Story Works Round Table Archives - Page 8 of 65 - Story Works Round Table Podcast

SWRT 336 | Going Indie with Catherine Lyon

Nov 20, 2025

In this episode, Alida Winternheimer sits down with Catherine Lyon to explore the world of independent publishing, or “going indie.” They share their experiences navigating the challenges that come with being self-published while also celebrating the incredible joy of seeing their books in readers’ hands. Both Alida and Catherine are award-winning authors who initially pursued the traditional publishing path. Tune in for an insightful conversation about their decision to go indie and whether they would choose differently if given the opportunity.

SWRT 335 | Author’s Chat: Anthology Collaboration

Nov 6, 2025

In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, we delve into the art of anthology writing with authors Sarah Branson, Annie M. Ballard, and Christy Matheson. Join Alida and Kathryn as we discuss the experience of writing and producing the anthology Where Kindness Lives: A Women’s Fiction Anthology. We discuss the challenges and joys of collaborative storytelling and the unique dynamics of writing short fiction. Tune in for insights that will inspire both aspiring and seasoned writers!

SWRT 285 | Self Discovery Through Writing

Nov 23, 2023

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.

SWRT 284 | Writers Book Club: Naming My Father

Nov 9, 2023

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.

SWRT 283 | Characterization

Oct 26, 2023

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

SWRT 282 | Writers Book Club: “Fiesta, 1980” by Junot Diaz

Oct 12, 2023

We discuss story craft in Junot Diaz’s short story “Fiesta, 1980” at this week’s writers book club on the Story Works Round Table podcast.

SWRT 281 | Bookends

Sep 28, 2023

This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn discuss bookending a story, drawing on our recent discussion of Ethan Frome. Edith Wharton masterfully uses prologues and epilogues to frame the story and provide meaning. We analyze how the framing devices are essential to understanding the themes and events. Then explore examples of other books that also use framing devices well to provide narrative distance and allow readers to understand the story’s significance.

SWRT 280| Writers Book Club: Ethan Frome

Sep 14, 2023

This week on the Story Works Round Table, we talk about Ethan Frome, Edith Wharton’s great American tragic love story.

SWRT Summer 2023

Aug 18, 2023

At this week’s Story Works Round Table, writers discuss the benefits of group coaching. Next month begins the writers book club and more!

SWRT 279 | The Storyteller’s Workbook

Apr 20, 2023

This week, Alida and Kathryn welcome Adrienne Young and Isabel Ibañez to the Story Works Round Table to chat about their new book, The Storyteller's Workbook. This is a novelist's dream tool and you're going to want to get your hands on a copy - just ask Kathryn! We...

SWRT 278 | Outlining Your Novel

Apr 5, 2023

This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida & Kathryn discuss the process of outlining. There is more to talk about than we might first think. Why is outlining useful? How should we go about it to make sure it’s a time saver and not a time waster? Does it help to outline more than once in the writing process?

Outlining (or storyboarding) is a great way to assess the story you’re writing before and during the lengthy process of novel drafting. The more experienced a writer you are, the more valuable the tool seems to be!

Are you ready to get more out of your writing, to grow your writing skills, and get that novel done faster? Do you want community, feedback, and mentoring? Check out group coaching for novelists. A new session begins in May. www.wordessential.com/fictioncoaching

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