Story Works Round Table | Conversations About Craft

In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, we sat down with Catherine Lyon to talk about writing Young Adult fiction. Here are some of our favorite takeaways:
* Don’t shy away from complexity in your writing, such as figurative language, multiple layers of meaning, or complex storylines, but add scaffolding for your readers when necessary.
* Find an expert in what teenagers are reading.
* Use layers in your writing. Levels of engagement will vary! So use layers to encourage those who read deeply while keeping it accessible for as many readers as possible.
Thanks for listening to the Story Works Round Table Podcast! Subscribe to make sure you get every new episode!


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storyworksroundtable.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn welcome author Jesse Thoeming to talk about writing thought-provoking fiction. We talk about the social world we live in and the challenges surrounding a writer who wants to write thought-provoking fiction. How can we look forward with hope and try to unify the world around us in our writing, while still taking a hard look at our society and culture? What challenges come with writing a theme-driven story?
Thanks for listening to the Story Works Round Table Podcast! Subscribe to make sure you get every new episode!
Jesse Thoeming is a writer whose work explores the intersection of humanity, progress, and imagination. Originally from southern Illinois, where he grew up in the shadow of the Gateway Arch, he has lived and worked in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for over two decades. His essays and commentary have appeared in numerous local and regional publications, and his debut novel, The Brown Bottle Squeeze, earned praise for its narrative voice and depth of character. “God Bless You, Mr. Trump” marks the beginning of a bold speculative trilogy set in the near future.
When he’s not writing or traveling the country and world with his wife, Sarah, Jesse finds his balance on open-air trails—hiking, biking, and thinking deeply about where we’ve been—and where we might be going next.
* Learn more about the Novel Journey here!
* Get Alida’s Word Essential Writing Workshops here!
* Get Alida’s thoughts about writing, life, and the writing life while staying up to date with author and editor news here.


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storyworksroundtable.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn are joined by JP Prince to talk about writing dialogue. Starting with JP's background in screenwriting, we explore the intersection of screenplay and novel writing as it pertains to writing dialogue. From using natural dialogue and creating a character's voice through dialogue, to using dialogue to control pacing and accomplish your story's goals.
Thanks for listening to the Story Works Round Table Podcast! Subscribe to make sure you get every new episode!

* Get Alida’s Word Essential Writing Workshops here!
* Learn more about the Novel Journey here!
* Get Alida’s thoughts about writing, life, and the writing life while staying up to date with author and editor news here.


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storyworksroundtable.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn are joined by Michael MacBride and Rob Jung to talk about crafting compelling villains. We explore villains from minor, humorous characters to antagonistic forces from classic literature. Learn how to use villains to create stakes, craft villainous characters that readers love, and use villains in new and surprising ways!
Thanks for listening to the Story Works Round Table Podcast! Subscribe to make sure you get every new episode!

Michael David MacBride’s career has taken as many twists as a well-plotted novel. Originally from Michigan and now based in Minnesota, he’s worked as a newspaper carrier, a pizza delivery driver, a UPS worker, a debt collector, a country band roadie, a grant writer, a professor of English, Literature, and Humanities at multiple universities, and plenty more in between. These days, he focuses on writing, co-running Bell Cow Productions with Rob Jung, helping authors publish through Salty Books Publishing, and hosting and producing the Veritas Views podcast—all while somehow balancing a “regular” job, too.MacBride’s love of storytelling drives everything he does, whether it’s crafting his own books, amplifying the voices of other authors, or diving into deep (and occasionally absurd) conversations on podcasts. When he’s not working, writing, or publishing, he enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife and two boys—though he’s probably still mentally drafting his next project while doing it.
Rob Jung has spent a lifetime chasing stories—from his early days as a newspaper writer to his decades as a lawyer, historian, and globe-trotting traveler. A Minnesota-based author, his novels often draw inspiration from real historical events uncovered in his journeys across six continents (Antarctica, you’re on notice).Jung is the author of Cloud Warriors, an action-adventure novel, and The Chimera Chronicles, a thriller trilogy that begins with a missing masterpiece and spirals into legal and political intrigue. He also produces and hosts Minnesota Mystery Night, a live event showcasing top crime and thriller writers from the Midwest, and co-runs Bell Cow Productions (with Michael MacBride).When he’s not writing, Jung can be found cooking, gardening, tracking down classic cars, or perfecting the world’s best Manhattan. He’s got three grown kids, a lively bunch of grandkids, and a knack for collecting honorary “adopted” family members.
Learn more about the Moriarty Award!

* Learn more about the Novel Journey here!
* Get Alida’s Word Essential Writing Workshops here!
* Get Alida’s thoughts about writing, life, and the writing life while staying up to date with author and editor news here.


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storyworksroundtable.substack.com/subscribe

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 crafting a compelling character arc, and why it's important to your story, including common problems with character arcs, and weaving them into your story. In the second half, we discuss the importance of agency, how to tell if your protagonist is too passive, and what a lack of agency can do to the enjoyment of your reader.
Thanks for listening to the Story Works Round Table Podcast! Subscribe to make sure you get every new episode!

* Learn more about the Novel Journey here!
* Get Alida’s Word Essential Writing Workshops here!
* Get Alida’s thoughts about writing, life, and the writing life while staying up to date with author and editor news here.


This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit storyworksroundtable.substack.com/subscribe