Story Works Round Table | Conversations About Craft
323 episodes - English - Latest episode: 11 days ago - ★★★★ - 10 ratingsEach 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.
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Episodes
SWRT 301 | 6 Things I Know That Will Help You Write Your Story
July 12, 2024 19:34 - 10 minutes - 9.52 MBThis 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 clear the hurdles that make it hard to start telling your story. Alida's latest essay was just published in Passengers Journal. Get Alida's musings on life, writing, and the writing life in A Room Full of Books & Pencils and stay up to date on book launches,...
SWRT 300 | Finding Penrose - Paula Sheridan's life to book to film journey
June 20, 2024 10:00 - 1 hour - 57.3 MBThis 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 published. And with two renowned film producers adapting Penrose's story for the big screen, they're now in talks with a Hollywood director and actors. This heart-warming and captivating tale is based on the real-life story of Penrose Matsile, a young boy in 1922 ...
SWRT 299 | Authors Talk Women's Fiction
June 06, 2024 09:00 - 1 hour - 75.7 MBThis 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 more to women's fiction than strong female characters or women authors. The diversity of the genre makes it distinct from other genres, keeping the writer's hands unbound by conventions or reader expectations. Though writing stories that range from histori...
SWRT 298 | Writing Whimsey
May 23, 2024 08:00 - 21 minutes - 19.6 MBThis 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 tales. After this week's episode, you might just find yourself writing whimsically. Get Alida's musings on life, writing, and the writing life in A Room Full of Books & Pencils and stay up to date on book launches, special offers, and more at booksandpencils.s...
SWRT 297 | Dialogue
May 09, 2024 18:50 - 22 minutes - 18 MBThis week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn talk dialogue. We've noticed what may be some poor advice and some frightening trends in dialogue floating around out there. Time to bust some myths and pop some speech balloons! We draw on the past two Writers Book Club short stories for examples of dialogue, interiority, and narrative point of view. There is a lot of craft to unpack in this week's episode, a bit of silliness, and a writing prompt, too! "Dialogue is an art form ...
SWRT 296 | Writers Book Club: Chekhov
April 25, 2024 13:13 - 37 minutes - 34.4 MBThis week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn discuss Chekhov's story, "The Woman with the Little Dog." You can get the link to read it in the show notes. "Everything that he found important, interesting, necessary, in which he was sincere and did not deceive himself, which constituted the core of his life, occurred in secret from others." -Chekhov Unpack the layers of Anton Chekhov's poignant short story, "The Lady with the Little Dog," in this thought-provoking episode of ...
SWRT 295 | Writers Book Club: Gina Berriault
April 11, 2024 09:00 - 39 minutes - 35.7 MBThis week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn discuss Gina Berriault's short story, "The Woman in the Rose Colored Dress." At only 2 1/2 pages, it packs in remarkable sentences, the experience of time passing, incredible subtext in minimal dialogue, and a realistic coming of age story when a girl makes a discovery about her father that shifts her understanding of the world. Get the link in our show notes to read the story yourself. Join my new group coaching session for writer...
SWRT 294 | What Is Genre, Anyway?
March 29, 2024 23:05 - 36 minutes - 33.1 MBThis week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida, Carlee, and Robert go deep with the question of what makes a genre a genre? Discover the nuances of crafting stories and targeting the right readership. We dissect the concept of genre as both a craft and marketing tool. It's far more useful to us writers than just a marketing category. Writing to market is often confused with marketing. And what about those of us who strive to be "pure artists," putting categories at the end of the process? W...
SWRT 293 | Revision with D. Liebhart
March 14, 2024 13:58 - 36 minutes - 33.5 MBThis week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn are joined by D. Liebhart. Revision is more than just fixing typos and filling plot holes; it's about delving deep into the heart of the story and ensuring every word, every character, and every twist aligns with the author's vision. D. discusses the challenges she faced revising her award-winning novel, House on Fire, from seeking perfection to knowing when to let go. We talk about the importance of actionable feedback, the dynam...
SWRT 292 | Marketing & Community withe Alexa Bigwarfe
February 29, 2024 10:00 - 53 minutes - 42.5 MB"It's never too early to start thinking about marketing and building your community. It's never too early. It can be too late." Ever thought it's too early to market your book? Think again! Alexa Bigwarfe shares her wisdom on today's Story Works Round Table, in a conversation that's as inspiring as it is informative. Marketing, as Alexa says, is not just about selling books. It's about building relationships with readers, sharing your journey, and creating a platform where your voice can b...
