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!

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.

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/.

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/fictioncoaching

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 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!

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.

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.

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!

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!

This week at the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn talk transitions. What are the good, bad, and better ways to keep your readers reading past narrative breaks? We want to create bridges over that white space, whether it’s a scene, chapter, or part break, no matter who, when, or where shifts on the other side.

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/.

This week at the Story Works Round Table, Alida shares 6 powerful tips that will help you get your personal story down on the page. Whether you're writing for yourself, family, or the wide world of readers, these 6 things will help you clear the hurdles that make it hard to start telling your story.

Alida's latest essay was just published in Passengers Journal.

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/.

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!