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Articles by Mark Leslie
Drowned Towns, Lost Ships: A Spooky History of Lake Ontario
I’ve always been afraid of water. Not the water itself but what lurks beneath it—those unseen depths where my imagination runs wild with dark and terrifying possibilities. As a child swimming at Windy Lake northwest of Sudbury, Ontario, I’d picture either a hand reaching up to grab my ankle or perhaps the razor-sharp teeth of some predator like in the movie Jaws. I knew, logically, that sharks didn’t swim in freshwater lakes.
Mark Leslie | The Walrus
In this trade war, remember that the sharpest weapon aimed at us isn’t a tariff. It’s disinformation. Case in point: Trump keeps insisting America doesn’t need us. But Canada is the number one customer for more than two dozen US states and supplies almost all of the natural gas the US imports. Turn that tap off and see how “we don’t need Canada” ages. The Walrus is going to keep making sure you have the truth. No tariff on that. Promise.
Epidemiology of injuries across multiple male professional football academies within Club Academy Scotland
ABSTRACT Injuries can negatively impact the development of academy footballers through time lost from training and matches. Reducing injury risk is therefore a priority. This study analysed 545 male players (U11–U18; age range 9–17) across five academies in Club Academy Scotland (CAS) during the 2024/2025 competitive season. Injury incidence (per 1000 hours), severity (mean and median days lost), and burden (days missed per 1000 hours) were recorded for both contact and non-contact injuries.
Beefing up: could this be a blueprint for the sector?
As highlighted in Rabobank's recent report, The Strategic Moment for Dairy-beef in New Zealand, unlocking the value of surplus dairy calves presents a strategic opportunity to reshape farming systems, improve profitability, and meet evolving market demands. For more than three years, Pāmu has been developing a strategic approach to dairy beef, the practice of rearing surplus dairy calves for beef production. We are doing this by combining genetic innovation with practical finishing capability.
The influence of relative age and biological maturation on player selection in the Scottish football associations Club Academy Scotland
ABSTRACT Relative age and biological maturation significantly impact talent identification and development in football, with professional academies often favouring relatively older and early maturing players. This study investigated these biases across Club Academy Scotland (CAS). The biological maturation of 1,011 players (U10–U18) across 12 CAS academies was assessed using the Khamis-Roche method.
Episode 398 - Multiple Outlets For Storytelling with Denise Baden
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews Denise Baden about the novel/book version of Murder in the Climate Assembly as well as the various incarnations and adaptions she had created for the stage and television. Prior to the interview, Mark reads comments from recent episodes, shares a personal update, and a word about this episode’s sponsor. This episode is sponsored by ScribeCount (affiliate link).
Episode 396 - Waubgeshig Rice on Community, Publishing, and The Creative Journey
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews Waubgeshig Rice, an author and journalist from Wasauksing First Nation, and the author of four books, most notably the bestselling novels Moon of the Crusted Snow and Moon of the Turning Leaves. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments, a personal update and word about this episode’s sponsor.
Episode 391 - Networking for Authors with Dale L. Roberts
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews Dale L. Roberts about his new book NETWORKING FOR AUTHORS. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update, reads comments from recent episodes, and shares a word about this episode’s sponsor. This episode is sponsored by Mark’s book AN AUTHOR’S GUIDE TO WORKING WITH LIBRARIES AND BOOKSTORES. You can get the book for 50% direct from Mark from now until Jan 2024 using coupon code STARK2024 at checkout.
Episode 389 - “Now You’ve Gone” with Cathy Rankin and Ken K. Mary
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews Cathy Rankin and Ken Mary about Cathy’s new single “Now You’ve Gone.” On October 29, 2024, Cathy Rankin released her debut single “Now You’ve Gone,” featuring renowned musicians David Ellefson (formerly of Megadeth) Ken Mary (formerly of Alice Cooper) and John Ronson. The emotional track, inspired by deeply personal experiences, reflects on themes of love, grief, and ultimately hope.
StoryBundle
Atlanta's Guide to Cryptids by Kevin A Davis Cryptid by Ian Faulkner Only Monsters in the Building by Mark Leslie Task Force E by Jason Rubis The Hungry Moon by Ramsey Campbell Cryptid Zoo by Gerry Griffiths Bigfoot Hunters by R.
Episode 380 - Passion Project Publishing with Brianna Wodabek
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews Brianna Wodabek, Assistant Manager of Digital Marketing at HarperCollins about her lifelong love of reading, books, and writing, and her evolution in the book industry. Prior to the interview Mark welcomes new Patrons, shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update, and a word about this episode’s sponsor This episode is sponsored by FROM PAGE TO PLATFORM by Matty Dalrymple and Michael La Ronn.
