Story Works Round Table Archives - Page 6 of 65 - Story Works Round Table Podcast

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 306 | The Revision Mindset

Sep 26, 2024

In this week’s Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn delve into the often daunting world of revision. Join them as they explore the mindset shifts necessary to tackle revisions without feeling overwhelmed. They discuss the importance of understanding that revision doesn’t mean starting from scratch but rather making thoughtful adjustments to enhance your story. They share personal struggles and breakthroughs with revision, offering valuable insights and practical tips for writers facing similar challenges. Tune in to learn how to approach your manuscript with confidence and a clear plan, transforming the revision process into a manageable and even enjoyable part of your writing journey.

SWRT 305 | Navigating the Feedback Landscape: A Writer’s Guide

Sep 12, 2024

Feedback is an essential part of the writing journey, but it can also be one of the most challenging aspects to navigate. In this week’s episode of Story Works Round Table, Kathryn and Alida delve into the intricacies of receiving and giving feedback, offering valuable insights and practical advice for writers at all stages of their careers. One of the key takeaways from the episode is the importance of discerning useful feedback from less helpful critiques. Not all feedback is created equal, and it’s crucial to find critique partners who understand your goals and can provide constructive criticism that aligns with your vision.

SWRT 304 | Writing Senses with Paulette Stout

Aug 29, 2024

This week at the Story Works Round Table podcast, Alida and Kathryn explore the power of sensory details in writing with award-winning author Paulette Stout. Join us as we discuss how to bring scenes to life through sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. Paulette shares insights into her writing process, her latest work, and how she uses sensory details to build vivid, immersive worlds.

SWRT 303 | Lainey Cameron interviews Alida about A Stone’s Throw

Aug 9, 2024

This week, the Story Works Round Table is turned: Alida is interviewed by guest host, Lainey Cameron, award-winning author, podcaster, and book marketing expert.

They discuss writing without genre in mind, starting with a vision only described as magical realism. Alida’s novel, A Stone’s Throw, explores themes of relationships, and motherhood, while highlighting the complexities of artistic identity and validation and the transformative power of community.

Lainey asks Alida about her inspiration, process, and the roles of creativity and community in her life and work.

SWRT 302 | Transitions: bridging the white space in your stories

Jul 25, 2024

This week at the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn talk transitions. What are the good, bad, and better ways to keep your readers reading past narrative breaks? We want to create bridges over that white space, whether it’s a scene, chapter, or part break, no matter who, when, or where shifts on the other side

SWRT 301 | 6 Things I Know That Will Help You Write Your Story

Jul 12, 2024

Alida shares 6 personal writing tips she’s learned that will get you over the hurdles that make it hard to write your story on today’s Story Works Round Table.

SWRT 300 | Finding Penrose – Paula Sheridan’s book-to-film journey

Jun 20, 2024

Author Paula Sheridan turns a fascinating real life story to a novel & then to film while holding onto creative control of Finding Penrose. This week, Alida and Kathryn welcome Paula Sheridan back to the Round Table to discuss her new project, Finding Penrose.

Paula’s novel has already captured the hearts of celebrities, plus the media, with 100’s of articles already published. And with two renowned film producers adapting Penrose’s story for the big screen, they’re now in talks with a Hollywood director and actors.

This heart-warming and captivating tale is based on the real-life story of Penrose Matsile, a young boy in 1922 Colonial Africa who was stolen from his village and forced into a life of slavery. Despite the unimaginable odds, Penrose spent his entire life courageously fighting to reclaim his identity and freedom.

SWRT 299 | Authors Talk Women’s Fiction

Jun 6, 2024

This week at the Story Works Round Table, five authors sit down to talk women’s fiction. Alida Winternheimer is joined by D. Liebhart, Heidi McIntyre, Amanda Speights, and Jen Telger to discuss their genre and their stories. There is a lot more to women’s fiction than strong female characters or women authors. The diversity of the genre makes it distinct from other genres, keeping the writer’s hands unbound by conventions or reader expectations. Though writing stories that range from historical to magical realism to contemporary and medical, they have a lot in common…especially a deep commitment to realism and their characters’ emotional journeys.

SWRT 298 | Writing Whimsey

May 23, 2024

This week, Alida and Kathryn discuss writing with whimsey. Whimsical writing can add humor and charm to writing, but it’s not only for children’s stories. Lighthearted, quirky, and funny moments add levity to otherwise serious or dark tales. After this week’s episode, you might just find yourself writing whimsically.

« Older Entries

Next Entries »

Story Works Round Table

conversations about craft

for writers and readers curious about writers