Story Works Round Table

conversations about craft

for writers and readers curious about writers

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

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

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

SWRT 342 | The Art of Performing Audiobooks with Wendy Wessel

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 320 | Spicy Scenes with Paulette Stout

SWRT 320 | Spicy Scenes with Paulette Stout

Join us at the Story Works Round Table as we welcome back the talented author Paulette Stout to talk about the art of writing spicy scenes. Join us as we explore how to craft intimate moments that enhance character development, tension, and narrative arcs, regardless of genre. Paulette shares her insights on the importance of emotional depth in intimate scenes and offers practical tips for writers looking to incorporate spice into their storytelling.

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SWRT 319 | Writing to Your Theme with Paulette Stout

SWRT 319 | Writing to Your Theme with Paulette Stout

Join us at the Story Works Round Table as we welcome back the talented author Paulette Stout to discuss her latest novel, What We Give Away. This captivating story tackles the often-taboo subject of body image and societal expectations surrounding weight. Paulette shares her insights on writing about sensitive topics while allowing readers to engage with the characters’ journeys authentically. Join us as we explore the intersection of food, love, and self-acceptance, and discover how Paulette’s personal experiences shaped her writing. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation!

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SWRT 318 | Authors Talk YA Fiction

SWRT 318 | Authors Talk YA Fiction

Join us at the Story Works Round Table for a fascinating discussion with YA authors K.T. Angelhart, Tricia Copeland, and C.C. Robinson as they explore the nuances of young adult fiction and the importance of character development. We talk about the universal appeal of Young Adult Fiction, the importance of relationships with teenage protagonists, and how to build the thematic resonance of young adult fiction.

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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.

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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.

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SWRT 315 | Getting to Know Your Characters with Sarah Branson

SWRT 315 | Getting to Know Your Characters with Sarah Branson

This week on the Story Works Round Table, Sarah Branson returns to talk about getting to know your characters. We dig into the different roles characters play, depending on their relationship to the protagonist and how well we need to know them in order to write them well. Sarah’s novel, North Country, is available now.

“You have to put yourself in their life and try and figure out what their motivations are.”

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SWRT 314 | Science Fiction & Our Possible Futures

SWRT 314 | Science Fiction & Our Possible Futures

Join us at the Story Works Round Table for far-ranging, philosophical, and fun conversation about science fiction with special guests Brad C Anderson, author of Duatero,

Mark Morton, author of The Headmasters, Lance Robinson, one of the winners of the L. Ron Hubbard Writers of the Future contest, and Kristina Rienzi, author of Among Us. From dystopias to conspiracy to environmental collapse, discover how these stories mirror our reality and spark imagination.

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SWRT 313 | Intuitive Creativity with Chindia Ilonka

SWRT 313 | Intuitive Creativity with Chindia Ilonka

This week’s Story Works Round Table features Chindia Ilonka, the visionary leader and author of Quantum Rebel. Discover how to align with your soul, harness your intuitive creativity, and achieve transformative results in your writing. Chindia shares her journey of self-discovery and offers practical insights on cultivating a deeper connection with your inner voice. This episode is a must-listen for anyone seeking to evolve, inspire, and thrive. Tune in now and unleash your potential!

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SWRT 312 | Folklore of North America with Mike Bass

SWRT 312 | Folklore of North America with Mike Bass

Are you ready to journey through the captivating world of folklore? This week on the Story Works Round Table podcast, Alida has the pleasure of sitting down with Mike Bass, a distinguished folklorist and printmaker, whose artistry is as intriguing as the stories he tells. Growing up in a house teeming with spirits, Mike’s fascination with the supernatural and the macabre has shaped his work, resulting in a unique blend of art and storytelling that captures the imagination.

Throughout the conversation, Mike and Alida explore the evolution of folklore, discussing the differences between traditional and modern tales. They delve into the role of folklore in reflecting societal values and fears, examining how stories evolve as they traverse cultural and temporal boundaries. Mike’s insights into the intersection of folklore and art reveal the enduring power of storytelling in shaping our understanding of the world.

Whether you’re an art enthusiast, folklore aficionado, or simply curious about the mysterious and the macabre, this episode promises to be a captivating exploration of the stories that shape us. Don’t forget to visit storyworkspodcast.com to view Mike’s prints and connect with his work. Happy listening!

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