Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing

In this episode Mark interviews Russell Nohelty about writing scripts, comics, novels, editing, publishing, and his work optimizing Kickstarter campaigns to raise revenue and connect with fans. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a word about this episode's sponsor, 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. Mark then shares comments from recent episodes and a personal update.   In their conversation, Mark and Russell talk about: How Russell got into writing because he was never told he couldn't pursue the things he was interested in doing Russell's high school work in theatre, writing and working on plays; taking broadcast journalism in college, and his experiences writing and shooting his own short films How getting into a car accident and being unable to do the full film production tasks (except for writing), that funneled Russell into focusing on writing - one of the only things he could do while recovering Being re-introduced to comics after a long hiatus of not reading them How writing and creating comics led to novels and Russell's production company The difference between writing a movie script and a comic script The difference between writing comics and writing novels How comic writers and comic artists connect and collaborate The significant cost involved in indie comic publishing (especially when compared to indie novel publishing) The long term sales Russell has seen selling indie comics - ie, with strong and ongoing backlist sales How Russell's production company started because he wasn't impressed with some of the other companies he'd been working with The origin of the name Wannabe Press Two of the main "norms" in indie comic publishing: Doing Comic-Cons and doing Kickstaters How it's a lot easier to make the couple of thousand dollars needed to ensure a novel pays off on Kickstarter (with the average spend being between $25 and $30 for about 100 people) - which leads to $3000. As opposed to having to sell 1000 copies of a low priced eBook to earn the same amount. One of the great things about Kickstarter is the access you have, after a campaign funds, to the community that supported you How, in a little over 6 months, Russell has raised over $50,000 from three different Kickstarter campaigns with no advertising spend Messaging daily about his Kickstarter campaigns, and how Russell has never received complaints from people who are actually supporting him and buying his books - he only receives complaints from those who AREN'T buying. The importance of building and leveraging a community before you launch a Kickstarter campaign The fact that many thousands of people buy Russell's books, but a much smaller number of people actually help him create those books in the first place How, on Kickstarter, people aren't just buying your book, they are investing in you as a creator and artist they believe in The most common and blatant errors that people make on Kickstarter The importance of starting with the WHY in your Kickstarter campaigns Why you should always have something that people can download immediately The value of always having something that people can offer just a single dollar And more . . . After the interview, Mark reflects on Russell's comment that earning $500 on a Kickstarter might look like a failure, but it's actually a huge success, especially when compared to the typical results of the average book selling on the major retail platforms. Links of Interest: Russell Nohelty's Website The Complete Creative: Kickstarter Russell's Forthcoming Kickstarter Wide for the Win Submission Form Mark's Feed The Obsession Kickstarter EP 148 - AI Voice Double Conversation with Joanna Penn EP 139 - Dreaming, Singing, and Moving People with Ashley Joanisse EP 116 - Taking the Short Tack with Matty Dalrymple Spirits Untapped Mark Parody Videos Stuck in This House Here with You Mark's Tavern (Cheers Parody) K-Tel Parody: Isolation Hits You Call Me Fever (Parody of "Fever" in mispronunciation of Lefebvre) Mark's Canadian Werewolf Series This Time Around (Book 0) A Canadian Werewolf in New York (Book 1) Stowe Away (Book 1.5) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles (Book 2) Findaway Voices Patreon for Stark Reflections   Russell Nohelty is a USA Today Bestselling author and publisher at Wannabe Press. He’s written comic books like Katrina Hates the Dead, Ichabod Jones: Monster Hunter, and Pixie Dust, along with more than a dozen novels, including his Godsverse Chronicles. He also edits the Cthulhu is Hard to Spell anthology series. He has raised over $180,000 on Kickstarter across 12 projects, and has a very entertaining newsletter, which you can join at www.russellnohelty.com/mail and get a few of his books for free. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and dogs. 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

