Mark Leslie Lefebvre's Blog, page 38

Episode 75 – Police Procedurals Respected by Law Enforcement with Carolyn Arnold

In this episode, Mark has a chat with Carolyn Arnold (the author of the Detective Madison Knight, Brandon Fisher FBI, McKinley Mysteries, and Matthew Connor Adventures) and her husband George.

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Prior to the interview, Mark shares a word about 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 his personal update, Mark shares the fact that he is in Oklahoma City, OK, spending a week at the Draft2Digital offices. He also talks about the importance of connecting in person (both with respect to hanging out with his colleagues from D2D as well as the in-person connections that happen at writer conferences).

He also shares his experience attending the Alicia Witt concert at The Blue Door in OKC and as well as his involvement “working backstage” or “front of house” for the evening.

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In addition, he talks about the anger that fans of Game of Thrones have been expressing recently, and a petition fans are signing along with the thought that the emotional investment fans are displaying is evidence of really powerful and effective storytelling.

In their chat Mark, Carolyn and George talk about:

How long Carolyn and George have been collaborating as a husband and wife team and writer and publisherGeorge’s 25 years of experience as a designer before he adapted that knowledge into designing Carolyn’s book coversCarolyn’s start in writing in a serious way in 2006 shortly after a work colleague asked her to tell her a storyWhat drew Carolyn to the dark corners of murder and mysteriesThe way that Carolyn doesn’t really know the end of her novels and that she investigates along with her investigatorsHow writing 10 books in a single year led to Carolyn’s need of having George start to do the formatting of the eBooks and print books for herCarolyn’s belief that, though she is the creative person (the writer) that George is also a very creative person in their partnershipThe need for divided and separating their at-home workspacesStrategy and detailed analytics that go into the launch of each new bookHow the message in Carolyn’s book IN THE LINE OF DUTY is nearest and dearest to her heartThe research involved ERT and SWAT to ensure accuracy in the details of Carolyn’s novelsThe origin of Carolyn’s two main branding catchphrasesThe spreadsheet Carolyn and George have with various contacts and specialists from police, FBI, coroners, etcLong term and patient curation of and engagement with Carolyn’s fan baseThe way Carolyn alternates between writing in her difference series booksThe business decision behind the settings for Carolyn’s novels in the US rather than in CanadaThe value of ARC and early reader feedback and how they use Bookfunnel for thatThe “empowering to women” effect of Carolyn’s Madison Knight series and characterHow SHADES OF JUSTICE was influenced by a double homicide that happened in TorontoStrategies regarding moving into audiobooksHow the beauty of a leaf led to freeing up Carolyn’s creative mind in determining the solution to a novel she had been working onAdvice that Carolyn and George would offer to help a creative person transition their passion to a full-time career

After the interview, Mark reflects on the creativity involved in publishing and marketing. He then thanks recent commenters on the podcast and Patreon supporters.

Links of Interest

Carolyn Arnold’s WebsiteDetective Madison Knight SeriesBrandon Fisher FBI SeriesMcKinley MysteriesMatthew Connor Adventure SeriesCarolyn’s BlogHibbert and Styles PublishingAlicia Witt A clip from the end of the song “Liz” that Alicia wrote for Mark A recent blog post where Mark gushes about Alicia’s music The Blue Door OKCFindaway VoicesPatreon for Stark ReflectionsStark Reflections Survey



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CAROLYN ARNOLD is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has four continuing fiction series—Detective Madison Knight, Brandon Fisher FBI, McKinley Mysteries, and Matthew Connor Adventures. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy to hard-boiled mysteries, and thrillers to action adventures.

Both her female detective and FBI profiler series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining, leading her to adopt the trademark: POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT.

Carolyn was born in a small town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower.

She currently lives in London, Ontario with her husband and beagle and is a member of Crime Writers of Canada and Sisters in Crime.

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GEORGE ARNOLD is a graphic design artist with nearly thirty years experience. Through his employment with a local graphic company, his talent has been put to work for many big names including 3M, McDonald’s, the London Knights, and Diamond Aircraft.

He joined Hibbert & Stiles Publishing Inc. full-time January 2016 for the purpose of cover design, interior formatting, sales and marketing. He’s been designing Carolyn’s covers since 2011 and has worked with others on theirs during that time, as well.

George was born in rural Ontario and has the desire to put his skills to use serving others in the publishing industry.

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 74 – Perspectives on the Past, Present, and Future of Publishing

In this episode, Mark shares a live discussion from the Rock Apocalypse conference and workshop in Cleveland, OH that took place in early May 2019.

[image error]Jim, Zach, J and P.W. are all in this pic in a “Where’s Waldo” style panel picture

The session is a recorded panel discussion from the two day event. Zach Bohannon moderated a panel discussion with T.W. Piperbrook, J, Thorn, Jim Kukral and Mark.

