Story Works Round Table | Conversations About Craft
by Alida Winternheimer
Each week, co-hosts, Alida Winternheimer, author and writing coach at Word Essential, and Kathryn Arnold, emerging writer, have conversations about the craft of writing fiction. They bring diverse experiences and talents to the table from both the traditional and indie worlds.Our goal is for each episode to be a fun, lively discussion of some aspect of story craft that enlightens, as well as entertains.Sometimes we have special guests. All episodes are available in video as well. Visit www.StoryWorksPodcast.com for videos, show notes, and more.
Episodes
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SWRT 360 | Writing Young Adult Fiction with Catherine Lyon
In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, we sat down with Catherine Lyon to talk about writing Young Adult fiction. Here are some of our favorite takeaways: * Don’t shy away from complexity in your writing, such as figurative language, multiple layers of meaning, or complex storylines, but...
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SWRT 359 | Thought Provoking Fiction with Jesse Thoeming
In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn welcome author Jesse Thoeming to talk about writing thought-provoking fiction. We talk about the social world we live in and the challenges surrounding a writer who wants to write thought-provoking fiction. How can we look forward...
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SWRT 358 | Writing Dialogue with JP Prince
In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn are joined by JP Prince to talk about writing dialogue. Starting with JP's background in screenwriting, we explore the intersection of screenplay and novel writing as it pertains to writing dialogue. From using natural dialogue and...
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SWRT 357 | Writing Villains with Michael MacBride and Rob Jung
In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn are joined by Michael MacBride and Rob Jung to talk about crafting compelling villains. We explore villains from minor, humorous characters to antagonistic forces from classic literature. Learn how to use villains to create stakes,...
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SWRT 356 | Ask Alida: Character Arcs and Agency
In this week's episode of the Story Works Round Table, we are bringing you a discussion from our monthly live Q&A Ask Alida. In this episode, we talk about crafting a compelling character arc, and why it's important to your story, including common problems with character arcs, and weaving them…
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SWRT 355 | Magical Realism with Sherry Roberts
In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, Sherry Roberts joins us to talk about the craft of telling stories using magical realism. Learn how magical realism interacts with story elements, how to introduce it to your reader, and the deeper thematic consequences of using magical realism in...
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SWRT 354 | Writing About Crisis with Helen Hynson Vettori
In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, we are joined by Helen Hynson Vettori, a former Department of Homeland Security senior medical intelligence analyst and paramedic, who brings her unique experiences to the world of fiction. Helen discusses her Black Swan trilogy, which explores the...
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SWRT 353 | Exploring Human Issues through Fiction with Stephen Ford
In this week's episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn are joined by Stephen Ford to talk about exploring hard human issues through fiction. Stephen's use of speculative fiction and satire opens the discussion about what it means to be human, or how we encounter the issues of…
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SWRT 352 | The Role of Setting in Character with Leigh Shalloway
In this week's episode of the Story Works Round Table, we delve into the intricate relationship between setting and character development in our two-part episode. Join Alida, Kathryn, and our special guest, novelist Leigh Shalloway, as they explore how the environment shapes character arcs in...
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SWRT 351 | Writing Humor in Memoir with Jan Heidrich-Rice
In this week's episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida Winternheimer and Kathryn Arnold welcome back Jan Heidrich-Rice, a talented author known for her mysteries and an engaging travel-humor memoir. Join us as Jan shares insights into her latest work, which reflects on 45 years of marriage...
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SWRT 350 | Writing Satire with Cevin Soling
In this week's episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn are joined by Cevin Soling to talk about using satire to reveal truths. We talk about using absurdity, violence, cultural references, humor, and cutting satire to reveal truths about the world we live in. Join us as we…
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SWRT 349 | Ask Alida: Crafting Setting
In this week's episode of the Story Works Round Table, we are bringing you a discussion from our monthly live Q&A Ask Alida. In this episode, we talk about creating key settings, how to create touchstones for your readers as well as addressing common setting problems. Get Alida's musings on life,...
