Story Works Round Table Archives - Page 19 of 66 - Story Works Round Table Podcast

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 320 | Spicy Scenes with Paulette Stout

Apr 10, 2025

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, tension, and narrative arcs, regardless of genre. Paulette shares her insights on the importance of emotional depth in intimate scenes and offers practical tips for writers looking to incorporate spice into their storytelling.

SWRT 195 | The Velcro Between Your Pro- & Antagonist

Feb 11, 2021

To make your novel work, your protagonist and antagonist need to stick together. If they aren’t sticky, the conflict will fail. This week on the Story Works Round Table, we discuss what keeps the wheels under your plot turning.

SWRT 194 | Tropes

Feb 4, 2021

This week on the Story Works Round Table, we talk tropes. What is a trop anyway? Why are they so misunderstood? How should you use them in your novels? Can you use them artistically? Even in genre fiction?

SWRT 193 | Is Your Hero Up to the Right Challenges?

Jan 21, 2021

Is your protagonist up to all the challenges your plot is throwing at her? Or is everything a little too easy?
How do you create a character who’s tough enough to survive, but not so darn competent at everything that she becomes unbelievable and unsympathetic? This week on the Story Works Round Table writing podcast, we delve into creating sufficient challenges commensurate with your character’s abilities and more!

SWRT 192 | Structuring Long Long-form Works

Jan 14, 2021

This week, Alida, Robert, & Kathryn answer a fan’s question on the Story Works Round Table Podcast. How do we organize topics & themes in long long-form writing projects? What’s different about working with fiction or nonfiction manuscripts well over 100k words versus shorter word counts? Is it the tools that change or just the frame of mind?

SWRT 191 | Routines & Why We Love Them

Jan 7, 2021

This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Robert welcome Kathryn back to discuss writing & routines. Why are we so interested in what other people do, when and how? Is there some new wisdom we can take away from yet another conversation about routines? Some nugget to help us get 2021 off right? We think so!

SWRT 190 | Author Statement – Your North Star

Dec 31, 2020

This week, Alida and Robert welcome author and writing coach Beth Barany back to the Round Table for this author statement workshop. Grab your paper and pen, and write along with us as she takes us step-by-step through the creation of your author’s statement of purpose. No kidding, this might be the most important sentence you write in 2021!

SWRT 189 | Revision, Series Drafting & More with Beth Barany part 2

Dec 25, 2020

This week, Alida and Robert welcome author and writing coach Beth Barany to the Round Table to talk about her method of drafting a series, revising multiple books, using loyal readers while she’s still drafting, and more. This is one of those episodes where we set out to talk about one thing and talked about a dozen. I think you’ll find we go in surprising directions with loads of takeaways!

SWRT 188 | Revision, Series Drafting, & More! with Beth Barany

Dec 17, 2020

This week, Alida and Robert welcome author and writing coach Beth Barany to the Round Table to talk about her method of drafting a series, revisions, using loyal readers while she’s still drafting, and more. This is one of those episodes where we set out to talk about one thing and talked about a dozen. I think you’ll find we go in surprising directions with loads of takeaways!

SWRT 187 | Creating Emotional Pull

Dec 10, 2020

This week at the Story Works Round Table, Alida, Robert, and Carlee get touchy feely as we explore the challenges and benefits of making your reader really feel your character. how do you move from sympathy to empathy to true personal connection?

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