Story Works Round Table

conversations about craft

for writers and readers curious about writers

SWRT 348 | The Craft of Children’s Literature with Jennia D’Lima

SWRT 348 | The Craft of Children’s Literature with Jennia D’Lima

In this week’s episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn are joined by author and editor Jennia D’Lima. We discuss the nuanced craft of writing children’s literature. It’s much more complicated than just writing a poem and adding some pictures! We talk about theme, the words on the page, the way the illustrations complement the story, and how to ensure your book is written for the age and audience you want! Touching on much more than just the craft of writing children’s literature, writers of all genres will benefit from this far-reaching discussion!

SWRT 347 | The Choices Writers Make with Antonio Michael Downing

SWRT 347 | The Choices Writers Make with Antonio Michael Downing

In this week’s episode of Story Works Round Table, Alida Winternheimer and Kathryn Arnold welcome acclaimed author, broadcaster, and musician Antonio Michael Downing. They delve into his novel, Black Cherokee, which tells the poignant coming-of-age story of a mixed-race girl navigating her identity amidst the complexities of her heritage. Antonio shares the inspiration behind the book, the extensive research he undertook, and the importance of honoring the characters and their histories. Join us for a rich discussion that explores the intersections of race, culture, and the power of storytelling!

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

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

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!

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SWRT 338 | Ask Alida: The Craft of Subplots

SWRT 338 | Ask Alida: The Craft of Subplots

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!

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SWRT 337 | Writing Romantic Comedies with Lexi Haddock

SWRT 337 | Writing Romantic Comedies with Lexi Haddock

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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SWRT 336 | Going Indie with Catherine Lyon

SWRT 336 | Going Indie with Catherine Lyon

In this episode, Alida Winternheimer sits down with Catherine Lyon to explore the world of independent publishing, or “going indie.” They share their experiences navigating the challenges that come with being self-published while also celebrating the incredible joy of seeing their books in readers’ hands. Both Alida and Catherine are award-winning authors who initially pursued the traditional publishing path. Tune in for an insightful conversation about their decision to go indie and whether they would choose differently if given the opportunity.

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SWRT 335 | Author’s Chat: Anthology Collaboration

SWRT 335 | Author’s Chat: Anthology Collaboration

In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, we delve into the art of anthology writing with authors Sarah Branson, Annie M. Ballard, and Christy Matheson. Join Alida and Kathryn as we discuss the experience of writing and producing the anthology Where Kindness Lives: A Women’s Fiction Anthology. We discuss the challenges and joys of collaborative storytelling and the unique dynamics of writing short fiction. Tune in for insights that will inspire both aspiring and seasoned writers!

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SWRT 334 | Author’s Chat: Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense!

SWRT 334 | Author’s Chat: Mystery, Thriller, and Suspense!

In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, Kathryn takes the host position and Alida joins our Author Panel as we talk all things mystery, thriller, and suspense. Join us for an amazing conversation with authors Kathryn Dodson, L.L. Kirchner, and our own Alida Winternheimer. We talk about why each author chose to write in these genres, why they write female protagonists, the use of plot and pacing to drive suspense, and the intricacies of writing a villain. Packed with craft, and exploring the intricacies of writing these books, this is a must-listen for any writer!

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SWRT 333 | Exploring Women’s History through Story with Jane Rubin

SWRT 333 | Exploring Women’s History through Story with Jane Rubin

In this week’s episode we sit down with the inspiring Jane Rubin, who shares her remarkable journey from a healthcare executive to an accomplished author. Diagnosed with cancer, Jane turned to writing as a form of healing, ultimately leading her to pen a series of historical fiction novels that explore themes of immigration, women’s rights, and the impact of war. Join us as we delve into her creative process, the importance of research in storytelling, and the powerful narratives that emerge from her experiences. You won’t want to miss this enlightening conversation!

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SWRT 332 | Culture, Trauma, and Memory in Somia Sadiq’s Gajarah

SWRT 332 | Culture, Trauma, and Memory in Somia Sadiq’s Gajarah

In this week’s episode, Alida and Kathryn are honored to host Somia Sadiq, an award-winning entrepreneur and global peace negotiator, who shares her journey into the world of storytelling through her debut novel, Gajarah. Somia discusses the importance of exploring the complexities of identity, trauma, and belonging through literature, emphasizing the power of storytelling to foster understanding and connection. Join us as we delve into the intricate relationship between the storyteller and the listener, and how Somia’s unique experiences shape her narrative style.

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SWRT 331 | Taking Up Space with Susan Swan

SWRT 331 | Taking Up Space with Susan Swan

In this week’s Story Works Round Table, Alida welcomes Susan Swan, an acclaimed novelist and professor emerita at York University, join us to discuss her new memoir, Big Girls Don’t Cry. As Susan reads an excerpt from her book, she invites us into her world of growing up as a tall girl in a society that often discourages women from taking up space. We delve into themes of body image, the societal expectations placed on women, and the journey of finding one’s voice and identity. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation on the importance of asserting oneself in a world that often tries to diminish women’s presence.

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