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SWRT 348 | The Craft of Children's Literature with Jennia D'Lima
FINALLY! After nearly two weeks of dealing with technical difficulties, we are so excited that you finally get to hear our interview with Jennia. In this week's episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn are joined by author and editor Jennia D'Lima. We discuss the nuanced craft of...
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SWRT 347 | The Choices Writers Make with Antonio Michael Downing
In this week's episode of Story Works Round Table, Alida Winternheimer and Kathryn Arnold welcome acclaimed author, broadcaster, and musician Antonio Michael Downing. They delve into his novel, Black Cherokee, which tells the poignant coming-of-age story of a mixed-race girl navigating her…
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SWRT 346 | Telling the Truth in Memoir with Kerry Kriseman
In this week's episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn are joined by Kerry Kriseman to discuss Kerry's memoir, Accidental First Lady, which provides an unfiltered look at life as a political spouse. Kerry shares her journey from writing news stories in college to crafting her...
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SWRT 345 | Journaling for Writers with Marcy Sproull
In this week's episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn explore the transformative power of journaling with Marcy Sproull. Join us as Marcy shares her journey into journaling, its therapeutic benefits, and how it can enhance creativity for writers. Discover practical journaling...
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SWRT 344 | Ask Alida: Scenes, Sequels, and Series
In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, we present a double episode featuring lively discussions from our monthly Ask Alida Q&A session. Join us as we explore the intricacies of crafting scenes and delve into the art of writing sequels and series. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just...
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SWRT 343 | The Importance of Voice in Fiction with Trish MacEnulty
In this week's episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn are joined by Trish MacEnulty, an accomplished author known for her award-winning historical novels and mysteries. Together, we explore the essential role of voice in fiction, discussing how a strong narrative voice can...
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SWRT 342 | The Art of Performing Audiobooks with Wendy Wessel
In this week's episode of the Story Works Round Table, Wendy Wessel, a talented voiceover artist based in Minneapolis, joined Alida Winternheimer at the Round Table. With a rich background in education and a passion for storytelling, Wendy shares her journey into the world of audiobooks. We…
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SWRT 341 | Ask Alida: Crafting Emotional Resonance
In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, we explore the profound significance of storytelling in human experience, discover why writing matters in a world increasingly influenced by technology, and how empathy plays a crucial role in storytelling. We delve into crafting emotions, avoiding...
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SWRT 340 | Writing Regional Fiction, bringing culture to life with Arlon Jay Staggs
In this episode of Story Works Round Table, Alida Winternheimer and Kathryn Arnold engage in a lively discussion with debut novelist Arlon Jay Staggs, who brings an insightful conversation about Southern Fiction. With humor and affection, Arlon shares insights about the quirks of the Deep South,...
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SWRT 339 | Writing Your Rules: Speculative Fiction Plots and Characters with Mark J. Wilson
In this episode of Story Works Round Table, Alida Winternheimer and Kathryn Arnold are thrilled to welcome author Mark J. Wilson, whose journey from biochemistry to writing novels is as fascinating as his debut book, Full of Beans. Join us as we explore how Mark blends genres, from science…
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SWRT 338 | Ask Alida: The Craft of Subplots
In this week's episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida answers questions all about subplots. This is a recording of our monthly Ask Alida live Q&A over on Substack! Make sure you join us next time to get your questions answered and enjoy a fun chat about writing craft! In this episode, we...
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SWRT 337 | Writing Romantic Comedies with Lexi Haddock
In this episode of Story Works Round Table, Alida Winternheimer and Kathryn Arnold welcome Lexi Haddock to dive into the enchanting world of romance writing. Lexi shares her journey from reading thrillers to crafting heartwarming romantic comedies. Discover the inspiration behind her stories, the...
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SWRT 336 | Going Indie with Catherine Lyon
In this episode, Alida Winternheimer sits down with Catherine Lyon to explore the world of independent publishing, or "going indie." They share their experiences navigating the challenges that come with being self-published while also celebrating the incredible joy of seeing their books in…
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SWRT 335 | Author's Chat: Anthology Collaboration
In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, we delve into the art of anthology writing with authors Sarah Branson, Annie M. Ballard, and Christy Matheson. Join Alida and Kathryn as we discuss the experience of writing and producing the anthology Where Kindness Lives: A Women's Fiction...
