Story Works Round Table | Conversations About Craft

Alida Winternheimer
  • 4.3 (16)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED SEMIMONTHLY
Story Works Round Table | Conversations About Craft

Each week, co-hosts, Alida Winternheimer, author and writing coach at Word Essential, and Kathryn Arnold, emerging writer, have conversations about the craft of writing fiction. They bring diverse experiences and talents to the table from both the traditional and indie worlds. Our goal is for each episode to be a fun, lively discussion of some aspect of story craft that enlightens, as well as entertains. Sometimes we have special guests. All episodes are available in video as well. Visit www.StoryWorksPodcast.com for videos, show notes, and more.

  1. SWRT 312 | Folklore of North America with Mike Bass

    3 DAYS AGO

    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! "As we know in folklore, the ability to put a name and a face on something sort of takes away the power of it." - Mike Bass Get Alida's musings on life, writing, and the writing life in A Room Full of Books & Pencils and stay up to date on book launches, special offers, and more at booksandpencils.substack.com   Are you ready to get more out of your writing, grow your writing skills, and get that book written? Do you want community, feedback, and the mentoring of an expert story craft coach? Check out group coaching for novelists and memoirists. A new session is beginning soon. Get details & schedule your free discovery call today at www.wordessential.com/fictioncoaching   Are you ready to work with a developmental editor or writing coach? Alida works with fiction and nonfiction writers on all kinds of writing projects. Email or schedule a discovery call. www.wordessential.com.    Show notes, links, & more at www.StoryWorksPodcast.com. MFA-level writing workshops for 2025 elevate your character, plot, & POV craft. www.wordessential.com/workshops for details and to register. Read A Stone's Throw today and begin your journey into art, love, and magic! Get it on Amazon.

    1h 8m
  2. SWRT 311 | Flying Pirates (& Speculative Fiction) with Sarah Branson

    DEC 5

    SWRT 311 | Flying Pirates (& Speculative Fiction) with Sarah Branson

    Discover how Sarah Branson blends her experiences as a midwife and science teacher into her speculative fiction series featuring a flying pirate protagonist. Join us for a deep dive into world-building and character development on this week's Story Works Round table. "When you have a protagonist that lives in your head, who is armed and is a pirate, you do whatever she says." - Sarah Branson Join Alida on December 9th for a virtual author event, A Stone's Throw. Register at https://wordessential.com/events/a-stones-throw/ Get Alida's musings on life, writing, and the writing life in A Room Full of Books & Pencils and stay up to date on book launches, special offers, and more at booksandpencils.substack.com   Are you ready to get more out of your writing, grow your writing skills, and get that book written? Do you want community, feedback, and the mentoring of an expert story craft coach? Check out group coaching for novelists and memoirists. A new session is beginning soon. Get details & schedule your free discovery call today at www.wordessential.com/fictioncoaching   Are you ready to work with a developmental editor or writing coach? Alida works with fiction and nonfiction writers on all kinds of writing projects. Email or schedule a discovery call. www.wordessential.com.    Show notes, links, & more at www.StoryWorksPodcast.com. MFA-level writing workshops for 2025 elevate your character, plot, & POV craft. www.wordessential.com/workshops for details and to register. Visit Word Essential to learn about the Novel Journey and schedule your free discovery call today! Read A Stone's Throw today and begin your journey into art, love, and magic! Get it on Amazon.

