Story Works Round Table

conversations about craft

for writers and readers curious about writers

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!

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!

SWRT 290 | Heroes with Screenwriter Tim Auld

SWRT 290 | Heroes with Screenwriter Tim Auld

This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn welcome screenwriter Tim Auld back to the round table to discuss heroes.

What makes a hero resonate with an audience? Tim Auld introduces us to the concept of ordinary heroism, a principle that suggests heroes should be inherently inadequate to the challenges they face.

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SWRT 289 | Scripting Didactic with Screenwiter Tim Auld

SWRT 289 | Scripting Didactic with Screenwiter Tim Auld

This week we welcome Screenwriter Tim Auld to the Round Table to discuss the trend in film and literature toward didactic writing, when the (often moral) message of a piece overpowers the story trying to be told. Why is this still happening if audiences are weary of it? What about writing a message-focused story—is there a right way to do it? We’re excited to have a fresh perspective from the screenwriting side of the craft.

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SWRT 288 | Stakes & Agency

SWRT 288 | Stakes & Agency

This week, Alida, Robert, and Kathryn discuss the relationship between stakes and agency. How do these aspects of plot and character work together to create forward drive in your story?

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SWRT 285 | Self Discovery Through Writing

SWRT 285 | Self Discovery Through Writing

This week at the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn solve the world’s problems with one simple, three-part edict.

We’re kidding, but we’re kind of not. Writing and reading are all about building empathetic connections with people who are nothing like ourselves. As such, writers are gifted with a truly great responsibility.

Share this episode and a book with the people you love.

If you’re in the States, Happy Thanksgiving! Wherever you are, I am grateful for every single person who takes the time to listen to one another.

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SWRT 284 | Writers Book Club: Naming My Father

SWRT 284 | Writers Book Club: Naming My Father

This week, Alida and Kathryn welcome Dr. Martha Highers to the Writers Book Club to discuss “Naming My Father,” a personal essay that won the Under the Sun summer writing contest. Martha is an editor at Under the Sun. not only do we talk as reader-writers, we get an insightful behind the scenes glimpse of the selection and editorial process for this wonderful essay about growing up the child of an autistic parent before anyone understood autism.

Subscribe to A Room Full of Books & Pencils and receive 21 Reasons to Pause, a series of writing prompts and tips.

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SWRT 283 | Characterization

SWRT 283 | Characterization

Characterization is more than introducing a character. The sharpest and subtlest of details can reveal a whole person to a reader.

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