For all the writers out there - we're talking all routes to publishing, book launches, book marketing, tips, tools, and resources to write, publish, and sell your book. Self-publishing, hybrid publishing, and traditional publishing. Author interviews and industry experts. Hosted by Alexa Bigwarfe of the Women in Publishing Summit.
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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 ...
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SWRT 300 | Finding Penrose - Paula Sheridan's life to book to film journey
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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…
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Growing Your Audience Through Beta Readers with Jenna O'Malley (ep. 130)
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In this episode, Alexa and Jenna O'Malley discuss the differences between alpha readers and beta readers, as well as covering some of the ways subscription models can enhance a writing career. Key Takeaways: Alpha Readers: Early-stage readers who see raw drafts and help keep the story on track, particularly valuable for serial fiction. Editing Proc…
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Winning Book Proposals with Amy L. Bernstein {ep. 129}
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In this episode, Alexa and Amy discuss best practices in the process of writing, publishing, and selling your book, whether fiction or non-fiction using proposals and successful pitch packages. In this episode, Ellie and Alexa discuss: How nonfiction book proposals differ from fiction queries. Nonfiction requires a detailed proposal, including an o…
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SWRT 299 | Authors Talk Women's Fiction
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This week at the Story Works Round Table, five authors sit down to talk women's fiction. Alida Winternheimer is joined by D. Liebhart, Heidi McIntyre, Amanda Speights, and Jen Telger to discuss their genre and their stories. There is a lot more to women's fiction than strong female characters or women authors. The diversity of the genre makes it di…
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How Young Writers are Making Huge Strides - Mel Torrefranca {ep 128}
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Join Alexa Bigwarfe, with guest, Mel Torrefranca on this new episode of PublishHer Podcast for a fascinating interview with a very interesting young author. Mel and Alexa cover Mel's unique experience becoming a published author at the age of 17 while she was still a student in high school. Fascinatingly, YouTube accidentally played a role in attra…
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This week, Alida and Kathryn discuss writing with whimsey. Whimsical writing can add humor and charm to writing, but it's not only for children's stories. Lighthearted, quirky, and funny moments add levity to otherwise serious or dark tales. After this week's episode, you might just find yourself writing whimsically. Get Alida's musings on life, wr…
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How Publishing 1 Book Every Month led to Success - Ellie Hall {ep. 127}
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Ellie set her sights on writing and publishing as many books as she could, and for years, operated on an aggressive timeline of publishing one book every month! With insights into her rapid publication model, disciplined writing routine, and challenges of maintaining a sustainable income, Ellie offers valuable lessons for aspiring indie authors see…
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This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn talk dialogue. We've noticed what may be some poor advice and some frightening trends in dialogue floating around out there. Time to bust some myths and pop some speech balloons! How should dialogue be formatted and how does it differ from interiority and thoughts? When and why does it mak…
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Productivity & Time Management Tips for Authors: Stacy Ennis {ep. 126}
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Productivity and time blocking - these are important for authors, especially those who are busy trying to balance all of the things! Throughout the conversation with Alexa, Stacy Ennis emphasizes the significance of time blocking and energy management in enhancing productivity, advocating for the creation of consistent, dedicated time for deep work…
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Becoming a Speaker as an Author with Jess Ekstrom {ep. 125}
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In this episode, Alexa Bigwarfe and Jess Ekstrom dig into what it takes to create a fruitful speaking career. These strategies are aimed at empowering women writing nonfiction books who want to take the stage to make a bigger impact. Key Takeaways How to leverage connections as starting points for speaking engagements Negotiating for assets beyond …
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This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn discuss Chekhov's story, "The Woman with the Little Dog." You can get the link to read it in the show notes. "Everything that he found important, interesting, necessary, in which he was sincere and did not deceive himself, which constituted the core of his life, occurred in secret from oth…
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Using Autocrit to improve your manuscript, with Katherine Graham {ep. 124}
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In this episode of the PublishHer Podcast, host Alexa Bigwarfe engages in a conversation with Katherine Graham from Autocrit, shedding light on the significance of AI-driven tools in the writing and editing process. Autocrit is an incredible tool that helps authors write and edit their books, analyze their chapters, and even brainstorm if you're st…
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Habit Stacking, Small Steps, & Welcome to Season 4 with Alexa Bigwarfe {ep. 123}
