Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing

In this slightly shorter episode (which was initially intended to be a bonus episode for Patreon supporters of the podcast), Mark does a "reflections on other podcasts" show. He shares a clip from the Kobo Writing Life Podcast where Christine Munroe interviews Rakuten Kobo CEO Michael Tamblyn and then reflects on some of the things that Michael talks about. Prior to the interview, Mark reads some listeners comments from Pranathi and Chad Boyer and also thanks new podcast patron Linda Stirling for supporting the show via www.patreon.com/starkreflections and talks a little about this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by BundleRabbit You can learn more about how authors can use BundleRabbit as a collaborative publishing tool over at www.bundlerabbit.com.   In the interview, which is a clip from Episode 153 of the Kobo Writing Life podcast, podcast co-host Christine Munroe interviews Michael Tamblyn. Michael shares an intriguing and meaningful response to the question Why Kobo? and also talks about other things that are important to this eBook and audiobook retailer that is focused on the reading experience. After the short clip, Mark reflects on the comments from Michael.   Links of Interest Kobo Writing Life Podcast - Episode 153 - Why Our CEO Loves Indie Authors Bundlerabbit Episode 9 of Stark Reflections - Interview with Chuck Heintzelman of BundleRabbit Episode 27 - Jamie Ferguson on Bundles, Curation and Collaboration Killing It On Kobo Stark Reflections Survey Patreon for Stark Reflections   The 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 shares some thoughts and reflections from last week's visit to Book Expo America in New York. He explains a bit about what the fair is, why the fair is, his impressions and thoughts of this year's fair and a bit about its history, as well as a few news items related to the fair. Prior to the main content, Mark talks about a few comments and welcomes new Patron Stanley B. Trice. 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. During the episode Mark talks about: Headline - a cool way to promote your audio content An intriguing blog series from Penguin Random House with insights into traditional publishing A deal between Dreamscape Media and LMBPN Publishing (Michael Anderle's publishing company) James A. Hunter and the publishing company (Shadow Alley Press) that he runs with his wife Jeanette   Links of Interest Book Expo America BISG (Book Industry Study Group) LMBPN Publishing Dreamscape/LMBPN Press Release Shadow Alley Press Penguin Random House Blog Series (Book Lover's Guide to Publishing) 1 - Publishing Ephemera 2 - Publishing Process 3 - Printing & Production 4 - Design & Size Findaway Voices Blog post on using Headliner to promote your audio Stark Reflections Survey Patreon for Stark Reflections   The 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 chats with New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kristine Kathryn Rusch about writing with chronic health issues, contract negotiations with publishers, mistakes that authors are making, and so much more. Prior to the interview, Mark does a little house-keeping regarding winners of Danny Bell's first novel from Episode 70, reads new comments, thanks Patrons who support the show, and talks about being in New York this week for Book Expo America. Mark also shares a recent presentation that Michael Tamblyn, CEO of Kobo, presented to the BISG (Book Industry Study Group) in late April. 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 conversation Kris and Mark talk about: Kris's recent move and the discoveries made in relation to a book she recently released called WRITING WITH CHRONIC ILLNESS How Kris's entire life has revolved around exercise and writing and that likely made a positive difference for her despite huge health challenges that she faced, and potentially is what might have kept her alive The realization that Kris made only recently that she had never learned how to rest The way she utilizes running and walking to benefit her writing How Kris's training in radio automatically activates her "critical voice" The rotating playlists Kris uses when running (often ones that have to have a really good beat) The move from 5000 square feet (with offices across the house from one another) to 1600 square feet (and a shared office) and how Kris and her husband Dean manage their own unique writing spaces The value for writers in understanding the way that different editors approach a piece of writing Breaking down the myth that there's a single book (or story) out there that everyone will love What "reader cookies" are and how they can play upon an editor's personal preferences A look at "anti-reader cookies" - element or content in a story that an editor hates or will refuse to read How Ray Bradbury practiced writing a short story a day The concept of "writing into the dark" when creating your first draft and how that plays into the fact we have been consuming stories since we