Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing

Latest Episodes:

EP 233 - Sinking Your Teeth Into Reader Interaction with E.E. Judd Feb 04, 2022

Show notes

Mark interviews author E.E. Judd about her new novel, TEETH, her writing life, and interacting with her readers.

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

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 and Elise talk about:

The humor that Elise puts in her biography and how it's indicative of the tongue-in-cheek snark in her fiction as well as in her author newsletter
Her new novel TEETH, the first in the series, and the creation of the prequel story "reader magnet"
How Elise has always loved the werewolf genre, and the werewolf books by Patricia Briggs and Kelley Armstrong
Enjoying blood and guts, and action, and monsters
The decision to release her books under the "gender neutral" pseudonym E.E. Judd
The main character, Danielle Waters, who is a naive werewolf with no idea of the world of the other supernaturals that exist
Why Canada is the perfect setting for werewolf novels
The dojo she helps her husband run and their theory of "if it's useful learn it; if it's useful, use it"
Realistic and realism in fight scenes that Elise writes
Deciding upon what parts of the werewolf mythology and to leverage in her novels
How much Elise appreciates Brandon Sanderson's "Laws of Magic"
The frequency of communicating with her readers via her author newsletter
Wanting to write stories since she was a kid
How Elise considers NaNoWriMo a gift from the heavens
Elise's perspective on how social media is a great way to interact with existing readers
The importance of a supportive community for a writer
Writing by plotting line by line or writing by exploring how a scene should feel
Advice Elise would give to beginning writers
And more...

After the interview, Mark reflects on Elise's use of her newsletter and social media as a way to engage with and entertain her readers, rather than trying to sell to them. He also talks about her advice on the importance of finishing.

Links of Interest:

E.E. Judd writes badass fantasy. She's into reading (shocking!), video games, plants, sarcasm, and stories with blood and guts. Her energetic golden retriever, Akamaru, makes sure she moves enough to keep her soft little writer's body in shape.

She majored in Computer Programming in university, and then made good use of that education by deciding to write novels. In her spare time, she helps her husband run a dojo from their home, and knows enough jujitsu to get her in trouble (but not enough to get her out of it).

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

EP 232 - From Script Writer to Novelist with David Boito Jan 28, 2022

Show notes

Mark interviews David Boito, a screenwriter and novelist about his new novel VALLEY FLIERS, writing screenplays and scripts, and so much more.

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

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 and David talk about:

What you call the role of a flyer
The similarities with the way that a radio controlled model aircraft has with a full scale aircraft
How David first got interested in RC controlled aircraft and the nearby Apollo 11 Flight field
e inspiration to write a story based on this intriguing locale
Initially beginning to write this novel in screenplay format and then later adapting it into a novel
David's other script work, including writing an episode of the last 1980s TV sitcom Head of the Class starring Howard Hesseman
How, once you have the screenplay you have a solid outline
Making the decision to self publish and where David turned (Reedsy)
How spying in the Hitchcock "Rear Window" era is significantly different with spying that can be done via modern drones
The difference between flying a drone and flying an aviation model aircraft
Advice David would offer to authors thinking of writing a novel or screenplay
And more...

After the interview, Mark reflects on the craft skills and IP leverage that can come from creating a screenplay, as well as those manuscripts that stay locked in a drawer.

Links of Interest:

David Boito resides with his wife and son in the San Fernando Valley suburb of Los Angeles, near the miniature airfield that inspired Valley Fliers, his debut novel. He is a longtime fan of aviation and always looks to the sky as a plane goes by. David also works as a screenwriter and has authored short stories. He has been published in the UCLA literary journal, Westwind, among others.

EP 231 - Reflective Round Table Jan 2022 - Content That Should Be in a Writing Course Jan 24, 2022

Show notes

Part of series of bonus "Reflective Round Table" episodes that are discussions between Mark and a selection of patrons of the podcast.

