset Facebook groupWhy Adam has created simple and short courses, but why he isn’t interested in creating any sort of “super” courseThe more organic long term approach that Adam has taken with his writing businessUnderstanding the multiple paths to success and how different roads work best for different authorsThe way that Adam balances his writing, his family, and helping other writers



[image error]Different Versions and Multiple Languages for HER LAST TOMORROW

After the interview, Mark reflects on something Adam said: “No book is going to sell a negative amount of copies.” Of course, Mark manages to work in a reference to Monty Python during that reflection.

Then he shares a coupon code listeners can use to get 50% off of any of Adam’s courses, as well as a giveaway. (Use the code “STARK” at checkout to save 50% off any of Adam’s online mini-courses)

Mark then shares the opportunity for listeners of the podcast to win a generous giveaway from Adam for his course on Productivity for Writers.

—-> Adam is offering one lucky listener a chance to win a free course. All patrons of the podcast will automatically be entered in a chance to win. And anyone who comments on this episode at starkreflections.ca by the end of day Jan 31, 2020 will also be entered into that random draw.

Patrons at the $1 per month level, will get 1 entry
Patrons at the $3 per month level will get 2 entries
Patrons at the $5 per month level will get 3 entries

Patrons that comment will get an additional entry.

All entries will be assigned a number and a random number generation will pick the winter. I’ll announce the winner in a forthcoming episode.

Links of Interest:

Adam Croft Website (Author)Adam Croft Indie Author Mindset WebsiteAdam’s Online Mini Courses (Affiliate Link)
(Be sure to use “STARK” coupon code to save 50%)
Episode 113 – Productivity for Authors: A Panel DiscussionEpisode 11 – The Power of FREE with Musician and Composer Kevin MacLeodPrelude to a Scream PodcastFindaway VoicesPatreon for Stark Reflections



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With almost two million books sold to date, Adam Croft is one of the most successful independently published authors in the world, and one of the biggest selling authors of the past few years, having sold books in over 120 different countries.

His 2015 worldwide bestseller Her Last Tomorrow became one of the bestselling books of the year, peaking at number 12 in the combined paperback fiction and non-fiction chart.

Adam lives in the UK with his wife and their child, and continues to write fiction, co-host the Partners in Crime podcast with Robert Daws and write books and create courses to help other authors.