Story Works Round Table Archives - Page 29 of 65 - Story Works Round Table Podcast

SWRT 294 | Genre – What is it, anyway?

Mar 29, 2024

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

Mar 14, 2024

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 098 | Capturing Your Character’s Shadow Side

Mar 21, 2019

What is the shadow side? And how should we use it in our stories? How do we develop a shadow side? And how does it humanize our characters? Remember that you must get into your characters head, show their motivations, and make a change throughout your story! So use that shadow side to help you craft a character readers want to live vicariously through.

SWRT 097 | Writing with Humor

Mar 14, 2019

How do we encounter humor in fiction? Does it inspire or frustrate us as writers? How do you craft humor? What kinds of humor are there? And isn’t humor more of an audible medium? How do you learn to write humor? We dive into the benefits of studying improv, and offer some resources to learn more!

SWRT 096 | Should Your Story Be Told in Parts?

Mar 7, 2019

How are parts used in novel structure? How do parts function? And when do you want to use them? We discuss how different genre’s use parts and how to ensure you don’t use them in the wrong ways!

SWRT 095 | Subplots

Feb 28, 2019

What exactly is a subplot? When do you need them? Who should they revolve around? And can they really alleviate the soggy middle syndrome? And please don’t forget your characters have lives too! Don’t make them live entirely in the main plot line.

SWRT 094 | Multiple Points of View: Pros, Cons with Carlee Tressel Alson

Feb 21, 2019

What do we think about multiple points of view? And when should you cut them? What does a point of view character need to have? And when should you add another? We talk about the difference between dual, multiple, and ensemble casts and how it should affect your point of view character choices.

SWRT 093 | 5 Steps to Drafting with Motivation & Momentum

Feb 14, 2019

Carlee shares five tools to help us through our drafting process, whether you are in first draft or revision! We talk about setting goals, using focused writing time, keeping a log, as well as a visual progress meter, and rewarding yourself at the completion of a project. Carlee also talks about her experience with group accountability and how key it was to finishing her draft. Remember! We’re doing an accountability challenge in our Facebook group this year! Join us today!

SWRT 092 | Going Deeper with Emotional Risks part 2

Feb 7, 2019

In part two of our conversation about taking emotional risks, we talk about what the “truth” is in our writing. How do we get to the emotional truth? And how do we take care of ourselves when we do get there? We also discuss the difference between the value of your experience, and the way that we can convey that to readers. Plus we have a special bonus segment specific to Creative Non-Fiction writers!

SWRT 091 | Going Deeper into Emotional Risks

Jan 31, 2019

Why are we compelled by the truth in our lives? And how can we make art out of emotional risks? When should we protect the people we’ve written about rather than publish our work? And how do you deal with your reality in writing, whether in fiction or nonfiction?

SWRT 090 | Writing Otherness

Jan 24, 2019

We start with a listener question about writing a culture that is not our own, and take off on a journey of writing what you don’t know, or the “other”. Why is it a political hot potato? And how can you be careful in your writing? We talk about the problem of stereotypes, and our own view from the “white middle class”. In the end it all comes down to being careful, researching well, and writing from a place of deep empathy for your whole character!

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