This episode is sponsored by the patrons of the Stark Reflections podcast who support this podcast at:

https://patreon.com/starkreflections

In this episode, Mark chats with:

Links of Interest:

EP 230 - Jacob Hess on Character Development, Story, & The Hero's Journey Jan 21, 2022

Show notes

Mark interviews author Jacob Hess about character development, world-building and The Hero's Journey.

Prior to the main content, Mark shares a personal update, a cautionary tale about making POD titles returnable, and a word about this episode's sponsor.

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 and Jacob talk about:

Jacob's initial interest in world-building and character development through imaginative play as a child
How his love for stories eventually merged with a later love of reading that he developed
Describing his fictional world as a mix between Star Wars and Lord of the Rings
The passion Jacob has for the Hero's Journey and how that came from his discovery of Shawn Coyne's The Story Grid
Having Lord of the Rings read to him as a child, and then enjoying re-reading it as an adult
A quote from Tolkien with a unique perspective on story that inspired Jacob
The importance of the transformation process and Jacob's desire to want the reader to face the same change that the character in the story faces
How, after writing the foolscap page for a novel, Jacob likes to discover a lot of the story by just starting to write it
The way that his world-building comes out of his story and the characters having to interact with the world around them
The elements of "essential action" and how that works within each scene of a story
Thinking of storytelling like chipping away at a slab of marble or clay until it looks the way you've envisioned
The short story readers can get for free by signing up on Jacob's website
How Jacob manages his time for writing with working a full time job
And more...

After the interview Mark reflects on the importance of each scene's "essential action" in a story and how he is thinking about it in different ways to help him become a better writer.

He also shares an update about the returned-books issue.

Links of Interest:

Jacob Hess grew up in Oregon and became a Christian at a young age. God has continued to display His faithfulness to Jacob throughout his life; a journey deeper and deeper into grace. Jacob received a Master of Divinity from Western Seminary in Portland, Oregon and moved to Seattle, Washington with his wife where he works as a minister in the local church. Jacob's years in school grew his passion for writing and reading, but he has always had a love for stories, whether they're told with pen and page or the rhythms and rhymes of song. He agrees with J. R. R. Tolkien when he writes, "the Pot of Soup, the Cauldron of Story, has always been boiling, and to it have continually been added new bits, dainty and undainty," (On-Fairy-Stories, p. 45). As humans we simply cannot seem to escape a need to tell stories, a desire to reach beyond ourselves and connect to the deeper truths of who we are and what it means to live a life of meaning.

EP 229 - The Multiple Genres and Publishing Paths of Michelle Rowen/Morgan Rhodes Jan 14, 2022

Show notes

Mark interview Michelle Rowen/Morgan Rhodes about her different pen names, the genres she writes, her publishing journey, and her latest novel, ECHOES & EMPIRES.

Prior to the main content, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update that includes devastating news of the loss of a writer friend, along with some good news related to his writing, the results of a recent Chirp audiobook promotion, and a word about this episode's sponsor.

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 and Michelle talk about:

ECHOES AND EMPIRES, Michelle's new alt-world fantasy under the name Morgan Rhodes
Michelle's thoughts on the difference between her Michelle Rowen and Morgan Rhodes pseudonyms and the different genres under each
Being inspired by Buffy's drama, action, and humor
The "fallen princess" phase or theme that keeps coming up in her writing lately
The way the covers properly and effectively highlight the genre similarities and differences
Michelle's prolific 4 to 5 books a year era when she was writing her paranormal chick-lit style lighter Michelle Rowen books, and how that changed to 1 book a year working on the Fallen Kingdoms titles
The lead time on trad publishing and how it differs from indie publishing
Getting her first starred review from School Library Journal
The challenge of not revealing the many plot twists in her novels when she talks about them with media
Getting rights back on some of her previously traditionally published titles and the steps and work involved in re-launching them, including having to re-edit them based on updated "sensitivity" perspectives
Michelle's dreams of being a writer (Romancing the Stone) versus the reality
Her discovery of the power of plotting (verses pantsing)
Advice Michelle would give to new writers
Michelle's take on "write what you know"
And more...

