Around the Writer’s Table

Worldbuilding: The Art of Plausibility in Fiction (Ep. 52)

In this episode we dive into the art of worldbuilding, a critical aspect not just for fantasy and sci-fi authors, but for all genres, including historical and contemporary fiction. We explore how worldbuilding is the foundation that brings settings to life, creating believability and plausibility for readers, and discuss the challenges of balancing facts with imagination in historical fiction, using Gina’s work on 1960s America and Melody’s early 1900s novel as examples.
We also touch on the reader's role in engaging with fantasy worlds and how authors can manage the level of detail needed without overwhelming their audience. With references to familiar authors like J.R.R. Tolkien and Patrick O'Brien, we highlight the similarities in storytelling across genres, emphasizing the interconnectedness of story, characters, and the worlds they inhabit. Tune in as we analyze how these elements enhance (or hinder!) the narratives we create, leaving us all with a lot to ponder about our writing processes.
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Interview with historical fiction author Trish MacEnulty

In this episode of Around the Writer's Table, Melody dives into the fascinating world of historical fiction with the talented Trish MacEnulty. Join them as they explore her journey from a casual interest in history to becoming an award-winning author. Trish shares her insights on the importance of research, emphasizing how it enriches her storytelling and connects past events to contemporary issues.
They discuss the challenges writers face, from balancing life responsibilities to the intricacies of self-promotion. Trish highlights the value of writing groups, where constructive feedback can help refine one's craft. From her  wealth of experience, Trish encourages aspiring writers to persevere and embrace their unique voices. Whether you're a seasoned author or just starting, this episode is packed with inspiration and practical tips to fuel your writing journey. Tune in for an engaging conversation that celebrates creativity, resilience, and the joy of storytelling!
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Writing with, around, and through Trauma (Ep. 50)

In this episode of Around the Writers Table, we delve into the complex relationship between trauma and writing. Gina, Melody, and KimBoo, share our insights on how trauma influences our storytelling, emphasizing the importance of focusing on recovery rather than the trauma itself.
We discuss the nuances of writing about personal experiences, the difference between cathartic writing and memoir, and the significance of creating a supportive environment for writers tackling difficult subjects. The conversation also touched on the societal tendency to romanticize trauma and the need for writers to be aware of their emotional states while engaging with such sensitive material. Join us as we explore the healing power of storytelling and the ways writers can navigate their emotional landscapes while crafting their narratives!
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Interview with Pat Spears (Ep. 49)

Gina Hogan Edwards interviews Pat Spears, an author of three novels and numerous short stories. Spears is a wonderful storyteller, and discusses her writing journey, influenced by her family's storytelling tradition and her experiences at Florida State University. She shares insights on her new novel, Hotel Impala, which explores themes of mental illness, homelessness, and the lies people tell themselves. The book, told from multiple perspectives, follows the story of Grace, an 11-year-old girl navigating her mother's mental health struggles. Spears emphasizes the importance of staying true to one's story and the challenges of writing and revising.
Hotel Impala was released on September 16, 2024!
Connect to Author Pat Spears
Pat's new novel, Hotel Impala
All of Pat's books
Pat's short fiction

Trusting Your Creative Intuition (Ep. 48)

Explore the power of intuition in this discussion where we examine how intuition blends experience and imagination to fuel the discovery writing process. We share personal stories of characters taking on a life of their own, and learn techniques to quiet the mind and trust the creative flow.
Whether you're a plotter or a pantser, intuition can guide your writing. Discover how to hold story ideas gently, release expectations, and let the unexpected unfold. Tap into the inspiration that comes from following your intuition, and find joy in the writing journey. We've got tips on studying the craft to embracing "worst-case scenario" writing exercises to encourage you to let your intuition lead the way. Unlock the confidence and curiosity to write intuitively!
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Interview: Gina Hogan Edwards (Ep. 47)

