Turning to Story

Turning to Story
  • 5.0 (33)
  • BOOKS
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

Writing is tough, and the publishing industry is tougher. Authors Lyssa Mia Smith and Anna Mercier have come together to present their most effective defense against the woes of the industry: craft. Join us for weekly in-depth looks at specific craft topics explored through a lens of searching for joy.

  1. 6D AGO

    54: Prose: Specificity, not Pretty-ficity

    This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith dive into line edits to analyze what makes truly great prose. The trick is specificity not pretty-ficity (i.e. focusing on just making pretty prose for pretty prose sake). It's all about choosing your words with great intention. Join the Turning to Story Substack!

    1h 5m

  2. FEB 4

    53: The Relationship Tax Part 2

    That's right! This week, authors Lyssa Mia Smith and Anna Mercier return to finish exploring the tax that all relationships should have in order to keep the reader engaged. We're talking tropes, line level tactics, and . . . Scottish accents? Join the Turning to Story Substack

    1h 9m

  3. JAN 28

    52: The Relationship Tax

    Think of your favorite bookish relationship, romantic or not. Why do you love them so much? The Hound and Arya. Anthony Bridgerton and Kate Sharma. Shrek... and Fiona...? That's right, this week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith dig deep into what makes those relationships buzz: costs! Turning to Story Substack

    1h 11m

  4. JAN 21

    51: Layers Not Complexity

    We're back and ready to live, laugh, and learn in a whole new year. This week, join authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith as they discuss how to build plots using layers, not complexity. Why? Because it'll make those big moments hit even harder! Also, those quiet, character building moments will feel so earned and needed! Follow us on the Turning to Story Substack for all the show notes!

    1 hr

  5. 11/26/2025

    50: Romance: The KISS Method

    If you've been with us for a while, you might recall our episode on romance arcs. Well, we've got a treat for you! There's more to creating crackling romance than conflict, and it's a lot simpler than you think. It's all about the KISS method, or keeping it simple! Join authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith as they discuss this new method for analyzing a great romance! Turning to Story Substack

    1h 2m

  6. 11/12/2025

    49: Setup and Payoff

    How do you avoid an overly complicated plot? How do you write a plot twist so good readers will scream? It's as simple as setting up story beats at every opportunity and paying off on them in satisfying ways. This week, authors Anna Mercier and Lyssa Mia Smith discuss exactly that--setup and payoff! Turning to Story Substack

    50 min

  7. 10/29/2025

    48: Emotional Energy

    This week, author Lyssa Mia Smith puts on her psychology hat to lead us through emotional energy. It's sometimes more important to understand what characters are trying not to feel, and readers love the ways they try and suppress those emotions. Darcy hand flex from Pride and Prejudice anyone??? Turning to Story Substack

    57 min

  8. 10/22/2025

    47: Character Development with Clare Osongco

    This week, we're turning to the wisdom of character creator extraordinaire, Clare Osongco! We're talking maximizing various POVS, digging deep into how scenes truly impact characters, and so much more! Turning to Story Substack Clare Osongco's Website

    1h 2m
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5
out of 5
33 Ratings

About

Writing is tough, and the publishing industry is tougher. Authors Lyssa Mia Smith and Anna Mercier have come together to present their most effective defense against the woes of the industry: craft. Join us for weekly in-depth looks at specific craft topics explored through a lens of searching for joy.

Information

  • Creator
    Turning to Story
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    71
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © Turning to Story
  • Show Website
    Turning to Story

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