Prior to the interview, Mark reads a few comments from listeners from the previous episode and thanks Patrons and commenters for engaging with the podcast.

He then shares a word from the episode’s sponsor.

Learn more about Findaway Voices

In his personal update, Mark shares the details of how he planned a marriage proposal for his girlfriend with Alicia Witt at her recent Toronto live concert performance, and plays a few clips from the song Alicia wrote for the engagement.

[image error]“That night in Toronto, with its checkerboard floors . . .” (The Tragically Hip “Bobcaygeon”)

The panel discussion that was recorded at the Cleveland conference features Zach asking the panelists about:

How they got started in publishingWhat’s advice they’d offer their 2019 selfWhat they think might be coming in the future of publishing

Links of Interest

Alicia WittA clip from the end of the song “Liz” that Alicia wroteA recent blog post where Mark gushes about Alicia’s musicThe Horseshoe Tavern in TorontoThe Career Author SummitFindaway VoicesJ. ThornZach BohannonT. W. PiperbrookJim KukralPatreon for Stark ReflectionsStark Reflections Survey

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. 

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. 

T. W. Piperbrook lives in Connecticut with his wife and son. He is the author of the CONTAMINATION series, the OUTAGE series, and co-author of THE LAST SURVIVORS, as well as the author of THE RUINS. In his former lives, he has worked as a claims adjuster, a touring musician, and a business systems analyst for a Fortune 500 company. Now he spends his days fighting zombies, battling werewolves, and roaming post-apocalyptic cities and planets.

Jim Kukral is recognized as an expert in online marketing and branding. He delivers insightful and entertaining keynotes to growth-oriented organizations on attention-getting marketing, creative branding and understanding how customers think, react and most importantly, buy. Jim is a ten-time author of books on marketing, entrepreneurship, motivation and publishing. 

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

Additional music in this episode:

“Liz” was written, composed and produced by Alicia Witt. Copyright © 2019 Alicia Witt.

“Bobcaygeon” written by Rob Baker, Gord Downey, Johnny Fay, Paul Langlois, Gord Sinclair, from the album Phantom Power Copyright © 1999 by The Tragically Hip

Episode 73 – Too Connected In This Digital Life

In this solo episode Mark reflects upon the concept of Digital Minimalism that he is reading about in Cal Newport’s new book with that title.

Prior to the main topic of this episode, Mark shares a personal update regarding his travel to Cleveland, OH to participate in the “Rock Apocalypse 2019” event held at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and run by J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon.

The event is described, quite aptly as: “A world-building experience, writer’s seminar, and your destination vacation in two epic days!”

Along with the intimate and engaging world-building with the small group of writers, Mark talks about Eric and Rinn from Findaway Voices (this episode’s sponsor) and things they shared with the writers.

Learn more about Findaway Voices

Mark talks about listening to Newport’s latest book on his drive from Waterloo, ON to Cleveland, OH.

This book is a bid for Newport become the Marie Kondo of technology – to help people realize where digital technology bring value and where it takes away value.

Mark also shares how the book references the writing and philosophy of Henry David Thoreau, and shares a clip from a radio program he hosted in 2008 that asked how much more connected we could get.

[image error]Image from Mark’s CHML Talk Show Idol clip

He finds it startling how much MORE has happened since that 2008 reflection.

He then shares a concept for his own attempt at adapting some of Newport’s recommendations into his own digital life and at the importance of disconnecting from technology, connecting with the physical world, being in the moment, and the value and benefit that comes with allowing yourself to become bored.

As the show ends, Mark thanks new patron Leigh Anne Beckett, as well as all patrons and listeners to the show. He also shares the winners of the prizes for comments on Episodes 70 and 71.

Links of Interest

Cal Newport’s Website Cal Newport’s Books Henry David Thoreau: WALKINGFindaway Voices Blog post about Authors Direct Mark’s CHML Talk Show Idol Clip: Plugged In And Tuned OutStoryBundle “The Write Stuff” Bundle (limited time offer)Patreon for Stark ReflectionsStark Reflections Survey

Episode 72 – Treehouse Reflections with Sheena Cundy

Mark interviews Sheena Cundy, the author of the Witch Lit series of novels that include The Madness and the Magic and Bonkers and Broomsticks.

[image error]The Madness and the Magic



[image error]Bonkers and Broomsticks

Prior to the personal update, Mark shares a word from the episode’s sponsor, Findaway Voices – specifically about the promotional opportunities available through Voices Plus as well as the fact that Findaway is opening their Authors Direct beta up even wider.