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In this episode: Alexa Bigwarfe gives a short overview of what's to come in Season 4 Alexa shares some encouragement around taking the small steps to see big wins Habit stacking - what is it, why is it important Life's short - don't push off til tomorrow what you can do today Join for upcoming webinars and workshops at https://womeninpublishingsumm…
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SWRT 295 | Writers Book Club: Gina Berriault
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This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn discuss Gina Berriault's short story, "The Woman in the Rose Colored Dress." At only 2 1/2 pages, it packs in remarkable sentences, the experience of time passing, incredible subtext in minimal dialogue, and a realistic coming of age story when a girl makes a discovery about her father tha…
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This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida, Carlee, and Robert go deep with the question of what makes a genre a genre? Discover the nuances of crafting stories and targeting the right readership. We dissect the concept of genre as both a craft and marketing tool. It's far more useful to us writers than just a marketing category. Writing to ma…
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This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn are joined by D. Liebhart. Revision is more than just fixing typos and filling plot holes; it's about delving deep into the heart of the story and ensuring every word, every character, and every twist aligns with the author's vision. D. discusses the challenges she faced revising her award…
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SWRT 292 | Marketing & Community withe Alexa Bigwarfe
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"It's never too early to start thinking about marketing and building your community. It's never too early. It can be too late." Ever thought it's too early to market your book? Think again! Alexa Bigwarfe shares her wisdom on today's Story Works Round Table, in a conversation that's as inspiring as it is informative. Marketing, as Alexa says, is no…
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Taking the Leap with a Book Coach! Guest: Larissa Soehn {ep.122}
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In this episode of the PublishHer podcast, Alexa Bigwarfe interviews Larissa Sohen, an established author and founder of Next Page Publishing Inc. Larissa shares her journey to becoming a book coach and provides insights into writing, publishing, and marketing books. Key Takeaways: Larissa's Writing Journey: Larissa shares her unexpected entry into…
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SWRT 290 | Life to Fiction with D. Liebhart
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This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn discover the compelling intersection of personal experience and fiction on this week's writing podcast. D. Leibhart joins us to share her journey writing her award-winning novel, House on Fire, and the art of turning life into literature. Join us for a conversation about craft and the comp…
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I Still Have Love to Give with Emily A. Myers {ep. 121}
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As a reminder, as this show publishes, we are counting down the days to the 2024 Women in Publishing Summit! Get your ticket today, and save $50 with either of the coupon codes: ALEXA50 or LOVEYOURSELF In this episode, Alexa and Emily discuss: Her new book of poems and love, I Still Have Love to Give Exploring different genres to expand your writin…
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What Should I Do Before I Research an Editor? with Jenny Hubert {ep. 120}
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If finding an editor, learning more about editors, and getting discounts on editing services is what you need, be SURE to grab your ticket to the next Women in Publishing Summit. We have an entire day focused heavily on production and editing, and are featuring great sponsors like FirstEditing, Speak Write Play, Inkworthy Books, ProWritingAid, and …
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SWRT 290 | Heroes with Screenwriter Tim Auld
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This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn welcome screenwriter Tim Auld back to the round table to discuss heroes. What makes a hero resonate with an audience? Tim Auld introduces us to the concept of ordinary heroism, a principle that suggests heroes should be inherently inadequate to the challenges they face. It's this inadequac…
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Better together! The case for community! with Alexa Bigwarfe {ep 119}
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In this episode Alexa discusses: How community was important to her journey even early on. The significance of community in publishing for mutual growth and success through things like joint promos and sharing resources. The theme of the 2024 Women in Publishing Summit is Better Together. (Get your ticket here.) Different types of support - from en…
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Enneagrams for Authors with Mary Adkins {ep. 118}
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In this episode, Alexa and Mary discuss various Enneagram types, their motivations, and how writers can tailor their writing goals based on their personality traits. Mary encourages aspiring authors to embrace their unique approaches and dispels the notion that extensive time is required to write a book. She also emphasizes the importance of findin…
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SWRT 289 | Scripting Didacticism with Screenwriter Tim Auld
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This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida & Kathryn welcome screenwriter Tim Auld to the Story Works Round Table to discuss the trend in film and literature toward didactic writing, when the (often moral) message of a piece overpowers the story trying to be told. Why is this still happening when audiences are weary of it? What about writing a…
