Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing

Mark interviews Michelle Oucharek-Deo, a writer, speaker and art therapist about her fiction writing journey, creative therapy, and her time management philosophy of the 42 Minute Hour. Prior to the main segment, Mark shares a personal update and a word about this episode's sponsor. You can learn more about how you can get your audiobooks distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway. During their conversation, Mark and Michelle talk about: How Michelle became an art therapist 28 years ago, working with people from 3 to 103 years old Using art and the process of art-making as a process for healing A memory from Grade One involving being in the library and dreaming of one day being a writer Being a creative writing major in university and how that didn't align with Michelle's vision Sitting down to do some writing in her mid-30s and then again in her 40s; then diving in to engage in fiction writing Michelle's first fiction and how it relates back to her life as a therapist The journey towards self-discovery and being accountable for one's past and one's trauma Her "Wine, Love, and Friendship" trilogy Michelle's belief that there should be a "men's fiction" genre The benefit of writing about important and sensitive subjects within a fictional setting The colleague of Michelle's who read her first book and had it hit so close to home that she had to put the book aside for a while to process it in her mind All the different types of creative and nature therapies that exist and which can cross-over Michelle's thumbnail version of what art therapy is, as well as what it isn't Using the ceremony of the art-making and the experience as a way of allowing someone the opportunity to effectively "say goodbye" to a cherished family pet The 42 minute hour and how it relates to the tremendous amount of time so many of us seem to be "losing" lately Finding and leveraging the time that exists as opposed to letting it sift away Michelle's 42 Minute Club on Facebook How we all have different and unique tools in our own baskets. Advice Michelle has for dealing with writer's block or being stuck And much more... After the interview Mark reflects on the idea of lost time as well as the concept of the different tools that we all possess and the way they work for us at different times. Links of Interest: Michelle Oucharek-Deo Website The Girl in the Peach Tree Barefoot in the Dirt Untangled Vines The 42 Minute Club: Time With Intention (Facebook Group) EP 273 - Deep and Meaningful Music Connections with Jennifer Buchanan Findaway Voices Blog - Merchandising Call for Entries The Canadian Mounted Spotify Playlist The Official Lover's Moon Spotify Playlist Lover's Moon Podcast (Spotify) Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark Reflections Best Book Ever Podcast Lovers Moon Podcast The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & Bookstores Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story) A Canadian Werewolf in New York Stowe Away (Novella) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles Fright Nights, Big City Lover's Moon Hex and the City The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles Michelle Oucharek-Deo is a writer, speaker and art therapist who has dedicated herself to living her life on the sparkly side of the street. She spent 28 years with a paintbrush in her hand walking with people through their emotional journeys. Several years ago she stepped outside of the counseling office to create her first fictional series about a woman pushing past her fear and looking at who she really wants to become. During the process of Michelle's emerging writing career, managing her counseling business and motherhood, she created a new and exciting way to manage her time. Michelle looks forward to sharing stories about her fiction writing journey and how her time management philosophy of the 42 Minute Hour allowed her to lay the foundation to running two parallel careers, baking muffins for her son, planting her garden and still staying sane. 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

