PODCAST · arts
Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories
by Allie James
Every story has an anatomy. On Plotopsy, Allie James sits down with authors to dissect the stories behind their books. Through thoughtful conversations about inspiration, worldbuilding, characters, themes, and the writing process, each episode explores what makes a story work. Featuring traditionally published and indie authors across a wide range of genres.
Episodes
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Cindy R.X. He on Clues, Red Herrings, and The Murder Party
What does it take to write a murder mystery that keeps readers guessing until the very end?In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, I’m talking with author Cindy R.X. He about her young adult mystery novel, The Murder Party, which follows June as she investigates the suspicious death of…
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Vincent Rylan on AI, Humanity, and Survival in Memoirs of the End
What happens when artificial intelligence becomes smarter than us—and we can no longer be sure whether we can trust it?In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, I’m talking with author Vincent Rylan about Memoirs of the End, a dystopian science fiction novel centered on Adam, the world’s...
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Sophia Huneycutt on Gothic Horror, Illness, and Florida in The House Built on Alligator Bones
What happens when a family secret, a haunted alligator farm, and a chronic illness collide in a Southern Gothic story?In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, I’m talking with author Sophia Huneycutt about The House Built on Alligator Bones, a gothic horror novel set on Amelia Island,...
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Pierre Roustan on Shakespeare, Werewolves, and Grief in Kill the Envious Moon
What if William Shakespeare became a werewolf?In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, I’m talking with author Pierre Roustan about Kill the Envious Moon, a dark romance and historical fantasy that reimagines Shakespeare through the lens of lycanthropy, grief, and monstrosity.Pierre and I...
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Melissa Anderson Sweazy on Ghost Stories, Grief, and Memphis in The Sisters of Crimson House
What happens when you grow up in a family of powerful psychics—but you’re the one sister without any powers?In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, I’m talking with author Melissa Anderson Sweazy about The Sisters of Crimson House, a Southern Gothic ghost story filled with family…
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Kim Harrington on Holiday Romance and “All the Killin’” in A Killer for Christmas
In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, author Kim Harrington joins Allie to talk about A Killer for Christmas—a holiday romance and cozy mystery mashup where Christmas cheer meets a rising body count.We discuss turning familiar holiday romance tropes upside down, from interrupted first...
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AJ Kelley on Love, Grief, and Folk Horror in Kindly Skins
In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, author AJ Kelley joins Allie to talk about Kindly Skins—a folk horror story where love, grief, marriage, and the unknown collide.We discuss writing a marriage falling apart from both sides of an infidelity, the quiet grief of losing a version of...
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TL Hauser on Fake Dating and Hollywood’s Public Image in Selling Sunset
In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, author TL Hauser joins me to talk about Selling Sunset—a witty, slow-burn romance about fake dating, unexpected connection, and the masks people wear.We discuss writing a confident yet complicated plus-size heroine, building a believable redemption...
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FJ Wickham on Enemies to Lovers and Love as a Force for Change in A Curse of Shadows and Moonlight
What happens when the stories we’ve been told turn out to be wrong—and the person we’ve been taught to hate becomes someone we love?In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, I’m joined by dark fantasy author FJ Wickham to talk about A Curse of Shadows and Moonlight—a story of...
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Vikki VanSickle on Tarot & the “Millennial Cozy” of The Mystic and the Missing Girl
What happens when tarot, psychic abilities, Nancy Drew nostalgia, and millennial problems collide in a cozy mystery?In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, I’m joined by Vikki VanSickle to discuss her debut adult novel, The Mystic and the Missing Girl.Vikki and I dig into what tarot…
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Brian W. Dowsley on Unexpected Twists, Unusual Characters, and the Stories of Walter’s
What happens when you take 30 short stories, put them all in the same bar, fill that bar with some seriously strange characters, and make every ending a surprise?In this episode of Plotopsy, I’m talking with Brian W. Dowsley, author of Walter’s, about the very unusual world he created around one...
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Grace Viall on the Monsters, Mysteries, and Mayhem of Mostly Human Resources
In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, Allie sits down with Grace Viall to discuss Mostly Human Resources—a supernatural mystery that blends cryptids, horror, romance, comedy, and plenty of unexpected twists.Grace talks about creating Alexys, a reluctant heroine who would much rather…
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M. Redding on Time Travel, Hidden Clues, and Surprise Endings of To Finish a Feud
Today on Plotopsy, Allie sits down with M. Redding to discuss To Finish a Feud, the first book in the Trace Newater mystery series.M. Redding talks about blending mystery, humor, and fantasy, creating an unconventional FBI protagonist, and using time travel without letting the story's timeline...
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M.K. Lobb on the Sin, Noir, and Moral Darkness of The Dark in Her Veins
What happens when sin has physical consequences?In this episode of Plotopsy, I’m joined by M.K. Lobb to dissect the sin, noir, moral darkness, and complicated romance behind her new romantasy novel, The Dark in Her Veins.We talk about how a book she never intended to be noir evolved into a story...