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Book Marketing, Reach, Building an Audience with Becky Robinson {ep .117}
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The Reach Framework, introduced by Becky Robinson, highlights the role of a website, email marketing, and social media in achieving a broader reach. The message encourages authors to approach book marketing with a focus on making a meaningful difference with their ideas and connecting authentically with their audience over time. In this episode, Be…
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Writing Tips: Showing vs. Telling with Sara Letourneau {ep. 116}
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In this episode, we discuss: Sara's upcoming poetry collection Wild Gardens, which is coming out through Kelsay Books in 2024 Sara's take on “show, don’t tell”: why it's important to use both showing and telling in your writing, and when it's ideal to use one or the other Her work as a book coach and editor Get her special offer for our Women in Pu…
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This week, Alida, Robert, and Kathryn discuss the relationship between stakes and agency. How do these aspects of plot and character work together to create forward drive in your story? This episode is from our library. It was previously published as episode 73. Show notes and more at www.StoryWorksPodcast.com Get Alida's musings on life, writing, …
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This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn talk about creating character arcs. Most characters won't utterly transform from villain to hero, like our friend Scrooge, but shift needs to happen. Our character and plot arcs are married. The internal character arc is played out in the external plot arc. Identifying your character's shi…
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Create-A-way Design & Publishing with Wendy Fedan {ep. 115}
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In this episode we discuss a variety of topics including: Wendy's writing journey & how she found her way into children's books challenges of finding an illustrator for children's books how Wendy started illustrating how and when she created Create Away Design and Publishing, offering services from illustration to book design and publishing guidanc…
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Writing through grief, trauma, and painful events with Alexa Bigwarfe {ep. 114}
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In this episode we discuss: Why writing is such a powerful tool for healing Tools for writing to heal Different ways you can write to heal Resources - which can be found at https://womeninpublishingsummit.com/healing In addition to hosting the Women in Publishing Summit and hosting the PublishHer podcast, Alexa Bigwarfe is an author, author coach, …
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SWRT 286 | Writers Book Club: A Christmas Carol
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This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn tackle a holiday classic, Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Most of us have seen the story dramatized annually, whether on television or in the theatre. But how many of us have actually read it? It was my first time and I was surprised how much I enjoyed it. No surprise, however, Dickens…
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The Writing Journey with Leslie Rasmussan {ep. 113}
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In this podcast episode with Leslie A. Rasmussen, we discuss: Transition from Television to Novels: Leslie's shift from writing for TV shows like "The Wild Thornberrys" and "Sweet Valley High" to novel writing highlights the fluidity and adaptability in a writer's career. The Art of Writing Dialogue: Emphasizing her love for writing dialogue, Lesli…
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SWRT 285 | Self Discovery Through Writing
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This week, Alida and Kathryn solve the world's problems with one simple, three-part edict. We're kidding, but we're kind of not. Writing and reading are all about building empathetic connections with people who are nothing like ourselves. As such, writers are gifted with a truly great responsibility. Share this episode and a book with the people yo…
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I just wanna write! Recap from 20Books Vegas Conference {ep. 112}
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What a great time I had, learning, networking, and meeting authors! I attended the 20Books Vegas conference for Indie Authors. The name is changing to Author Nation - and you should definitely follow them on social to learn what changes are coming and all about next year's conference. Nov 11-14, 2024 in Las Vegas.…
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SWRT 284 | Writers Book Club: Naming My Father
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This week, Alida and Kathryn welcome Dr. Martha Highers to the Writers Book Club to discuss "Naming My Father," a personal essay that won the Under the Sun summer writing contest. Martha is an editor at Under the Sun. not only do we talk as reader-writers, we get an insightful behind the scenes glimpse of the selection and editorial process for thi…
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Writing About the Things That Matter: Dr. Tameka Ellington {ep. 111}
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In this episode we discuss: Dr. Ellington's journey to write this book, despite it being outside of her normal areas of focused Why she was so passionate about bringing the topic of Black hair to the forefront Writing about difficult topics Why writers shouldn't be afraid to bring their message to the world Tips for authors who do want to advocate/…
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The Raging Grannies - Sharing Your Story & Social Justice Messaging through a book with Samantha Wilson {ep. 110}