SWRT 290 | Life to Fiction with D. Liebhart
February 22, 2024 20:48 - 54 minutes - 49.9 MBThis week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn discover the compelling intersection of personal experience and fiction on this week's writing podcast. D. Leibhart joins us to share her journey writing her award-winning novel, House on Fire, and the art of turning life into literature. Join us for a conversation about craft and the complexities of writing stories based on personal experiences. Join me at the Women in Publishing Summit! Get your ticket to the biggest 4-day, onl...
SWRT 290 | Heroes with Screenwriter Tim Auld
February 01, 2024 16:07 - 43 minutes - 35.2 MBThis week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn welcome screenwriter Tim Auld back to the round table to discuss heroes. What makes a hero resonate with an audience? Tim Auld introduces us to the concept of ordinary heroism, a principle that suggests heroes should be inherently inadequate to the challenges they face. It's this inadequacy, this underdog status, that endears them to us and makes their journey emotionally gripping. He illustrates this point with a powerful image: a...
SWRT 289 | Scripting Didacticism with Screenwriter Tim Auld
January 18, 2024 19:59 - 39 minutes - 36.4 MBThis week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida & Kathryn welcome screenwriter Tim Auld to the Story Works Round Table to discuss the trend in film and literature toward didactic writing, when the (often moral) message of a piece overpowers the story trying to be told. Why is this still happening when audiences are weary of it? What about writing a message-focused story—is there a right way to do it? Are you ready to get more out of your writing, to grow your writing skills, and get that no...
Swrt 288 | Stakes & Agency
January 04, 2024 10:00 - 28 minutes - 22.6 MBThis week, Alida, Robert, and Kathryn discuss the relationship between stakes and agency. How do these aspects of plot and character work together to create forward drive in your story? This episode is from our library. It was previously published as episode 73. Show notes and more at www.StoryWorksPodcast.com Get Alida's musings on life, writing, and the writing life in A Room Full of Books & Pencils. booksandpencils.substack.com Are you ready to get more out of your writing, to grow y...
SWRT 287 | Crafting Character Arcs
December 21, 2023 10:00 - 19 minutes - 18 MBThis week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn talk about creating character arcs. Most characters won't utterly transform from villain to hero, like our friend Scrooge, but shift needs to happen. Our character and plot arcs are married. The internal character arc is played out in the external plot arc. Identifying your character's shift is a great way to engineer your arc. Happy New Year! We'll see you in 2024! Are you ready to get more out of your writing, to grow your wr...
SWRT 286 | Writers Book Club: A Christmas Carol
December 07, 2023 17:56 - 58 minutes - 53.6 MBThis week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn tackle a holiday classic, Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Most of us have seen the story dramatized annually, whether on television or in the theatre. But how many of us have actually read it? It was my first time and I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. No surprise, however, Dickens packs this tale with more than good cheer. There is a lot to examine as writers, lessons that we can carry into our craft year round. Are you...
SWRT 285 | Self Discovery Through Writing
November 23, 2023 22:31 - 27 minutes - 25.4 MBThis week, Alida and Kathryn solve the world's problems with one simple, three-part edict. We're kidding, but we're kind of not. Writing and reading are all about building empathetic connections with people who are nothing like ourselves. As such, writers are gifted with a truly great responsibility. Share this episode and a book with the people you love. If you're in the States, Happy Thanksgiving! Wherever you are, I am grateful for every single person who takes the time to listen to on...
SWRT 284 | Writers Book Club: Naming My Father
November 09, 2023 10:23 - 47 minutes - 43.1 MBThis week, Alida and Kathryn welcome Dr. Martha Highers to the Writers Book Club to discuss "Naming My Father," a personal essay that won the Under the Sun summer writing contest. Martha is an editor at Under the Sun. not only do we talk as reader-writers, we get an insightful behind the scenes glimpse of the selection and editorial process for this wonderful essay about growing up the child of an autistic parent before anyone understood autism. Subscribe to A Room Full of Books & Pencils a...
SWRT 283 | Characterization
October 26, 2023 08:14 - 25 minutes - 20.7 MBThis week at the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn discuss characterization, with examples from a short story by Junot Díaz. They analyze how Díaz introduces characters through the narrator's perspective, using just a few sharp details to create vivid impressions of complex people are are inspired to re-examine their own character descriptions. Hear the latest from A Room Full of Books & Pencils, “Does Reading Make Us Better People?” Show notes and more: https://storyworkspodcast....