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SWRT 334 | Author's Chat: Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense
In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, Kathryn takes the host position and Alida joins our Author Panel as we talk all things mystery, thriller, and suspense. Join us for an amazing conversation with authors Kathryn Dodson, L.L. Kirchner, and our own Alida Winternheimer. We talk about…
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SWRT 333 | Exploring Women's History through Story with Jane Rubin
In this week's episode, Alida sits down with the inspiring Jane Rubin, who shares her remarkable journey from a healthcare executive to an accomplished author. Diagnosed with cancer, Jane turned to writing, ultimately leading her to pen a series of historical fiction novels that explore themes of...
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SWRT 332 | Culture, Trauma, and Memory in Somia Sadiq's Gajarah
In this week's episode, Alida and Kathryn are honored to host Somia Sadiq, an award-winning entrepreneur and global peace negotiator, who shares her journey into the world of storytelling through her debut novel, Gajarah. Somia discusses the importance of exploring the complexities of identity,...
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SWRT 331 | Taking Up Space with Susan Swan
In this week's Story Works Round Table, Alida welcomes Susan Swan, an acclaimed novelist and professor emerita at York University, to join us and discuss her new memoir, Big Girls Don't Cry. As Susan reads an excerpt from her book, she invites us into her world of growing up as a tall girl in a...
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SWRT 330 | Writing Ancient Historical Mysteries with NL Holmes
This week, Alida and Kathryn sit down with N.L. Holmes, an archaeologist turned novelist, who crafts mysteries set in ancient Egypt. Join us as we explore her unique journey, the challenges of writing about a distant culture, and the art of blending historical accuracy with engaging storytelling....
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SWRT 329 | Staging Your Action Scenes with CC Robinson
In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn have a lively discussion with award-winning author CC Robinson about the art of staging action scenes in writing. Drawing from her theater background, CC shares insights on blocking fight scenes and how to orient readers within the...
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SWRT 328 | Creating Writing Rituals & Celebrations with Elizabeth Barbour
In this enlightening episode, Alida and Kathryn welcome Elizabeth Barber, a life and business coach, shamanic practitioner, and joyful ritualist, who shares her journey of transforming chaos into clarity through sacred celebrations. Elizabeth discusses her award-winning book, 'Sacred…
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SWRT 327 | Embracing The Heroine's Journey with Danielle Anderson
In this episode, Alida welcomes Danielle Anderson, a seasoned nonfiction book coach and editor, as we delve into the concept of the heroine's journey. Drawing from Maureen Murdoch's influential work, Danielle shares her personal experiences and insights on the internal journey women often face,...
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SWRT 326 | Writing Through Chronic Illness with Beth Biss
In this episode, Alida and Kathryn explore the intersection of writing and chronic illness with author Beth Biss. Beth shares her personal journey of navigating her health challenges while pursuing her passion for writing. We discuss the themes of identity, acceptance, and empowerment in her…
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SWRT 325 | Is Art Enough? with Stephanie Elizondo Griest
In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn talk with Stephanie Elizondo Griest, author of Art Above Everything. In this perspective changing conversation, we talk all about centering your life on art. We talk about the sometimes painful journey of being an art monk, and…
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SWRT 324 | The Healing Power of Nature and Memoir with Jon Lurie
In this episode, Alida engages in a profound conversation with Jon Lurie as we explore the healing power of nature and the intricate journey of memoir writing. Jon shares insights from his two memoirs, including his epic canoe trip along the Red River with a young man named Jose, highlighting...
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SWRT 323 | What Makes Writing Objectively Good?
In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, we gather a diverse panel of writers to tackle the complex question: what makes writing objectively good? Join Alida Winternheimer, Kathryn Arnold, Mark Liebenow, Daniel Kleifgen, Liz Bird, Miriam Levi, and Monic Ductan as they explore the…
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SWRT 322 | A Writer's Responsibility to Ghosts of the Past: Historical Fiction with J.E. Weiner
In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida Winternheimer and Kathryn Arnold sit down with J.E. Weiner, the author of the captivating novel The Wretched and Undone. This Southern Gothic tale, set in the Texas Hill Country, intertwines history and supernatural elements as it explores the...
