Story Works Round Table

conversations about craft

for writers and readers curious about writers

SWRT 317 | Authors Talk Writing Memoir

SWRT 317 | Authors Talk Writing Memoir

Join us at the Story Works Round Table for an insightful conversation about Memoir with special guests Candace MacPhie author of Finding Color, Randi-Lee Bowslaugh author of Good-bye too Soon, Dr. Roger Leslie author of Light Come Out of the Closet, and Michael Hingson author of Live Like A Guide Dog. From taking a piece of your own life and crafting it into a story, to the challenges of examining your life in such a vulnerable way, discover how to craft a compelling story from your own experiences.

SWRT 316 | Series & Sequels with Alethea Lyons

SWRT 316 | Series & Sequels with Alethea Lyons

Join us at the Story Works Round Table as we sit down with Alethea Lyons, author of the supernatural dark fantasy Seer of York series, published by Brigids Gate Press. She writes various forms of SFF, with a particular love for science-fantasy, dark fantasy, dystopias, and folklore. We talk about the particular challenges facing writers of series and sequels.

SWRT 308 | Authors Talk Ghost Stories

SWRT 308 | Authors Talk Ghost Stories

Just in time for Halloween, the Story Works Round Table brings you a special episode featuring five incredible authors of ghost stories: Gabi Coatsworth, Paulette Kennedy, Jan Heidrich-Rice, Sandra Young, and Alida Winternheimer. Dive into the art of crafting paranormal tales, explore the inspiration behind these haunting narratives, and learn about the unique rules that govern their ghostly worlds. Plus, discover their upcoming events and workshops perfect for getting your literary boo on this spooky season. Don’t miss out on this fascinating conversation—listen now!

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SWRT 307 | From Lightning Strike to Novel with Ben Hawken

SWRT 307 | From Lightning Strike to Novel with Ben Hawken

This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn sit down with Ben Hawken, author of the new novel “Chandelier.” Ben shares his remarkable journey from a career in marketing and speech writing to writing his debut book. Learn how he balanced life, work, and writing to achieve his creative dreams. Ben offers insights into story structure, the art of dialogue, and practical tips for aspiring writers. Whether you’re looking to start your own writing journey or curious about the creative process, this episode is packed with inspiration and advice. Tune in now to hear Ben’s story and get motivated to pursue your own creative passions!

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SWRT 306 | The Revision Mindset

SWRT 306 | The Revision Mindset

In this week’s Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn delve into the often daunting world of revision. Join them as they explore the mindset shifts necessary to tackle revisions without feeling overwhelmed. They discuss the importance of understanding that revision doesn’t mean starting from scratch but rather making thoughtful adjustments to enhance your story. They share personal struggles and breakthroughs with revision, offering valuable insights and practical tips for writers facing similar challenges. Tune in to learn how to approach your manuscript with confidence and a clear plan, transforming the revision process into a manageable and even enjoyable part of your writing journey.

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SWRT 305 | Navigating the Feedback Landscape: A Writer’s Guide

SWRT 305 | Navigating the Feedback Landscape: A Writer’s Guide

Feedback is an essential part of the writing journey, but it can also be one of the most challenging aspects to navigate. In this week’s episode of Story Works Round Table, Kathryn and Alida delve into the intricacies of receiving and giving feedback, offering valuable insights and practical advice for writers at all stages of their careers. One of the key takeaways from the episode is the importance of discerning useful feedback from less helpful critiques. Not all feedback is created equal, and it’s crucial to find critique partners who understand your goals and can provide constructive criticism that aligns with your vision.

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SWRT 304 | Writing Senses with Paulette Stout

SWRT 304 | Writing Senses with Paulette Stout

This week at the Story Works Round Table podcast, Alida and Kathryn explore the power of sensory details in writing with award-winning author Paulette Stout. Join us as we discuss how to bring scenes to life through sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. Paulette shares insights into her writing process, her latest work, and how she uses sensory details to build vivid, immersive worlds.

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SWRT 303 | Lainey Cameron interviews Alida about A Stone’s Throw

SWRT 303 | Lainey Cameron interviews Alida about A Stone’s Throw

This week, the Story Works Round Table is turned: Alida is interviewed by guest host, Lainey Cameron, award-winning author, podcaster, and book marketing expert.

They discuss writing without genre in mind, starting with a vision only described as magical realism. Alida’s novel, A Stone’s Throw, explores themes of relationships, and motherhood, while highlighting the complexities of artistic identity and validation and the transformative power of community.

Lainey asks Alida about her inspiration, process, and the roles of creativity and community in her life and work.

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SWRT 302 | Transitions: bridging the white space in your stories

SWRT 302 | Transitions: bridging the white space in your stories

This week at the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn talk transitions. What are the good, bad, and better ways to keep your readers reading past narrative breaks? We want to create bridges over that white space, whether it’s a scene, chapter, or part break, no matter who, when, or where shifts on the other side

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SWRT 300 | Finding Penrose – Paula Sheridan’s book-to-film journey

SWRT 300 | Finding Penrose – Paula Sheridan’s book-to-film journey

Author Paula Sheridan turns a fascinating real life story to a novel & then to film while holding onto creative control of Finding Penrose. This 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 Colonial Africa who was stolen from his village and forced into a life of slavery. Despite the unimaginable odds, Penrose spent his entire life courageously fighting to reclaim his identity and freedom.

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