Episodios

  • SWRT 345 | Journaling for Writers with Marcy Sproull
    Apr 2 2026

    In this week's episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn explore the transformative power of journaling with Marcy Sproull. Join us as Marcy shares her journey into journaling, its therapeutic benefits, and how it can enhance creativity for writers. Discover practical journaling techniques, including the art of dialogue with your thoughts and characters, and learn how to use journaling as a tool for self-discovery and problem-solving. Don't miss this insightful conversation that promises to inspire your own 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.

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    55 m
  • SWRT 344 | Ask Alida: Scenes, Sequels, and Series
    Mar 26 2026

    In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, we present a double episode featuring lively discussions from our monthly Ask Alida Q&A session. Join us as we explore the intricacies of crafting scenes and delve into the art of writing sequels and series. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting your journey, these conversations are packed with valuable insights to elevate your storytelling skills. Don't miss out on this engaging exploration of the writing craft!


    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.


    Más Menos
    54 m
  • SWRT 343 | The Importance of Voice in Fiction with Trish MacEnulty
    Mar 5 2026

    In this week's episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn are joined by Trish MacEnulty, an accomplished author known for her award-winning historical novels and mysteries. Together, we explore the essential role of voice in fiction, discussing how a strong narrative voice can captivate readers and set a story apart in a crowded literary landscape. Trish shares her insights on defining voice, the importance of individuality, and the tools writers can use to craft memorable narratives. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting your journey, this episode is packed with valuable advice and inspiration!


    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.

    Más Menos
    1 h y 7 m
  • SWRT 342 | The Art of Performing Audiobooks with Wendy Wessel
    Feb 19 2026

    In this week's episode of the Story Works Round Table, Wendy Wessel, a talented voiceover artist based in Minneapolis, joined Alida Winternheimer at the Round Table. With a rich background in education and a passion for storytelling, Wendy shares her journey into the world of audiobooks. We explore the essential qualities of a great vocal performance, the emotional depth needed for effective narration, and the technical skills required to bring characters to life. Discover how Wendy immerses herself in each story and the challenges she faces in the production process. Tune in for an insightful conversation about the art and craft of voice acting!


    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.

    Más Menos
    1 h y 12 m
  • SWRT 341 | Ask Alida: Crafting Emotional Resonance
    Feb 5 2026

    In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, we explore the profound significance of storytelling in human experience, discover why writing matters in a world increasingly influenced by technology, and how empathy plays a crucial role in storytelling. We delve into crafting emotions, avoiding melodrama, and the delicate balance between character interiority and external expression. We also touch on backstory, and knowing when to tell the story you want to write! Join us for an insightful discussion on the art of writing and the eternal value of stories in shaping our understanding of the world.


    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.

    Más Menos
    36 m
  • SWRT 340 | Writing Regional Fiction, bringing culture to life with Arlon Jay Staggs
    Jan 22 2026

    In this episode of Story Works Round Table, Alida Winternheimer and Kathryn Arnold engage in a lively discussion with debut novelist Arlon Jay Staggs, who brings an insightful conversation about Southern Fiction. With humor and affection, Arlon shares insights about the quirks of the Deep South, the significance of dialogue in Southern storytelling, and the cultural contradictions that shape the genre. Tune in as we explore Arlon's journey as a writer, the inspirations behind his debut novel, and the delightful complexities of Southern characters.


    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.

    Más Menos
    1 h y 7 m
  • SWRT 339 | Writing Your Rules: Speculative Fiction Plots and Characters with Mark J. Wilson
    Jan 8 2026

    In this episode of Story Works Round Table, Alida Winternheimer and Kathryn Arnold are thrilled to welcome author Mark J. Wilson, whose journey from biochemistry to writing novels is as fascinating as his debut book, Full of Beans. Join us as we explore how Mark blends genres, from science fiction to mystery, and hear about his unique time-traveling detective, Phil Beans. Discover the creative process behind character development, the challenges of writing, and the unexpected joys of storytelling. Tune in for insights that will inspire writers and readers alike!


    "If hindsight is 20/20, being able to go back in time is like X-ray vision." - Mark J. Wilson


    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.

    Más Menos
    52 m
  • SWRT 338 | Ask Alida: The Craft of Subplots
    Dec 18 2025

    In this week's episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida answers questions all about subplots. This is a recording of our monthly Ask Alida live Q&A over on Substack! Make sure you join us next time to get your questions answered and enjoy a fun chat about writing craft! In this episode, we talk about subplots, what they are, why they are important, and how to best utilize them in your writing!


    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.

    Más Menos
    36 m