Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing
Perspectives and reflections on the writing and publishing life. Mark Leslie Lefebvre, a writer, bookseller, digital publishing advocate, professional speaker, and publishing consultant explores inclusive and collaborative opportunities for writers and book publishing professionals via interviews, discussions, and reflections about the industry. (Mark's personal website is www.markleslie.ca)
- Update frequency
- every 6 days
- Average duration
- 50 minutes
- Episodes
- 433
- Years Active
- 2017 - 2025
EP 432 - Creativity, Connection, and Community with Police Officer and Author A.L. Wahdel
Mark interviews A.L. Wahdel, a crime thriller writer brings Toronto’s soul to life in his fiction. They talk about his new book TOO DARK FOR THE LIGHT, about his writing, about police work, and about…
EP 431 - An Interview with Writer, Producer, and Celebrity Publicist William J Bruce III
Mark interviews writer, producer, and celebrity publicist William J Bruce III.
Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update, comments, and a word about this episode's sponsor.
This episode's…
EP 430 - Rambling Reflections From A Lemons To Lemonade Road Trip
This episode features a rambling reflection that Mark recorded on part of an unexpected and unplanned four-day road trip from Calgary, Alberta to Waterloo, Ontario.
When Mark was in Calgary, Alberta …
EP 429 - A Post-Mortem on Co-Hosting the 2025 Aurora Awards with Liz May Anderson
This episode features a campfire chat with Mark's partner Liz Anderson about co-hosting the 2025 Aurora Awards livestream on Sunday August 10, 2025.
In the interview, Mark and Liz talk about:
- The ba…
EP 428 - The "Author Versus AI" Project with Alison McBain
Mark interviews Canadian author Alison McBain about her "Author Versus AI" project, her life in writing, and more.
Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update, and a word about this episode…
EP 427 - A Tale of Two Mountains: An Uphill Climb, Rain, Exhaustion, And Rainbows
In this solo episode Mark talks about the experience of hiking two different mountainscapes in the Canadian west. The first, Grouse Mountain in Vancouver, British Columbia. And the other, the foothil…
EP 425 - Escaping the Self-Publishing Rapid Release Rat Race with Johnny B. Truant
In this episode Mark speaks to author Johnny B. Truant about THE ARTISAN AUTHOR.
Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update, and a word about this episode's …
EP 424 - Passion From Between and Beyond The Pages with Jessica Rampersad
Mark interviews Jessica Rampersad AKA JessBeyondThePages, an expert experienced in social media management, content creation, and editing who helps authors and brands elevate their online presence.
P…
EP 423 - Dear Writer: The World Needs Your Writing Now More Than Ever
In this solo episode Mark expresses his frustration, anger, and anxiety over what's happening in the world right now, and reminds himself, and listeners, about the power of writing and why the world …
EP 422 - Writing, Humor, and Teaching with Patrick MacPhee
Mark interviews Patrick MacPhee, teacher and Writers of the Future award-winning author about his love of reading, writing, and helping to inspire students.
Prior to the interview, Mark shares commen…
EP 421 - Some Publishing Pitfalls
In this solo episode Mark shares some audio excerpts from his book PUBLISHING PITFALLS FOR AUTHORS.
This episode's sponsor:
This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use c…
EP 420 - Artist and Author Collaboration with JJ McFaull
In this episode Mark interviews Jacob from the JJ McFaull is collaboration children's book Where Pumpkins Go After Halloween.
Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update and a word about th…
EP 419 - Seeing The Beauty with Artist, Photographer, Graphic Designer, and Music Aficionado Stephan Gaydos
Mark has a conversation with his life-long best buddy Steve Gaydos about art, beauty, photography, music, and so much more in a conversation recorded on their recent Canadian East Coast road trip.
Li…
EP 418 - Giving Away A Million Copies of Your Book With DC Gomez
In this episode Mark interviews D.C. Gomez about her plan to give away a million copies of her best-selling and award-winning novel Death's Intern.
Prior to the interview, Mark shares a word about th…
EP 417 - Embracing Your Passion for Creativity with Artist and Author C L Fors
In this episode Mark interviews author and artist C L Fors about her recent award win with Writers of the Future and her life in writing and illustration.
Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments…
EP 416 - The Irony of a Woefully Inadequate Imposter Syndrome
That pervasive feeling of self-doubt and insecurity you believe you are not deserving of your achievements and fear being exposed as a fraud known as imposter syndrome is especially common among writ…
EP 415 - April Showers Bring May Reflections
In this solo episode Mark shares a personal update and some reflections about writing, publishing, and some marketing ideas.
This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use …
EP 414 - Thanks for the Inspiration Nancy Kilpatrick
In this episode Mark reflects on friend, mentor, and fellow author Nancy Kilpatrick.
Nancy Kilpatrick (May 6, 1946 – March 31, 2025) was a Canadian author who wrote stories in the genres of dark fant…
EP 413 - Coming Home to Your Found Family with Aaron Fors
In this interview Mark interviews author, actor, and narrator Aaron Fors about numerous aspects of his creative life.
Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal upd…