Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing

Mark interviews author Julie Hiner about creating an unforgettable book event for a book launch.

Prior to the interview Mark shares a brief personal update a word from this episode's sponsor.

This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use code MARK10 at checkout and save 10% off your own personalize...

Mark interviews Daryn Brito, an advocate, writer, and researcher dedicated to supporting those who have faced trauma and adversity about her work and her new book THE BECOMING: UNREPEATABLE MIRACLE, WHO ARE YOU?

Prior to the interview Mark shares a brief personal update a word from this episode's sponsor, and a trigger warning for listeners.

In this episode Mark interviews Ka-Yee Essoe about the power of stories to instil empathy, resilience, joy, and hope, based on her experiences in the academic world, in research, in teaching, and in writing an epic fantasy novel.

Prior to the interview Mark shares a brief personal update and word from this episode's sponsor.

In this short solo episode Mark shares a "Rambling Reflection From The Road" while at Superstars Writing Seminars talking about the important signals that seemed to come at the right time:

• Your feelings are valid
• Your opinions matter
• You are irreplaceable
• Your best is enough
• It's okay to take a break
• You are loved

Links of Interest:

• EP 459 - Creating Experiences in Art and Story with Tanya Hales
• Superstars Writing...

In this episode Mark interviews author and artist Tanya Hales.

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

This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use code MARK10 at checkout and save 10% off your own personali...

In this brief bonus episode Mark shares an annual "Push for Better" Push-Up challenge he has joined for the third Feb in a row and the fact he has created a team that others can join.

The Push-Up Challenge is one that combines fun physical activity (2000 pushups between Feb 5 and Feb 27, 2026) with support for Mental Health Awareness and fundraising.

Mark interviews Scott from The Patrick Scott Patterson Project Podcast.

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

This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use code MARK10 at checkout and save 10% off your own ...

In this solo episode, Mark reads a new article entitled:

The Published Novelist Saves Schrödinger's Cat! How to Improve the Odds Before You Open the Box—OR—What Writers Can Control While Their Book's Fate Remains Uncertain

Links of Interest:

• Substack Article Link
• The Dialogue Doctor
• Manuscript Report (Mark's affiliate link - use MARK10 to save 10%)
• Buy Mark a Coffee
• Patreon for Stark Reflections
• Mark's YouTube channel
• ElevenL...

Mark interviews Tara Cremin, Director of Kobo Writing Life about Kobo, Kobo Plus, and the self-publishing platform Kobo Writing Life (KWL).

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

This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use code MARK10 at...

Mark interviews award-winning author Darcy Pattison about publishing childrens' books.

In their conversation, Mark and Darcy talk about:

• Darcy's background on getting into being an author of children's book
• The 70 books Darcy has written in the past 13 years
• The number of different illustrators Darcy has worked with over the years
• The Moments in Science picture books Darcy has written with along with the specific illustrator w...

Mark reflects on the anniversary of the first episode of this podcast, which took place on Jan 5, 2018.

Links of Interest:

• EP 001 - New Year, New Reflections
• Substack Article: Eight Years, 452 Episodes, and One Simple Truth
• Manuscript Report (Mark's affiliate link - use MARK10 to save 10%)
• Buy Mark a Coffee
• Patreon for Stark Reflections
• Mark's YouTube channel
• ElevenLabs (AI Voice Generation - Affiliate link)
• Mark's Stark Refle...

In this solo episode Mark outlines a dozen tips to consider when setting realistic goals.

Links of Interest:

• EP 451 - Tales from the Backburnder: A Pair of Messages to Readers
• Draft2Digital Self Publishing Insiders - Jan 1, 2026 Episode (YouTube)
• Manuscript Report (Mark's affiliate link - use MARK10 to save 10%)
• Buy Mark a Coffee
• Patreon for Stark Reflections
• Mark's YouTube channel
• ElevenLabs (AI Voice Generation - Affiliate l...

In this solo episode Mark shares a couple of recent messages to readers in the hopes that it inspired other authors with ideas of the types of things that their readers might find interesting.

The two examples are:

1) Mark's introduction to his recent collection of stupid dad jokes (and how that can tie to the use of making the local community the "hero" or "focus"

2) Mark's recent author newsletter with a gift for readers and the ...

Mark interviews Jarrett Mazza about his action/thriller novels and his mercenary-style approach to writing.

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

This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use code MARK10 at ...

In this solo episode, Mark reads from an article that he recently shared on the Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing Substack page.

This is be Part 2 of a two-part series of episodes. (See Part 1)

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

In this solo episode, Mark reads from an article that he recently shared on the Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing Substack page.

This will be Part 1 of a two-part series of episodes.

Prior to the main content of this episode, Mark shares a personal update, a comment from a recent episode, and a word from this episode's sponsor.

Mark interviews J.D. Barker about his writing and publishing journey and his many collaborations over the years, including with James Patterson, and the unique publishing and distribution collaboration with Simon & Schuster that combines the best of the self-publishing and the traditional publishing worlds.

Mark interviews Meaghan Smith about the new children's book IT SNOWED that she wrote and illustrated, which was inspired by her popular holiday song of the same name. This Juno-Award winning singer-songwriter shares her many creative passions for music, writing, and art.