Story Works Round Table Archives - Page 2 of 66 - Story Works Round Table Podcast

SWRT 354 | Writing About Crisis with Helen Hynson Vettori

Aug 6, 2026

In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, we are joined by Helen Hynson Vettori, a former Department of Homeland Security senior medical intelligence analyst and paramedic, who brings her unique experiences to the world of fiction. Helen discusses her Black Swan trilogy, which explores the themes of catastrophe and human resilience through the lens of a pandemic, an earthquake, and a terrorist attack set in the future. Discover how her technical background informs her storytelling and the importance of emergency preparedness in her narratives. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that blends thrilling fiction with real-world lessons!

SWRT 353 | Exploring Human Issues through Fiction with Stephen Ford

Jul 23, 2026

In this week’s episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn are joined by Stephen Ford to talk about exploring hard human issues through fiction. Stephen’s use of speculative fiction and satire opens the discussion about what it means to be human, or how we encounter the issues of the day. We talk about crafting characters that are real people, representing a variety of viewpoints, how to get those viewpoints on the page, and how to keep it open for readers to be a part of the conversation happening in the book.

SWRT 345 | Journaling for Writers with Marcy Sproull

Apr 2, 2026

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!

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

Mar 19, 2026

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!

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

Mar 5, 2026

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!

SWRT 342 | The Art of Performing Audiobooks with Wendy Wessel

Feb 19, 2026

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!

SWRT 341 | Ask Alida: Crafting Emotional Resonance

Feb 5, 2026

In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, we explore the profound significance of storytelling in human experience, discover why writing matters in a world increasingly influenced by technology, and how empathy plays a crucial role in storytelling. We delve into crafting emotions, avoiding melodrama, and the delicate balance between character interiority and external expression. We also touch on backstory, and knowing when to tell the story you want to write! Join us for an insightful discussion on the art of writing and the eternal value of stories in shaping our understanding of the world.

SWRT 340 | Writing Regional Fiction, bringing culture to life with Arlon Jay Staggs

Jan 22, 2026

In this episode of Story Works Round Table, Alida Winternheimer and Kathryn Arnold engage in a lively discussion with debut novelist Arlon Jay Staggs, who brings an insightful conversation about Southern Fiction. With humor and affection, Arlon shares insights about the quirks of the Deep South, the significance of dialogue in Southern storytelling, and the cultural contradictions that shape the genre. Tune in as we explore Arlon’s journey as a writer, the inspirations behind his debut novel, and the delightful complexities of Southern characters.

SWRT 339 | Writing Your Rules: Speculative Fiction Plots and Characters with Mark J. Wilson

Jan 8, 2026

In this episode of Story Works Round Table, Alida Winternheimer and Kathryn Arnold are thrilled to welcome author Mark J. Wilson, whose journey from biochemistry to writing novels is as fascinating as his debut book, Full of Beans. Join us as we explore how Mark blends genres, from science fiction to mystery, and hear about his unique time-traveling detective, Phil Beans. Discover the creative process behind character development, the challenges of writing, and the unexpected joys of storytelling. Tune in for insights that will inspire writers and readers alike!

SWRT 338 | Ask Alida: The Craft of Subplots

Dec 18, 2025

In this week’s episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida answers questions all about subplots. This is a recording of our monthly Ask Alida live Q&A over on Substack! Make sure you join us next time to get your questions answered and enjoy a fun chat about writing craft! In this episode, we talk about subplots, what they are, why they are important, and how to best utilize them in your writing!

SWRT 337 | Writing Romantic Comedies with Lexi Haddock

Dec 4, 2025

In this episode of Story Works Round Table, Alida Winternheimer and Kathryn Arnold welcome Lexi Haddock to dive into the enchanting world of romance writing. Lexi shares her journey from reading thrillers to crafting heartwarming romantic comedies. Discover the inspiration behind her stories, the challenges of genre expectations, and the joy of creating characters that resonate with readers. Join us for a delightful conversation filled with insights on writing, friendship, and the magic of Paris!

“Rom coms are the antidote to when life gets heavy.” – Lexi Haddock

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