Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
Perspectives and reflections on the writing and publishing life. Mark Leslie Lefebvre, a writer, bookseller, digital publishing advocate, professional speaker, and publishing consultant explores inclusive and collaborative opportunities for writers and book publishing professionals via interviews, discussions, and reflections about the industry. (Mark's personal website is www.markleslie.ca)
Episodes
Mark interviews Malorie Cooper, who writes under the name M.D. Cooper, about the various things that fascinate and inspire her writing.
Prior to the interview, Mark shares a brief personal update and a word about this episode's sponsor.
This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use code MARK5 a...
In this episode Mark interviews Joshua Smyser and Alex Hale of Blue Feathered Quill Publishing.
Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, welcome a new patron (S.K. Randolph), offers a personal update, and a word about this episode's sponsor.
This episode's sponsor:
In this solo episode, Mark reflects on the power that writers bring to a divided world.
Prior to the reflection, Mark shares a word about this episode's sponsor.
This episode's sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use code MARK5 at checkout and save $5.00 off your own personalized...
Mark interviews John Gaspard about his book HELD OVER: HAROLD AND MAUDE AT THE WESTGATE THEATER.
Prior to the interview Mark shares a personal update and a word about this episode's sponsor.
This episode's sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use code MARK5 at checkout and save $5...
In this episode Mark interviews Phil Marshall, the author of the recently released science fiction novel Taming the Perilous Skies and the founder of Spoken, a platform that removes numerous audiobook production barriers for indie authors and small publishers.
Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments, a personal update, and a word about this episode's sponsor.
Mark interviews A.L. Wahdel, a crime thriller writer brings Toronto’s soul to life in his fiction. They talk about his new book TOO DARK FOR THE LIGHT, about his writing, about police work, and about the importance of community, connection, and creativity.\
Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update and a word about this episode's sponsor.
This episode's sponsor:
Read moreMark interviews writer, producer, and celebrity publicist William J Bruce III.
Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update, comments, and a word about this episode's sponsor.
This episode's sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use code MARK5 at checkout and save $5.00 of...
This episode features a rambling reflection that Mark recorded on part of an unexpected and unplanned four-day road trip from Calgary, Alberta to Waterloo, Ontario.
When Mark was in Calgary, Alberta for the When Words Collide conference, Air Canada went on strike and all flights were canceled. Finding himself unable to get home (without having to pay for 4 nights in a hotel plus a flight on an alternate airline that would have cost...
This episode features a campfire chat with Mark's partner Liz Anderson about co-hosting the 2025 Aurora Awards livestream on Sunday August 10, 2025.
In the interview, Mark and Liz talk about:
- The background of co-hosting the Aurora Awards over the years
- Working on a pandemic parody music video on a whim within about 24 hours as a bit of an escape
- The trepidation and challenge of working on something that one is not as familiar...
Mark interviews Canadian author Alison McBain about her "Author Versus AI" project, her life in writing, and more.
Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update, and a word about this episode's sponsor.
This episode's sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use code MARK5 at ...
In this solo episode Mark talks about the experience of hiking two different mountainscapes in the Canadian west. The first, Grouse Mountain in Vancouver, British Columbia. And the other, the foothills of Fairview Mountain at Lake Louise, Alberta.
Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update, and a word about this episode's sponsor.
This episode's sponsor:
Read moreIn this episode Mark shares clips and highlights from a talk he'll be giving at the SCBWI (Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators) Summer Virtual Conference 2025.
Ready to take your children’s book career to the next level?
Wherever you are in your publishing jo...
In this episode Mark speaks to author Johnny B. Truant about THE ARTISAN AUTHOR.
Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update, and a word about this episode's sponsor.
This episode's sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use code MARK5 at che...
Mark interviews Jessica Rampersad AKA JessBeyondThePages, an expert experienced in social media management, content creation, and editing who helps authors and brands elevate their online presence.
Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update, and a word about this episode's sponsor.
This episode's sponsor:
In this solo episode Mark expresses his frustration, anger, and anxiety over what's happening in the world right now, and reminds himself, and listeners, about the power of writing and why the world NEEDS you and your writing now more than ever before.
Link to video of Mark's Keynote for The BookFest Spring 2025. "Writer, the World Needs You: Why Your Writing Is More Important Than Ever."
...Mark interviews Patrick MacPhee, teacher and Writers of the Future award-winning author about his love of reading, writing, and helping to inspire students.
Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update, and a word about this episode's sponsor.
This episode's sponsor:
In this solo episode Mark shares some audio excerpts from his book PUBLISHING PITFALLS FOR AUTHORS.
This episode's sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use code MARK5 at checkout and save $5.00 off your own personalized report.
Links of Interest:
- Manuscript Report (Mark's a...
In this episode Mark interviews Jacob from the JJ McFaull is collaboration children's book Where Pumpkins Go After Halloween.
Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update and a word about this episode's sponsor.
This episode is sponsored by the new book The Podcast Guest Playbook co-authored by Mark and Matty Dalrymple.
Mark has a conversation with his life-long best buddy Steve Gaydos about art, beauty, photography, music, and so much more in a conversation recorded on their recent Canadian East Coast road trip.
Links of Interest:
In this episode Mark interviews D.C. Gomez about her plan to give away a million copies of her best-selling and award-winning novel Death's Intern.
Prior to the interview, Mark shares a word about this episode's sponsor.
This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use code MARK5 at checkout and s...
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