Libsyn Directory

EP 455 - Kobo Insights with Tara Cremin, Director of Kobo Writing Life

Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing

Release Date: 01/16/2026

Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing

In this solo episode, Mark shares an article he posted on Substack earlier in March called "Publishing Wide But Shallow." Prior to the main content (the article), Mark shares a word about this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by , taking place in Toronto, ON in April 2026. Links of Interest: Article: Article: Article: (Mark's affiliate link - use MARK10 to save 10%) (AI Voice Generation - Affiliate link) The introductory, end, and bumper music for this podcast (“Laser Groove”) was composed and produced by Kevin MacLeod...

EP 465 - Rambling Reflections From Before The Road

Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing

In this solo episode, Mark reflects on Ireland, the importance/value of repeating information and sharing, and the Public Lending Rights program. Prior to the interview Mark shares a word from this episode's sponsors. This episode is partially sponsored by , taking place in Toronto, ON in April 2026. This episode is partially sponsored by an affiliate link to . Use code MARK10 at checkout and save 10% off your own personalized report. Links of Interest: Article: Article: Article: (Mark's affiliate link - use MARK10 to save 10%) (AI Voice Generation - Affiliate link) ...

EP 464 - The Big Stories of a Memorable Memoir with Roz Morris

Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing

Mark interviews novelist, memoirist, and professional story whisperer Roz Morris about her writing life and her pivot into writing memoirs alongside her fiction. Prior to the interview Mark shares a brief personal update a word from this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to . Use code MARK10 at checkout and save 10% off your own personalized report. In the interview Mark and Roz talk about: How Roz and Mark first met at the London Book Fair in 2012 What Roz writes and the types of stories that she loves and is fascinated with Roz's journey which includes...

EP 463 - How to Bring Your Book Alive at an Author Event with Julie Hiner

Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing

Mark interviews author Julie Hiner about creating an unforgettable book event for a book launch. Prior to the interview Mark shares a brief personal update a word from this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to . Use code MARK10 at checkout and save 10% off your own personalized report. In the interview Mark and Julie talk about: Julie's branding as being strongly tied to the 80s and music even though she fought it at first The first book Julie published about road biking (JUST A GIRL ON A BIKE) which was the story of how she overcame a lot of fears and anxiety...

EP 462 - Daryn Brito on Showing Up With Love, Compassion, and Empathy

Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing

Mark interviews Daryn Brito, an advocate, writer, and researcher dedicated to supporting those who have faced trauma and adversity about her work and her new book THE BECOMING: UNREPEATABLE MIRACLE, WHO ARE YOU? Prior to the interview Mark shares a brief personal update a word from this episode's sponsor, and a trigger warning for listeners. This episode is sponsored by , taking place in Toronto, ON in April 2026. In the interview, Mark and Daryn about: Mark first meeting Daryn in a class at the Waterloo Regional Police Citizen's Academy How Daryn's main goal when doing speaking engagements...

EP 461 - The Power of Stories to Instill Empathy, Resilience, Joy, and Hope with Ka-Yee Essoe

Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing

In this episode Mark interviews Ka-Yee Essoe about the power of stories to instil empathy, resilience, joy, and hope, based on her experiences in the academic world, in research, in teaching, and in writing an epic fantasy novel. Prior to the interview Mark shares a brief personal update and word from this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by , taking place in Toronto, ON in April 2026. In the interview, Mark and Ka-Yee talk about: Mark and Ka-Yee's connection to Joshua EssoeKa-Yee's background with two different careers in academia Studying how to help people learn therapeutic...

EP 460 - Rambling Reflections From The Road: You Are Loved

Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing

In this short solo episode Mark shares a "Rambling Reflection From The Road" while at Superstars Writing Seminars talking about the important signals that seemed to come at the right time: Your feelings are valid Your opinions matter You are irreplaceable Your best is enough It's okay to take a break You are loved Links of Interest: (Team Landing Page) (Canadian Mental Health Association) (Mark's affiliate link - use MARK10 to save 10%) (AI Voice Generation - Affiliate link) The introductory, end, and bumper music for this...