In this special bonus/additional episode, released between regular weekly episodes of the podcast, Mark has a conversation with Joanna Penn about emerging digital A.I. technologies and what it means for writers. The initial conversation is using the words that Mark and Joanna would share in conversation, but the voice was generated using their respective Voice Doubles from Descript OverDub. After the AI Voice Double conversation, the real Mark and Joanna share their thoughts and reflections on the conversation, the process behind creating the computer-generated conversation and what it all means for the publishing and writing communities.   Joanna Penn writes non-fiction for authors and is an award-nominated, New York Times and USA Today bestselling thriller author as J.F.Penn. She’s a podcaster and an award-winning creative entrepreneur. Her site, TheCreativePenn.com has been voted in the Top 100 sites for writers by Writer's Digest.   Links of Interest: The Creative Penn Episode 002 - Living the Healthy Writer's Life with Joanna Penn Episode 103 - 15 Takeaways from the WMG Publishing Master Class The Creative Penn Podcast - Episode 482 - How to Get Your Book Into Libraries and Bookstores with Mark Leslie Lefebvre Descript Patreon for Stark Reflections   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 Michael Arterberry, Master Encourager, and Dynamic Motivational Speaker. Prior to the interview, Mark reads comments from recent episodes, shares a personal update and reads a word from 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 Michael talk about: Where Michael's title as "Master Encourager" came from, via a story about a farmer and a donkey How this story relates to Michael's childhood experience in both his home and neighborhood The value of shaking the dirt The way that Michael re-adapted the original donkey story he had heard, added new elements/concepts to it, and made it his own Getting into sports and being gifted as a lead athlete (from the age of 8 until high school graduation) How coaches became parental figures and role models, and his team-mates became his brothers and sisters Michael's gift of being able to feel the pain of others by tuning into the rhythm of a room The importance of story to Michael in speaking engagements, workshops and social gatherings Helping people manage difficulties, particularly during Covid-19 How, since the pandemic, Michael has been a guest on more than 75 podcasts How Covid-19 is not a punishment, but perhaps a gift, and a time for pause and self-reflection The experience of Winning the Characters Unite Award Michael's experience of speaking to kids in local schools How, despite being an Alpha personality, Michael has found himself in particular situations where he doesn't have a voice because of the side-effect of being perceived as an "angry black man" Why Michael went with 250 days (rather than 365) for his book and how it came from inspirational and motivation things he'd shared for free daily on his Facebook page Advice that Michael would offer his younger self   After the interview, Mark reflects on Michael's use of the "donkey" parable and the effectiveness such a story can have on getting an important message across. He then shares how listeners can win a copy of Michael's book Be Encouraged: 250 Days of Motivation and Encouragement.   Links of Interest: Michael's Website Shake The Dirt Experience Wide for the Win (Pre-Order) Wide for the Win Submission Form Episode 146 - Finding Yourself in Our Song with Meaghan Smith Mark's Canadian Werewolf Series This Time Around (Book 0) A Canadian Werewolf in New York (Book 1) Stowe Away (Book 1.5) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles (Book 2) The 2020 Aurora Awards Findaway Voices Findaway Voices: Authors Direct Annoucement Patreon for Stark Reflections   As a teenager, Michael Arterberry was fortunate to receive guidance from positive adult role models who helped him overcome adversities and set high expectations for his future. Grateful for the role these mentors played in his own development, Michael decided to dedicate his professional life to helping people navigate the difficulties of life and launch their future into motion. For more than 25 years, he has been helping teens and adults to use what they have gone through as a catalyst for success rather than an obstacle for failure. Michael received the 2010 USA Network’s Characters Unite Award for exceptional commitment to combating prejudice and discrimination. He is also the recipient of the 2014 100 Men of Color Award for leadership in education, government, mentorship, entrepreneurial success and community service. In 2008, Michael founded Youth Voices Center, Inc. a non-profit with the mission of helping young people to become active, productive members of society by overcoming their obstacles, their history, stereotypes and even their own self-image and limiting beliefs.   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

