Mark Stay's Creative Differences

Mark Stay
  • 5.0 (11)
  • Books
  • Monthly

A monthly podcast where I talk to writer friends about those little things that make a big difference to their craft and careers in the hope that we can give readers some insight to the creative process, and writers and creative folk practical advice that they can actually use!The podcast is a recording of a monthly livestream.

  1. Michael S Jackson: Leaving Gifts for my Future Self | Mark Stay's Creative Differences ep24

    2 Jun

    Michael S Jackson: Leaving Gifts for my Future Self | Mark Stay's Creative Differences ep24

    Michael S Jackson, author of the epic Ringlander fantasy series, reveals how he lets the first draft storytelling flow in order to leave himself material that he can use in edits and rewrites. He also shares details of his new Kickstarter campaign! WE DISCUSS: The balance between story, magic and worldbuilding The importance of cover art and creating beautiful books And the important of the Rubik's Cube to his state of mind... And much more! LINKS Michael's website: https://mjackson.co.uk/  Michael's Kickstarter: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/mikestepjack/ringlander-the-path-and-the-way-tome-edition/ Michael's Author Interviews: https://authorinterviews.co.uk The Miro app: https://miro.com Modern Family: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Modern_Family Karnivool: https://www.karnivool.com This is How You Lose The Time War - by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone (this is an affiliate link and I earn pennies if you order using this link): https://amzn.to/4amdYGk Widow’s Bay on Apple TV: https://tv.apple.com/gb/show/widows-bay/umc.cmc.1zzly0vah46bnvnwf0qkrjhh2 King Sorrow by Joe Hill (another affiliate link): https://amzn.to/4a8yREV Unwelcome on Netflix! https://www.netflix.com/title/81552865 Craig Mazin's How To Write a Movie talk... https://youtu.be/i27IKil-LXw?si=jpYDSH2xSlQ1CO3m Support the show Thanks to: Dom Currie for the jingle Emily Stay-Newton and Kai Stay-Newton for the edit Visit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/ Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiers Buy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshop And there's more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/

    1hr 15min
  2. Karen Storey: I Get This Build Up of Excitement | Mark Stay's Creative Differences ep23

    5 May

    Karen Storey: I Get This Build Up of Excitement | Mark Stay's Creative Differences ep23

    Karen Storey, award-winning author of the brilliant debut novel THE APPROVAL OF SHEEP, reveals how her stories let her know when they're ready to be written. WE DISCUSS: A brilliant tip for writing award-winning short stories Why you need to get a website and newsletter right now And why her cat gets more fan mail that she does... And much more! LINKS Karen's website: https://karenstoreyauthor.com  The Law of Consequences short story collection: https://books2read.com/b/mvzrW2 Quite Ugly One Morning (I earn commission if you purchase using this link): https://amzn.to/3OMLiit Raye: https://rayeofficial.com Support the show Thanks to: Dom Currie for the jingle Emily Stay-Newton and Kai Stay-Newton for the edit Visit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/ Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiers Buy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshop And there's more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/

    58 min
  3. Kathleen Whyman: Bring Your Imagination | Mark Stay's Creative Differences Ep22

    3 Apr

    Kathleen Whyman: Bring Your Imagination | Mark Stay's Creative Differences Ep22

    Kathleen Whyman, author of the MOTHER OF ALL COMEBACKS, reveals how her brilliantly funny novels are a combination of real life, invention and her imagination... WE DISCUSS: Receiving her first publisher rejection, aged 10! How an encounter in the loo led to her debut Balancing writing with marketing and PR... And much more! LINKS Kathleen's website  Kathleen's Unboxing Video The Julie Wassmer episode The Amazon links below are affiliate links and I earn commission if you buy with them... Zippo by Richard Cave Shrinking The Other Bennet Sister Don't Make Me Laugh by Julia Raeside Pixie by Jill Dawson Qualityland by Marc-Uwe Kling Katherine Priddy, These Frightening Machines A huge thanks to Emily Stay-Newton for production assistance, to Kai Stay-Newton for the edit, and Dominic Currie for the jingle. Support the show Thanks to: Dom Currie for the jingle Emily Stay-Newton and Kai Stay-Newton for the edit Visit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/ Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiers Buy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshop And there's more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/

    1hr 2min
  4. Julie Wassmer: Libraries have a Special Meaning for me | Creative Differences LIVE