    52 min
  3. SWRT 310 | From Lightning Strike to Novel with Ben Hawken, part 2

    NOV 21

    SWRT 310 | From Lightning Strike to Novel with Ben Hawken, part 2

    This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn continue our conversation with Ben Hawken, author of the new novel "Chandelier." In part two of our conversation, we discuss looking for the next story, processing ideas, writing dialogue and getting characters into conversation as fully formed people, and more! Ben shares his remarkable journey from a career in marketing and speech writing to writing his debut book. Learn how he balanced life, work, and writing to achieve his creative dreams. Book Club & Author Event: Join Alida in conversation about her novel, A Stone's Throw on December 9. Register at: https://wordessential.com/events/a-stones-throw/ Get Alida's musings on life, writing, and the writing life in A Room Full of Books & Pencils and stay up to date on book launches, special offers, and more at booksandpencils.substack.com   Are you ready to get more out of your writing, grow your writing skills, and get that book written? Do you want community, feedback, and the mentoring of an expert story craft coach? Check out group coaching for novelists and memoirists. A new session is beginning soon. Get details & schedule your free discovery call today at www.wordessential.com/fictioncoaching   Are you ready to work with a developmental editor or writing coach? Alida works with fiction and nonfiction writers on all kinds of writing projects. Email or schedule a discovery call. www.wordessential.com.    Show notes, links, & more at www.StoryWorksPodcast.com. MFA-level writing workshops for 2025 elevate your character, plot, & POV craft. www.wordessential.com/workshops for details and to register. Visit Word Essential to learn about the Novel Journey and schedule your free discovery call today! Read A Stone's Throw today and begin your journey into art, love, and magic! Get it on Amazon.

    35 min
  4. SWRT 309 | Immigrant Stories & Historical Events - Fiction with Grishma Shah

    NOV 7

    SWRT 309 | Immigrant Stories & Historical Events - Fiction with Grishma Shah

    Join us for an insightful episode of Story Works Round Table as we welcome Grishma Shah. Grishma shares the journey of crafting her novel, Anagram Destiny. Inspired by her upbringing as the daughter of Indian immigrants and her expertise in culture and globalization, it's a reverse immigration story that explores the Indian American dream, cultural shifts, and the power of storytelling. Discover how personal experiences and historical events like 9/11 shape her narrative, and why fiction can resonate deeper than nonfiction. Don't miss this compelling conversation about identity, home, and the universal themes of love and loss. Get Alida's musings on life, writing, and the writing life in A Room Full of Books & Pencils and stay up to date on book launches, special offers, and more at booksandpencils.substack.com   Are you ready to get more out of your writing, grow your writing skills, and get that book written? Do you want community, feedback, and the mentoring of an expert story craft coach? Check out group coaching for novelists and memoirists. A new session is beginning soon. Get details & schedule your free discovery call today at www.wordessential.com/fictioncoaching   Are you ready to work with a developmental editor or writing coach? Alida works with fiction and nonfiction writers on all kinds of writing projects. Email or schedule a discovery call. www.wordessential.com.    Show notes, links, & more at www.StoryWorksPodcast.com. MFA-level writing workshops for 2025 elevate your character, plot, & POV craft. www.wordessential.com/workshops for details and to register. Visit Word Essential to learn about the Novel Journey and schedule your free discovery call today! Read A Stone's Throw today and begin your journey into art, love, and magic! Get it on Amazon.

    59 min
  5. SWRT 308 | Authors Talk Ghost Stories

    OCT 24

    SWRT 308 | Authors Talk Ghost Stories

    Just in time for Halloween, the Story Works Round Table brings you a special episode featuring five incredible authors of ghost stories: Gabi Coatsworth, Paulette Kennedy, Jan Heidrich-Rice, Sandra Young, and Alida Winternheimer. Dive into the art of crafting paranormal tales, explore the inspiration behind these haunting narratives, and learn about the unique rules that govern their ghostly worlds. Plus, discover their upcoming events and workshops perfect for getting your literary boo on this spooky season. Don't miss out on this fascinating conversation—listen now! Get Alida's musings on life, writing, and the writing life in A Room Full of Books & Pencils and stay up to date on book launches, special offers, and more at booksandpencils.substack.com   Are you ready to get more out of your writing, grow your writing skills, and get that book written? Do you want community, feedback, and the mentoring of an expert story craft coach? Check out group coaching for novelists and memoirists. A new session is beginning soon. Get details & schedule your free discovery call today at www.wordessential.com/fictioncoaching   Are you ready to work with a developmental editor or writing coach? Alida works with fiction and nonfiction writers on all kinds of writing projects. Email or schedule a discovery call. www.wordessential.com.    Show notes, links, & more at www.StoryWorksPodcast.com. MFA-level writing workshops for 2025 elevate your character, plot, & POV craft. www.wordessential.com/workshops for details and to register. Visit Word Essential to learn about the Novel Journey and schedule your free discovery call today! Read A Stone's Throw today and begin your journey into art, love, and magic! Get it on Amazon.

