Story Works Round Table | Conversations About Craft

In this enlightening episode, Alida and Kathryn welcome Elizabeth Barber, a life and business coach, shamanic practitioner, and joyful ritualist, who shares her journey of transforming chaos into clarity through sacred celebrations. Elizabeth discusses her award-winning book, 'Sacred Celebrations,' and how rituals can be woven into our writing practices and everyday lives. Discover the significance of creating personal rituals and how they can help us navigate life's milestones, both joyful and challenging. Join us as we explore the power of storytelling, the importance of witnessing, and the art of celebrating our achievements.

"You don’t have to do it one particular way. There’s no right or wrong way really to honor or celebrate either a joyful thing or a sad thing." - Elizabeth Barbour

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.

In this episode, Alida welcomes Danielle Anderson, a seasoned nonfiction book coach and editor, as we delve into the concept of the heroine's journey. Drawing from Maureen Murdoch's influential work, Danielle shares her personal experiences and insights on the internal journey women often face, contrasting it with the traditional hero's journey. Discover how understanding this narrative can empower women to embrace their unique stories and identities. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking to explore the depths of their own journey!

"The heroine's journey is an internal journey, and it mirrors the experience in my life." - Danielle Anderson

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.

In this episode, Alida and Kathryn explore the intersection of writing and chronic illness with author Beth Biss. Beth shares her personal journey of navigating her health challenges while pursuing her passion for writing. We discuss the themes of identity, acceptance, and empowerment in her work, and how her experiences shape her characters and stories. Join us for an inspiring conversation about resilience, creativity, and the transformative power of storytelling.

"I want to take some of that hope and infuse it into my novels." - Beth Biss

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.

In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn talk with Stephanie Elizondo Griest, author of Art Above Everything. In this perspective changing conversation, we talk all about centering your life on art. We talk about the sometimes painful journey of being an art monk, and what it means to dedicate yourself to art creation. Join us as we talk about the journey Stephanie has taken to realizing that Art is Enough. And what Enough even means in this capitalistic culture we live in.

The Question: is Art Enough?

The answer: Yes.

Join us as we talk about why!

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.

In this episode, Alida engages in a profound conversation with Jon Lurie as we explore the healing power of nature and the intricate journey of memoir writing. Jon shares insights from his two memoirs, including his epic canoe trip along the Red River with a young man named Jose, highlighting themes of personal growth, cultural identity, and the transformative experience of connecting with the natural world. Then he speaks to the healing power of nature in his own health journey. Join us for an inspiring discussion filled with adventure, reflection, and the importance of storytelling.

"Nature is a conduit to personal growth." - Jon Lurie

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.

In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, we gather a diverse panel of writers to tackle the complex question: what makes writing objectively good? Join Alida Winternheimer, Kathryn Arnold, Mark Liebenow, Daniel Kleifgen, Liz Bird, Miriam Levi, and Monic Ductan as they explore the subjective nature of writing, the challenges of judgment, and the essential components that contribute to strong storytelling. With insights from experienced fiction and nonfiction writers, this discussion is rich with practical advice and personal anecdotes. Don't miss this enlightening conversation that dives into the heart of the writing craft!

"At the end of the day, it's whether a story has grabbed me, touched my heart." - Miriam Levi

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.

In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida Winternheimer and Kathryn Arnold sit down with J.E. Weiner, the author of the captivating novel The Wretched and Undone. This Southern Gothic tale, set in the Texas Hill Country, intertwines history and supernatural elements as it explores the immigrant experience during the American Civil War. Join us for a deep dive into the book's rich characters, the haunting themes of faith and family, and the fascinating historical research that brought this story to life. Whether you're a lover of historical fiction or simply curious about the creative process, this conversation is not to be missed!

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.

In this week's episode of the Story Works Round Table, we welcome Bjorn Leesson, an author whose passion for history and the supernatural has culminated in his captivating series, Outside the Thalsparr. Join us as we explore the unique blend of Viking history and time travel, uncovering the fascinating role of women in Viking culture and the intricate world-building that brings Bjorn's characters to life. Discover how Bjorn weaves historical facts with fantasy elements, creating a narrative that spans 1200 years. This episode is a must-listen for fans of historical fiction and fantasy alike!

"You have to have the passion for it. If you're going to write historical fiction fantasy, but you're not a fan of history, don't do it." - Bjorn Leesson

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 WordEssential.com and book a discovery call today!

Visit WordEssential.com/fictioncoaching to get the details and sign up today!

Get book, workshop, & coaching news first + thoughts on writing & the writing life at A Room Full of Books & Pencils.

Join us at the Story Works Round Table as we welcome back the talented author Paulette Stout to talk about the art of writing spicy scenes. Join us as we explore how to craft intimate moments that enhance character development, tension, and narrative arcs, regardless of genre. Paulette shares her insights on the importance of emotional depth in intimate scenes and offers practical tips for writers looking to incorporate spice into their storytelling.

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 WordEssential.com and book a discovery call today!

Visit WordEssential.com/fictioncoaching to get the details and sign up today!

Get book, workshop, & coaching news first + thoughts on writing & the writing life at A Room Full of Books & Pencils.

Join us at the Story Works Round Table as we welcome back the talented author Paulette Stout to discuss her latest novel, What We Give Away. This captivating story tackles the often-taboo subject of body image and societal expectations surrounding weight. Paulette shares her insights on writing about sensitive topics while allowing readers to engage with the characters' journeys authentically. Join us as we explore the intersection of food, love, and self-acceptance, and discover how Paulette's personal experiences shaped her writing. Don’t miss this enlightening conversation!

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 WordEssential.com and book a discovery call today!

Visit WordEssential.com/fictioncoaching to get the details and sign up today!

Get book, workshop, & coaching news first + thoughts on writing & the writing life at A Room Full of Books & Pencils.