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Story Works Round Table | Conversations About Craft cover art

Story Works Round Table | Conversations About Craft

Story Works Round Table | Conversations About Craft

Written by: Alida Winternheimer
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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.

© Alida Winternheimer, Word Essential 2017-2024
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Episodes
  • SWRT 351 | Writing Humor in Memoir with Jan Heidrich-Rice
    Jun 25 2026

    In this week's episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida Winternheimer and Kathryn Arnold welcome back Jan Heidrich-Rice, a talented author known for her mysteries and an engaging travel-humor memoir. Join us as Jan shares insights into her latest work, which reflects on 45 years of marriage and adventures across 50 states. With a blend of humor and heartfelt storytelling, Jan discusses the challenges and joys of capturing life's journey through her unique lens. Join us for an inspiring conversation about love, laughter, and the art of memoir 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.

    Show More Show Less
    38 mins
  • SWRT 350 | Writing Satire with Cevin Soling
    Jun 11 2026

    In this week's episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn are joined by Cevin Soling to talk about using satire to reveal truths. We talk about using absurdity, violence, cultural references, humor, and cutting satire to reveal truths about the world we live in. Join us as we discuss Cevin's work as a vehicle for social commentary and how it prompts people to reconsider their view of the world.


    Novel Journey Information Session: https://start.wordessential.com/learn-more

    Learn more about the Novel Journey: https://start.wordessential.com/welcome


    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.

    Show More Show Less
    53 mins
  • SWRT 349 | Ask Alida: Crafting Setting
    May 28 2026

    In this week's episode of the Story Works Round Table, we are bringing you a discussion from our monthly live Q&A Ask Alida. In this episode, we talk about creating key settings, how to create touchstones for your readers as well as addressing common setting problems.


    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.

    Show More Show Less
    34 mins
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