EP 459 - Creating Experiences in Art and Story with Tanya Hales

Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing

In this episode Mark interviews author and artist Tanya Hales. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update, comments from recent episodes, and a word about this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to . Use code MARK10 at checkout and save 10% off your own personalized report. In the interview Mark and Tanya talk about: When Tanya and Mark first met: at Superstars Writing Seminars The sketch that Tanya made of Mark at SSWS when he was speaking there Identifying herself as equal parts author and illustrator The value of CREATING EXPERIENCES with people...

EP 458 - Push For Better

Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing

In this brief bonus episode Mark shares an annual "Push for Better" Push-Up challenge he has joined for the third Feb in a row and the fact he has created a team that others can join. The Push-Up Challenge is one that combines fun physical activity (2000 pushups between Feb 5 and Feb 27, 2026) with support for Mental Health Awareness and fundraising. Team Landing Page: The Canadian version of this program raises funds for CMHA (Canadian Mental Health Association). Links of Interest: (Team Landing Page) (Canadian Mental Health Association) (Mark's affiliate link - use MARK10 to save...

EP 457 - A Show That Makes You Smile with The Patrick Scott Patterson Project

Stark Reflections on Writing and Publishing

Mark interviews Scott from The Patrick Scott Patterson Project Podcast. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update, comments from recent episodes, and a word about this episode's sponsor. This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to . Use code MARK10 at checkout and save 10% off your own personalized report. In the interview Mark and Scott talk about: How Scott got into the current numerous roles that he is participating in today, including podcasting Being inspired by the dreams that his parents had but which they pushed off to the side The pro wrestling experience that he...

More Episodes

Mark interviews Tara Cremin, Director of Kobo Writing Life about Kobo, Kobo Plus, and the self-publishing platform Kobo Writing Life (KWL).

Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update and a word about this episode's sponsor.

This episode is sponsored by an affiliate link to Manuscript Report. Use code MARK10 at checkout and save 10% off your own personalized report.

In their interview, Mark and Tara talk about:

Tara's background and how she got into the reading/writing world and Kobo
Kobo's distinct identity as a platform that is exclusively dedicated to READING
How Kobo is the 2nd largest seller of eReading devices in the world
Kobo releasing 1 to 2 devices a year and the importance of a distraction-free reading experience
The Kobo Clara Colour and the Kobo Libra Colour devices
The option of connecting your Google Drive and OverDrive (AKA Libby) library account to a Kobo device for seamless reading of your personal content and library books
Being able to add different colours to your highlights when making notes on your Kobo
Tara's advice for readers who've not yet attempted a "digital reading diet"
The "forever reading" option that now exists within the Kobo reading experience
The self-publishing platform Kobo Writing Life and how it's designed to making the publishing process as painless as possible
What listeners can expect to hear on the Kobo Writing Life Podcast
Kobo Writing Life's "worst-kept secret" of the marketing tab/tool
A little bit about how Kobo Plus works for authors
The growth in revenue of Kobo Plus around the world in the past few years (it's now available in 28 countries)
Partnering with a publisher in Portugal to create a subscription service
The importance for authors of always thinking about Kobo in a global sense
The value that comes with being in front of the most engaged readers
And more...

After the interview Mark reflects on numerous things about Kobo that authors should consider when thinking about marketing their books (as well as the amazing people who work there)

Links of Interest:

Tara Cremin is the Director of Kobo Writing Life (KWL), Kobo's self-publishing platform. Combining her love for books with a decade of indie publishing expertise, she champions independent authors. Tara is focused on making KWL the most intuitive, author-friendly platform, helping authors reach readers globally. Leading a team of book enthusiasts, she also hosts live events featuring authors and industry experts, sparking engaging conversations and is a regular voice on the Kobo Writing Life Podcast.

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

TOPICS