were pre-verbal How, with so many tasks, deadlines and balls in the air, Kris decides what writing project to work on next The importance of growing as a writer by writing about things that stretch or challenge her How Kris's book DEALBREAKERS helped Mark negotiate a much better contract with his publisher The choice of "walking" which writers always have when being presented with a publishing contract The three big things that Kris sees that indie authors are not doing correctly: Following Trends, Burning Out and Neglecting their Personal Lives/Families/Health, Following the Scams (that promise seemingly impossible results) The free content that Kris shares (both fiction and non-fiction) on her website on a regular basis, and the origin for both The value of networking and personal connections made during in-person workshops (both the craft workshops as well as the business workshops) The "no politics" and "no religion" rules that Kris and Dean operate within for their workshops (which allows writers to bond regardless of their political or religious biases   After the interview, Mark reflects upon one of the things Kris said regarding taking a workshop when it's in town as opposed to removing yourself from your regular schedule/life, and why the travel/removal of one's self from day to day life for such a learning/bonding experience can be valuable.   Links of Interest Kristine Kathryn Rusch Business Musings Blog Posts Book: Writing with Chronic Illness WMG Publishing WMG Writing and Publishing Workshops Findaway Voices Stark Reflections Survey   Kristine Kathryn Rusch is a New York Times and USA Today bestselling author. Kris writes in almost every genre and her novels have made bestseller lists around the world and her short fiction has appeared in more than twenty best of the year collections. She has won more than twenty-five awards for her fiction, including the Hugo, Le Prix Imaginales, the Asimov’s Readers Choice award, and the Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine Readers Choice Award. Kris also has an extensive history in publishing and editing, having been the editor of The Magazine of Fantasy and Science Fiction as well as co-publishing the original Puuse Magazine with her husband, Dean Wesley Smith. The two now run WMG Publishing, which publish a revised version of Pulphouse, the Fiction River anthology series and many other projects, along with running publishing workshops both online and in person.

In this episode Mark interviews Sarah McVanel, author, professional speaker, and owner of the boutique firm Greatness Magnified, about her latest book FLIP SIDE OF FAILING. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update (which includes being stuck in Oklahoma City for a couple of extra days due to tornado-rich storms) and also shares a word from 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. In their conversation, Sarah and Mark talk about: Sarah's introduction to being a writer and a speaker when a work colleague that she adored decided to retire How we (the corporate world) don't properly leverage recognition Sarah's first book F.R.O.G. (Forever Recognize Others' Greatness) and the accompanying workbook that provided tools she co-authored with Brenda Zalter-Minden How Sarah and Brenda collaborated on the books Recognizing the two distinct author voices in their particular collaboration and how they leveraged that The exploratory method that took two years for Sarah and Brenda to write their first book How Home Depot was the first big corporate client to hire Sarah because they discovered her first book A personal and professional turning-point moment involving Sarah's son, dealing with bullying, and cutting Sarah's new book Flip Side of Failing and how she didn't plan on writing a book on failure The common theme of the book that you can fail and still be great - and how failure can help us achieve greater success How we have to have a failure-friendly mindset, and be in a context that accepts failure in order to elevate from failure The acronym ACCEPT (Acquire / Choice / Connection / Expect / Progress / Transformation) How Sarah launched the book exclusively at the Spark Women's Leadership Conference on May 16th prior to the book's global release on May 21st. Everyone at the conference gets a book, Sarah does a keynote, and there's a panel that Sarah moderates on the topic of failing How you are going to show up if you believe in your new book and what it offers to readers The importance of attaching your book launch to an event   After the interview Mark reflects on two things from the conversation with Sarah that were important to him. First, the importance of recognizing the greatness in others. And second, the concept Sarah mentioned that you don't always write the book you planned to write. Mark then thanks Patrons of the show and reminds them of the additional audio content available to them (including a few answers to four questions post that went up earlier that same day) - he also riffs off of a couple of verbal errors he