    24 Mar

    Julie Wassmer: Libraries have a Special Meaning for me | Creative Differences LIVE

    I speak to Julie Wassmer, author of the Whitstable Pearl Mysteries and screenwriter on shows like Eastenders in a special episode, recorded LIVE at the Staines Library Hub as part of the Escalate Arts Festival. We Discuss: How Julie's TV experience affected the Whitstable Pearl Mysteries Using dictation and writing by hand The role that libraries played in Julie's writing journey And much more! (And there's a lovely bit with some horsies) LINKS https://juliewassmer.com A huge thanks to Emily Stay-Newton for production assistance, to Kai Stay-Newton for the edit, and Dominic Currie for the jingle. And a very special thank you to the team at the Staines Library Hub, Susan Dinmore at Surrey Arts and everyone who came to the recording on the day. Support the show: Visit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/ Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiers Buy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshop And there’s more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/ Support the show Thanks to: Dom Currie for the jingle Emily Stay-Newton and Kai Stay-Newton for the edit Visit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/ Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiers Buy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshop And there's more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/

    1hr 5min
  5. Jeremy Szal: I Grew Up With The Book | Mark Stay's Creative Differences ep20

    27 Feb

    Jeremy Szal: I Grew Up With The Book | Mark Stay's Creative Differences ep20

    Jeremy Szal tells us how he has grown as a writer while creating the Common Trilogy, an epic space opera with 'messy, difficult emotional conflicts'. WE ALSO DISCUSS: Tips for writing short stories And his experiences of Worldcon in China And much more! LINKS: Jeremy's website: https://jeremyszal.com Tickets for the live show with Julie Wassmer: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/escalate-arts-literature-festival-mark-stays-creative-differences-podcast-tickets-1980991706521? Ghost of Yotei: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ghost_of_Yōtei Stardew Valley: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stardew_Valley Attack on Titan: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Attack_on_Titan_(TV_series) Knight of the Seven Kingdoms: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Knight_of_the_Seven_Kingdoms_(TV_series) Marty Supreme: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Marty_Supreme Avatar: Fire and Ash: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Avatar:_Fire_and_Ash Eyes of the Void by Adrian Tchaikovsky: https://amzn.to/3N6BcYI (this is an affiliate link and I can earn commission if you use it) Strength of the Few by James Islington: https://amzn.to/4ue7cLo (this is an affiliate link and I can earn commission if you use it) Beastars (manga): https://amzn.to/4uh3xMX (this is an affiliate link and I can earn commission if you use it) Mono (band): https://www.monoofjapan.com Sigur Ros (band) https://sigurros.com Oasis (band): https://www.oasisinet.com Small Prophets: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Small_Prophets Spectators by Brian K Vaughan and artist Niko Henrichon: https://okcomics.co.uk/products/spectators-hardcover-by-brian-k-vaughan-and-niko-henrichon A huge thanks to Emily Stay-Newton for production assistance, to Kai Stay-Newton for the edit, and Dominic Currie for the jingle. Support the show: Visit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/ Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiers Buy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshop And there’s more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/ Support the show Thanks to: Dom Currie for the jingle Emily Stay-Newton and Kai Stay-Newton for the edit Visit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/ Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiers Buy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshop And there's more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/

    1hr 4min
  6. Ellis Blackwood: I Hate Plotting | Mark Stay's Creative Differences Ep19

    30 Jan

    Ellis Blackwood: I Hate Plotting | Mark Stay's Creative Differences Ep19

    Ellis Blackwood is the author of the brilliant Samuel Pepys Mysteries and had a previous career writing about his love of Doctor Who, David Bowie and once made a very strange video with me on Youtube (we were young and needed the money)... WE ALSO DISCUSS... Rapid Publishing & Series arcs Historical accuracy versus story And why he hates plotting (but does it anyway)... LINKS Ellis Blackwood's books: https://ellisblackwood.com/ Dalek, I Loved You: https://youtu.be/fdV_EAU9UiU?si=-rWkwoUcejAO2hoU   Plottr: https://plottr.com/ The End of Gods Unboxing Video: https://youtu.be/wxNBVxpn2_A Shire Books: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/series/shire-library/ The Traitors: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Traitors_(British_TV_series) Ski Sunday: https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b006v8fc  The Winter Olympics: https://www.olympics.com/en/milano-cortina-2026 Public Service Broadcasting: https://www.publicservicebroadcasting.net/  Ben Elton (this is an affiliate link, so I earn money if you buy using this) A huge thanks to Emily Stay-Newton for production assistance, to Kai Stay-Newton for the edit, and Dominic Currie for the jingle. Support the show Thanks to: Dom Currie for the jingle Emily Stay-Newton and Kai Stay-Newton for the edit Visit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/ Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiers Buy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshop And there's more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/