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In this episode, we discuss: The power of storytelling in promoting social justice issues and how to amplify your message through books; story telling as a form of activism The impact that books can have in raising awareness about social justice issues and gain insights on how to effectively engage readers. The unique and powerful role that books c…
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This week at the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn discuss characterization, with examples from a short story by Junot Díaz. They analyze how Díaz introduces characters through the narrator's perspective, using just a few sharp details to create vivid impressions of complex people are are inspired to re-examine their own character descript…
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Getting Started and Completing Your Book with Michelle Vandepas {ep. 109}
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Getting started and accountability in your writing are important pieces of the author journey. It can be difficult and challenging. Michelle Vandepas of Empower Press and Alexa Bigwarfe discuss this topic, and so many other topics about publishing! In this episode, we discussed: The challenges and solutions to starting and completing a writing proj…
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10 year anniversary celebration with Alexa Bigwarfe {ep. 108}
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In this episode we cover: How it all began, from the publication of Sunshine After the Storm: A Survival Guide for the Grieving Mother to Kat Biggie Press, Write|Publish|Sell and eventually the Women in Publishing Summit - and all the other things in between Our favorite projects along the way The 10 year celebration page The new healing journal fo…
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SWRT 282 | Writers Book Club: Fiesta, 1980 by Junot Diaz
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This week at the Story Works Round Table, listener and fellow writer Dave sits down with Alida and Kathryn to discuss the short story by Junot Diaz, "Fiesta, 1980." We're amazed by how much tension Diaz packs into this story about a family gathering, as well as his incredible voice, imagery, and metaphors. Are you ready to work with a developmental…
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PR & Marketing for Authors with Paige Dungan {ep. 107}
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Who wants to be a bestseller? Paige Dungan is dishing out the tips to prepare for the most impactful book launch you can have! Be sure to grab her free masterclass for authors over on our WIP Summit Sponsors page! In this episode we discuss: How to identify key media outlets, journalists, and influencers in your niche or industry, and create a plan…
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This week on the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn discuss bookending a story with a prologue and epilogue. Bookends can't just be tacked on; they need to be essential to the reader's understanding of whole story. Show notes, links, & more at www.StoryWorksPodcast.com. Read A Room Full of Books & Pencils, ruminations on the essential, stor…
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Collaboration in Book Marketing with Pam Sheppard {ep. 106}
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Do you want to maximize your book's visibility and engagement in the marketplace? Are you looking for a solution to effectively position your book for success? Look no further! Join us as we welcome guest, Pam Sheppard, who will be sharing her expertise on how to achieve greater recognition and reader engagement for your indie book. Get ready to di…
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SWRT 280 | Writers Book Club: Ethan Frome
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This week we're back from summer break with a new season and a new format. In addiction to the regular conversations about craft, we'll be reading a short prose text each month and discussing it as writers. Would you like to join the book club? Next month we're talking about Junot Diaz' short story "Fiesta 1980." This week, we delve into Edith Whar…
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{ep. 105} DIY your MFA with guest Gabriela Pereira
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Have you heard these myths about improving your writing as a fiction or genre writer? Myth 1: You need an expensive MFA degree to be successful. Myth 2: Following genre conventions limits your creativity. Myth 3: Writing a bestseller is all about luck. In this episode, our guest Gabriela Pereira will reveal the truth and help you develop a stronger…
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{ep. 104} Using Archives to Write Your Book with Amy Tector
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In this episode, we discussed: The indispensable contribution of archives in supplementing research and crafting insightful write-ups. How to exploit archives for polished research work essential in writing. Amy Tector's riveting encounter with using primary sources from archives to fuel her literary creations. Canada's National Archives Library an…
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Story Works Round Table is back next month with some exciting new shows! Check out A Room Full of Books & Pencils https://booksandpencils.substack.com/ SWRT September reading: Ethan Frome by Edith Wharton SWRT October reading: Fiesta 1980 by Junot Diaz Writers Group Coaching: https://wordessential.com/writingcoach/ Writers Circle free office hour: …
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{ep. 103} How is AI impacting the Publishing World? with Alesha Brown
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In this episode, we discuss: Scribe Media shutting down - amongst rumors that AI is killing the Ghostwriting industry - https://ghostwritersandco.com/scribe-media-shutting-down/ The fear around AI Authors Guild - taking a position against AI (Not part of the Author's Guild? They are the premier organization for supporting and protecting Authors. Sa…
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