Learn more about Findaway Voices

In his personal update Mark talks about:

The 12 hour delay in publishing of this episode due to meetings, taxes and Avengers: EndgameNo spoilers, just how much Mark enjoyed the new Avengers movie (and brief reflections on previous spoilers from The Empire Strikes Back and The Crying Game)His recent guest appearance on the Phantom Faction Podcast Visiting Cleveland for Rock Apocalypse event run by The Career Author Podcast folks J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon



[image error]Morrigans Path

In their interview, Mark and Sheena talk about:

The origin of Sheena’s treehouse and the different creative tasks she does in the treehouseSheena’s interest in promoting other creative people via her Treehouse TV YouTube videoThe band, Morrigan’s Path, that Sheena has played in for five yearsHer origin getting into the band with her husband as a lyrisist and vocalist based on her poetryThe “single release” strategy that the band has engaged in as a lead-in to the release of their third albumHow, even though they get paid to perform gigs, the band and the music has always been for the love of itSheena’s Witch Lit series (about a crazy witch having a mid-life crisis) which includes The Madness and the Magic and Bonkers and BroomsticksThe initial serialization of Sheena’s first book on a pagan blog after writing it during NaNoWriMoThe role of Mark Dawson’s Self-Publishing 101 course in helping Sheena evolve from traditional and into indie publishingHow Sheena divides up her time and schedule with her various creative activitiesThe DIY approach she has taken with her publishing tasks and scheduleThe timing of the release of Book 2 (Bonkers and Broomsticks) on May 1st with Beltane (“May Day”) a Gaelic pagan seasonal festivalSheena’s forthcoming visit to 20Books50K Edinburgh and her fascination with the ethos of that groupHow you can become like a sponge when you’re thirsty for learningThe importance of being with people who are already doing what you want to doThe value of networking and connecting with people in the flesh as well as on a 1:1 basisFocusing on your target audience and readersHow Witch Lit is defined as being Chick Lit with WitchesThe creativity that all of us have and the importance of trusting that it will find its own expression in its own format

After the interview, Mark reflects on what Sheena said about the importance of having good feedback and encouragement in your creative endeavors which helps provide the confidence to keep moving forward and to keep writing and to keep practicing.

Mark shares one of his own experiences of a fantastic high school English teacher, Gary Furhman, whose comment on a short story he wrote in Grade 11 had a profound and lasting impact on him.

Links of Interest

Sheena Cundy’s Website Music: https://morriganspath.bandcamp.com/ Morrigan’s PathVideo: TreehouseTV (YouTube)The Witch Lit Facebook GroupThe Witch Lit YouTube ShowPromo Video for lastest Morrigan’s Path Album Findaway Voices Blog post about Authors Direct CNET Article on when to take a pee break during Avengers: EndgamePublic Lending Right (PLR) Program CanadaAustraliaNew ZealandUnited Kingdom Episode 21 – Real World Connections in a Digital World with J. Thorn & Zach BohannonPhantom Faction Podcast – Episode 38 with Mark LeslieStoryBundle “The Write Stuff” Bundle (limited time offer)Patreon for Stark ReflectionsStark Reflections Survey



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Sheena Cundy is a witch, wife, mother, and musician. She teaches the Tarot, spiritual development and horse riding, and sings and writes songs for her pagan band – Morrigans Path. She is also the author of a non-fiction book The Magic of Nature Oracle and the Witch Lit series of novels that include The Madness and the Magic and Bonkers and Broomsticks. Sheena says that she wrote this debut novel to keep out of prison, a straitjacket and the divorce courts while battling with dodgy hormones during a mid-life crisis.

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 71 – A Buffet of Writing Advice with Patricia McLinn

In this episode, Mark interviews USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn about her three decades of experience in writing and publishing and the more than 50 books she has published.

[image error]Just SOME of Patricia’s novels . . .

Prior to the interview, Mark shares a word from the 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 the personal update section Mark shares the following:

A reminder about the Public Lending Right (PLR) Program for Canadian authors (and authors from UK, AU, NZ)An article he recently wrote for Hamilton Magazine (including a bit about the TV show The Hilarious House of Frightenstein )An interview he did with the guys from the Phantom Faction Podcast in Harriston, Ontario in a haunted theatreHis forthcoming visit to Book Expo America in New YorkAn update on the prize offered for commenters on Episode 70The deadline to comment on Episode 70 has been extended to the end of AprilA new StoryBundle called the Write Stuff 2019 Spring Bundle that is available until early May. A steal for $5 for 4 books or 15 for all 12 books plus a $50 online lecture. Listeners will have a chance to win this bundle by commenting on this episode

In their chat, Mark and Patricia talk about:

[image error]The Write Stuff Spring 2019 Bundle



The original publishers Patricia worked with when she had a few different series traditionally publishedHow hearing a talk at NINC given by Chris Anderson (who coined the concept of “The Long Tail” in his book of the same name) inspired Patricia to take a fresh look at the publishing industry and to consider indie publishing opportunitiesThe “A Writer’s Work” website Patricia created in 2009 as “insurance” in case the publishing industry went a little bonkersGetting the rights back for all of her previously released works (except for one German edition of a title)CONTROL being one of the main differences between traditional publishing and indie or self-publishingThe difference in timeframes and how publishers will sometimes sit on a manuscript for a yearThe reality of the “16 days” you had on the bookstore shelves with titles published in the Harlquin Silhouette imprintWhat clauses and types of contracts would have to have for Patricia to consider signing one again

Of course, mid-way through the interview, Patricia turns the table and starts asking Mark questions. After a brief section of talking about things publishers do well, and things they don’t do so well, Mark realizes what Patricia has done (she is a great podcast host and asks great questions), and turns the tables back on her. They then talk about:

vWhat dried wallpaper paste has to do with helping Patricia make the move towards writing and publishingThe one letter Patricia got back from an editor earlier in her career that said: “It’s clear that you know nothing about the publishing industry” but which also praised her writing style and offered fantastic adviceThe various elements of romance and mystery that Patricia likes to include in her writingHow Patricia feels that writing 3 to 5 books a year still isn’t enough to keep up with the characters and ideas floating through her mind



[image error]Authors Love Readers Podcast



The reasons why Patricia started the Authors Love Readers Podcast and how she wanted to model over a simple conversation with a writer where readers could eavestroughPatricia’s recent non-fiction book for writers called Survival Kit for Writers Who Don’t Write RightHow authors have approached Patricia with tears in their eyes after she delivered a presentation on this same topic because they thought they were the only ones who wrote in a more “pantsing” type of styleThe reason why Patricia has the book for sale for 99 cents on her own websitePatricia’s number one piece of advice for writers – that writing advice is a buffet. You can try a bit of this, a bit of that, go back for seconds of something else. YOU control the buffet

[image error]Link to Patricia’s Website – where this book is only $0.99

After the interview Mark reflects on the concept of writing advice being a buffet that authors can selectively pick and choose from.

Links of Interest

Patricia McLinn’s Website Patricia on TwitterPatricia’s Author Facebook PagePatricia’s PinterestPatricia on Instagram Patricia’s Podcast: Authors Love ReadersPatricia’s A Writer’s Work (…is never done) WebsiteFindaway VoicesPublic Lending Right (PLR) Program CanadaAustraliaNew ZealandUnited Kingdom The Hilarious House of FrightensteinPhantom Faction PodcastStoryBundle “The Write Stuff” Bundle (limited time offer)NINC (Novelists, Inc) ConferenceChris Anderson – The Long TailPatreon for Stark ReflectionsStark Reflections Survey



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USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn spent more than 20 years as an editor at the Washington Post after newspaper stints in Rockford, Ill., and Charlotte, N.C. She received BA and MSJ degrees from Northwestern University.

Now living in Northern Kentucky, McLinn loves to hear from readers through her website, Facebook and Twitter.

McLinn is the author of more than 47 published novels, which are cited by readers and reviewers for wit and vivid characterization. Her books include mysteries, romantic suspense, contemporary romance, historical romance and women’s fiction. They have topped bestseller lists and won numerous awards.

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 70 – A Buffet of Writing Advice with Patricia McLinn

In this episode, Mark interviews USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn about her three decades of experience in writing and publishing and the more than 50 books she has published.

[image error]Just SOME of Patricia’s novels . . .

Prior to the interview, Mark shares a word from the 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 the personal update section Mark shares the following:

A reminder about the Public Lending Right (PLR) Program for Canadian authors (and authors from UK, AU, NZ)An article he recently wrote for Hamilton Magazine (including a bit about the TV show The Hilarious House of Frightenstein )An interview he did with the guys from the Phantom Faction Podcast in Harriston, Ontario in a haunted theatreHis forthcoming visit to Book Expo America in New YorkAn update on the prize offered for commenters on Episode 70The deadline to comment on Episode 70 has been extended to the end of AprilA new StoryBundle called the Write Stuff 2019 Spring Bundle that is available until early May. A steal for $5 for 4 books or 15 for all 12 books plus a $50 online lecture. Listeners will have a chance to win this bundle by commenting on this episode

In their chat, Mark and Patricia talk about:

[image error]The Write Stuff Spring 2019 Bundle



The original publishers Patricia worked with when she had a few different series traditionally publishedHow hearing a talk at NINC given by Chris Anderson (who coined the concept of “The Long Tail” in his book of the same name) inspired Patricia to take a fresh look at the publishing industry and to consider indie publishing opportunitiesThe “A Writer’s Work” website Patricia created in 2009 as “insurance” in case the publishing industry went a little bonkersGetting the rights back for all of her previously released works (except for one German edition of a title)CONTROL being one of the main differences between traditional publishing and indie or self-publishingThe difference in timeframes and how publishers will sometimes sit on a manuscript for a yearThe reality of the “16 days” you had on the bookstore shelves with titles published in the Harlquin Silhouette imprintWhat clauses and types of contracts would have to have for Patricia to consider signing one again