previously made. Links of Interest Sarah McVanel's Website Flip Side of Failing Forever Recognize Others' Greatness The FROG Effect Workbook Sarah's Speaker Profile Sarah's Video Resources Findaway Voices EP 005 - Global Audiobook Opportunities for Authors EP 022 - Finding my Way with Findaway Patreon for Stark Reflections CAPS - Canadian Association of Professional Speakers Stark Reflections Survey   SARAH McVANEL helps individuals leverage the exponential power of recognition to retain top talent, fuel healthy teams and sustain healthy bottom lines. She speaks nationally on the topic, leads workshops, coaches leaders, and conducts organizational recognition program reviews. Sarah specializes in working with service-based organizations and “helping professionals.” Sarah is a Certified Speaker Professional (CSP), Certified Senior Organizational Development Professional (CSODP), Professional Certified Coach (PCC), Certified Human Resources Leader (CHRL), and president of the Toronto Chapter of the Canadian Association of Professional Speakers (CAPS). She has a BA in Psychology, MSc in Family Relations, and Diplomas in Human Resources and Healthcare Administration. Sarah has over 18 years’ experience including at a senior leadership level and now owns boutique firm Greatness Magnified. She is an author of peer-reviewed journals, articles and four books.   The 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 has a chat with Carolyn Arnold (the author of the Detective Madison Knight, Brandon Fisher FBI, McKinley Mysteries, and Matthew Connor Adventures) and her husband George. 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. In his personal update, Mark shares the fact that he is in Oklahoma City, OK, spending a week at the Draft2Digital offices. He also talks about the importance of connecting in person (both with respect to hanging out with his colleagues from D2D as well as the in-person connections that happen at writer conferences). He also shares his experience attending the Alicia Witt concert at The Blue Door in OKC and as well as his involvement "working backstage" or "front of house" for the evening. In addition, he talks about the anger that fans of Game of Thrones have been expressing recently, and a petition fans are signing along with the thought that the emotional investment fans are displaying is evidence of really powerful and effective storytelling. In their chat, Mark, Carolyn and George talk about: How long Carolyn and George have been collaborating as a husband and wife team and writer and publisher George's 25 years of experience as a designer before he adapted that knowledge into designing Carolyn's book covers Carolyn's start in writing in a serious way in 2006 shortly after a work colleage asked her to tell her a story What drew Carolyn to the dark corners of murder and mysteries The way that Carolyn doesn't really know the end of her novels and that she investigates along with her investigators How writing 10 books in a single year led to Carolyn's need of having George start to do the formatting of the eBooks and print books for her Carolyn's belief that, though she is the creative person (the writer) that George is also a very creative person in their partnership The need for divided and separating their at home work spaces Strategy and detailed analytics that into the launch of each new book How the message in Carolyn's book IN THE LINE OF DUTY is nearest and dearest to her heart The research involved ERT and SWAT to ensure accuracy in the details of Carolyn's novels The origin of Carolyn's two main branding catch phrases The spreadsheet Carolyn and George have with various contacts and specialists from police, FBI, coroners, etc Long term and patient curation of and engagement with Carolyn's fan base The way Carolyn alternates between writing in her difference series books The business decision behind the settings for Carolyn's novels in the US rather than in Canada The value of ARC and early reader feedback and how they use Bookfunnel for that The "empowering to women" effect of Carolyn's Madison Knight series and character How SHADES OF JUSTICE was influenced by a double homicide that happened in Toronto Strategies regarding moving into audiobooks How the beauty of a leaf led to freeing up Carolyn's creative mind in determing the solution to a novel she had been working on Advice that Carolyn and George would offer to help a creative person transition their passion to a full time career After the interview, Mark reflects on the creativity involved in publishing and marketing. He then thanks recent commenters on the podcast and Patreon supporters.   