In this episode Mark interviews Meaghan Smith about her life as a musician and a painter, about what it's like to win a Juno Award, about collaborating with her husband, releasing music as an indie artist, vs being signed to a label, about the origin of her "Our Story" projects and so much more. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a word from this episode's sponsor which includes a new resource about tips on marketing audiobooks. You can learn more about how you can get your work distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway. Mark also shares comments from recent episodes, shares the winners of a copy of Goal Setting for Writers by Holly Lyne, abd also a personal update which includes: Hosting the 2020 Aurora Awards Work on the forthcoming Wide for the Win Promotional activities related to the August 18th release of his Canadian Werewolf novella Stowe Away Progress on a Kickstarter he'll be launching on Sept 25th During their conversation, Mark and Meaghan talk about: An interesting way that being in specific beautiful studios can actually be distracting from Meaghan's songwriting prowess How her creativity really flows when she is in discomfort How Meaghan proposes to her Muse that she'll be there in the studio ready to work if it wants to meet her How music has long felt like breathing to Meaghan and it's something she has always done Meaghan's inability to read sheet music due to dyslexia The distinct moment by which Meaghan realized that music was her main path and the giant leap of faith that she took to make her first album How Meaghan learned about sound and recording via the animation program she was in and studying The process for that first album (The Cricket's Orchestra), saving up for four years to hire a producer (Les Cooper), writing the songs on her guitar, spending years scraping by, sleeping on friend's couches while staying in Toronto to record the album The way that Meaghan likes to paint a scene with her music How a song has to come to Meaghan all at the same time when she is song-writing The process of just sitting down and starting to play and building upon that, discovering the elements that work, and the ones that don't Going from playing open mics in Halifax to playing the Viper Room in LA How Meaghan managed the contract so that she retained the rights for her songs, even though a label has the rights to the recordings for the albums The surreal experience of winning a Juno Award, and how she almost didn't end up going to the event Reflections on what winning an award like the Juno Award means, or doesn't mean, and why, though she is appreciative and thankful for the awards that she has won, that she doesn't like to focus on such things The advice a fellow artist gave her to manage anxiety - just think about what you're going to do next How it sometimes feels like she has two muses at times - one for music and another for painting Meaghan's first pregnancy (and the Hyperemesis gravidarum (HG) - a pregnancy complication that is characterized by severe nausea, vomiting, weight loss, and possibly dehydration, which she suffered the entire time) which dramatically changed her ability to tour as well as her career as a musician The incredibly powerful love that she felt and feels for her two children The clarifying moment she had, after losing all of the momentum of her growing career, where she wasn't able to write about her own life and started looking other stories and other lives she could write about - which evolved into creating the "Our Song" project work How Meaghan and Jason collaborate on music, and the two different studio spaces where the art is created and produced Advice that Meaghan would give her younger self And more . . . Mark then reflects upon a couple of things that the conversation made him realize.   Links of Interest: Meaghan Smith's Website Meaghan Smith Art Meaghan's Our Song Website Meaghan's Facebook Page Meaghan on Instagram Wide for the Win (Pre-Order) Wide for the Win Submission Form Episode 145 - Leveraging your IP & Hybrid Publishing with Robert J. Sawyer Episode 144 - 10 Tips for Winning with Wide Publishing Episode 143 - Unstoppable Goals with HB Lyne Episode 142 - Strategies for Launching a Book During a Pandemic with Suzy Vadori Mark's Canadian Werewolf Series This Time Around (Book 0) A Canadian Werewolf in New York (Book 1) Stowe Away (Book 1.5) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles (Book 2) The 2020 Aurora Awards Findaway Voices Patreon for Stark Reflections   Meaghan Smith is a Canadian singer-songwriter, musician, and visual artist. Her independently produced début album, The Cricket's Orchestra, was released by Warner Music Canada-Sire Records in 2009. Smith, who performs with her husband, Jason Mingo, has been acclaimed for her Christmas concerts, which feature interpretations of traditional carols as well as the songwriter's own popular yuletide composition, "It Snowed." At the 2011 Juno Awards, Smith won in the Best New Artist category. Her album, Have A Heart, released in 2014 won a Video of the Year for the lead single at the 2015 East Coast Music Awards. Smith continues to paint, as well as write and produce music via an independently label, is the proud mother of two boys, and says that making music and painting are among her greatest passions.   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