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Daphne A. Vermeer on the Monsters, Morality, and Messiness of The Night Shift
In this episode of Plotopsy, Allie sits down with Daphne A. Vermeer to dissect The Night Shift — a story about ordinary people, monsters, and the surprisingly messy consequences of trying to do the right thing. Daphne talks about Anthony and Manu, two trauma-bonded coworkers thrown into the world...
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Jennifer Givhan on Magical Realism, Trauma, and Ancestral Memory in The Sleeping Sisters
In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, Allie sits down with Jennifer Givhan to explore the haunting real-life inspiration behind her new novel, The Sleeping Sisters. Jennifer discusses honoring the victims of the real West Mesa murders and disappearances, why magical realism was the…
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A.L. Lieske on Dreamwalking, Mystery, and the Cost of Truth in The Lattice Scheme
What happens when we could enter someone else's dreams—and what would we risk learning there? In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, Allie sits down with A.L. Lieske, author of The Lattice Scheme, the first book in the Unseen Operative series. They dive into the idea behind dream...
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Melody Robinette on Deception, Disability, and Forbidden Yearning in These Vile Hearts
In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, Allie sits down with author Melody Robinette to discuss These Vile Hearts, a fantasy romance filled with forbidden yearning, deception, magic, and surprisingly grounded real-world stakes. Melody talks about writing Maddox as a tough but deeply...
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Kayla Ghee on Morality, Loyalty, and Love in Vivisaria
In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, Allie sits down with author Kayla Ghee to dive into the dark, complicated world of Vivisaria—a story where horror and romance collide, monsters aren't always what they seem, and nobody is entirely innocent. Kayla talks about writing morally gray...
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D.L. Hammons on Duality, Found Family, and the End of TOOL
In this episode of Plotopsy, D.L. Hammons joins us to discuss TOOL, the thrilling conclusion to the Taggart McGill trilogy. We dive into the challenges of ending a mystery series, the importance of duality and found family throughout the trilogy, why Cassie was the perfect choice to tell…
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Sohail Rauf on the Poetry, Courage, and Messages of Blasphear
In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, Allie sits down with debut author Sohail Rauf to discuss Blasphear, a powerful literary novel exploring extremism, courage, and the importance of speaking out against oppression. Together, they dive into the role of Urdu poetry in the novel…
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Kyla Rowse on Indonesia, Sea Turtles, and Turtley Into You
In this episode of Plotopsy, Allie sits down with Kyla Rowse to discuss her delightful and spicy travel romance Turtley Into You! Together, they dive into the challenges of writing a sunshine character, how Kyla’s own love of travel inspired Junie’s journey, and the real-life experiences that...
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Carey Gable on the Pulp Noir, Violence, and Endurance of Smoke ‘Em
Step into the gritty world of pulp noir with Carey Gable as he joins Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories to discuss Smoke ‘Em, the first book in the Cadmus Gale series. In this episode, Carey dives into the unlikely combination of professional wrestling, crime syndicates, and classic detective fiction...
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Mary Pauline Lowry on the Humor, Healing, and Mystery of Last Night Was Killer
In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, we’re diving into the humor, healing, and mystery behind Last Night Was Killer with author Mary Pauline Lowry. Mary takes us behind the scenes of this hilarious and heartfelt mystery, discussing the inspiration behind Tilly’s journey, the balance...
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Scott R. Welvaert on the Nostalgia, Crime, and Consequences of Grayduck
In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, we’re diving into the nostalgia, crime, and consequences behind Grayduck with author Scott R. Welvaert. Scott takes us behind the scenes of this character-driven story, discussing the unexpected creation of Amber Spencer, the importance of writing...
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Brian J. Smith on the Survival, Guilt, and Forgiveness of Dead River
In this episode of Plotopsy” Dissecting Stories, we’re diving into the survival, guilt, and forgiveness behind Dead River with author Brian J. Smith. Brian takes us behind the scenes of this zombie apocalypse story, discussing the inspiration behind Colin’s journey, the emotional weight of…
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E.F. Watson on the Rebellion, Romance, and Hidden Truths of The Smog Cursed Kingdom
In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, we’re diving into the magic, power, and forbidden romance behind The Smog Cursed Kingdom with author E.F. Watson. E.F. Watson takes us behind the scenes of this fantasy romance, discussing the inspiration behind Arina and Raiden’s relationship, the...
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Stoney Brooks on the Haunting, Horror, and Human Element of What Digs Itself Free
In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, we’re diving into the haunting, horror, and human element behind What Digs Itself Free with author Stoney Brooks. Stoney takes us behind the scenes of this paranormal thriller, discussing the inspiration behind the story, the origins of the...
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CA Moore on the Awakening, Desire, and Slow-Burning Romance of One Hot Summer
In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, we’re diving into the passion, awakening, and unexpected romance behind One Hot Summer with author CA Moore. Set in 1940, One Hot Summer explores desire, independence, and what happens when two people with carefully planned futures find themselves...