Episode 378 - Multimedia Storytelling with Dominician Gennari
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews Dominician Gennari, a writer, storyteller, composer, and musician about his multimedia book and novella opus, The War for Ascension. Prior to the interview Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update, a word from this episode’s sponsor . . . One Hand Screaming: 20 Haunting Years – Kickstarter . . .
Episode 377 - Pivoting Your Publishing Dreams with Denise Massar
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews Denise Massar, a writer, an adoptee, and a mom via birth and adoption about her new memoir MATCHED and the ten-year journey she took getting it published. Prior to the main content, Mark shares comments from a recent episode, a personal update, and a word from this episode’s sponsor. This episode is sponsored by Cruising Writers.
Episode 370 - Questioning and Reflecting with Becca Syme
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews Becca Syme, an author and a Gallup-Certified Strengths Coach who has been helping writers with coaching success alignment for more than a decade. Prior to the interview, Mark thanks Patrons and Buy Me A Coffee buddies, shares comments from recent episode, a personal update, and a word from this episode’s sponsor. Learn more about this self-publishing/WIDE-publishing focused cruise.
Episode 368 - Written Word Media with Clayton Noblit
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark has a chat with Clayton Noblit, a senior marketing manager at Written Word Media. Prior to the interview, Mark thanks Patrons, welcomes a few new Buy Me A Coffee buddies, shares a personal update, and shares a word from this episode’s sponsor. episode’s sponsor. Learn more about this self-publishing/WIDE-publishing focused cruise.
Episode 367 - Amazing Stories, Fanzines, and Community with Lloyd Penney
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews Lloyd Penney, the editor of Amazing Stories magazine about his work on Amazing Stories, his forty years of engagement with the fanzine community, and more. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update, and a word from this episode’s sponsor. Learn more about this self-publishing/WIDE-publishing focused cruise. In the interview Mark and Lloyd talk about: Meeting Robert J.
Episode 365 - An Interview That’s A Hug With Gail Carriger
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews Gail Carriger about her writing life, her journey through publishing, analytics, the careful curation of her author brand, being a hybrid author and so much more. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, a personal update, and a word from this episode’s sponsor. Learn more about this self-publishing/WIDE-publishing focused cruise.
Episode 361 - The Author Wheel with Greta Boris & Megan Haskell
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews Greta Boris and Megan Haskell of The Author Wheel. Prior to the interview Mark shares a brief personal update and a word from this episode’s sponsor. Prior to the interview, Mark reads comments from recent episodes, shares a personal update, and a word about this episode’s sponsor. This episode is sponsored by ScribeCount (affiliate link).
Episode 357 - 50 Years of Short Stories with Kevin J. Anderson
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS In this episode, Mark interviews Kevin J. Anderson about his writing and the new approach he is taking to incorporate Kickstarter into the launch strategies for some of his indie-published titles. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update, comments from recent episodes, and a word from this episode’s sponsor. Learn more about this self-publishing/WIDE-publishing focused cruise.
Episode 356 - The Midlist Indie Author Mindset with T. Thorn Coyle
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews T Thorn Coyle about writing, community, and their new book The Midlist Indie Author Mindset. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a personal update and a word from this episode’s sponsor.
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Episode 349 - Edward Willett of Shadowpaw Press
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews author, podcaster, and publisher Edward Willett about his writing, his podcast, Kickstarter campaigns, and some bold new ventures he is pursuing with his publishing company Shadow Paw Press. Prior to the interview, Mark reads comments from recent episodes, shares a personal update, and a word about this episode’s sponsor. This episode is sponsored by ScribeCount (affiliate link).
Episode 345 - The Art of Libromancy with Josh Cook
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews Josh Cook, Josh Cook, an author, bookseller and the co-owner at Porter Square Books in Cambridge, Massachusetts, where he has worked since 2004 about his writing, his book The Art of Libromancy and his life as a reader and writer.
Episode 341 - Howling It Forward with Wulf Moon
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews bestselling writer, editor, and writing instructor, Wulf Moon, who won the national Scholastic Art & Writing Awards at the age of fifteen, and followed that with winning the Star Trek: Strange New Worlds Contest, and Writers of the Future. He leads the Wulf Pack Writers group and is the author of The Illustrated Super Secrets of Writing and How to Write a Howling Good Story.
Episode 338 - An Amazing F*cking Pivot into Sh!t-Tons of Money with James Fell
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews James Fell, the Sweary Historian, and bestselling author of ON THIS DAY IN HISTORY SH!T WENT DOWN. Prior to the interview Mark warns listeners of the adult language used in this episode, reads comments from recent episodes, and shares a word about this episode’s sponsor. Mark’s Stark Publishing Solutions books are 50% off in the Smashwords End of Year Sale. (Ends at the end of day Dec 31, 2023).
