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Mark Stay's Creative Differences

Mark Stay's Creative Differences

By: Mark Stay
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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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Episodes
  • Ellis Blackwood: I Hate Plotting | Mark Stay's Creative Differences Ep19
    Jan 30 2026

    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

    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/

    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • Caimh McDonnell: Notice When You're Doing Your Best Writing | Mark Stay's Creative Differences Ep 18
    Dec 22 2025

    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 ideas
    • The value of short stories
    • Why calling something a trilogy is a bad idea
    • And 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

    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/

    Show More Show Less
    42 mins
  • Gavin G Smith: Know Your Own Worth | Mark Stay's Creative Differences Episode 17
    Dec 16 2025

    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

    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/

    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
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