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SWRT 321 | Worldbuilding Historical Fantasy with Bjorn Leesson
In this week's episode of the Story Works Round Table, we welcome Bjorn Leesson, an author whose passion for history and the supernatural has culminated in his captivating series, Outside the Thalsparr. Join us as we explore the unique blend of Viking history and time travel, uncovering the...
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SWRT 320 | Spicy Scenes with Paulette Stout
Join us at the Story Works Round Table as we welcome back the talented author Paulette Stout to talk about the art of writing spicy scenes. Join us as we explore how to craft intimate moments that enhance character development, tension, and narrative arcs, regardless of genre. Paulette shares her...
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SWRT 319 | Writing to Your Theme with Paulette Stout
Join us at the Story Works Round Table as we welcome back the talented author Paulette Stout to discuss her latest novel, What We Give Away. This captivating story tackles the often-taboo subject of body image and societal expectations surrounding weight. Paulette shares her insights on writing...
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SWRT 318 | Authors Talk YA Fiction
Join us at the Story Works Round Table for a fascinating discussion with YA authors K.T. Angelhart, Tricia Copeland, and C.C. Robinson as they explore the nuances of young adult fiction and the importance of character development. We talk about the universal appeal of Young Adult Fiction, the...
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SWRT 317 | Authors Talk Writing Memoir
Join us at the Story Works Round Table for an insightful conversation about Memoir with special guests Candace MacPhie author of Finding Color, Randi-Lee Bowslaugh author of Good-bye too Soon, Dr. Roger Leslie author of Light Come Out of the Closet, and Michael Hingson author of Live Like A Guide...
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SWRT 316 | Writing Series with Alethea Lyons
Join us at the Story Works Round Table as we sit down with Alethea Lyons, author of the supernatural dark fantasy Seer of York series, published by Brigids Gate Press. She writes various forms of SFF, with a particular love for science-fantasy, dark fantasy, dystopias, and folklore. We talk about...
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SWRT 315 | Getting to Know Your Characters with Sarah Branson
Sarah Branson joins us at the Story Works Round Table to talk about getting to know your characters. We dig into the different roles characters play, depending on their relationship to the protagonist and how well we need to know them in order to write them well. Sarah's novel, North Country, is...
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SWRT 314 | Science Fiction & Our Possible Futures
Join us at the Story Works Round Table for far-ranging, philosophical, and fun conversation about science fiction with special guests Brad C Anderson, author of Duatero, Mark Morton, author of The Headmasters, Lance Robinson, one of the winners of the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future contest,...
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SWRT 313 | Intuitive Creativity with Chindia Ilonka
This week's Story Works Round Table features Chindia Ilonka, the visionary leader and author of Quantum Rebel. Discover how to align with your soul, harness your intuitive creativity, and achieve transformative results in your writing. Chindia shares her journey of self-discovery and offers...
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SWRT 312 | Folklore of North America with Mike Bass
Are you ready to journey through the captivating world of folklore? This week on the Story Works Round Table podcast, Alida has the pleasure of sitting down with Mike Bass, a distinguished folklorist and printmaker, whose artistry is as intriguing as the stories he tells. Growing up in a house...
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SWRT 311 | Flying Pirates (& Speculative Fiction) with Sarah Branson
Discover how Sarah Branson blends her experiences as a midwife and science teacher into her speculative fiction series featuring a flying pirate protagonist. Join us for a deep dive into world-building and character development on this week's Story Works Round table. "When you have a protagonist...
About this show
Each week, co-hosts, Alida Winternheimer, author and writing coach at Word Essential, and Kathryn Arnold, emerging writer, have conversations about the craft of writing fiction. They bring diverse experiences and talents to the table from both the traditional and indie worlds.Our goal is for each episode to be a fun, lively discussion of some aspect of story craft that enlightens, as well as entertains.Sometimes we have special guests. All episodes are available in video as well. Visit www.StoryWorksPodcast.com for videos, show notes, and more.
Hosted by
Alida Winternheimer