Story Works Round Table

conversations about craft

for writers and readers curious about writers

SWRT 326 | Writing Through Chronic Illness with Beth Biss

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 work, and how her experiences shape her characters and stories. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of storytelling.

SWRT 325 | Is Art Enough? with Stephanie Elizondo Griest

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 what it means to dedicate yourself to the creation of art. Join us as we talk about the journey Stephanie has taken to realizing that Art is Enough. And what Enough even means in this capitalistic culture we live in.

SWRT 242 | What Goes into a Scene?

SWRT 242 | What Goes into a Scene?

This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida, Kathryn, & Robert discuss what goes into a scene. Is there a recipe to follow? Kind of, but joke as we may, scenes are built upon certain repeatable story elements. How does pacing change with the shape of your scenes? What mistakes are commonly made at the scene level?

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SWRT 241 | Character

SWRT 241 | Character

This week on Story Works Round Table, Alida, Kathryn, & Robert talk character. What to do when your supporting characters resist the roles you’ve given them? Do you really need them all? What about developing new skills over the course of an arc? 
Could your characters benefit from a writing lesson? Story Works has creative writing workshops available today on character traits, a master class in character development, story structure, plot, and more. Live workshops for Spring 2022 are coming soon! Details at www.storyworksfiction.com 

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SWRT 240 | Time

SWRT 240 | Time

This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida, Kathryn, and Robert talk time. Free your story from strictly chronological structure. Your story’s suspense and reveals can benefit from getting creative with your handling of time.

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SWRT 239 | A Cat in the Rain, Hemingway

SWRT 239 | A Cat in the Rain, Hemingway

This week, Alida, Robert, & Kathryn discuss a Hemingway short-short story, “A Cat in the Rain.” Listen to the story, followed by our discussion of the craft choices apparent in Hemingway’s text. At about 600 words, it’s surprising how much there is to unpack and learn!
Join Alida’s MPWW session of the Memory Emotion Body creative writing workshop before seats fill up!
www.storyworksfiction.com

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SWRT 238 | Finishing Long Projects

SWRT 238 | Finishing Long Projects

Finishing long projects can be tough, from staying inspired to never-ending research. Kathryn & Robert put Alida on the spot this week at the Story Works Round Table, talking about her work-in-progress, a historical novel set in 1920s and 30s Minnesota.

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SWRT 237 | Idea to Draft

SWRT 237 | Idea to Draft

You’ve got a great idea for your story. Now what? We talk about that stage between the lightning bolt and draft. Writing workshops open now.

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SWRT 235 | Writing, Parenting, & Working from Home

SWRT 235 | Writing, Parenting, & Working from Home

Shari Medini &Karissa Tunis talk writing, parenting, & working from home this week on the Story Works Round Table podcast. How can you support your creativity while juggling it all in your busy home & work life? This episode isn’t just for parents. Enjoy!

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