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M. Underwood on the Heartbreak and Healing of A Story of Love and Hate: The Cowboy
In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, Allie dives into the heartbreak, healing, and complicated realities of love after trauma with M. Underwood, author of A Story of Love and Hate: The Cowboy. M. Underwood discusses the inspiration behind Rachel and Jason’s intense connection, the...
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Jute Foster on Resilience, Healing, and the Magic of Wild Blood
In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, I’m diving into the resilience, healing, and magic behind Wild Blood with author Jute Foster. Jute shares the inspiration behind Gessa’s story, from combining the Pony Express with a magical world to exploring identity, survival, and the process of...
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Laura Collin on Slow Burn Romance, Fantasy, and the Magic of The Last Guardian
In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, I’m diving into the magic, slow-burn romance, and emotional connections behind The Last Guardian with author Laura Collin. Laura shares the inspiration behind Alyana and Zaid’s relationship, including the importance of building love through trust,...
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T.L. Hauser on Morally Gray Characters, Hidden Motives, and Nothing Left to Burn
In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, I’m diving into the morally gray world of Nothing Left to Burn with author T.L. Hauser to explore flawed characters, hidden motives, and the choices that shape the story. T.L. shares how the characters evolved throughout the writing process,...
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Annabel Cole on Slow-Burn Romance, Self-Discovery, and Love Under a Sicilian Moon
In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, I’m diving into Love Under a Sicilian Moon with written answers from author Annabel Cole to explore the slow-burn romance, life-changing decisions, and emotional journey behind Lia and Matteo’s story. Annabel shares the inspiration behind Lia’s...
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Alicia Amberg on Disability, Dark Romance, and the Heart Behind Dangers That Lie Within
In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, I’m talking with Alicia Amberg, author of Dangers That Lie Within, to dissect the characters, romance, and emotional themes behind this mafia romance. We discuss how Alicia drew from her own experiences when creating Gwen’s journey, the importance…
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K.R. Blackwood on Twists, Love Triangles, and Hidden Power in Shedding Starlight
In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, I’m talking with K.R. Blackwood, author of Shedding Starlight, to dissect the twists, characters, and magic behind this romantasy adventure. We discuss the inspiration behind Nyx’s journey from a powerless nineteen-year-old into a stronger version…
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Sarah Fischer on Magic, Misfits, and Hidden Secrets in The Apothecary’s Dark Fate
In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, I’m talking with Sarah Fischer, author of The Apothecary’s Dark Fate, to dissect the magic, characters, and emotional depth behind this romantasy adventure. We discuss how Sarah created realistic magical systems in a world where mortals and magical...
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Melody Wiklund on the Whimsy, Grief, and Unusual Magic of The First Knight of Summer
In this episode of Plotopsy, I’m talking with Melody Wiklund, author of The First Knight of Summer, to dissect the strange, whimsical, and heartfelt world behind this modern fairytale. We discuss the unusual inspiration behind the story, including the hilarious origins of its disembodied hand...
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Eliza Benner on the Soulmates, Secrets, and Sacrifices of Vitalia
In this episode of Plotopsy, I’m talking with Eliza Benner, author of Vitalia, the first book in the Circus of Souls series! We’re discussing the characters who surprised her most while writing, the secrets behind Cairos and Naevyn’s complicated relationship, and how she balanced dark fantasy...
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Marina Massino on Claiming Power in Steal the Sky
What does it really mean to claim your own power? In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, Allie James sits down with Marina Massino to discuss Steal the Sky, a romantasy filled with dragon shifters, political intrigue, and morally complex characters. Together, they explore Kaisa's…
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Tati B. Alvarez on Creating Oziel in The Demon's Beauty
What makes a chaotic demon unforgettable? And how do you write a heroine who grows without losing what makes her strong? In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, Allie James sits down with Tati B. Alvarez to discuss The Demon's Beauty. They dive into character development, the…
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Quinn K.C. on Making Readers Uncomfortable | Plotopsy
What happens when a story refuses to let the reader stay comfortable? In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, Allie James sits down with Quinn K.C. to discuss The Day She Wanted—an experimental novel that challenges readers through its structure, psychology, and emotional impact.…
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
Every story has an anatomy. On Plotopsy, Allie James sits down with authors to dissect the stories behind their books. Through thoughtful conversations about inspiration, worldbuilding, characters, themes, and the writing process, each episode explores what makes a story work. Featuring traditionally published and indie authors across a wide range of genres.
HOSTED BY
Allie James
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories have?
Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories currently has 42 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories about?
Every story has an anatomy. On Plotopsy, Allie James sits down with authors to dissect the stories behind their books. Through thoughtful conversations about inspiration, worldbuilding, characters, themes, and the writing process, each episode explores what makes a story work. Featuring...
How often does Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories release new episodes?
Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories has 42 episodes. Check the episode list to see recent publication dates and frequency.
Where can I listen to Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories?
You can listen to Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories?
Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories is created and hosted by Allie James.
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