In this episode Mark interviews international bestselling and award winning science-fiction author Robert J. Sawyer about his latest novel release and the multiple ways he has split his IP (Intellectual Property) to optimize his income as a writer. Long-time listeners might remember Rob from Episode 4 (January 26, 2018) of the podcast, which focused on author branding. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes and a personal update. He 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. During their conversation, Mark and Rob talk about: Rob's history as a writer, including his first short story published in 1980 and first novel published in 1990 The 3-way split rights on Rob's previous novel, Quantum Night (2 Publishers, and Rob self-publishing) What Rob learned from dipping his toe into indie publishing Quantum Night four years ago, and how he applied those learnings to the publication of The Oppenheimer Alternative The story about the title of his previous novel: Quantum Night VS The Zombie Philosopher The timing of Rob's latest novel with the 75th Anniversary of The Manhattan Project and the first use of Nuclear weapons in war The decisions Rob made for the print rights of his latest novel related to wanting solid bookstore distribution The split rights selling of the rights of Rob's novel, in print, to two different publishers in Canada and the United States Rob's control of the eBook rights, audiobook rights, film & TV rights The fact that Rob is still waiting on the "advance" payment from his Canadian publisher for a book that was released almost two months ago Rob's negotiation with his US publisher regarding the book's advance - and how that back and forth negotiation resulted in a situation where Rob maintained his eBook rights in lieu of an advance How it took two months of sales of the eBook (that Rob holds the rights to) in order to earn more than what the advance on the book would have been The direct involvement on the design of the book's cover, both for the edition Rob is publishing as well as the one published by his Canadian publisher The research involved in writing his latest novel, which included purchasing over 100 different books about the people behind The Manhattan Project How The Manhattan Project was the most secret project that humanity had taken on at that point in history and how it was almost the most recorded project - meaning there was plenty of recorded dialogue transcripts that Rob was able to use to write realistic dialogue (both word-for-word actual dialogue - about 20% of it was verbatim from transcripts - as well as for creating authentic dialogue of the scenes that Rob invented/imagined) The debate and origin of the terms sci-fi VS SF as short for Science Fiction How Rob likes to think of The Oppenheimer Alternative not as an alternative history novel, but as a Secret History Novel, and how the story is based on a string of events, evidence, and speculation about something else actually happening that hadn't been revealed or uncovered during that time period The importance of how writing this novel had to be a huge challenge that Rob looked forward to tackling The selling of the audiobook rights to Recorded Books The changes that happened in the lead up and launch of this book (and the planned book tour) due to Covid-19 Rob's use of Patreon for his most dedicated/passionate fans A new exclusive audio project that Rob is currently negotiating related to a radio drama style project (which brings him back to his roots as a former radio person) After the podcast Mark reflects on Rob's recognition of the power that he holds as the IP creator, and the many inventive ways he has split his rights.   Links of Interest: Robert J. Sawyer's Website Wide for the Win (Pre-Order) Wide for the Win Submission Form Episode 4 - Optimizing Your Author Brand with Robert J. Sawyer Episode 144 - 10 Tips for Winning with Wide Publishing Episode 143 - Unstoppable Goals with HB Lyne Mark's Canadian Werewolf Series This Time Around (Book 0) A Canadian Werewolf in New York (Book 1) Stowe Away (Book 1.5) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles (Book 2) Bakka Phoenix Books Words Worth Books Bibliofic Designs Findaway Voices Patreon for Stark Reflections   Robert J. Sawyer — called “the dean of Canadian science fiction” by The Ottawa Citizen and “just about the best science-fiction writer out there these days” by The Denver Rocky Mountain News — is one of only eight writers in history (and the only Canadian) to win all three of the science-fiction field’s top honors for best novel of the year. Rob — who holds honorary doctorates from the University of Winnipeg and Laurentian University — has taught writing at the University of Toronto, Ryerson University, Humber College, and The Banff Centre.   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

