Story Works Round Table | Conversations About Craft
Books & Literature
About
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
- 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 com…
- 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 jour…
- 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…
- 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 seq…
- 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…
- 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…
- 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 i…
- 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,…
- 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 u…
- 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 e…
- 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…
- 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 cele…
- 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…
- 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. K…
- 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…
- 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 disc…
- 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 in…
- 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 o…
- 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…
- 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. Elizab…
- 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 experience…
- 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 t…
- 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 t…
- 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 t…
- 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, M…
- 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, inter…
- 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 bl…
- 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, tensio…
- 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 su…
- 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…
- 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 t…
- 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-fan…
- 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 o…
- 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 wi…
- 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. Ch…
- 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 in…
- 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 wee…
- SWRT 310 | From Lightning Strike to Novel with Ben Hawken, part 2
This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn continue our conversation with Ben Hawken , author of the new novel "Chandelier." In part two of our conversation, we discuss looking for the next story, processing ideas, writing…
- SWRT 309 | Immigrant Stories & Historical Events - Fiction with Grishma Shah
Join us for an insightful episode of Story Works Round Table as we welcome Grishma Shah. Grishma shares the journey of crafting her novel, Anagram Destiny . Inspired by her upbringing as the daughter of Indian immigrants and her expertise…
- SWRT 308 | Authors Talk Ghost Stories
Just in time for Halloween, the Story Works Round Table brings you a special episode featuring five incredible authors of ghost stories: Gabi Coatsworth, Paulette Kennedy, Jan Heidrich-Rice, Sandra Young, and Alida Winternheimer. Dive into…
- SWRT 307 | From Lightning Strike to Novel with Ben Hawken
This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn sit down with Ben Hawken, author of the new novel "Chandelier." Ben shares his remarkable journey from a career in marketing and speech writing to writing his debut book. Learn ho…
- The Revision Mindset
In this week's Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn delve into the often daunting world of revision. Join them as they explore the mindset shifts necessary to tackle revisions without feeling overwhelmed. They discuss the importance…
- Navigating the Feedback Landscape: A Writer's Guide
Feedback is an essential part of the writing journey, but it can also be one of the most challenging aspects to navigate. In this week's episode of Story Works Round Table, Kathryn and Alida delve into the intricacies of receiving and givi…
- Writing Senses with Paulette Stout
his week at the Story Works Round Table podcast, Alida and Kathryn explore the power of sensory details in writing with award-winning author Paulette Stout. Join us as we discuss how to bring scenes to life through sight, sound, smell, tou…
- SWRT 303 | Lainey Cameron interviews Alida about A Stone's Throw, novel
This week, the Story Works Round Table is turned: Alida is interviewed by guest host, Lainey Cameron, award-winning author, podcaster, and book marketing expert. They discuss writing without genre in mind, starting with a vision only descr…
- SWRT 302 | Transitions: bridging the white space in your stories
This week at the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn talk transitions. What are the good, bad, and better ways to keep your readers reading past narrative breaks? We want to create bridges over that white space, whether it’s a scene…
- SWRT 301 | 6 Things I Know That Will Help You Write Your Story
This week at the Story Works Round Table, Alida shares 6 powerful tips that will help you get your personal story down on the page. Whether you're writing for yourself, family, or the wide world of readers, these 6 things will help you cle…
- SWRT 300 | Finding Penrose - Paula Sheridan's life to book to film journey
This week, Alida and Kathryn welcome Paula Sheridan back to the Round Table to discuss her new project, Finding Penrose . Paula's novel has already captured the hearts of celebrities, plus the media, with 100's of articles already publishe…
- SWRT 299 | Authors Talk Women's Fiction
This week at the Story Works Round Table, five authors sit down to talk women's fiction. Alida Winternheimer is joined by D. Liebhart, Heidi McIntyre, Amanda Speights, and Jen Telger to discuss their genre and their stories. There is a lot…
- SWRT 298 | Writing Whimsey
This week, Alida and Kathryn discuss writing with whimsey. Whimsical writing can add humor and charm to writing, but it's not only for children's stories. Lighthearted, quirky, and funny moments add levity to otherwise serious or dark tale…