In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn are joined by Michael MacBride and Rob Jung to talk about crafting compelling villains. We explore villains from minor, humorous characters to antagonistic forces from classic literature. Learn how to use villains to create stakes, craft villainous characters that readers love, and use villains in new and surprising ways! Thanks for listening to the Story Works Round Table Podcast! Subscribe to make sure you get every new episode! Michael David MacBride’s career has taken as many twists as a well-plotted novel. Originally from Michigan and now based in Minnesota, he’s worked as a newspaper carrier, a pizza delivery driver, a UPS worker, a debt collector, a country band roadie, a grant writer, a professor of English, Literature, and Humanities at multiple universities, and plenty more in between. These days, he focuses on writing, co-running Bell Cow Productions with Rob Jung, helping authors publish through Salty Books Publishing, and hosting and producing the Veritas Views podcast—all while somehow balancing a “regular” job, too.MacBride’s love of storytelling drives everything he does, whether it’s crafting his own books, amplifying the voices of other authors, or diving into deep (and occasionally absurd) conversations on podcasts. When he’s not working, writing, or publishing, he enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife and two boys—though he’s probably still mentally drafting his next project while doing it. Rob Jung has spent a lifetime chasing stories—from his early days as a newspaper writer to his decades as a lawyer, historian, and globe-trotting traveler. A Minnesota-based author, his novels often draw inspiration from real historical events uncovered in his journeys across six continents (Antarctica, you’re on notice).Jung is the author of Cloud Warriors, an action-adventure novel, and The Chimera Chronicles, a thriller trilogy that begins with a missing masterpiece and spirals into legal and political intrigue. He also produces and hosts Minnesota Mystery Night, a live event showcasing top crime and thriller writers from the Midwest, and co-runs Bell Cow Productions (with Michael MacBride).When he’s not writing, Jung can be found cooking, gardening, tracking down classic cars, or perfecting the world’s best Manhattan. He’s got three grown kids, a lively bunch of grandkids, and a knack for collecting honorary “adopted” family members. Learn more about the Moriarty Award! * Learn more about the Novel Journey here! * Get Alida’s Word Essential Writing Workshops here! * Get Alida’s thoughts about writing, life, and the writing life while staying up to date with author and editor news here. Get full access to Story Works Round Table at storyworksroundtable.substack.com/subscribe