Are you looking for ways to stop being dependent upon Amazon for your author earnings income? Are you hoping to expand and grow your sales on multiple platforms in global territories? Do you need strategies to help you get started NOW in terms of creating a successful "publish wide" author plan? Would you like to increase and optimize your sales on Apple Books, Kobo, Nook, Google Play and more? Then this episode which features a reading of an article by Erin Wright called "Top 10 Tips to Going Wide." Prior to the main content, Mark shares comments from recent episodes and a word from 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 his personal update, Mark shares the progress he has made on the "Canadian Werewolf" series, including a cover rebranding, a pre-order for mid August, and another pre-order for Feb 2021. He also shares the fact he has started work on a book called WIDE FOR THE WIN which will also be published in early 2021. The tips shared are: Stop jumping and out of KU Stop giving away Amazon gift cards of Kindle eReaders Stop advertising in paid newsletters that only include Amazon Stop linking to just Amazon Stop buying your books on Amazon Stop cross-promoting with other authors who are KU exclusive Stop targeting KU authors in your ads Stop spending money on AMS ads Stop having an ARC team that only reviews on Amazon Stop trying to learn from authors who are KU exclusive After sharing the article, Mark reflects on the basic strategy that Erin employs across all of the tips. Links of Interest: Erin Wright's Website Top 10 Tips to Going Wide - Erin's Article on Hidden Gems Wide for the Win Facebook Group Episode 143 - Unstoppable Goals with HB Lyne Mark's Canadian Werewolf Series This Time Around (Book 0) A Canadian Werewolf in New York (Book 1) Stowe Away (Book 1.5) Fear and Longing in Los Angeles (Book 2) Wide for the Win Submission Form Findaway Voices Patreon for Stark Reflections     USA Today Bestselling author Erin Wright has worked every job under the sun, including library director, barista, teacher, website designer, and ranch hand helping brand cattle, before settling into the career she’s always dreamed about: Author. She still loves coffee, doesn’t love the smell of cow flesh burning, and has embarked on the adventure of a lifetime, traveling the country full-time in an RV. (No one has died yet in the confined 250-square-foot space – which she considers a real win – but let’s be real, next week isn’t looking so good…) Find her updates on ErinWright.net, where you can sign up for her newsletter along with the requisite pictures of Jasmine the Writing Cat, her kitty cat muse and snuggle buddy extraordinaire.   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

In this episode Mark interviews urban fantasy author and podcaster HB Lyne about her fiction, her forthcoming title GOAL SETTING FOR WRITERS, and more. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update and a word from this episode's sponsor This episode is sponsored by 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 interview Holly and Mark talk about: When and how Holly got into writing in the first place - writing since she could hold a pen Making up stories that her young friend would illustrate Writing screenplays and theatre when when was a teenager, and going off to University with a goal to write and direct movies Writing her first book and how she wanted to share it straight away, and didn't want to wait and go through all the hoops, bells, and whistles of traditional publishing Holly's first series, with four books, and why had to plan on rebranding, despite having had paid for beautiful covers for the first set, as well as brilliantly conceived titles The rebranding of the series name, the titles, and the covers and what Holly's plan is (rapid release of the three books, then the new fourth book in the fall of 2020) Holly's first non-fiction book, Goal Setting for Writers, which is coming on July 31, 2020 The mind-set shift required to move from writing fiction to non-fiction How Holly does all of her planning doing the bullet journal system How, when we write by hand, we retain much more than when we are typing The challenge of imposter syndrome The Unstoppable Authors Podcast that Holly co-hosts with Angeline Trevena And more . . .   