Story Works Round Table | Conversations About Craft

Alida Winternheimer

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.

read less
ArtsArts
EducationEducation
BooksBooks
How ToHow To

Episodes

SWRT 311 | Flying Pirates (& Speculative Fiction) with Sarah Branson
05-12-2024
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 BransonJoin 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.Visit Word Essential to learn about the Novel Journey and schedule your free discovery call today!Book Club Author Event: Join Alida to discuss the novel, A Stone's Throw, on December 9. Details and register at https://wordessential.com/events/a-stones-throw/.
SWRT 310 | From Lightning Strike to Novel with Ben Hawken, part 2
21-11-2024
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.Book Club Author Event: Join Alida to discuss the novel, A Stone's Throw, on December 9. Details and register at https://wordessential.com/events/a-stones-throw/.Visit Word Essential to learn about the Novel Journey and schedule your free discovery call today!
SWRT 309 | Immigrant Stories & Historical Events - Fiction with Grishma Shah
07-11-2024
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.Book Club Author Event: Join Alida to discuss the novel, A Stone's Throw, on December 9. Details and register at https://wordessential.com/events/a-stones-throw/.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.
SWRT 308 | Authors Talk Ghost Stories
24-10-2024
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.Book Club Author Event: Join Alida to discuss the novel, A Stone's Throw, on December 9. Details and register at https://wordessential.com/events/a-stones-throw/.
SWRT 307 | From Lightning Strike to Novel with Ben Hawken
10-10-2024
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/fictioncoachingGet 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.comAre 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.Book Club Author Event: Join Alida to discuss the novel, A Stone's Throw, on December 9. Details and register at https://wordessential.com/events/a-stones-throw/.Visit Word Essential to learn about the Novel Journey and schedule your free discovery call today!
The Revision Mindset
26-09-2024
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.Book Club Author Event: Join Alida to discuss the novel, A Stone's Throw, on December 9. Details and register at https://wordessential.com/events/a-stones-throw/.Visit Word Essential to learn about the Novel Journey and schedule your free discovery call today!Sign up for this season's writing workshops and group coaching sessions at www.WordEssential.com.
Navigating the Feedback Landscape: A Writer's Guide
12-09-2024
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.Book Club Author Event: Join Alida to discuss the novel, A Stone's Throw, on December 9. Details and register at https://wordessential.com/events/a-stones-throw/.Sign up for this season's writing workshops and group coaching sessions at www.WordEssential.com.
Writing Senses with Paulette Stout
29-08-2024
Writing Senses with Paulette Stout
his week at the Story Works Round Table podcast, Alida and Kathryn explore the power of sensory details in writing with award-winning author Paulette Stout. Join us as we discuss how to bring scenes to life through sight, sound, smell, touch, and taste. Paulette shares insights into her writing process, her latest work, and how she uses sensory details to build vivid, immersive worlds.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.Paulette Stout: https://www.paulettestout.com/Book Club Author Event: Join Alida to discuss the novel, A Stone's Throw, on December 9. Details and register at https://wordessential.com/events/a-stones-throw/.Visit Word Essential to learn about the Novel Journey and schedule your free discovery call today!
SWRT 303 | Lainey Cameron interviews Alida about A Stone's Throw, novel
09-08-2024
SWRT 303 | Lainey Cameron interviews Alida about A Stone's Throw, novel
This week, the Story Works Round Table is turned: Alida is interviewed by guest host, Lainey Cameron, award-winning author, podcaster, and book marketing expert.They discuss writing without genre in mind, starting with a vision only described as magical realism. Alida's novel, A Stone's Throw, explores themes of relationships, and motherhood, while highlighting the complexities of artistic identity and validation and the transformative power of community. Lainey asks Alida about her inspiration, process, and the roles of creativity and community in her life and work.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.Book Club Author Event: Join Alida to discuss the novel, A Stone's Throw, on December 9. Details and register at https://wordessential.com/events/a-stones-throw/.Visit Word Essential to learn about the Novel Journey and schedule your free discovery call today!
SWRT 300 | Finding Penrose - Paula Sheridan's life to book to film journey
20-06-2024
SWRT 300 | Finding Penrose - Paula Sheridan's life to book to film journey
This week, Alida and Kathryn welcome Paula Sheridan back to the Round Table to discuss her new project, Finding Penrose.Paula's novel has already captured the hearts of celebrities, plus the media, with 100's of articles already published. And with two renowned film producers adapting Penrose's story for the big screen, they're now in talks with a Hollywood director and actors.This heart-warming and captivating tale is based on the real-life story of Penrose Matsile, a young boy in 1922 Colonial Africa who was stolen from his village and forced into a life of slavery. Despite the unimaginable odds, Penrose spent his entire life courageously fighting to reclaim his identity and freedom.We're excited to share Penrose's story with you, and my fellow author, Paula Sheridan, would be honored to have you join her on this incredible book-to-film journey through her exclusive launch campaign. Paula shares with us why she chose to fund this project herself--with community backing--instead of putting it in the hands of producers and risk the integrity of Penrose's story.Check out Paula's Kickstarter campaign to support Penrose's 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.Book Club Author Event: Join Alida to discuss the novel, A Stone's Throw, on December 9. Details and register at https://wordessential.com/events/a-stones-throw/.Visit Word Essential to learn about the Novel Journey and schedule your free discovery call today!