Mark interviews Jennifer Buchanan, a musician, author, entrepreneur, music therapist, and two-time award-winning author about her more than thirty years of experience helping people connect using music. Prior to the main segment, Mark shares a personal reflective update and a word about this episode's sponsor that's also filled with a few reflections. You can learn more about how you can get your audiobooks distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway. During their conversation, Mark and Jennifer talk about: When Mark and Jennifer had last spoken and how much Jennifer enjoyed the conversation How Jennifer has been a health entrepreneur who has been running her music therapy business for 31 years Her youngest client is 2 months old, and her eldest is 104 Becoming an author and how that has been such a pleasure Being passionate about music therapy and the good it can do Reminding people of their innate humanness and the strengths that still exist inside them Mark's unique music-related connection with his best-friend The reason why Jennifer has "written another book" Even though they can be short/small connections, music connections can be really meaningful and deep and lasting Jennifer's re-released children's book (My Body is Special, Especially for Me) inspired by a group of children she had worked with and a song she wrote for them Remembering that a song is never just a song, and that a playlist is never just a playlist Finding out what your anchor songs are How Jennifer's Book Tune In was meant to be her first and last book on the topic of music therapy. But that she loved it so much she fell back in love with the topic The importance of never underestimating luck Listening to the clues given by your body and your health Getting out and doing movement and weight training Missing just getting her guitar out and playing it and singing And much more... After the interview Mark reflects on three different things that the conversation made him think about. Links of Interest: JB Music Therapy Jennifer Buchanan Website EP 151 - Wellness, Well Played with Jennifer Buchanan The Canadian Mounted Spotify Playlist The Official Lover's Moon Spotify Playlist Lover's Moon Podcast (Spotify) Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark Reflections Best Book Ever Podcast Lovers Moon Podcast The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & Bookstores Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story) A Canadian Werewolf in New York Stowe Away (Novella) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles Fright Nights, Big City Lover's Moon Hex and the City The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles Jennifer Buchanan first witnessed the power of music as a young teen when her Grandad had his second stroke leaving him unable to speak or walk and living in long term care. It was Granny who asked her the simple question…"Jenny would you bring your guitar next week and sing your Grandad's favorite song?" As she sang, Jennifer would witness the face of the grumpy old man she thought she knew, turn into the tears of a man who wanted a more meaningful connection. Today Jennifer Buchanan is the Founder of JB Music Therapy (JBMT), a company that has been instrumental in the implementation of hundreds of music therapy programs throughout Canada for more than 30 years and has been thrice nominated for the Community Impact Award by her local Chamber of Commerce. JB Music Therapy employs a specialized team of 18 Certified Music Therapists (MTAs) serving infants to elders in medical, education and community wellness settings. As the author of two award-winning books and the current Executive Director of the Canadian Association of Music Therapists Jennifer is recognized as a trusted source for television and print media throughout North America on the topics of music, mental health and the power of a playlist. 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

Mark interviews Lila Holley, a US Army combat Veteran, and the multiple award-winning author behind the Camouflaged Sisters brand. Prior to the main segment, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update and a word about this episode's sponsor. You can learn more about how you can get your audiobooks distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway. During their conversation, Mark and Lila talk about: Lila's life of more than two decades in the army, then transitioning into creating a platform allowing veteran women to share their stories Trying to find her place in high school, but enjoying writing and getting excellent feedback and encouragement from a teacher The difficulty of the transition of leaving the military and then re-creating that civilian life Returning to journalling as an outlet in that transition Sharing her experiences in order to help other veterans Realizing how important to would be to help so many others share their own stories How Lila works with veterans to help them share their experiences, reminding them that everyone has a story The way Lila's first book eventually lead to an entire Camouflaged Sisters movement The themes of the three different Camouflaged sisters books as well as the behind-the-rank series Being the only female and the only black person in the room for parts of her career in the military service Feeling like she had to work longer hours and keep proving herself, and how that pressure can often come from an internal place The equal pay nature of the military service Sharing your ugly truth and the lessons learned How the military is a reflection of society The importance of not feeling alone The online community of Camouflaged Sisters and how people can be a part of it Involvement of military family perspectives that are included in the community, the stories, and the books The monthly safe space sisterhood chat that focuses on self-care Why Lila decided to work towards her Masters in Publishing And more... After the interview Mark reflects on the power of writing, the power of story, of sharing one's story, of helping others share their story, and of ensuring that people realize they are not alone. Links of Interest: Camouflaged Sisters Website EP 271 - Story Nerd Podcast with Valerie Francis and Melanie Hill EP 268 - Neurodivergence and the Creative Process with October K. Santerelli Draft2Digital Blog Post on Industry Insights for Q1 & Q2 of 2022 The Official LOVER'S MOON Spotify Playlist Lover's Moon Podcast (Spotify) Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark Reflections Best Book Ever Podcast Lovers Moon Podcast The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & Bookstores Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story) A Canadian Werewolf in New York Stowe Away (Novella) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles Fright Nights, Big City Lover's Moon Hex and the City The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles Lila Holley is a US Army combat Veteran. She is the multiple award-winning, Amazon bestselling visionary author behind the Camouflaged Sisters brand. This retired US Army Warrant Officer has published 9 total books, including 8 anthology books with 143 coauthors and has additional projects scheduled with the launch of her Camouflaged Sisters Publishing company. Camouflaged Sisters empowers military women and women Veterans to take back the narrative and ownership of their stories. Lila believes there is no one better to tell these stories than those who lived them. She is creating an amazing platform that celebrates military women and women Veterans with her online community, virtual and live events, retreats and getaways, and workshops. Through this community military women connect with each other, access resources, and share their stories. Camouflaged Sisters is more than just books—it's a movement! 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