Links of Interest Carolyn Arnold's Website Hibbert and Styles Publishing Alicia Witt A clip from the end of the song "Liz" that Alicia wrote for Mark A recent blog post where Mark gushes about Alicia's music The Blue Door OKC Findaway Voices Patreon for Stark Reflections Stark Reflections Survey   CAROLYN ARNOLD is an international bestselling and award-winning author, as well as a speaker, teacher, and inspirational mentor. She has four continuing fiction series—Detective Madison Knight, Brandon Fisher FBI, McKinley Mysteries, and Matthew Connor Adventures. Her genre diversity offers her readers everything from cozy to hard-boiled mysteries, and thrillers to action adventures. Both her female detective and FBI profiler series have been praised by those in law enforcement as being accurate and entertaining, leading her to adopt the trademark: POLICE PROCEDURALS RESPECTED BY LAW ENFORCEMENT™. Carolyn was born in a small town and enjoys spending time outdoors, but she also loves the lights of a big city. Grounded by her roots and lifted by her dreams, her overactive imagination insists that she tell her stories. Her intention is to touch the hearts of millions with her books, to entertain, inspire, and empower. She currently lives in London, Ontario with her husband and beagle and is a member of Crime Writers of Canada and Sisters in Crime. GEORGE ARNOLD is a graphic design artist with nearly thirty years experience. Through his employment with a local graphic company, his talent has been put to work for many big names including 3M, McDonald’s, the London Knights, and Diamond Aircraft. He joined Hibbert & Stiles Publishing Inc. full-time January 2016 for the purpose of cover design, interior formatting, sales and marketing. He’s been designing Carolyn’s covers since 2011 and has worked with others on theirs during that time, as well. George was born in rural Ontario and has the desire to put his skills to use serving others in the publishing industry.   The 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 shares a live discussion from the Rock Apocalypse conference and workshop in Cleveland, OH that took place in early May 2019. The session is a recorded panel discussion from the two day event. Zach Bohannon moderated a panel discussion with T.W. Piperbrook, J, Thorn, Jim Kukral and Mark. Prior to the interview, Mark reads a few comments from listeners from the previous episode and thanks Patrons and commenters for engaging with the podcast. He then shares a word from the 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 details of how he planned a marriage proposal for his girlfriend with Alicia Witt at her recent Toronto live concert performance, and plays a few clips from the song Alicia wrote for the engagement. The panel discussion that was recorded at the Cleveland conference features Zach asking the panelists about: How they got started in publishing What's advice they'd offer their 2019 self What they think might be coming in the future of publishing   Links of Interest Alicia Witt A clip from the end of the song "Liz" that Alicia wrote A recent blog post where Mark gushes about Alicia's music The Horseshoe Tavern in Toronto The Career Author Summit Findaway Voices J. Thorn Zach Bohannon T. W. Piperbrook Jim Kukral Patreon for Stark Reflections Stark Reflections Survey     The 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   Additional music in this episode: "Liz" was written, composed and produced by Alicia Witt. Copyright © 2019 Alicia Witt. "Bobcaygeon" written by Rob Baker, Gord Downey, Johnny Fay, Paul Langlois, Gord Sinclair, from the album Phantom Power Copyright © 1999 by The Tragically Hip

In this solo episode Mark reflects upon the concept of Digital Minimalism that he is reading about in Cal Newport's new book. Prior to the main topic of this episode, Mark shares a personal update regarding his travel to Cleveland, OH to participate in the "Rock Apocalypse 2019" event held at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in Cleveland and run by J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon. The event is described, quite aptly as: "A world-building experience, writer’s seminar, and your destination vacation in two epic days!" Along with the intimate and engaging world-building with the small group of writers, Mark talks about Eric and Rinn from Findaway Voices (this episode's sponsor) and things they shared with the writers. 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 talks about listening to Newport's latest book on his drive from Waterloo, ON to Cleveland, OH. This book is a bid for Newport become the Marie Kondo of technology - to help people realize where digital technology bring value and where it takes away value. Mark also shares how the book references the writing and philosophy of Henry David Thoreau, and shares a clip from a radio program he hosted in 2008 that asked how much more connected we could get. He finds it startling how much MORE has happened since that 2008 reflection. He then shares a concept for his own attempt at adapting some of Newport's recommendations into his own digital life and at the importance of disconnecting from technology, connecting with the physical world, being in the moment, and the value and benefit that comes with allowing yourself to become bored. As the show ends, Mark thanks new patron Leigh Anne Beckett, as well as all patrons and listeners to the show. He also shares the winners of the prizes for comments on Episodes 70 and 71. Links of Interest Cal Newport's Website Cal Newport's Books Findaway Voices Blog post about Authors Direct StoryBundle "The Write Stuff" Bundle (limited time offer) Patreon for Stark Reflections Stark Reflections Survey     The 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 Sheena Cundy, the author of the Witch Lit series of novels that include The Madness and the Magic and Bonkers and Broomsticks. Prior to the personal update, Mark shares a word from the episode's sponsor, Findaway Voices - specifically about the promotional opportunities available through Voices Plus as well as the fact that Findaway is opening their Authors Direct beta up even wider.