SWRT 299 | Authors Talk Women's Fiction
06-06-2024
SWRT 299 | Authors Talk Women's Fiction
This week at the Story Works Round Table, five authors sit down to talk women's fiction. Alida Winternheimer is joined by D. Liebhart, Heidi McIntyre, Amanda Speights, and Jen Telger to discuss their genre and their stories. There is a lot more to women's fiction than strong female characters or women authors. The diversity of the genre makes it distinct from other genres, keeping the writer's hands unbound by conventions or reader expectations. Though writing stories that range from historical to magical realism to contemporary and medical, they have a lot in common...especially a deep commitment to realism and their characters' emotional journeys. Find all of the authors' bios and books links in the show notes at www.StoryWorksPodcast.comGet 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.Book Club Author Event: Join Alida to discuss the novel, A Stone's Throw, on December 9. Details and register at https://wordessential.com/events/a-stones-throw/.Visit Word Essential to learn about the Novel Journey and schedule your free discovery call today!
SWRT 296 | Writers Book Club: Chekhov
25-04-2024
SWRT 296 | Writers Book Club: Chekhov
This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn discuss Chekhov's story, "The Woman with the Little Dog." You can get the link to read it in the show notes.  "Everything that he found important, interesting, necessary, in which he was sincere and did not deceive himself, which constituted the core of his life, occurred in secret from others." -Chekhov Unpack the layers of Anton Chekhov's poignant short story, "The Lady with the Little Dog," in this thought-provoking episode of Story Works Round Table. Alida and Kathryn dissect the narrative's exploration of love, regret, and societal imprisonment. As they navigate through the characters internal struggles and the story's critique of marital conventions, listeners are invited to consider depth of character emotion, subtext, and presenting social commentary through story. 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. New Summer Session begins at the end of May. Get details & schedule your free discovery call today at www.wordessential.com/fictioncoaching Get Alida's reflections on life, writing, and the writing life in A Room Full of Books & Pencils. booksandpencils.substack.com  Book Club Author Event: Join Alida to discuss the novel, A Stone's Throw, on December 9. Details and register at https://wordessential.com/events/a-stones-throw/.
SWRT 294 | What Is Genre, Anyway?
29-03-2024
SWRT 294 | What Is Genre, Anyway?
This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida, Carlee, and Robert go deep with the question of what makes a genre a genre? Discover the nuances of crafting stories and targeting the right readership. We dissect the concept of genre as both a craft and marketing tool. It's far more useful to us writers than just a marketing category. Writing to market is often confused with marketing. And what about those of us who strive to be "pure artists," putting categories at the end of the process? Whether you aim to meet or subvert reader expectations, there's more to your genre than meets the eye. "Genre determines what the story is trying to do." "If you get lost in a story and you're not quite sure where you're taking it, it's often because you're not clear on genre." This is an episode from our library, formerly published as #184.   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. New Summer Session begins at the end of May. 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. booksandpencils.substack.com  Book Club Author Event: Join Alida to discuss the novel, A Stone's Throw, on December 9. Details and register at https://wordessential.com/events/a-stones-throw/.
SWRT 293 | Revision with D. Liebhart
14-03-2024
SWRT 293 | Revision with D. Liebhart
This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn are joined by D. Liebhart.  Revision is more than just fixing typos and filling plot holes; it's about delving deep into the heart of the story and ensuring every word, every character, and every twist aligns with the author's vision. D. discusses the challenges she faced revising her award-winning novel, House on Fire, from seeking perfection to knowing when to let go. We talk about the importance of actionable feedback, the dynamics of writing groups, and the critical decision to step away when the process no longer serves the story. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting, this episode is packed with wisdom. D.'s experiences remind us that the journey of revision is unique to every writer. It's a process that requires patience, honesty, and sometimes the courage to start anew. "Revision is how you make something worth reading." "You're the final arbiter of what goes in that book and what's meaningful to say." Get Alida's musings on life, writing, and the writing life in A Room Full of Books & Pencils. booksandpencils.substack.com 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. New sessions begin in 2024. Schedule your free discovery call today at www.wordessential.com/fictioncoaching    #WritingTips #AuthorLife #Revision  Book Club Author Event: Join Alida to discuss the novel, A Stone's Throw, on December 9. Details and register at https://wordessential.com/events/a-stones-throw/.