After the interview Mark reflects on Michelle's dedication to her fans and her professionalism.

Links of Interest:

Morgan Rhodes is the New York Times bestselling author of the YA high fantasy Falling Kingdoms series, and loves to write about the epic adventures of the quirky, interesting characters who inhabit her imagination. She also writes as Michelle Rowen, a bestselling and award-winning author of over two dozen novels. A former graphic designer drawn to sparkly objects and fancy handbags, Morgan lives in Ontario, Canada, where she maintains a very healthy belief in all things magical. Her latest novel is Echoes and Empires, a young adult alt-world fantasy published by Razorbill Books.

EP 228 - Goals & Achievements Retrospective for 2021 Jan 07, 2022

Show notes

In this episode, Mark looks back at his 2021 goals and achievements, outlining the successes, the failures, and the unexpected.

Prior to the main content, Mark shares comments from recent episodes and also shares a word about this episode's sponsor.

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

A high level overview of Mark's 2021 Goals

Stated 2021 Goals

1 - Publish FEAR AND LONGING IN LOS ANGELES (Completed Feb 2021) (In addition - Pub'd FRIGHT NIGHTS BIG CITY

2 - Publish WIDE FOR THE WIN (Completed March 2021) - had to push pub date back from Jan 26 to March 16

3 - Publish LOVER'S MOON (novelette/novella) (Didn't do it)

4 - Stark Publishing Solutions - Unnamed book for writers (Completed Aug 2021)

5 - Stark Publishing Solutions - Unnamed book 2 for writers (Didn't do it)

6 - Publish SCREAMING SKULLS X (Didn't do it)

7 - Publish GHOSTLY GANANOQUE X (Didn't do it)

8 - Considering another anthology (Didn't do it)

9 - Expanding Stark Publishing into something bigger - Author A - One book (Sarah Kades - Kiss Me in the Rain) - Author B - Delayed until 2022 - Author C - still a work in progress

10 - Special un-named project (Planes, Trains and Automobiles)

(Didn't do it)

Mark also shares some of the high level %'s of his 2021 eBook income, including % of sales at Amazon, Kobo, Apple, B&N, Google, and other places.

Links of Interest:

EP 227 - Publishing Trends and Reflections for 2022 Dec 30, 2021

Show notes

Mark reads from a 2000 word article he wrote when asked to discuss publishing trends for 2022.

Prior to the main content, Mark, using an AI voice double (Overdub) from Descript to speak the words he has typed, explains why he is using a voice double for the interstitial parts of the podcast, and also shares a word about this episode's sponsor.

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

Links of Interest:

EP 226 - Reflective Round Table December 2021 Dec 23, 2021

Show notes

The first in a new series of "Reflective Round Table" discussions between Mark and a selection of patrons of the podcast.

This episode is sponsored by the patrons of the Stark Reflections podcast who support this podcast at:

https://patreon.com/starkreflections

In this episode, Mark chats with:

Matty Dalrymple
Shari Decter Hirst (writing as Sherilyn Decter)
Jeff Elkins
Kathy Mac

In their conversation Mark, Matt, Shari, Jeff, and Kathy talk about

The importance of a strong narrative question/theme for a book and/or series
Different planning processes as we hurtle toward 2022
Timelines/stressors/deadlines where editorial input is shortchanged
And a few other things in between

Links of Interest:

EP 225 - Writing Personal Experience in Fiction with Ami Sands Brodoff Dec 17, 2021

Show notes

Mark interviews Ami Sands Brodoff, the award-winning author of three novels and two story collections about her latest book, The Sleep of Apples and the stories and books she has written over the years.

Prior to the main content, Mark discusses recent comments, welcomes new patron Jared Nelson, shares a personal update, and a word about this episode's sponsor.