Of course, mid-way through the interview, Patricia turns the table and starts asking Mark questions. After a brief section of talking about things publishers do well, and things they don’t do so well, Mark realizes what Patricia has done (she is a great podcast host and asks great questions), and turns the tables back on her. They then talk about:

vWhat dried wallpaper paste has to do with helping Patricia make the move towards writing and publishingThe one letter Patricia got back from an editor earlier in her career that said: “It’s clear that you know nothing about the publishing industry” but which also praised her writing style and offered fantastic adviceThe various elements of romance and mystery that Patricia likes to include in her writingHow Patricia feels that writing 3 to 5 books a year still isn’t enough to keep up with the characters and ideas floating through her mind



[image error]Authors Love Readers Podcast



The reasons why Patricia started the Authors Love Readers Podcast and how she wanted to model over a simple conversation with a writer where readers could eavestroughPatricia’s recent non-fiction book for writers called Survival Kit for Writers Who Don’t Write RightHow authors have approached Patricia with tears in their eyes after she delivered a presentation on this same topic because they thought they were the only ones who wrote in a more “pantsing” type of styleThe reason why Patricia has the book for sale for 99 cents on her own websitePatricia’s number one piece of advice for writers – that writing advice is a buffet. You can try a bit of this, a bit of that, go back for seconds of something else. YOU control the buffet

[image error]Link to Patricia’s Website – where this book is only $0.99

After the interview Mark reflects on the concept of writing advice being a buffet that authors can selectively pick and choose from.

Links of Interest

Patricia McLinn’s Website Patricia on TwitterPatricia’s Author Facebook PagePatricia’s PinterestPatricia on Instagram Patricia’s Podcast: Authors Love ReadersPatricia’s A Writer’s Work (…is never done) WebsiteFindaway VoicesPublic Lending Right (PLR) Program CanadaAustraliaNew ZealandUnited Kingdom The Hilarious House of FrightensteinPhantom Faction PodcastStoryBundle “The Write Stuff” Bundle (limited time offer)NINC (Novelists, Inc) ConferenceChris Anderson – The Long TailPatreon for Stark ReflectionsStark Reflections Survey



[image error]

USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn spent more than 20 years as an editor at the Washington Post after newspaper stints in Rockford, Ill., and Charlotte, N.C. She received BA and MSJ degrees from Northwestern University.

Now living in Northern Kentucky, McLinn loves to hear from readers through her website, Facebook and Twitter.

McLinn is the author of more than 47 published novels, which are cited by readers and reviewers for wit and vivid characterization. Her books include mysteries, romantic suspense, contemporary romance, historical romance and women’s fiction. They have topped bestseller lists and won numerous awards.

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 70 – Audiobook Collaboration with Danny Bell and Whitton Frank

In this episode, Mark interviews author Danny Bell and voice actor and model Whitton A. Frank about The Black Pages series that Danny writes and Whitton narrates.

[image error]Empty Threat – Book One of The Black Pages

Prior to the interview, Mark shares a word from the episode’s sponsor, Findaway Voices . . .

Learn more about Findaway Voices

In the personal update segment Mark shares an update on the work for the self-narrated audiobook version of The 7 P’s of Publishing Success as well as his recent guest spot on Episode 6 of Joanna Penn’s new Books & Travel Podcast.

In their chat, Danny, Whitton, and Mark talk about:

How the initial idea for “The Black Pages” came to Danny from a variety of sources, including something he reflected upon when watching Doctor Who.Danny’s interest in the deaths of secondary characters on various television shows in which are often shared as no big deal, whereas if the protagonist or their close friends suffered the same fate, it was a major trauma.Purposly not making the protagonist a straight white guyThe element of humor that is a part of the narrator in Empty Threat.How Elana is a black and white character in a morally grey universe and was created with a lot of room to grow through each book.The unique experience of Whitton as both the voice and the face of Elana Black.How Danny and Whitton clicked when they met at a party that neither of them had been in a mood to want to be at.The way that Danny started seeing Whitton in his head when he was writing the character of Elana.Whitton modeling for the concept art for the cover, which led to the cover designer asking if she would be the model in the actual shoot.Voice Over Atlanta, the biggest VO conference in the US that Elana just got back from.The plans for the release of book three in the series and the special “full cast” production of this one (with Whitton still as the main narrator).The debate over whether or not Elana needed to have a love interest in the first two booksAnd more . . .



[image error]Images from various The Black Pages photo shoot, and covers for the first two books

After the interview, Mark makes an offer to do a random giveaway to two people who comment on the show notes for Episode 70 at www.starkreflections.ca (IE, right here on this post).