After the interview Mark shares a reflection on Holly's rebranding as well as his own recent decision to rebrand a series in the same genre. He also shares a chance for listeners to win a copy of Holly's book on goal setting for writers by leaving a comment on this episode by EOD July 31, 2020. Patrons are also automatically entered for their own chance to win another copy of the book.   Links of Interest: HB Lyne's Website HB Lyne Instagram HB Lyne Facebook Unstoppable Authors Podcast Episode 142 - Strategies for Launching a Book During a Pandemic with Suzy Vadori Episode 139 - Dreaming, Singing, and Moving People with Ashley Joanisse   Findaway Voices Blog on Mastering Audio Patreon for Stark Reflections   H.B. Lyne lives in Yorkshire, UK, with her husband, two children and cat. When not juggling family commitments, she writes dark urban fantasy novels, purging her imagination of its demons. Inspired by the King of Horror himself, Holly aspires to be at least half as prolific and successful and promises to limit herself to only one tome of The Stand-like proportions in her career. Holly is a proud geek, podcaster and bullet journal enthusiast with a knack for organisation and getting stuff done.   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

In this episode mark interviews Suzy Vadori about the massive in person book launches she has done for the first two books in her The Fountain trilogy and the way she had to pivot away from the original plans of a major launch for book three, Wall of Wishes, due to the global pandemic. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a word about this episode's sponsor, reads some recent comments on the podcast, and offers a bit of a personal update. This episode is sponsored by 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.   Mark also shares that the podcast has surpassed 50,000 downloads, has been downloaded in over 100 countries, and he thanks listeners for helping him achieve those stats. In their interview, Mark and Suzy talk about: The giant Wall of Wishes backdrop Suzy and her kids created for the special at home video launch sessions she was doing The Fountain trilogy and where Suzy's new book "Wall of Wishes" fits into it The "ride" of pubishing the trilogy starting with "The Fountain" in 2015 - and how that eventually led to writing full time How, with the first two books in the trilogy, Suzy sold far more print books than eBooks, despite her small press publisher not having full proper bookstore distribution warehousing and channels The way that kids read more print books than digital books - Selling thousands of copies of her print books by doing multiple in person events throughout the year Two two tours every year sponsored by the Alberta Book Society The talks Suzy does at the schools, which aren't just about her books, but about the possibilities that exists in multiple careers for curious students Earning a speakers fee as a fiction author - and the importance of not speaking for free The special things that Suzy has done for in person book launch events, such as the party for over 300 people at a local brewery (with a free beer offer for guests), and the giant prop fountain that she toured bookstores with Hitting the bestseller list from a major launch event because the book sales were done through a local indie bookstore (that reports into the local newspapers bestseller list, which also rolls into the national newspaper bestseller lists) Partnering with local bookstore Owls Nest for a virtual book launch that was being broadcast live from the vacant bookstore (featuring Suzy and bookstore manager Stacey Kondla) in a physically distancing-safe manner Why Suzy started filling the fountain with lollypops after discovering a couple of issues with water The pennies Suzy has collected to allow people to make a wish in the fountain - an excellent ice-breaker (at least pre-Covid) How Suzy took over the reins for book three in this trilogy from her publisher without ruining the existing solid relationship she had with them The challenge of what was going to happen with a book launch originally planned for April 2020 - and then the global pandemic hit, throwing all those plans into a tail spin Earning the rank of Aurora Awards finalist for the first two books in the series, and winning the Bronze Medalian from Reader's Favourite for Best Young Adult Romance (which came with an actual medal that Suzy wore all over the place, and also brings it to school events) The listing of custom programs Suzy offers for author talks which appear on her website (include link) The value of tenacity and the ability to pivot The importance of playing to your strengths And more . . .   After the interview, Mark reflects on two of the things Suzy mentioned: "If you're entertaining as an author, then presumably your books are also entertaining" "Play to your strengths..."   