Mark interviews Valerie Francis and Melanie Hill of the Story Nerd Podcast. The Story Nerd Podcast demystifies story theory so writers spend less time studying and more time writing. Literary editors and writers, Valerie Francis and Melanie Hill, analyze a film a week as an example of a storytelling principle. Prior to the main segment, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, 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, Valerie, and Melanie talk about: How long it took for the three of them to coordinate the interview (2 months) and a bit of banter about time zones and Melanie being so further in the "future" than Valerie and Mark Mark's nerding out on how the Y2K bug wasn't solved, it was just pushed back to 2050 Mal's background as a poet and her passion for writing poetry and how much passion could be conveyed in such a "small" piece Loving poetry that has artwork or imagery with it The real art that is involved in writing books that engage children The point at which Valerie's day job got on her nerves enough and how she'd always enjoyed being creative via music and writing Keeping track of how many words Valerie had written for and discarded from her novel Immortal How Valerie and Melanie met Applying story theory to their own manuscripts Being an extrovert in an introvert's job Learning something new with every single episode they produce Doing things that are a bit fearful so that you can grow and improve How their "hourly" recording session usually takes 3 hours because they're having so much fun and such insightful story discussion It doesn't matter what genre one writes in, one can learn from reading all genres How the concepts that they talk about on the podcast that relate to film can be applied to novel writing, because the story structure elements are all the same Comparing walking, running, and running a marathon to the various steps on the writer journey The way the podcast is broken down into seasons and the themes they are exploring And more... After the interview Mark reflects on how Valerie and Melanie make story theory so easy by providing clear examples in a way that's easy and fun to digest, and recommends listeners go check out an episode or two starting with movies they're familiar with. Links of Interest: Story Nerd Podcast EP 213 - Putting Story Theory Into Practice with Valerie Francis EP 104 - Living the Writing & Editing Life with Valerie Francis EP 270 - Reflections from the NINC 2022 Conference EP 269 - Dreaming a Writer's Dream Straight on Until Morning with Gama Ray Martinez EP 268 - Neurodivergence and the Creative Process with October K. Santerelli EP 266 - "Let's Talk Dialogue with Jeff Elkins," He Said Reflectively EP 263 - Terry Brooks and Susanna Kearsley When Words Collide Keynotes The Official LOVER'S MOON Spotify Playlist Lover's Moon Podcast (Spotify) Thrifty Tips for Authors (Facebook Group) Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark Reflections Best Book Ever Podcast Lovers Moon Podcast The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & Bookstores Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story) A Canadian Werewolf in New York Stowe Away (Novella) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles Fright Nights, Big City Lover's Moon Hex and the City The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles 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

This year's NINC (Novelist's Inc) Conference was themed "Work Smarter." Mark shares reflections based on the notes he took when at NINC the previous week (Sept 19 thru 25). Prior to the main segment, Mark shares an extremely brief 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. Links of Interest: NINC NINC Author Membership Requirements About the NINC Conference EP 28 - Reflections on the Power of Moments The Official LOVER'S MOON Spotify Playlist Lover's Moon Podcast (Spotify) Thrifty Tips for Authors (Facebook Group) Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark Reflections Best Book Ever Podcast Lovers Moon Podcast The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & Bookstores Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story) A Canadian Werewolf in New York Stowe Away (Novella) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles Fright Nights, Big City Lover's Moon Hex and the City The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles 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

Mark interviews Gama Ray Martinez about his recent novel GOD OF NEVERLAND, his writing life, and more. Prior to the main segment, Mark shares an extremely brief 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. During their conversation Mark and Gama talk about: How Mark and Gama normally only see one another once per year at Superstars Writing Seminars in Colorado in Feb each year Gama always wanting to be a writer, and in school turning in stories instead of descriptive essays The first story that Gama sold, which won 2nd place in a David Farland anthology Taking several of David Farland's workshops Writing a "purple unicorn" story involving a potato based on a parody cover James A. Owen had crafted The background of the "purple unicorn" story Value that can come, both professionally and personally, from attending in person conferences like Superstars Writing Seminars The inspiration for writing God of Neverland which came from the epilogue of the original story of Peter Pan Embracing both traditional publishing and indie publishing Having support from both family and close friends The audiobook version, which took home an audio award The forthcoming sequel, Queens of Wonderland, which ties in to the classic Lewis Carroll book The GamaVerse of this series and how it will connect even more classic texts Writing with something on the TV in the background, but it having to be something that he has seen countless times Advice Gama would offer to other writers and beginning writers How Gama shoots for one plot point per 1000 words when greating a rough outline for a writing project Gama's goal to do a half-marathon in every state, and the Disney marathons he has participated in The feeling of walking into a bookstore such as Barnes and Noble and seeing your books on display And more... After the interview Mark reflects on the years of hard work and investment Gama put into his writing to get to where he is today and the important of getting that first draft DONE. Links of Interest: Gama Ray Martinez Website Facebook Twitter Instagram Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark Reflections Best Book Ever Podcast Lovers Moon Podcast The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & Bookstores Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story) A Canadian Werewolf in New York Stowe Away (Novella) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles Fright Nights, Big City Lover's Moon Hex and the City The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles Gama Ray Martinez lives near Salt Lake City, Utah, with his wife and kids. He moved there solely because he likes mountains. He collects weapons in case he ever needs to supply a medieval battalion, and he greatly resents when work or other real-life things get in the way of writing. He secretly hopes to one day slay a dragon in single combat and doesn't believe in letting pesky little things like reality stand in the way of dreams. 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