    1h 12m
  6. SWRT 307 | From Lightning Strike to Novel with Ben Hawken

    OCT 10

    SWRT 307 | From Lightning Strike to Novel with Ben Hawken

    This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn sit down with Ben Hawken, author of the new novel "Chandelier." Ben shares his remarkable journey from a career in marketing and speech writing to writing his debut book. Learn how he balanced life, work, and writing to achieve his creative dreams. Ben offers insights into story structure, the art of dialogue, and practical tips for aspiring writers. Whether you're looking to start your own writing journey or curious about the creative process, this episode is packed with inspiration and advice. Tune in now to hear Ben's story and get motivated to pursue your own creative passions!   Are you ready to get more out of your writing, grow your writing skills, and get that book written? Do you want community, feedback, and the mentoring of an expert story craft coach? Check out group coaching for novelists and memoirists. A new session is beginning soon. Get details & schedule your free discovery call today at www.wordessential.com/fictioncoaching Get Alida's musings on life, writing, and the writing life in A Room Full of Books & Pencils and stay up to date on book launches, special offers, and more at booksandpencils.substack.com Are you ready to work with a developmental editor or writing coach? Alida works with fiction and nonfiction writers on all kinds of writing projects. Email or schedule a discovery call. www.wordessential.com.    Show notes, links, & more at www.StoryWorksPodcast.com. MFA-level writing workshops for 2025 elevate your character, plot, & POV craft. www.wordessential.com/workshops for details and to register. Visit Word Essential to learn about the Novel Journey and schedule your free discovery call today! Read A Stone's Throw today and begin your journey into art, love, and magic! Get it on Amazon.

    43 min
  7. The Revision Mindset

    SEP 26

    The Revision Mindset

    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. Get Alida's musings on life, writing, and the writing life in A Room Full of Books & Pencils and stay up to date on book launches, special offers, and more at booksandpencils.substack.com   Are you ready to get more out of your writing, grow your writing skills, and get that book written? Do you want community, feedback, and the mentoring of an expert story craft coach? Check out group coaching for novelists and memoirists. A new session is beginning soon. Get details & schedule your free discovery call today at www.wordessential.com/fictioncoaching   Are you ready to work with a developmental editor or writing coach? Alida works with fiction and nonfiction writers on all kinds of writing projects. Email or schedule a discovery call. www.wordessential.com.    Show notes, links, & more at www.StoryWorksPodcast.com. MFA-level writing workshops for 2025 elevate your character, plot, & POV craft. www.wordessential.com/workshops for details and to register. Visit Word Essential to learn about the Novel Journey and schedule your free discovery call today! Read A Stone's Throw today and begin your journey into art, love, and magic! Get it on Amazon.

    21 min

  8. SEP 12

    Navigating the Feedback Landscape: A Writer's Guide

    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. Get Alida's novel, A Stone's Throw, here. Join Alida's fall series of writing workshops on backstory, writing tension, even fear, that gets your reader feeling it, and weaving together character, plot, and theme. Go to www.wordessential.com/events.   Are you ready to get more out of your writing, grow your writing skills, and get that book written? Do you want community, feedback, and the mentoring of an expert story craft coach? Check out group coaching for novelists and memoirists. A new session is beginning soon. Get details & schedule your free discovery call today at www.wordessential.com/fictioncoaching   Are you ready to work with a developmental editor or writing coach? Alida works with fiction and nonfiction writers on all kinds of writing projects. Email or schedule a discovery call. www.wordessential.com.  Get Alida's musings on life, writing, and the writing life in A Room Full of Books & Pencils and stay up to date on book launches, special offers, and more at booksandpencils.substack.com   Show notes, links, & more at www.StoryWorksPodcast.com. MFA-level writing workshops for 2025 elevate your character, plot, & POV craft. www.wordessential.com/workshops for details and to register. Visit Word Essential to learn about the Novel Journey and schedule your free discovery call today! Read A Stone's Throw today and begin your journey into art, love, and magic! Get it on Amazon.

    25 min
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4.3
out of 5
16 Ratings

About

Each week, co-hosts, Alida Winternheimer, author and writing coach at Word Essential, and Kathryn Arnold, emerging writer, have conversations about the craft of writing fiction. They bring diverse experiences and talents to the table from both the traditional and indie worlds. Our goal is for each episode to be a fun, lively discussion of some aspect of story craft that enlightens, as well as entertains. Sometimes we have special guests. All episodes are available in video as well. Visit www.StoryWorksPodcast.com for videos, show notes, and more.

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