Story Works Round Table Archives - Page 17 of 66 - Story Works Round Table Podcast

SWRT 322 | A Writer’s Responsibility to Ghosts of the Past: Historical Fiction with J.E. Weiner

May 8, 2025

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 immigrant experience during the American Civil War. Join us for a deep dive into the book’s rich characters, the haunting themes of faith and family, and the fascinating historical research that brought this story to life. Whether you’re a lover of historical fiction or simply curious about the creative process, this conversation is not to be missed!

SWRT 321 | Worldbuilding Historical Fantasy with Bjorn Leesson

Apr 24, 2025

In this week’s episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida Winternheimer and Kathryn Arnold 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 fascinating role of women in Viking culture and the intricate world-building that brings Bjorn’s characters to life. Discover how Bjorn weaves historical facts with fantasy elements, creating a narrative that spans 1200 years. This episode is a must-listen for fans of historical fiction and fantasy alike!

SWRT 210 | Emotional Wounds with Becca Puglisi

Jun 24, 2021

This episode previously aired as episode 028. Make sure you go back into the library and check out our other episodes with Becca Puglisi.

Join your hosts, Alida Winternheimer, Kathryn Arnold, and Robert Scanlon, at the Round Table every week by visiting https://storyworkspodcast.com. Show notes, links, comments, and more!

SWRT 209 | Encouragement & Growing Writers

Jun 17, 2021

This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida, Kathryn, & Robert talk about budding writers, young writers, and old hands like ourselves. It seems we all need encouragement and support to get on with the act & the art of writing! What helps you get through your story projects? Let us know in the comments.

SWRT 208 | POV & Dramatic Tension

Jun 10, 2021

This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida, Kathryn, & Robert talk point of view & dramatic tension. How does your handling of POV affect your story’s plot arc? Could your POV character make or break the pace of your action? The better you control the interplay of POV & tension, the tighter & more effective your storytelling.

SWRT 207 | Using Reader Feedback Effectively

Jun 3, 2021

This week, Alida & Kathryn welcome poet & publishing guide Scott James back to the Round Table. When is the right time to present your manuscript to outside readers? We talk strategies for ensuring you get quality feedback from those select few who count. As well as ways to incorporate that feedback into your revision process.

SWRT 206 | Plot & Character Arcs

May 20, 2021

This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida, Kathryn, & Robert discuss the relationship between your plot and character arcs. We have a modern classic story (thanks to Kathryn’s little ones) to dissect, making this conversation grounded in examples. If you haven’t seen it, you may want to grab some popcorn and watch Finding Nemo! Though it’s definitely not required, because we got you covered with all the details you need to join this conversation at the Round Table.

SWRT 205 | Genre & Publishing Categories

May 13, 2021

This week, Alida and Kathryn welcome Scott James back to the Round Table to discuss how we can use genre considerations while we’re drafting to avoid future pitfalls. Scott is a publishing guide with an interesting take on our topic. He also knows how to make sure your novel makes it into the right readers’ hands. He’s got a great tip for making Amazon categories work for you!

SWRT 204 | Better Prose with Poetry

May 6, 2021

This week, Alida and Kathryn welcome Scott James to the Round Table to discuss the lessons prose writers can learn from the art of poetry. Are novelists and poets such different creatures, after all? What can prose writers learn from the way poets approach imagery and metaphor? We delve into the ever-important endnote in both poetry and prose. Scott reads a favorite poem by Mary Oliver, which we discuss. He also shares two of his typewriter poems from his book, Whatever Magic You Need.

If you care about word-craft, pull up a chair at the Round Table!

SWRT 203 | Short Stories

Apr 22, 2021

This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida, Robert, & Kathryn discuss the short story. What are the particular considerations of short form fiction? What do you write when there’s no room for an arc? Is a turning point as powerful as a climax? Explore the beauty of conceptual, quiet, singular fiction. Getting specific detail, imagery, symbolism, & metaphor to work for you…so much more!

SWRT 202 | Villain Development

Apr 15, 2021

This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida, Kathryn, & Robert discuss developing your villains. Besides making a real person out of that black hat, the shape of the villain helps shape the protagonist and even your setting. So much more comes out of what you put into that character than you may think!

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