Story Works Round Table

conversations about craft

for writers and readers curious about writers

SWRT 351 | Writing Humor in Memoir with Jan Heidrich-Rice

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 and adventures across 50 states. With a blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling, Jan discusses the challenges and joys of capturing life’s journey through her unique lens. Join us for an inspiring conversation about love, laughter, and the art of memoir writing!

SWRT 350 | Writing Satire with Cevin Soling

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 discuss Cevin’s work as a vehicle for social commentary and how it prompts people to reconsider their view of the world.

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SWRT 349 | Ask Alida: Crafting Settings

SWRT 349 | Ask Alida: Crafting Settings

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.

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SWRT 348 | The Craft of Children’s Literature with Jennia D’Lima

SWRT 348 | The Craft of Children’s Literature with Jennia D’Lima

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 writing children’s literature. It’s much more complicated than just writing a poem and adding some pictures! We talk about theme, the words on the page, the way the illustrations complement the story, and how to ensure your book is written for the age and audience you want! Touching on much more than just the craft of writing children’s literature, writers of all genres will benefit from this far-reaching discussion!

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SWRT 347 | The Choices Writers Make with Antonio Michael Downing

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 identity amidst the complexities of her heritage. Antonio shares the inspiration behind the book, the extensive research he undertook, and the importance of honoring the characters and their histories. Join us for a rich discussion that explores the intersections of race, culture, and the power of storytelling!

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SWRT 346 | Telling the Truth in Memoir with Kerry Kriseman

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 memoir, highlighting the challenges of overcoming imposter syndrome and the fear of telling the truth. Tune in for insights on memoir writing, the importance of mission statements, and the emotional hurdles of sharing personal stories.

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SWRT 345 | Journaling for Writers with Marcy Sproull

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 techniques, including the art of dialogue with your thoughts and characters, and learn how to use journaling as a tool for self-discovery and problem-solving. Don’t miss this insightful conversation that promises to inspire your own writing journey!

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SWRT 344 | Ask Alida: Scenes, Sequels, and Series

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 starting your journey, these conversations are packed with valuable insights to elevate your storytelling skills. Don’t miss out on this engaging exploration of the writing craft!

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SWRT 343 | The Importance of Voice in Fiction with Trish MacEnulty

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 captivate readers and set a story apart in a crowded literary landscape. Trish shares her insights on defining voice, the importance of individuality, and the tools writers can use to craft memorable narratives. Whether you’re a seasoned writer or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with valuable advice and inspiration!

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SWRT 342 | The Art of Performing Audiobooks with Wendy Wessel

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 explore the essential qualities of a great vocal performance, the emotional depth needed for effective narration, and the technical skills required to bring characters to life. Discover how Wendy immerses herself in each story and the challenges she faces in the production process. Tune in for an insightful conversation about the art and craft of voice acting!

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