    38 min
  7. Caimh McDonnell: Notice When You're Doing Your Best Writing | Mark Stay's Creative Differences Ep 18

    22/12/2025

    Caimh McDonnell: Notice When You're Doing Your Best Writing | Mark Stay's Creative Differences Ep 18

    Caimh McDonnell is the author of the Bunny McGarry trilogy (not a trilogy) and the Stranger Times series (definitely a series) and his latest RING THE BELLS is one of my favourite books of the year. In this festive special, we discuss: How travel triggers story ideasThe value of short storiesWhy calling something a trilogy is a bad ideaAnd why it's crucial to take note of when you're writing good stuff, and much more! LINKS Caimh's website: https://whitehairedirishman.com Joe Abercrombie backlist: https://joeabercrombie.com Down Cemetery Road: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Down_Cemetery_Road Raye: Where is my husband? https://youtu.be/rK5TyISxZ_M?si=MrCHrv-qT5utGNGp Scriptnotes book: https://scriptnotesbook.com Death by Lightning: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Death_by_Lightning Wish You Were Here 50th Anniversary: https://youtu.be/K6qj09OHvjw?si=yy0U7jHlvzIDqUgu A huge thanks to Emily Stay-Newton for production assistance, to Kai Stay-Newton for the edit, and Dominic Currie for the jingle. Support the show Thanks to: Dom Currie for the jingle Emily Stay-Newton and Kai Stay-Newton for the edit Visit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/ Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiers Buy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshop And there's more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/

    42 min
  8. Gavin G Smith: Know Your Own Worth | Mark Stay's Creative Differences Episode 17

    16/12/2025

    Gavin G Smith: Know Your Own Worth | Mark Stay's Creative Differences Episode 17

    Gavin G Smith writes gripping science fiction and his latest is ALIEN CULT, a terrific murder mystery noir set in the ALIENS universe. We Discuss: Writing for other people's IP, including games and film novelisations The crucial difference between a consistent universe and fan service Why he might enjoy research too much And why it's more important than ever for authors to value their work LINKS Gavin's website: https://www.gavingsmith.com/    Pre-Order The End of Gods paperback: https://witchesofwoodville.com/product/the-end-of-gods-paperback/ Mark's comic con playlist: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLo_4ntDELMUt20rTdaXBuENcRk5y4wtQX&si=--4DAUYlIHdEYzR1 WHAT'S GIVING US JOY Baldur’s Gate 3: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baldur%27s_Gate_3 Where Eagles Dare: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Where_Eagles_Dare Bond: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/For_Your_Eyes_Only_(film) Paddington: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Paddington_(film) The Holiday: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Holiday Die Hard: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Die_Hard Young Sherlock Holmes: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Young_Sherlock_Holmes Roofworld: (I earn commission if you buy via this link) https://amzn.to/4aloBKv The Holly King by Kate Rusby: https://youtu.be/cGHkq2rE57M?si=9L2x-1S4FmVo0Rjb The Holdovers: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Holdovers The Beatles Anthology: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Beatles_Anthology_(TV_series) A huge thanks to Emily Stay-Newton for production assistance, to Kai Stay-Newton for the edit, and Dominic Currie for the va-jingle. Support the show: Support the show Thanks to: Dom Currie for the jingle Emily Stay-Newton and Kai Stay-Newton for the edit Visit https://markstaycreativedifferences.com/ Join The Green Room: https://ko-fi.com/markstaywriter/tiers Buy my books here: https://witchesofwoodville.com/#bookshop And there's more about me at: https://markstaywrites.com/

    52 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
11 Ratings

About

A monthly podcast where I talk to writer friends about those little things that make a big difference to their craft and careers in the hope that we can give readers some insight to the creative process, and writers and creative folk practical advice that they can actually use!The podcast is a recording of a monthly livestream.

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