Mark interviews October K. Santerelli about neurodivergence as it relates to the writing life. Prior to the main segment, Mark shares 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. During their conversation Mark and October talk about: October's start with writing during a 7th Grade poetry unit project receiving an A+ Dedicating his first book to that teacher who was so inspiring and supportive Getting a publishing deal offer at the age of sixteen Doing a lot of fantasy writing (that got finished) as well as Queer fiction (that never got finished)- Loving the act of "spite writing" The terms of Neurotypical, Neurodivergent, and their understanding within the writer's life How ADHD and Autism spectrum can have really powerful effects on your writing career The way that many of the "rules" for writers don't align with a brain that isn't neurotypical Giving a general guideline on how something might feel - ie, the results rather than the strict processes October creating mini "celebrations" to accompany completely particular small victories Showing how he re-frames some of the standard bits of advice that work well for him The useful and valuable tool of doing writing sprints and how it creates a short and very immediate deadline And more... After the interview Mark shares a few reflections and reminds authors that not all "how to" and recommended processes are a "fit all" option. Adaptation into one's own manners and systems is important. Links of Interest: October K. Santerelli Website October on TikTok October's Course on Neurodiversity for Creatives Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark Reflections Best Book Ever Podcast Lovers Moon Podcast The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & Bookstores Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story) A Canadian Werewolf in New York Stowe Away (Novella) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles Fright Nights, Big City Lover's Moon Hex and the City The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles October K Santerelli is a fantasy author from the mountains of Denver, Colorado, USA. He is an LGBTQ+ writer and sensitivity reader, as well as a public speaker on disability, neurodivergency, and Own Voices writing in the publishing industry. 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

Mark interviews Rebecca Eckler, journalist, bestselling author and the founder of RE: Books. Prior to the main segment, Mark shares a personal update, reads listener comments, and announces the patron winner of the Dialogue Doctor Masterclass You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway. During their conversation Mark and Rebecca talk about about: The concept of retirement when it relates to writing Feeling "done" after publishing 10 books with the big publishing houses The concept of helping younger aspiring female authors Haters being a person's best motivator While Rebecca believes that publishing needs a makeover Spending an afternoon outside a bookstore in order to better understand why people purchased the books they picked up that day The pathetically low average advances that are being offered by publishers and how Rebecca is using a different model The features that Rebecca includes on her blog/newsletter Rebecca's focus on wanting to help prop up Canadian female authors Hosting the annual #writeaway summer contest How most traditional publishers do all the work preparing a book but only publicize a handful of their books And more... After the interview Mark reflects on Rebecca's focus on readers and propping up Canadian female authors, and the fixin' that is needed in the publishing industry. Links of Interest: Rebecca's Website Rebecca - Facebook Rebecca - Twitter The Dialogue Doctor Sept 10, 2022 - Dialogue MasterClass EP 266 - "Let's Talk Dialogue With Jeff Elkins," He Said Reflectively EP 262 - Rambling Hometown Reflections Buy Mark a Coffee Sell More Books Show - EP 439 (Mark as guest co-host) Patreon for Stark Reflections Best Book Ever Podcast Lovers Moon Podcast The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & Bookstores Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story) A Canadian Werewolf in New York Stowe Away (Novella) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles Fright Nights, Big City Lover's Moon The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles In addition to being one of Canada's most well-known journalists, Rebecca Eckler is an international bestselling author. She's penned 10 books, including the famous Knocked Up: Confessions of a Hip Mother-to-Be, Wiped! Life with a Pint-Sized Dictator, Toddlers Gone Wild, How to Raise a Boyfriend, Mommy Mob, and her most recent success, Blissfully Blended Bullsh*t. Eckler lives in Toronto with her two kids: Rowan and Holt. When she's not writing or working on re:books, you can find her sharing her brutally honest opinions on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter. 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