Comments have to be posted by Noon EST on Thursday April 18th and eligible entries will be comments about one of the following:

What book would you love to escape into? (The way Elana can slip into a book)What secondary character from any fictional world (book, television, movie, etc) would you love to save? (The way Elena saves the lives of secondary characters)

Mark then reflects upon the concept of something Danny said in the interview: “The most important thing you can do is to FINISH.”

After, Mark shares a brief clip from the opening of Empty Threat.

Links of Interest

The Audiobook Mastering Guide (by Wesley Ingram)The 7 P’s of Publishing Success (Computer Narrated Version)Findaway VoicesThe Books and Travel Podcast Episode 6 – Macabre MontrealDanny Bell Author Central ProfileThe Black Pages on FacebookStar Wars Toy StoriesAnthony BrodeurWhitton Frank – WebsiteWhitton Frank – ACX Narrator ProfileGetting Published with Mark Leslie (The Writing Show Podcast Reality Series where Mark attempted to write A Canadian Werewolf in New York while being tracked and interviewed about his progress)Patreon for Stark ReflectionsStark Reflections Survey



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Danny Bell is the USA Today Best Selling Author and Amazon #1 Best Selling Author of The Black Pages and he nearly had an out of body experience when he realized that the song Mr. Brightside by The Killers is thirteen years old and that would surely mean that he was also older than thirteen. Older than double in fact! Certainly not triple.

He has three cats, Mister, Jameson, and Koala, and they all tolerate each other. He would never compare himself to Robocop, why would he do that? He plans to continue to write books forever with hope that one day there will be a Quantum Leap style thing where Dr. Sam Beckett will help fix his life, or failing that, the time-traveling ghost of Samuel Beckett, the author, will tell him that he has been pronouncing ‘Godot’ wrong the whole time. He isn’t sure why anyone ever wants a bio, but if you’re willing to read random things about him that may or may not be true, he’s willing to provide you with them.

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Whitton Frank performed in her first show when she was 8 years old, and spent her summers through her high school studying at theAmerican Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco.After majoring in Acting and Creative Writing at Carnegie Mellon University, Whitton travelled to Russia to study at the Moscow Art Theatre.

Following this Whitton moved to Los Angeles and was subsequently discovered by Tony Basil. This meeting led to her role in the US TV series ‘Cold Case’ and the films ‘Amnesia’ and ‘Who Are You?’, both of which won awards at various film festivals around the USA.

In 2016 Whitton launched her own production company Red Compass productions which is dedicated to promoting women in film and theater and telling their stories. The Company produced a revival of the 1970’s hit Out of Our Father’s House, which tells the stories of American women, in their own words. They have also produced a short dark comedy/horror film called Seeing Green, which is currently making the rounds at film festivals.

She can been seen in the TNT hit, Murder in the First Season 3 acting opposite Curry Grahm, as the lovable and quirky Jenna Laffy.

Also in 2016 she did voice over for the Star Wars Fan Film: Star Wars Toy Stories Rogue One. voicing Jyn Urso and Rei. This stop motion film has been screening and winning awards at conventions and film festivals around the world. For their work, the cast was invited to present it at Comic Con in San Diego. In the past two years she has narrated 5 audiobooks and is working on several more. You can check out her work on audible.com.

Episode 69 – Publishing Predictions from 2009

In this solo episode, Mark shares an article that he’d had published in the summer of 2009 when he was asked to make a prediction about something that likely wouldn’t exist in publishing ten years later.

WARNING: This episode contains a short clip of Mark singing a parody version of “Summer of ’69” by Bryan Adams. (He couldn’t help it. Song lyrics haunt his brain. The minute he mentioned the summer of 2009, the classic Adams song came to mind.)

[image error]Mark getting a little Reckless

Prior to the interview, Mark shares a word from the episode’s sponsor, Findaway Voices by talking about the sources of his latest payment from Findaway Voices, which don’t include the big players, like Audible or Apple, or Google, or Kobo.

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.

As an introduction to the article read in this episode, Mark shares the back-story of how he wrote article for an online magazine called The Mark News (no relation) on the topic of publishing and bookselling. This had been back when he was on the Board of Directors for the Canadian Booksellers Association, an active member of a couple of Campus Bookstore associations as well, and heavily involved in using the print-on-demand technology of The Espresso Book Machine in a bookstore in Hamilton, Ontario.

The reason Mark started thinking about the article in question was because of a sale he noticed on Kindle for the book that the article was republished in. A 2011 volume called Living at the Tip: Navigating the Digital Tipping Point of the Book World.

[image error]Living at the Tip: Navigating the Digital Tipping Point of the Book World

This book is something Mark published in the space of a few hours when Kindle first announced KDP Select, their exclusivity program. He collected the articles together, used Amazon’s cover generation tool and published it, just to have a title in the program at all times.