Episode 337 - Collaborative Editing with Erika Steeves
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews editor Erika Steeves about her experiences in working with publishers and authors as an editor. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a brief personal update and a word about this episode’s sponsor. This episode is sponsored by HOW TO WRITE A HOWLING GOOD STORY by Wulf Moon You can get this book in eBook, Trade Paperback, and Hardcover editions here.
Episode 336 - Coming Out of The Writer Closet with Bradley Charbonneau
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews Bradley Charbonneau about his new book PROCRASTINATE and his new “Book in a Weekend” program for writers. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, thanks Patrons, provides a personal update, and shares a word about this episode’s sponsor. You can learn more about how you can get your audiobooks distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway.
Episode 334 - Welcome to the Stupidpocalypse with Brittlestar
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: Apple Podcasts | Mark interviews social media funny man Brittlestar (Stewart Reynolds) about his creative work and his new book Welcome to the Stupidpocalypse: Survival Tips for the Dumbageddon. Prior to the main content, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, welcomes a new patron, and offers a word from this episode’s sponsor. This episode is sponsored by Mark’s movie trivia guides to Planes, Trains and Automobiles and Die Hard.
Episode 330 - Book Indexing Made Simple with Stephen Ullstrom
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews writer and indexer Stephen Ullstrom about book indexing and his recent release BOOK INDEXING: A Step-by-Step Guide. Prior to the main content, Mark shares a personal update about a skeleton and license plate theft, as well as word about this episode’s sponsor, the Patrons of the Stark Reflections Podcast.
Episode 329 - Laws of Tenacity with Eriq La Salle
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews actor/director/producer/writer Eriq La Salle about his latest novel LAWS OF ANNIHILATION and his life-long passion for storytelling. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, thanks Patrons, provides a personal update, and shares a word about this episode’s sponsor.
Smashwords - About Mark Leslie, author of 'There Ain't No Cure For The Winter Wolf Blues (Uncollected Anthology: Were-Creatures & Conundrums Book 33)', 'The Pizza Man', 'Yippee Ki-Yay, Motherf*cker!: A Trivia Guide to Die Hard', etc.
Mark Leslie is a writer of "Twilight Zone" or "Black Mirror" style speculative fiction. He lives in Southwestern Ontario and is sometimes seen traveling to book events with his life-sized skeleton companion, Barnaby Bones. His books include the "Canadian Werewolf" series, numerous horror story collections, and explorations of haunted locales. When he is not writing, or reading, Mark can be found haunting bookstores, libraries or local craft beer establishments.
Episode 328 - Reflecting on A New Season with Terry Fallis
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews Terry Fallis about his latest novel, A New Season. A two-time winner of the Stephen Leacock Medal for Humour, Terry Fallis is the author of nine novels, all of them national bestsellers—including six #1 bestsellers—and all published by McClelland & Stewart/Penguin Random House. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, welcomes new Patron Nikki Guerlain, and a word about this episode’s sponsor.
Episode - Writing the Shadow with Joanna Penn
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews Joanna Penn about her new book Writing the Shadow: Turn Your Inner Darkness into Words, then associated Kickstarter she launched for it, plans she has to window its release, and much more. Prior to the main content, Mark thanks Patrons of the Stark Reflections Podcast.
Episode 326 - Rebranding and Relaunching with E. L. Williams
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews author E.L. Williams about her writing life, about her books, about rebranding one of the books in her series, and more. Prior to the main content, Mark shares comments from recent episodes a brief personal update, welcomes new patron T. Thorn Coyle, and shares a word about this episode’s sponsor. This episode is sponsored by the Patrons of the Stark Reflections Podcast.
Episode 322 - How to Write a Novel with Ricardo Fayet from Reedsy
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews Ricardo Fayet of Reedsy about their new online course on How to Write a Novel. Prior to the interview, Mark shares and reflects on a brief industry update related to Amazon’s recent AI-related change, comments from recent episodes, and word about this episode’s sponsor. Reedsy contains an online listing of vetted professionals from across the industry, including editors, cover designers, and marketing experts.
Episode 320 - Maximizing Your Creative IP with Reenita Malhotra Hora
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews Reenita Malhotra Hora, an award-winning screenwriter, novelist and audio producer. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a brief personal update and a word about this episode’s sponsor. Learn more about SciFidea and the awesome Dyson Sphere Sci-Fi Writing Contest.