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 and Ami talk about:

Ami as a "late-bloomer" writer who had worked on a number of short stories for years before working on a novel
The encouragement, including a nomination for The Pushcart Prize that happened early on with Ami's first published story
Being invited to The Algonquin Hotel in New York for lunch with some editors
Asking herself is this the career I want to be doing no matter what
The related anchor job that Ami had for guaranteed writing money coming in while she did freelance work
Adapting real-life circumstances into her first novel, Can You See Me?
How the stories in The Sleep of Apples are linked by a neighborhood, whereas in a previous collection, it was a theme that unified the stories
The concept of neighborhoods in cities like Montreal and New York
The amazing critical acclaim for The Sleep of Apples and how publicist can snowball
Various workshops that Ami has lead over the years
Tapping into the stories that other people want to share and tell
Advice Ami would have for beginning writers
And more...

After the interview Mark reflects on the idea of how publicist can snowball, or how a lot of hard work can lead to those "viral" things.

Links of Interest:

Ami Sands Brodoff is the award-winning author of three novels and two story collections. Her latest novel-in-stories, The Sleep of Apples, centres on 9 closely-linked characters confronting crises related to mental illness, mortality--sooner rather than later--and gender identity.

Ami's novel, In Many Waters, grapples with our world-wide refugee crisis. The White Space Between, which focuses on a mother and daughter struggling with the impact of the Holocaust won The Canadian Jewish Book Award for Fiction. Bloodknots, a volume of thematically-linked stories was a finalist for the ReLit Award.

Ami leads workshops for teens, adults, and seniors. She has taught writing to formerly incarcerated women and to people grappling with mental illness. Ami has been awarded fellowships to Yaddo, the Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, The Virginia Center for the Creative Arts, Ragdale Foundation, and St. James Cavalier Arts Centre for Creativity (Malta).

Ami lives in Montreal with her partner, children and high energy Brittany Spaniel Xeno.

EP 224 - Being an Independent Publisher and Bookseller with Heather Campbell Dec 10, 2021

Show notes

Mark interviews Heather Campbell co-founder and publisher at Latitude 46 Publishing, and owner of a brand-new indie bookstore in Sudbury, Ontario.

Prior to the main content, Mark shares some recent comments, a personal update, and shares a word about this episode's sponsor.

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 and Heather talk about:

Heather's long love of reading and books, and her engagement in the Sudbury, Ontario writing community
Deciding to start Latitude 46 when Scrivener Press decided to close shop
How Heather got into learning about publishing, distribution, and self-publishing twelve years ago by helping a friend out with her book
Celebrating Latitude 46's 7th anniversary on March 22, 2022
How often a regional/local publisher has to start off doing it part time and with funding support from arts councils, etc
The average number of submissions rec'd versus books published
The way that Heather, as a publisher, seeks to have a collaborative relationship with her writers
Advice for authors looking to submit to Latitude 46
The mandate to publish authors either from or with strong ties to Northern Ontario and mid-Northern Ontario
Heather's decision to open up a downtown independently operated bookstore as part of a 4 month opportunity by the city called "Zero Vacancy" to help revitalize the downtown core
Some of the other artisan and local artist merchandise carried in the store
An imprint from Latitude 46 that Heather uses when the title doesn't have a literary bend to it
Authors who have come in to sign books and the store as well as forthcoming planned author visits
Heather's thought that writers could benefit from going and working in a bookstore, even briefly, to understand what that experience is like
The question of "is this publishable" that publishers often ask when a manuscript is presented
Toni Morrison's long term "teamwork" based relationship with her editor

After the interview Mark reflects on the importance of understanding a publishers vision and mandate as well as the idea of how writers can benefit from in person bookstore experience.

Links of Interest:

Heather Campbell has spent over 25 years in communications and freelance writing, specializing in issues relevant to Northern Ontario communities. A graduate of York University (BA Sociology '92), she has combined her education, experience and 'need to initiate' by starting a local chapter of the Professional Writers Association of Canada and the Wordstock Sudbury Literary Festival. Joining forces with another local writer to start a new publishing house for the North is a natural extension of how she can contribute to creating a thriving literary scene in Northern Ontario.

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