In the article being shared, Mark explains the basic workings of territorial rights and how it has historically operated with publishers in various countries, agents, and authors.

He also shares his own frustration with the fake virtual borders in a digital world that don’t seem necessary because the old ones were based on warehousing books inside the borders of a country after they were shipped there, or the rights were acquired for that territory.

In a digital world, the shipping of dead trees from continent to continent is not an issue, and, therefore, is something that Mark speculated SHOULD begin to disappear ten years from when he wrote it in 2009.

He goes on to explain how self-published and indie authors and smaller publishers have embraced the new digital world in ways that the major or larger publishers haven’t. This is most likely due to the fact that big publishers are heavily invested in printing, stocking and shipping physical books, which represents the majority of their revenue.

Links of Interest

Living at the Tip (Amazon link)Reflections on Digital Publishing (Video clips from an interview with Mark in 2012)Mark’s Super-Brief History of Publishing (a breif excerpt from a talk about the Future of Publishing from a 2014 Writers of the Future Awards ceremony – HINT: Mark’s predication was that it would involve more collaboration than ever before)Findaway VoicesBryan Adams WebsiteMusic video for “Summer of ’69”Episode 004 – Interview with Robert J. Sawyer on Author BrandingEpisode 032 – Interview with C C Humphreys on Hybrid PublishingPatreon for Stark ReflectionsStark Reflections Survey

The song “Summer of ’69” was performed by Bryan Adams. It was written by Bryan Adams and Jim Vallance, a long-time writing partner of Adams. It was produced by Bryan Adams and Bob Clearmountain and released in June 1985 by A&M Records as the fourth-single from the album Reckless.

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 68 – Mastering Book Descriptions and Amazon Ads with Brian Meeks

In this episode, Mark interviews Brian Meeks, author of Mastering Amazon Ads and Mastering Amazon Descriptions. The interview was recorded during a Facebook Live video on the Stark Publishing Facebook page.

[image error]A Screen shot of Brian and Mark chatting

Prior to the interview, Mark shares a word from the episode’s sponsor, Findaway Voices . . .

Learn more about Findaway Voices

In his personal update, Mark talks about a recent 40% off Box Set promotion that he and author Sean Costello had with Kobo for one of Sean’s digital box sets.

[image error]A Tweet about the recent Kobo promo

He also shares how they added their own push for the promo, and how sending a newsletter blast about it helped them sell more copies not just on Kobo, but also on Kindle, Apple and Nook, just by being inclusive and including links to the major retailers as well as a Books2Readhttp://books2read.com/costellothrillerpack link.

[image error]The Books2Read link for Sean’s Thriller Box Set

Mark talks about the detailed analysis of the promo which he published for Patreon supporters of the podcast and thanks them for their ongoing support.

In their chat, Mark and Brian talk about:

How Brian once put off launching a fiction title for 60 days because he wanted to avoid the task of writing the product descriptionHow a description done correctly will convert at about 1 in 10 (1:10) – ie, ten views of an ad will result in a click through to the product by a potential customerThe most common problems that authors face when trying to write their book product descriptionThe idea of using previous or existing reviews of a book to find hints and clues to what made the book special to readersWays authors can practice writing or creating compelling product descriptionsThe ultimate goal of a product description, which is to get a potential reader to READ your bookCreating a logline that can be used as an “elevator pitch”How the formatting of a description can be as important as the words used in that descriptionHow the main goal of the FIRST line (or opening hook) of a product description is to get the reader to read the SECOND lineThe concept of the call to action to request the reader to “buy” or “get” the book todayBrian’s story of the “miracle product description”How customers don’t care so much the difference between $2.99 or $4.99 and that their TIME in reading the book is something they consider more valuable, more preciousThe concept of variance, and how it can take 1000 clicks before you have enough data to accurately measure the results of a data setAmazon Ads for authors who are published exclusively to Kindle (KDP Select and part of Kindle Unlimited) VS authors who publish their books “wide” to all retail platformsWhy an author shouldn’t spend more than 90 seconds writing up their advertising copyWhat is a good place to start or to learn how Amazon Advertising works for youThe critical importance of patience and setting expectations and how much investment of time and energy it takes to perfect the processHow “Bid Plus” is a terrible idea for authors to use in Amazon AdvertisingHow Brian gives about 7 to 10 days for an ad to see if they are “getting turned on” and, if it isn’t, he kills itThe differences of playing within the Amazon Advertising world today compared to how it used to be

In his post-interview reflections, Mark talks about three things from the chat that stuck with him.