Mark has a conversation with Jeff Elkins, The Dialogue Doctor. Prior to the main segment, Mark explains his goof-up that led to releasing this particular episode and then shares a few words 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. During their conversation Mark and Jeff speak, chat, discuss, converse, reflect, consider, chew on, and talk about about: How a book that is 160 K can read like it's so much shorter because it's 95% dialogue Remembering that dialogue is just another tool that we, as writers can use - and how can it help impact the emotional resonance of your story The distance skyline of NYC versus the details of a narrow street as a parallel for two types of writing (prose and dialogue) The energy-building dialogue of Aaron Sorkin in shows like The West Wing Dialogue in action scenes The love/hate relationship writers can have with dialogue tags And more... After the interview Mark reflects on one of the things he is going to try in his own writing to help improve his dialogue. Links of Interest: Jeff Elkins' Website The Dialogue Doctor Sept 10, 2022 - Dialogue MasterClass Draft2Digital LIVE (Self-Publishing Insiders) - Sept 1, 2022 - The Dialogue Doctor with Jeff Elkins (FULL INTERVIEW) Episode 157 - A Conversation with Jeff Elkins, The Dialogue Doctor Episode 172 - Understanding and Navigating Gender Episode 226 - Reflective Round Table December 2021 Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark Reflections Best Book Ever Podcast Lovers Moon Podcast The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & Bookstores Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story) A Canadian Werewolf in New York Stowe Away (Novella) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles Fright Nights, Big City Lover's Moon The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles Jeff Elkins writes stories about outsiders who fight for outcasts, rejects, and the oppressed. He is the author of more than ten novels, a Certified Three Story Method Editor, and the host of the Dialogue Doctor podcast. During the day, he leads the writing team for a training company that simulates difficult conversations. He lives north of Baltimore, Maryland with his wife of twenty-years and his five kids. 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

Mark has a chat with Elizabeth Ann West and Randall Wood. Elizabeth Ann West is not only the public face of ScribeCount but is also an author whose books have hit the bestseller lists on all major vendors, including Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Apple Books, Google Play, and Kobo. Randall Wood is the author of the bestselling Jack Randall thrillers and co-founder of ScribeCount a platform with the desire to be the preeminent author service platform, offering services every author needs. Prior to the main segment, Mark shares recent comments, a personal update, and a few words 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. During their conversation Mark, Elizabeth and Randall talk about: Elizabeth's new role at Scribecount Why Elizabeth goes to conferences with two notebooks The origin of ScribeCount in the back of a room and on cocktail napkins at NINC (Novelist's Inc) in Florida Randall and Elizabeth's background as writers The decision Randall made related to signing a deal with Tor versus indie publishing Elizabeth's earliest entrepreneur activities which involved killing her mother's rubber tree plant at the age of eight The thrill of landing on writing "Jane Austin fan fiction" style historical romance Why Elizabeth sells her eBooks at $9.99 An overview of what ScribeCount is and how it helps authors understand their sales data from numerous sources The complications that come with understanding advertising and marketing expenditures related to sales campaign The difference of earnings in a month (live reporting) versus payments in a month (usually delayed 30 to 90 days) "Get off the spreadsheet, get on the Sunburst!" How ScribeCount is free to use until an author earns more than $999/month Launching Ingram Spark into the platform (which did happen roughly half way through August 2022) The very clear privacy policy that ScribeCount has, preserving data for ONLY each author account - it is never merged with other data The learning library that Elizabeth is working on to help mid-list authors learn how to leverage the data and the tools ScribeCount has Some of the conferences that Elizabeth and Randall will be at over the next little while And more... After the interview Mark reflects on the author-centric nature of ScribeCount and why that is so important. He also shares his thoughts on Elizabeth's $9.99 price point for her novels. Links of Interest: ScribeCount (Mark's affiliate link) Elizabeth Ann West Randal Wood EP 263 - Terry Brooks & Susanna Kearsley - WWC Keynotes Part 1 Buy Mark a Coffee Patreon for Stark Reflections Best Book Ever Podcast Lovers Moon Podcast The Relaxed Author Buy eBook Direct Buy Audiobook Direct Publishing Pitfalls for Authors An Author's Guide to Working with Libraries & Bookstores Wide for the Win Mark's Canadian Werewolf Books This Time Around (Short Story) A Canadian Werewolf in New York Stowe Away (Novella) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles Fright Nights, Big City Lover's Moon The Canadian Mounted: A Trivia Guide to Planes, Trains and Automobiles 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