SWRT 282 | Writers Book Club: Fiesta, 1980 by Junot Diaz
October 12, 2023 08:26 - 47 minutes - 43.6 MBThis week at the Story Works Round Table, listener and fellow writer Dave sits down with Alida and Kathryn to discuss the short story by Junot Diaz, "Fiesta, 1980." We're amazed by how much tension Diaz packs into this story about a family gathering, as well as his incredible voice, imagery, and metaphors. Are you ready to work with a developmental editor or writing coach? Do you have a project in need of a ghost writer? I'd love to hear from you! www.wordessential.com. Show notes, link...
SWRT 281 | Bookends
September 28, 2023 07:48 - 18 minutes - 17.1 MBThis week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn discuss bookending a story with a prologue and epilogue. Bookends can't just be tacked on; they need to be essential to the reader's understanding of whole story. Show notes, links, & more at www.StoryWorksPodcast.com. Read A Room Full of Books & Pencils, ruminations on the essential, stories, & storycraft at booksandpencils.substack.com.
SWRT 280 | Writers Book Club: Ethan Frome
September 14, 2023 09:22 - 1 hour - 57.7 MBThis week we're back from summer break with a new season and a new format. In addiction to the regular conversations about craft, we'll be reading a short prose text each month and discussing it as writers. Would you like to join the book club? Next month we're talking about Junot Diaz' short story "Fiesta 1980." This week, we delve into Edith Wharton's brilliant novella, Ethan Frome. What makes this work enduring? What can we learn by reading it and possibly emulate in our own writing? Pre...
SWRT | Summer 2023
August 18, 2023 18:16 - 4 minutes - 3.88 MBStory Works Round Table is back next month with some exciting new shows! Want to sit at the round table? Reach out and let us know!
SWRT 279 | The Storyteller's Workbook
April 20, 2023 09:47 - 44 minutes - 36 MBThis week, Alida and Kathryn welcome Adrienne Young and Isabel Ibañez to the Story Works Round Table to chat about their new book, The Storyteller's Workbook. This is a novelist's dream tool and you're going to want to get your hands on a copy - just ask Kathryn! We get into everything, from the beautiful design and feel of the paper (it really does matter) to the myriad tools to sections on revision and publication that Adrienne and Isabel packed inside one book cover...all for you. If yo...
SWRT 278 | Outlining Your Novel
April 05, 2023 09:26 - 25 minutes - 21.1 MBThis week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida & Kathryn discuss the process of outlining. There is more to talk about than we might first think. Why is outlining useful? How should we go about it to make sure it's a time saver and not a time waster? Does it help to outline more than once in the writing process? Outlining (or storyboarding) is a great way to assess the story you're writing before and during the lengthy process of novel drafting. The more experienced a writer you are, the m...
SWRT 277 | Contests with Paula Sheridan of Page Turner Awards
March 23, 2023 09:00 - 1 hour - 50.6 MBThis week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida has Paula Sheridan of the Page Turner Awards joining me at the Round Table to discuss contests. We talk the reasons for entering contests, what judges look for, and getting your manuscript in shape before placing it in judge’s hands. I’m especially excited about today’s show, because Paula founded the Page Turner Awards. She and her husband, Ken, are doing something unique—at least I’ve never of heard of it being done before. They are bridgin...
SWWT | Character Traits
March 16, 2023 19:03 - 5 minutes - 5.09 MBThis week's Story Works Writing Tip is all about traits: Make your character traits significant to your story...and here's why and how. A new session of Fiction Group Coaching begins in May. Got a novel in a drawer? Stuck in the middle of a project? Want to improve your craft while fixing a project in a small group of select peers with a mentor? Set up a discovery call today: www.wordessential.com/editing/coach
SWRT 276 | Things We Say
March 09, 2023 19:08 - 28 minutes - 22.6 MBThis week on the Story Works Round Table, Kathryn turns the table on Alida. We talk "things we say," all those bits and bobbles of craft speak that get tossed around but not always defined. What does it mean to be tightly plotted? Does every character need a lie or core wound, and are those the same thing? I have a new session of fiction group coaching beginning soon. This is a special opportunity for writers with a solid grasp of novel writing who are ready to greatly improve their writing...
SWRT 275 | Craft and Conscience with Kavita Das
February 23, 2023 10:04 - 32 minutes - 26.2 MBThis week, Alida & Kathryn welcome Kavita Das to the Story Works Round Table. Kavita has a new book out, Craft & Conscience, all about writing that is concerned with social issues. And really, what writing isn't in one way or another getting at the aspects of being human and being human together that could use some work? This conversation is equally beneficial for fiction and nonfiction writers. This is part 2 of our conversation with Kavita. Visit her at www.kavitadas.com. Show notes, li...