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 talks about: The 12 hour delay in publishing of this episode due to meetings, taxes and Avengers: Endgame No spoilers, just how much Mark enjoyed the new Avengers movie (and brief reflections on previous spoilers from The Empire Strikes Back and The Crying Game) Visiting Cleveland for Rock Apocalypse event run by The Career Author Podcast folks J. Thorn and Zach Bohannon   In their interview, Mark and Sheena talk about: The origin of Sheena's treehouse and the different creative tasks she does in the treehouse Sheena's interest in promoting other creative people via her Treehouse TV YouTube video The band, Morrigan's Path, that Sheena has played in for five years Her origin getting into the band with her husband as a lyrisist and vocalist based on her poetry The "single release" strategy that the band has engaged in as a lead-in to the release of their third album How, even though they get paid to perform gigs, the band and the music has always been for the love of it Sheena's Witch Lit series (about a crazy witch having a mid-life crisis) which includes The Madness and the Magic and Bonkers and Broomsticks The initial serialization of Sheena's first book on a pagan blog after writing it during NaNoWriMo The role of Mark Dawson's Self-Publishing 101 course in helping Sheena evolve from traditional and into indie publishing How Sheena divides up her time and schedule with her various creative activities The DIY approach she has taken with her publishing tasks and schedule The timing of the release of Book 2 (Bonkers and Broomsticks) on May 1st with Beltane ("May Day") a Gaelic pagan seasonal festival Sheena's forthcoming visit to 20Books50K Edinburgh and her fascination with the ethos of that group How you can become like a sponge when you're thirsty for learning The importance of being with people who are already doing what you want to do The value of networking and connecting with people in the flesh as well as on a 1:1 basis Focusing on your target audience and readers How Witch Lit is defined as being Chick Lit with Witches The creativity that all of us have and the importance of trusting that it will find its own expression in its own format After the interview, Mark reflects on what Sheena said about the importance of having good feedback and encouragement in your creative endeavors which helps provide the confidence to keep moving forward and to keep writing and to keep practicing. Mark shares one of his own experiences of a fantastic high school English teacher, Gary Furhman, whose comment on a short story he wrote in Grade 11 had a profound and lasting impact on him.   Links of Interest Sheena Cundy's Website Music: https://morriganspath.bandcamp.com/ Morrigan's Path Video: TreehouseTV (YouTube) The Witch Lit Facebook Group The Witch Lit YouTube Show Promo Video for lastest Morrigan's Path Album Findaway Voices Blog post about Authors Direct CNET Article on when to take a pee break during Avengers: Endgame Public Lending Right (PLR) Program Canada Australia New Zealand United Kingdom StoryBundle "The Write Stuff" Bundle (limited time offer) Patreon for Stark Reflections Stark Reflections Survey   Sheena Cundy is a witch, wife, mother, and musician. She teaches the Tarot, spiritual development and horse riding, and sings and writes songs for her pagan band - Morrigans Path. She is also the author of a non-fiction book The Magic of Nature Oracle and the Witch Lit series of novels that include The Madness and the Magic and Bonkers and Broomsticks. Sheena says that she wrote this debut novel to keep out of prison, a straitjacket and the divorce courts while battling with dodgy hormones during a mid-life crisis.   The 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 USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn about her three decades of experience in writing and publishing. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a word from the 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. In the personal update section Mark shares the following: A reminder about the Public Lending Right for Canadian authors (and authors from UK, AU, NZ) An article he recently wrote for Hamilton Magazine (including a bit about the TV show The Hilarious House of Frightenstein An interview he did with the guys from the Paranormal Faction Podcast in Harriston, Ontario in a haunted theatre His forthcoming visit to Book Expo America in New York An update on the prize offered for commenters on Episode 70 The deadline to comment has been extended to the end of April A new StoryBundle called the Write Stuff 2019 Spring Bundle that is available until early May. A steal for $5 for 4 books or 15 for all 12 books plus a $50 online lecture. Listeners will have a chance to win this bundle In their chat, Mark and Patricia talk about: The original publishers Patricia worked with when she had a few different series traditionally published How hearing a talk at NINC given by Chris Anderson (who coined the concept of "The Long Tail") inspired Patricia to take a fresh look at the publishing industry and to consider indie publishing opportunities The "Writer's Work" website Patricia created in 2009 as "insurance" in case the publishing industry went a little bonkers Getting the rights back for all of her previously released works (except for one German edition of a title) CONTROL being one of the main differences between traditional publishing and indie or self-publishing The difference in timeframes and how publishers will sometimes sit on a manuscript for a year The reality of the "16 days" you had on the bookstore shelves with titles published in the Harlequin Silhouette imprint What clauses and types of contracts would have to have for Patricia to consider signing one again Of course, mid-way through the interview, Patricia turns the table and starts asking Mark questions. After a brief section of talking about things publishers do well, and things they don't do so well, Mark realizes what Patricia has done (she is a great podcast host and asks great questions), and turns the tables back on her. They then talk about: What dried wallpaper paste has to do with helping Patricia make the move towards writing and publishing The one letter Patricia got back from an editor earlier in her career that said: "It's clear that you know nothing about the publishing industry" The various elements of romance and mystery that Patricia likes to include in her writing How Patricia feels that writing 3 to 5 books a year still isn't enough to keep up with the characters and ideas floating through her mind The reasons why Patricia started the Authors Love Readers Podcast and how she wanted to model over a simple conversation with a writer where readers could eavestrough Patricia's recent non-fiction book for writers called Survival Kit for Writers Who Don't Write Right How authors have approached Patricia with tears in their eyes after she delivered a presentation on this same topic because they thought they were the only ones who wrote in a more "pantsing" type of style The reason why Patricia has the book for sale for 99 cents on her own website Patricia's number one piece of advice for writers - that writing advice is a buffet. You can try a bit of this, a bit of that, go back for seconds of something else. YOU control the buffet   After the interview Mark reflects on the concept of writing advice being a buffet that authors can selectively pick and choose from. Links of Interest Patricia McLinn's Website Patricia on Twitter Patricia's Author Facebook Page Patricia's Pinterest Patricia on Instagram Patricia's Podcast: Authors Love Readers Findaway Voices Public Lending Right (PLR) Program Canada Australia New Zealand United Kingdom StoryBundle "The Write Stuff" Bundle (limited time offer) Patreon for Stark Reflections Stark Reflections Survey   USA Today bestselling author Patricia McLinn spent more than 20 years as an editor at the Washington Post after newspaper stints in Rockford, Ill., and Charlotte, N.C. She received BA and MSJ degrees from Northwestern University. McLinn is the author of more than 47 published novels, which are cited by readers and reviewers for wit and vivid characterization. Her books include mysteries, romantic suspense, contemporary romance, historical romance and women’s fiction. They have topped bestseller lists and won numerous awards. Now living in Northern Kentucky, McLinn loves to hear from readers through her website, Facebook and Twitter.   The 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 author Danny Bell and voice actor and model Whitton A. Frank about The Black Pages series that Danny writes and Whitton narrates. