Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories

Allie James
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Every story has an anatomy. On Plotopsy, Allie James sits down with authors to dissect the stories behind their books. Through thoughtful conversations about inspiration, worldbuilding, characters, themes, and the writing process, each episode explores what makes a story work. Featuring traditionally published and indie authors across a wide range of genres.

  1. 4d ago

    A.L. Lieske on Dreamwalking, Mystery, and the Cost of Truth in The Lattice Scheme

    What happens when we could enter someone else's dreams—and what would we risk learning there? In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, Allie sits down with A.L. Lieske, author of The Lattice Scheme, the first book in the Unseen Operative series. They dive into the idea behind dream interrogation, the emotional cost of Azure's dreamwalking ability, and the dangers of entering another person's subconscious. A.L. also discusses building the novel's layered mysteries without knowing where the story was going, discovering Easter eggs alongside the writing process, and creating a post–World War III world shaped by surveillance and technology. What begins as a conversation about dreamwalking ultimately becomes a deeper exploration of truth, control, mortality, technology, and the choices we make within the limits of our own lives.

  2. 5d ago

    Melody Robinette on Deception, Disability, and Forbidden Yearning in These Vile Hearts

    In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, Allie sits down with author Melody Robinette to discuss These Vile Hearts, a fantasy romance filled with forbidden yearning, deception, magic, and surprisingly grounded real-world stakes. Melody talks about writing Maddox as a tough but deeply vulnerable protagonist, drawing from her own experience with Type 1 diabetes to portray a character whose disability affects her everyday life without becoming her entire identity. We also discuss Castor, an unusually emotional fantasy hero, and how making him Maddox's foil helped shape his character and their dynamic. Melody dives into the dramatic irony behind a romance built on enormous secrets, the tension of forbidden love, and the challenge of blending a magical world with the realities of the modern world. We also explore the healthcare crisis surrounding insulin affordability and what she hopes readers take away from Maddox's struggle. Plus, Melody shares some of the hidden details readers might miss on a first read—from plant-inspired character names and Taylor Swift references to the fascinating ways trees communicate with one another. If you love fantasy romance with emotional characters, dangerous secrets, forbidden yearning, and a story that has something real to say, this conversation is for you.

  3. Aug 12

    Kayla Ghee on Morality, Loyalty, and Love in Vivisaria

    In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, Allie sits down with author Kayla Ghee to dive into the dark, complicated world of Vivisaria—a story where horror and romance collide, monsters aren't always what they seem, and nobody is entirely innocent. Kayla talks about writing morally gray characters, the frustrating humanity of protagonist Selah, and how trauma, loyalty, and sheltered perspectives shape the choices she makes. We also explore Morana's role in Selah's journey, the difference between loyalty and love, and how Kayla builds romantic tension without rushing the relationship. Plus, Kayla discusses the challenge of blending romantasy with horror and why the two genres naturally work so well together. If you love dark romantasy, morally complicated characters, forbidden yearning, and stories that aren't afraid to make their protagonists messy, this conversation is for you.

  4. Aug 2

    D.L. Hammons on Duality, Found Family, and the End of TOOL

    In this episode of Plotopsy, D.L. Hammons joins us to discuss TOOL, the thrilling conclusion to the Taggart McGill trilogy. We dive into the challenges of ending a mystery series, the importance of duality and found family throughout the trilogy, why Cassie was the perfect choice to tell Taggart's story, and how he balanced satisfying answers with shocking twists. D.L. also shares his plotting process, the inspiration behind the trilogy's unique dual-meaning titles, and what it was like saying goodbye to characters he'd spent years with. Whether you're a mystery fan, an aspiring writer, or curious about the craft behind a satisfying trilogy finale, this conversation offers an insightful look into the making of TOOL and the Taggart McGill series.

  5. Jul 27

    Sohail Rauf on the Poetry, Courage, and Messages of Blasphear

    In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, Allie sits down with debut author Sohail Rauf to discuss Blasphear, a powerful literary novel exploring extremism, courage, and the importance of speaking out against oppression. Together, they dive into the role of Urdu poetry in the novel, writing flawed yet deeply human characters, balancing emotional weight without melodrama, portraying Pakistani culture for international readers, and the message Blasphear leaves about silence in the face of injustice. Sohail also shares the scenes that still haunt him, his six-year journey to publication, and what this debut novel means to him.

  6. Jul 25

    Kyla Rowse on Indonesia, Sea Turtles, and Turtley Into You

    In this episode of Plotopsy, Allie sits down with Kyla Rowse to discuss her delightful and spicy travel romance Turtley Into You! Together, they dive into the challenges of writing a sunshine character, how Kyla’s own love of travel inspired Junie’s journey, and the real-life experiences that shaped the emotional heart of the story. Kyla shares how her year of traveling the world influenced the book, how she balanced grief and joy while writing Junie’s story, and why exploring new places and perspectives can completely change the way we see ourselves. They also talk about the inspiration behind the sea turtle rescue storyline, responsible animal tourism, research, and Kyla’s plans for future books in her travel romance series. Plus, Kyla reveals who she’d cast as Junie and Steven in a movie adaptation! Pick up Turtley Into You if you’re looking for a grumpy x sunshine romance, a love letter to Indonesia, and a story about adventure, healing, and finding yourself along the way.

  7. Jul 24

    Carey Gable on the Pulp Noir, Violence, and Endurance of Smoke ‘Em

    Step into the gritty world of pulp noir with Carey Gable as he joins Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories to discuss Smoke ‘Em, the first book in the Cadmus Gale series. In this episode, Carey dives into the unlikely combination of professional wrestling, crime syndicates, and classic detective fiction that inspired the story. He explores the creation of Cadmus Gale, a character defined not by being the strongest or the smartest, but by his ability to endure when everything is working against him. We discuss the cost of violence, the complexities of masculinity, the influence of old-school noir, and how Carey blended wrestling culture with a revenge-driven crime story. He also shares how characters surprised him during the writing process, what inspired the unique structure of the novel, and what readers can expect from the future of the Cadmus Gale series. If you love classic noir, action-packed mysteries, morally complicated characters, and stories where loyalty comes at a cost, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Join us as we dissect Smoke ‘Em with Carey Gable on Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories.

  8. Jul 18

    Mary Pauline Lowry on the Humor, Healing, and Mystery of Last Night Was Killer

    In this episode of Plotopsy: Dissecting Stories, we’re diving into the humor, healing, and mystery behind Last Night Was Killer with author Mary Pauline Lowry. Mary takes us behind the scenes of this hilarious and heartfelt mystery, discussing the inspiration behind Tilly’s journey, the balance between grief and comedy, and how a story filled with chaos can still be deeply emotional. We explore the unexpected inspiration behind the book, the role of pole dancing in Tilly’s healing process, and how friendship and community can help people find their way through even the hardest moments. We also discuss creating authentic friendships through the Pole Kittens, writing a genuinely supportive love interest in Nate, and balancing a mystery full of twists with a character-driven story about growth and found family. From laugh-out-loud moments to the deeper emotional themes beneath the humor, Mary shares how Last Night Was Killer became a story about reclaiming joy when life feels impossible. Join us as we dissect the laughter, loss, and unexpected healing at the heart of Last Night Was Killer.

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Every story has an anatomy. On Plotopsy, Allie James sits down with authors to dissect the stories behind their books. Through thoughtful conversations about inspiration, worldbuilding, characters, themes, and the writing process, each episode explores what makes a story work. Featuring traditionally published and indie authors across a wide range of genres.

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