The idea of NOT using the “Bid Plus” option when creating Amazon Advertising AdsThe concept of having a first line / log line of 4 to 6 words to grab the attention of a potential reader in your book descriptionThe methodology of incorporating elements from reader reviews of your book when revising your book’s blurb

Links of Interest

Brian’s Website Mastering Amazon Ads Facebook GroupMastering Amazon Descriptions Facebook GroupBrian’s Amazon Page The Facebook Live video for the interview segment of this podcastFindaway VoicesPatreon for Stark ReflectionsStark Reflections Survey



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Brian D. Meeks likes to tell a story.

He takes joy in crafting the silly, sprinkling on a bit of the
absurd, and mixing in a dose of unexpected. When he does it well…there
will be laughter.

He enjoys words. He likes their meaning, their sound, the cadence of
them in groups, and how, when wielded with a deft touch, they can stop
time. A tear wrought from the pages of a novel is like a magic elixir.

He wants you to wonder what comes next…to sense the excitement of a journey as it unfolds.

Beyond just writing novels, he has learned that there is much joy to be had on the publishing end, too. He’s also found that writing novels is the easy part…selling them is where the real challenge lies. Over the last few years he’s gotten a handle on publishing/marketing and enjoys writing about his discoveries along the way. He wants to help others discover the joys that come with writing and publishing…to realize their own dreams

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 67 – Rut-Busting for Writers with Nancy Christie

In this episode, Mark interviews Nancy Christie, the author of the award-winning book Rut-Busting for Writers.

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

Learn more about Findaway Voices



[image error]Revised feel for the book covers

. . . including the recent project he has completed there, an audiobook being read by Scott Overton for Mark’s 10,000 word short story “This Time Around.”

Mark talks about using Findaway Voices to get this audiobook created as well as having a different narrator finishing off the work on the novel A Canadian Werewolf in New York via ACX. Mark shares that he’ll be publishing via ACX to Audible and then using Findaway Voices to distribute the audiobook for A Canadian Werewolf in New York to all the other audiobook retail and library channels, which include Kobo Audio, Apple Books, Google Play, OverDrive and many many others.

Mark transitions into his personal update which includes details about working on a new story in his “Canadian Werewolf” universe. He talks about the tale “Stowe Away” which is writing for a “monster road trip” themed anthology in the Amazing Monster Tales anthology series. (The first book, which Mark also had a story appear in, was Dawn of the Monsters.)

Mark describes the story “Stowe Away,” which he is about 1500 words into writing, as Planes, Trains & Automobiles meets Logan.

He also shares some of the work he has done reworking the cover for A Canadian Werewolf in New York and the short story “This Time Around” to include a ghosted in wolf image (giving the book a bit more of an urban fantasy look and feel).

Mark also shares the fact that the crud he picked up in Vegas is still with him, and earlier that day, he finally made it in to the Doctor’s office and was prescribed antibiotics to finally help get rid of the cough that seems to refuse to leave.

In their conversation, Mark and Nancy talk about:

Nancy’s passion for writing that started in the 2nd gradeHow she had never planned on being an author until she “accidentally” published her first bookThe two years of personal journal entries she started when her mother was diagnosed with cancer in 1999 and how that evolved into a book projectThe Rut-Busting workshops Nancy had been offering which ended up being adapted into a bookStrategies for dealing with procrastinationThe concept of creating a writing roadmapThe importance of consistency with devoting the time to writingThe value of the 30 minute / 30 day strategy that Nancy recommendsThe writing toolbox and the objects Nancy uses from them in a writing workshopAnd more . . .



[image error]Rut-Busting Book for Writers

After the interview, Mark reflects on a few things Nancy said, including the concept of “just get started” as well as the idea of making time to write for 30 minutes every day for 30 days.

Links of Interest

Nancy Christie’s Website
Nancy’s Author Profile on FacebookNancy on TwitterNancy on PinterestNancy on InstagramNancy on YouTube Nancy’s Blog Article on Book Launch TipsFindaway VoicesScott OvertonPatreon for Stark ReflectionsStark Reflections Survey







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Nancy Christie is the author of the award-winning Rut-Busting Book for Writers, Traveling Left of Center and Other Stories and The Gifts Of Change. Her short stories and essays have appeared in numerous print and online publications.

Peripheral Visions and Other Stories, Christie’s second short fiction collection, won a second place award in the prestigious 2018 Royal Palm Literary Award Competition. It’s scheduled for publication in 2020 by Unsolicited Press. She is currently working on Rut-Busting Book for Authors, a companion book to Rut-Busting Book for Writers, that will be released Fall 2019.

A professional writer based in Ohio, Christie provides copywriting services to agencies, businesses and organizations nationwide through her company, Professional Writing Services.

A member of the American Society of Journalists and Authors, Florida Writers Association and Short Fiction Writers Guild (SFWG), Christie teaches writing workshops at conferences, libraries and schools. She is also the founder of the annual “Celebrate Short Fiction” Day (www.nancychristie.com/focusonfiction/...).

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