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a word from the 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. In the personal update segment Mark shares an update on the work for the self-narrated audiobook version of The 7 P's of Publishing Success as well as his recent guest spot on Episode 6 of Joanna Penn's new Books & Travel Podcast. In their chat, Danny, Whitton, and Mark talk about: How the initial idea for "The Black Pages" came to Danny from a variety of sources, including something he reflected upon when watching Doctor Who. Danny's interest in the deaths of secondary characters on various television shows in which are often shared as no big deal, whereas if the protagonist or their close friends suffered the same fate, it was a major trauma. Purposly not making the protagonist a straight white guy The element of humor that is a part of the narrator in Empty Threat. How Elana is a black and white character in a morally grey universe and was created with a lot of room to grow through each book. The unique experience of Whitton as both the voice and the face of Elana. How Danny and Whitton clicked when they met at a party that neither of them had been in a mood to want to be at. The way that Danny started seeing Whitton in his head when he was writing the character of Elana. Whitton modeling for the concept art for the cover, which led to the cover designer asking if she would be the model in the actual shoot. Voice Over Atlanta, the biggest VO conference in the US that Elana just got back from. The plans for the release of book three in the series and the special "full cast" production of this one (with Whitton still as the main narrator). The debate over whether or not Elana needed to have a love interest in the first two books And more . . .   After the interview, Mark makes an offer to do a random giveaway to two people who comment on the show notes for Episode 70 at www.starkreflections.ca. Comments have to be posted by Noon EST on Thursday April 18th and eligible entries will be comments about one of the following: What book would you love to escape into? (the way Elana can slip into a book) What secondary character from any fictional world? (book, television, movie, etc) would you love to save (the way Elena saves the lives of secondary characters)   Mark then reflects upon the concept of something Danny said in the interview - "the most important thing you can do is to FINISH." After, Mark shares a brief clip from the opening of Empty Threat.   Links of Interest The Audiobook Mastering Guide (by Wesley Ingram) The 7 P's of Publishing Success (Computer Narrated Version) Findaway Voices The Books and Travel Podcast Episode 6 - Macabre Montreal Danny Bell Author Central Profile The Black Pages on Facebook Matt Altman IMDB Star Wars Toy Stories Anthony Brodeur Whitton Frank - Website Whitton Frank - ACX Narrator Profile Getting Published with Mark Leslie (The Writing Show Podcast Reality Series where Mark attempted to write A Canadian Werewolf in New York while being tracked and interviewed about his progress) Patreon for Stark Reflections Stark Reflections Survey   Danny Bell is the USA Today Best Selling Author and Amazon #1 Best Selling Author of The Black Pages and he nearly had an out of body experience when he realized that the song Mr. Brightside by The Killers is thirteen years old and that would surely mean that he was also older than thirteen. Older than double in fact! Certainly not triple. He has three cats, Mister, Jameson, and Koala, and they all tolerate each other. He would never compare himself to Robocop, why would he do that? He plans to continue to write books forever with hope that one day there will be a Quantum Leap style thing where Dr. Sam Beckett will help fix his life, or failing that, the time-traveling ghost of Samuel Beckett, the author, will tell him that he has been pronouncing ‘Godot’ wrong the whole time. He isn’t sure why anyone ever wants a bio, but if you’re willing to read random things about him that may or may not be true, he’s willing to provide you with them. Whitton Frank performed in her first show when she was 8 years old, and spent her summers through her high school studying at theAmerican Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco.After majoring in Acting and Creative Writing at Carnegie Mellon University, Whitton travelled to Russia to study at the Moscow Art Theatre. Following this Whitton moved to Los Angeles and was subsequently discovered by Tony Basil. This meeting led to her role in the US TV series ‘Cold Case’ and the films ‘Amnesia’ and ‘Who Are You?’, both of which won awards at various film festivals around the USA. In 2016 Whitton launched her own production company Red Compass productions which is dedicated to promoting women in film and theater and telling their stories. The Company produced a revival of the 1970’s hit Out of Our Father’s House, which tells the stories of American women, in their own words. They have also produced a short dark comedy/horror film called Seeing Green, which is currently making the rounds at film festivals. She can been seen in the TNT hit, Murder in the First Season 3 acting opposite Curry Grahm, as the lovable and quirky Jenna Laffy. Also in 2016 she did voice over for the Star Wars Fan Film: Star Wars Toy Stories Rogue One. voicing Jyn Urso and Rei. This stop motion film has been screening and winning awards at conventions and film festivals around the world. For their work, the cast was invited to present it at Comic Con in San Diego. In the past two years she has narrated 5 audiobooks and is working on several more. You can check out her work on audible.com.   The 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