Story Works Round Table

conversations about craft

for writers and readers curious about writers

SWRT 294 | Genre – What is it, anyway?

SWRT 294 | Genre – What is it, anyway?

This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida, Carlee, and Robert go deep with the question of what makes a genre a genre? Discover the nuances of crafting stories and targeting the right readership. We dissect the concept of genre as both a craft and marketing tool. It’s far more useful to us writers than just a marketing category. Writing to market is often confused with marketing. And what about those of us who strive to be “pure artists,” putting categories at the end of the process? Whether you aim to meet or subvert reader expectations, there’s more to your genre than meets the eye.

“Genre determines what the story is trying to do.”

“If you get lost in a story and you’re not quite sure where you’re taking it, it’s often because you’re not clear on genre.”

SWRT 293 | Revision with D. Liebhart

SWRT 293 | Revision with D. Liebhart

This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn are joined by D. Liebhart.

Revision is more than just fixing typos and filling plot holes; it’s about delving deep into the heart of the story and ensuring every word, every character, and every twist aligns with the author’s vision. D. discusses the challenges she faced revising her award-winning novel, House on Fire, from seeking perfection to knowing when to let go. We talk about the importance of actionable feedback, the dynamics of writing groups, and the critical decision to step away when the process no longer serves the story.

Whether you’re a seasoned author or just starting, this episode is packed with wisdom. D.’s experiences remind us that the journey of revision is unique to every writer. It’s a process that requires patience, honesty, and sometimes the courage to start anew.

SWRT 112 | The Devil Is in the Details: Revision

What details about our story do we miss in first draft? And what can we do to solve them? Is it possible to know everything before you start drafting? And what should your attitude be toward those missing pieces? We dive into how to revise those scenes that you love, and how to use rewriting in your revision process. In the end, it’s all writing! So be excited about making your story the best it can be.

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SWRT 111 | Using One Character to Influence Another’s Arc

Kathryn explains an exercise in pre-writing she has been using to deepen her character arcs and relationships within her novel. We explore how it would affect sub-plots, character relationships, and arcs. What problems could this help you avoid? And how could you use it to develop your antagonist as well? We talk about how Kathryn got into this kind of development, and whether or not it would work for every kind of story!

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SWRT 110 | When Good Characters Do Bad

What do we mean by “do bad”? And when should you let your characters make these morally reprehensible decisions? We talk about how to use the emotional bank account, and the motivation of your character to keep readers from losing their sympathy for the protagonist. And what about those snapped moments? Or when your character is acting out of character? Ultimately we decide it’s a powerful tool, so use it wisely!

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SWRT 109 | Plausibility

How do you craft a story where readers buy the implausible? Does every genre have to deal with this issue? What tools can you use in your character, plot, and world-building to keep your reader engaged in the story? When do your genre conventions help your plausibility? And when can they hurt it?

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SWRT 108 | Put ‘Em Up!

What are some problems with fight scenes? What happens if you go too quickly? Or too slowly? How can you slow the action down in a good way? What does slow action do to the tension within your story? And don’t forget about your character’s wounds!

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SWRT 107 | Traveling Chapters

SWRT 107 | Traveling Chapters

What is a traveling chapter? And why do all books, regardless of genre, have them? What can you do to amp up your traveling, and make it interesting and compelling to your reader?

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SWRT 106 | Talking Fantasy with Nico Taranovsky, part 2

SWRT 106 | Talking Fantasy with Nico Taranovsky, part 2

What is Intrusion and Liminal Fantasy? And why would you choose to mix the types? Why is Nico writing an intrusion fantasy? And what is his take on world-building? In the end, it’s all about writing a story that says something, has impact, and matters to your readers!

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SWRT 105 | Talking Fantasy with Nico Taranovsky

SWRT 105 | Talking Fantasy with Nico Taranovsky

How did Nico get into writing fantasy? And what is the history of this genre? How would you write a classic fantasy story today? And should you have a distinct good versus evil plot? We dive into types of fantasy stories, starting with the Portal/Quest fantasy and how to immerse your reader, without losing them!

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SWRT 104 | Guiding Your Reader with Narrative with Mike Stop Continues

SWRT 104 | Guiding Your Reader with Narrative with Mike Stop Continues

What is a sequencing issue, and why is it so bothersome to Mike (and Alida)? Why do they happen? And how should you address them? What tools do you miss out on when things are out of order? How can you use narrative to help craft surprise, and reveals? And what is the problem with delaying your dialogue tag? We leave you with ways we discover problems in our own manuscripts.

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