Links of Interest: Suzy Vadori's Website Social Media Facebook Twitter Instagram Video of this Interview Owl's Nest Books Wild Rose Brewery Episode 139 - Dreaming, Singing, and Moving People with Ashley Joanisse Ashley's YouTubeChannel Hey Bartender American Dream Blue Wave - American Resistance Song Episode 140 - Writing Your Memoir with Rachael Herron Mark's Tavern (A Cheers Parody) Findaway Voices Patreon for Stark Reflections   Suzy is a Book Coach, Editor, Public Speaker and the Calgary Bestselling Author of The Fountain Series (The Fountain, The West Woods, Wall of Wishes). This fantastical Young Adult Series has received two Aurora Nominations for Best Young Adult Novel, as well as Five Stars and a bronze medallion from Readers’ Favorite Book Awards. Suzy lives in Calgary, Canada with her husband and three children and is an involved member in the writing community. She is a Program Manager for Calgary’s When Words Collide (WWC), teaches writing at Alexandra Writers’ Centre Society, and is a touring member of the Young Alberta Book Society. Suzy is also the founder of WriteIt! creative writing programs in schools.   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 Luanga Nuwame (or Lue, as most of his friends affectionately know him), a 43-year old Canadian comic book publisher and writer, YouTube cardboard craft artist, board game developer, and author. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, reveals the Patreon winner of a "story stuck" consultation with Clark Chamberlain, and shares a personal update including the creation of a short Cheers parody called Mark's Tavern. This episode is sponsored by 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 their discussion, Mark and Lue talk about: How writing was a great outlet for Lue, particularly when he was younger, suffered from depression, didn't know how else to emote The joy of being able to escape into fantasy by creating different stories How Silver Surfer #4 was what started Lue's love of comic books as a medium that could be truly appreciated on multiple levels Lue's Paper, Rock, Scissors comic book and how playing the game with someone from Mongolia inspired Lue that it was a universal game that transcended language and culture Wondering what might happen if Paper, Rock, and Scissors were given human attributes and the story was set in space Coming up with how paper could defeat rock - it's obvious, rocks are claustrophobic How Lue found artist collaborators to work with who illustrated his comic books Getting into YouTube in 2008 and then discovering what could be done with cardboard crafting, and the accompanying videos showing how to make these crafts Creating a modular board game of huge octagons that can fill the entire living room and yet still stack and be tucked away when not in use The "Beautiful Canada" collectible series that Lue created celebrating the uniqueness of each province How Lue makes all of his unique cardboard crafts by hand The way that Lue learned how to interact with people when at his author/artist table The sense of community and networking that happens at these in person events, not just with the general public, but with fellow writers and artists The difficulty Lue has been facing with the recent loss of in person events due to the global pandemic Lue's book The Cardboard Bible where he provides designs and templates to help others with their own cardboard creations And so much more . . . After the interview, Mark reflects on how Lue learned and developed from a past failure, and also how he has adapted and innovated with cardboard in a unique and inspiring way that writers can learn from. Links of Interest: Lue's Website Lue's YouTube Channel Lue's Amazon Author Page The Cardboard Bible Episode 140 - Writing Your Memoir with Rachael Herron Mark's Tavern (A Cheers Parody) Mark's Stupid Dad Joke Short Film "The Things We Miss Most" Night Cries (Audio Book) Findaway Voices Story Stuck Consulation Up, Up, And Away Superhero Storybundle Patreon for Stark Reflections       Luanga Nuwame (or Lue, as most of his friends affectionately know him), is a 43-year old Canadian comic book publisher and writer, YouTube cardboard craft artist, board game developer, and author. Residing in Mississauga, Ontario, Nuwame operates the Homemade Game Guru YouTube channel to showcase his love for making all sorts of crazy creations out of cardboard. Be it furniture, exercise equipment, geek crafts, or swimming pools, there is no limit to what Nuwame can make out of cardboard. Nuwame’s past cardboard designs have been featured on CBC News, CTV News, Make Magazine, The Toronto Star, Global News and Readers Digest. He achieved a world’s record from The World’s Record Academy in 2009 for the ‘World’s Largest Board Game Made by One Person’. Nuwame is also the founder of Zelpha Comics (named after his