Episode 312 - The Dialogue Doctor Will See You Now With Jeff Elkins
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS You can learn more about how you can get your audiobooks distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway. Prior to the interview, Mark shares the winners of the complimentary tickets to BookMARCon, the surprise winners of complimentary pizza, a personal update, and a word from this episode’s sponsor.
Episode 310 - Book Marketing and BookMARCon with Dana Claire
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews Dana Claire, an award-winning author and the Chief Operating Officer (COO) of Book Brush about her writing, about Book Brush, and about the virtual BookMARCon conference. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes and a word from this episode’s sponsor.
Mark Leslie's Blog
"I've been looking at The 12 Hour Walk," Liz said at the end of dinner one night. This was about a month or so ago. She had that look in her eyes that I know so well. I suppose I would describe it as a medley of intrigue, inquisitiveness, and wonder sprinkled with a layer of playfulness and an underlying sense of adventure. It's one of the things I love the most about Liz. Her sense of adventure. Her openness to new experiences.
EP 306 - Finding Markets for Short Fiction with Angelique Fawns
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews Angelique Fawns about her writing as well as the intel she provides on short fiction markets for other writers. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a word about this episode’s sponsor. You can learn more about how you can get your audiobooks distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway.
Episode 304 - Narrative Transportation with Denise Baden
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews Denise Baden, Professor of Sustainable Practice at the University of Southampton, UK, about her eco-themed writing, and the Green Writing Project which she initially set up in 2018. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes and a word about this episode’s sponsor.
Episode 303 - Writing as a Second Career with Lisa M. Lilly
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews Lisa M. Lilly, writer, attorney, and podcaster about story structure and the idea that writers don’t need to make full time writing a priority or goal.
Episode 300 - Celebrating 300 Episodes with Guest Reflections
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark celebrates the 300th episode by sharing reflections from listeners, past guests, and other podcast hosts. The guest reflections, in order and with links: Edwin Downward Edwin’s website Stanley B.
Episode 299 - Marketing and Promo Stacking with CraveBooks
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews Kerrie Flanagan and Cary Bergeron from CraveBooks. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a brief personal update and a word about this episode’s sponsor. You can learn more about how you can get your audiobooks distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway.
EP 298 - Honesty, Humor, Poetry, Essays, and Disability with Matthew Del Papa and Vera Constantineau
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews Sudbury area writers Matthew Del Papa and Vera Constantineau. Prior to the interview, Mark shares a few listener comments reminds listeners about sending THEIR reflections for forthcoming Episode 300, provides a personal update and shares a word about this episode’s sponsor. You can learn more about how you can get your audiobooks distributed to retailers and library systems around the world at starkreflections.ca/Findaway.
Episode 297 - Enthusiasm, Encouragement, and Alchemy for Authors with Jo Buer
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews Jo Buer, a gothic suspense and literary fiction author from New Zealand who describes herself as a sucker for the supernatural, time travel, and all things woo-woo. Prior to the interview, Mark reminds listeners about sending THEIR reflections for forthcoming Episode 300, provides a personal update and shares a word about this episode’s sponsor.
Episode 296 - Powerful in Person Print Book Marketing with Richard H. Stephens
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews Canadian Epic Fantasy author Richard H. Stephens about finally realizing a life-long dream of writing, about how his fourteen book fantasy series was inspired by hearing an Iron Maiden song in 1982, and about selling print books at in person events.
Hex and the City by Julie Strauss and Mark Leslie
HER LOVE WILL BRING ABOUT HIS DEMISE. Michael Andrews and Gail Sommers have finally found the love that had eluded them for so long. But their romance has uncovered an ancient evil curse neither of them could have anticipated. It does more than bring down a plague on their houses - it unleashes something far more sinister that can destroy humanity.
Episode 294 - Content for Everyone with Jeff Adams and Michele Lucchini
Podcast: Play in new window | Download Subscribe: | RSS Mark interviews Jeff Adams and Michele Lucchini about their new book, CONTENT FOR EVERYONE: A Practical Guide for Creative Entrepreneurs to Produce Accessible and Usable Web Content. Prior to the interview, Mark shares comments from recent episodes, reminds listeners about sending THEIR reflections for forthcoming Episode 300, a personal update and a word about this episode’s sponsor.
Pāmu Announces Half-year Result
Pāmu CEO Mark Leslie said the result was a sign of the times.Unfortunately, inflationary pressures have added to the costs of these initiatives,” Mr Leslie said.“While the tight labour market has eased slightly and we are seeing turnover slow, we continue to monitor the situation closely,” Mr Leslie said.I’d like to wrap up by thanking those who work hard every day to make Pāmu a company of which New Zealanders can be proud,” Mr Leslie said.
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