SWWT | Openings
February 17, 2023 20:36 - 4 minutes - 3.72 MBThis week's Story Works Writing Tip is all about openings. You need to pack a lot into your opening, just don't throw in the kitchen sink! If you enjoyed this craft tip, please give it a thumbs up, share, and say hello. I love hearing from you!
SWRT 274 | Craft and Conscience, special guest Kavita Das
February 09, 2023 21:08 - 27 minutes - 22.3 MBThis week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida & Kathryn welcome Kavita Das to the Story Works Round Table. Kavita has a new book out, called Craft & Conscience, all about writing that is concerned with social issues. And really, what writing isn't in one way or another getting at the aspects of being human and being human together that could use some work? This conversation is equally beneficial for fiction and nonfiction writers. Craft and Conscience delves into topics including parsin...
SWWT | Simple Sentence-Level Revision for MAJOR Improvement
February 03, 2023 19:30 - 5 minutes - 4.55 MBGet Alida's musings on life, writing, and the writing life in A Room Full of Books & Pencils and stay up to date on book launches, special offers, and more at booksandpencils.substack.com Are you ready to get more out of your writing, grow your writing skills, and get that book written? Do you want community, feedback, and the mentoring of an expert story craft coach? Check out group coaching for novelists and memoirists. A new session is beginning soon. Get details & schedule your free...
SWRT 273 | Writing Good Sex Scenes
January 26, 2023 08:44 - 23 minutes - 18.9 MBThis week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn mention unmentionables. We have a clean conversation about the craft of writing our characters' intimate moments. How much should go on the page? What guidelines can help us decide when to show more or less of the skin in the game? What are the qualities of a good sex scene and how do we know we got it right? Creative writing workshops at www.StoryWorksFiction.com. Show notes, links, & more at www.StoryWorksPodcast.com.
SWWT | Supporting Characters' Relationships
January 13, 2023 19:08 - 3 minutes - 2.89 MBThis week's Story Works Writing Tip is all about supporting characters' relationships. Use them to give a boost to your protagonist's arc! If you enjoyed this craft tip, please give it a thumbs up, share, and say hello. I love hearing from you! Creative writing workshops at www.StoryWorksFiction.com.
SWRT 272 | Chapter End-hooks
January 05, 2023 16:51 - 31 minutes - 25.1 MBThis week, Alida and Kathryn talk about ending chapters so that readers can't wait to "jump the gap" and get on with the next one. What kind of end-hooks work and how? Do we instinctively know where to place our chapter breaks? Is there a formula to follow? Or maybe the story guides us? When not to use an epigraph before your chapters, and more! Creative writing workshops at www.StoryWorksFiction.com. Show notes, links, & more at www.StoryWorksPodcast.com.
SWRT Holiday Message & Gift
December 22, 2022 10:00 - 1 minute - 1.79 MBWe have a special gift for you this holiday season! We’ll be spending extra time with our families this holiday season, but will be back with all new podcast episodes in January 2023. Please subscribe so you don’t miss a single one. Listen to this short message for your special gift. Happy Holidays and happy writing from Story Works Round Table!
SWRT 271 | Character Motivation
December 15, 2022 21:22 - 25 minutes - 20.3 MBThis episode previously aired as 061. This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida, Kathryn, & Robert character motivation. It’s crucial to every element of your story and you’ll do yourself a favor by having a handle on it in the prewriting stages. We talk about the protagonist, the reader, and you, the writer. Also, how motivation relates to flaws and conflicts, and how a series differs from a standalone. Show notes, links, & more at www.StoryWorksPodcast.com.
SWRT 270 | Backstory
December 01, 2022 10:31 - 22 minutes - 18.3 MBThis week on the Story Works Round Table: conversations about craft, Kathryn and Alida discuss writing backstory. It’s been coming up for both of us lately, including in Alida's fiction coaching group. What is the one critical element to getting it right? How do you successfully transition your narrative into and out of backstory? Want a great example of a great author deftly handling backstory? We got one! Show notes and links at www.storyworkspodcast.com Writing Workshops at www.storywork...
SWWT | Twists
November 24, 2022 10:00 - 4 minutes - 3.81 MBThis week on the Story Works Writing Tip, Alida talks twists. Plot twists aren't all about the plot, they're really about... Show notes and more at www.storyworkspodcast.com
SWRT 269 | Villains & Act II
November 17, 2022 10:00 - 26 minutes - 21.5 MBThis week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida & Kathryn discuss what to do with your villain in act II. As we know, they aren't usually black-hat-evil-doers, but we still need an escalation of stakes for our protagonist. How do we keep act II moving along at a good pace, whether our villain is a bad person or a force or situation in our character's lifethat causes challenges? We look at multiple scenarios for our heroes and what to do to keep them and the villain rising toward the climax. ...