grandmother) and he acts as the principal writer and letterer for all published issues. He created the series Paper Rock Scissors N’ Stuff Wars (the classic hand game brought to life on a distant planet), Enter the World of Mephistopheles (a new horror series) and The Adventures of Little Petalianne (a children’s comic series). Beyond comics, Nuwame is a self-published author of a wide range of books. His novels include The Fantabulously Awesome Life of a Charity Donation Truck Driver (an expose on the clothing donation business), The Boy With Zero Self-Esteem (a memoir about his past battles with depression and loneliness), Hi, My Name is Karma (a short story ‘thriller’), Smoking a ‘J’ With Jesus (religious criticisms), and multiple The Adventures of Little Petalianne children’s books.   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

In this episode Mark interviews Rachael Herron about her writing, her multiple pseudonyms, being a hybrid author, and writing memoirs. Prior to the interview, Mark shares some comments from recent episodes and via Twitter, some information about an offer the Clark Chamberlain has for his Story Stuck Consultation, and a personal update. He also thanks new patron Johanna Rothman as well as all existing patrons for the podcast, and lets his patrons know that they were automatically entered in a chance to win a story stuck consultation from Clark. In their conversation, Mark and Rachael discuss: The thought that being a writer is like having homework for the rest of your life Rachael's thriller (Hush Little Baby) that she just turned into her editor at Penguin Random House and which comes out in May 2021 Getting over the "who cares" issues she was having working on this novel in the middle of a global pandemic and a world-wide drive to end systemic racism by recognizing that it's okay to delve deep into a focused project like this How willpower can be a finite, exhaustible resource How a good writer can take people out of their normal world and the feeling when a reader reaches out to let Rachael know that her book has moved them or helped them The feeling when you're reading a book that the person who wrote it "just gets you" The value of feeling seen and heard, of community, and of responding to reader emails Being involved in blogging from the early days, and the connections that can come out of that The fact that, despite appearing to share everything socially and on blogs, podcasts, etc, the content is actually curated - but that it's still authentic Rachael's book "Fast Draft Your Memoir: Write Your Life Story in 45 Hours" The importance of recognizing that there are plenty of people who want to write a memoir but who don't want to writers How there are so many genres within memoir One of the principal tenants of a good memoir - in that you treat yourself more critically than anyone else, and that you give and show grace to anyone who might have done you wrong How when you write about the most uncomfortable things how people really lean in to listen How Rachael's book "Letters to New Authors" is based on a series of emails she created to encourage other writers Being a fully hybrid author, and the mental shift involved when Rachael moves between traditional and indie publishing How not having control of little things can drive Rachael crazy with some of her books How Rachael's books, both, traditionally published and indie published, tend to sell better in eBook format The advice that Rachael would give to her younger self Ira Glass's theory of "the gap" And so much more . . . After the interview Mark reflects on writing about uncomfortable things. Links of Interest: Rachael Herron's Website Rachael's Resources for Writers (Including a weekly encouragement newsletter) Rachael's Essays on the Creative Life (Patreon) Rachael's Podcasts How Do You Write? The Writer's Well Rachael interviewed by Mark on the Draft2Digital Spotlight The Writer's Well EP 178 - If You Couldn’t Write Books, How Would You Be Creative? (Mark guest co-host) Episode 137 - Dreaming, Singing, and Moving People with Ashley Joanisse Episode 138 - Cash Flow for Creators with Michael W. Lucas Mark's Stupid Dad Joke Short Film "The Things We Miss Most" Public Lending Right Program Canada Public Lending Right International Story Stuck Consulation Up, Up, And Away Superhero Storybundle Patreon for Stark Reflections   Rachael Herron is the internationally bestselling author of more than two dozen books, including thrillers (under R.H. Herron), mainstream fiction, feminist romance, memoir, and nonfiction about writing. She received her MFA in writing from Mills College, Oakland, and she teaches writing extension workshops at both UC Berkeley and Stanford. She is a proud member of the NaNoWriMo Writer’s Board and is the host and co-host of two awesome podcasts for writers.   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