SWWT | Agency
November 11, 2022 17:31 - 2 minutes - 2.23 MBIn this week's Story Works Writing Tip, Alida defines agency and describes active and passive protagonists. Agency is about character as much as plot. If you enjoyed this craft tip, please give it a thumbs up, share, and say hello. I love hearing from you! Creative writing workshops at www.StoryWorksFiction.com. Show notes, links, & more at www.StoryWorksPodcast.com.
SWRT 268 | Writing Scary Stories
November 03, 2022 09:06 - 30 minutes - 24.7 MBIf Halloween inspired you get your Boo! on, this episode of the Story Works Round Table is for you. Alida and Kathryn talk the craft of scaring the pants off your readers. But this isn’t just a skill for horror writers. We all need to write scenes from time to time full of dramatic suspense, an eerie mood, or dark twists. Loaded with examples and how-to, you’re sure to be ready to write scary! Let us know what you learned from this episode, what you liked, what you have questions on. Sugges...
SWWT | Speaking vs Dialogue
October 27, 2022 09:09 - 5 minutes - 4.39 MBThis week on the Story Works Writing Tip, Alida talks about writing natural sounding dialogue without falling into the trap of writing like we speak. Show notes, links, & more at www.StoryWorksPodcast.com.
SWRT 267 | Agency
October 20, 2022 09:00 - 21 minutes - 16.9 MBThis week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida, Kathryn, & Robert discuss character agency. In this, Robert's final episode as a co-host, he brought us the question of what to do with a character who is kept "on the back foot"? How do you write a protagonist with agency when the hero is in a position that seemingly rules out taking charge? This episode will be linked in the show notes to all related episodes in the library. Would you like to be considered as the next co-host on the Story W...
SWWT | 3 Things to Know about Backstory
October 13, 2022 08:34 - 2 minutes - 2.15 MBThis week on Story Works Writing Tips, Alida talks backstory. There are 3 primary ways to introduce backstory into your now-story. Use them all for variety and according to the demands of the specific scenes within your story. Creative writing workshops at www.StoryWorksFiction.com. Show notes, links, & more at www.StoryWorksPodcast.com.
SWRT 266 | Writing Humor
October 06, 2022 09:10 - 27 minutes - 22 MBThis week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida, Kathryn, & Rober answer a listener's question about writing humor into our stories. Is comedy just a special gift some writers have and the rest of us don't? Or are there things we can craft to make our story moments funny? Join us as we explore the topic and let us know your favorite funny authors as well as how you handle comedic moments in your writing. Share in the comments below. We'd love to hear from you! Do you have a question or to...
SWWT | Trouble Matters
September 29, 2022 16:41 - 5 minutes - 4.5 MBIn this week's Story Works Writing Tip, Alida discusses trouble and it's role in your story's arc. Story Works Writing Tips are bite-sized lessons ready to improve your story craft today. Listen. Digest. Write! The Story Works Round Table and Story Works Writing Tips alternate weeks to make sure you're never without conversations about craft. Show notes, links, & more at www.StoryWorksPodcast.com. Creative writing workshops at www.StoryWorksFiction.com.
SWRT 265 | Read Widely to Improve Craft
September 22, 2022 09:00 - 24 minutes - 20 MBThis week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida, Kathryn, & Robert discuss all the ways reading widely benefits you as a writer. There is so much more to be gained from reading as a writer than reading as a reader. Kathryn attests that her story craft has improved by reading beyond her favorite genre. How has reading improved your storytelling? What are the pitfalls to avoid when shopping for books? How can you find the books with the scenes that will deliver the help you need as a writer? ...
SWWT | Plot & the Short Story
September 15, 2022 09:08 - 4 minutes - 3.4 MBThis week I am excited to bring you something all new. As you know, the Story Works Round Table is bi-weekly, but I’d hate for you to miss a healthy dose of story craft in those in-between weeks, so I’ve got short, sweet writing tips for you alternating with the Round Table podcast. This week, I talk about plot and the short story. Enjoy! www.storyworkspodcast.com Want to work with a writing coach? www.wordessential.com
SWRT 264 | Writing Physicality
September 08, 2022 09:00 - 27 minutes - 21.8 MBThis week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida, Robert, & Kathryn get physical (and you won’t believe the scenes that get Robert in trouble!). When you need your characters to do something involving specific bodily movements, how can you create choreography that delivers the precise image you want in the reader’s mind, then move beyond choreography to create a felt experience in your reader’s body? Do you have a WIP that would benefit from group coaching? Check out Alida’s fall session an...