Join us as we dive into the writing process and creative journey of author Gina Hogan Edwards. We explore how Gina overcame comparison and imposter syndrome at a transformative writing workshop, and learn about the inspiration and themes behind her historical fiction novel "Dancing at the Orange Peel." Gina shares insights on the challenges of writing authentic voices in historical fiction, as well as the value of writing practice and experimentation. We also discuss Gina's bold decision to serialize early chapters of her novel, facing fears to share her work in progress.
Throughout, Gina's passion for world-building, research, and building supportive writing communities shines through!  Whether you're a seasoned author or aspiring writer, there's much to glean from Gina's creative journey. Tune in to be inspired and gain practical tips to elevate your own writing practice.
----------------Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!https: // aroundthewriterstable. com/ep-47/

The Dread Pirate Comparisonitis (Ep. 46)

As writers, your intrepid hosts here at Around the Writer's Table have all grappled with comparison itis throughout our creative journeys. It's a common issue that plagues many writers, stemming from imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and the fear of missing out on the success of others.Listen in as we discuss how we've learned to approach these feelings with mindfulness and actively countering them with self-trust. We also caution against seeking external validation  to make up for our own insecurities and doubts. Instead, we talk about how to celebrate your own writing accomplishments and lean on supportive friends and communities. Navigating comparison itis is an ongoing process, but one that has ultimately strengthened our craft and resilience as writers.
Top 5 Takeaways:1. Comparisonitis is linked to imposter syndrome, perfectionism, and FOMO.2. Mindfulness and self-awareness are crucial for processing these emotions.3. Learn how to trust your own experiences, not external validation.4. Be cautious of reviews and critique groups as sources for writer improvement.5. Celebrate your own writing accomplishments and lean on supportive communities.
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Interview with Karla Refojo (Ep. 45)

In this episode, we're excited to have Melody interviewing Karla Refojo, a plant spirit medicine colleague and creator of the Tulku Oracle deck! Karla shares the inspiration behind her talismanic jewelry and Oracle deck, which blend elements of Nepali and Tibetan culture with animistic perspectives. She discusses her creative process, including the challenges of writing and the importance of quality editing. Karla also reveals her current project: an ancestral Oracle deck that draws on indigenous wisdom and her connection to nature.
The conversation touches on personal growth through creative work, overcoming self-doubt, and finding one's authentic voice. Karla offers advice for new writers, emphasizing the importance of commitment and allowing creativity to flow. The episode concludes with a brief Oracle reading, highlighting themes of liberation and lightening one's burdens. Listeners will gain insights into the intersection of spirituality, creativity, and personal development.
Karla Refojo's links:https://tulkujewels.com https://tulkuoracle.comhttps://paintedream.com https://tulkujewels.com/tulku-oracle
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Creativity Quest: Wrap Up! (Ep. 44)

In this episode, we wrap up our journey through the Creativity Quest, a framework developed by our own Gina Hogan Edwards to help writers navigate their creative journey. We discuss the origins of this 10-stage process and how it can serve as a personal coach for writers. Melody and KimBoo share our experiences with the quest, highlighting stages that resonated with us most. We explore the non-linear nature of the creative process and how the quest can help writers orient themselves in their journey. Gina opens up about her struggles in writing about the quest, reminding us all that even experienced writers face challenges.
We also touch on upcoming episodes, including one-on-one interviews with Gina and Melody, and an exciting interview between Melody and author Karla Refogo. Join us for this insightful discussion on creativity, writing, and personal growth!
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Navigating the Stages of Creative Mastery (Ep. 43)

This week on Around the Writers Table, we dove deep into the concept of yielding to mastery in writing. Gina kicked us off with a reminder of where we left off in the Creativity Quest stages, then explains that mastery is personal and subjective, emphasizing the importance of defining what success means to each individual. Melody connects this stage to the seasons of writing, highlighting how each season contributes to the creative cycle. We explore how major projects reflect our essence and recurring themes in our work. We also discussed our personal writing themes — I talked about trauma recovery stories, while Gina explored family dynamics.
The conversation got really insightful as we connected writing mastery to understanding our essence. Melody made some great points about feeling "at home" in our work and we also discussed the importance of putting pen to paper and encouraging writers to immerse themselves in their craft, letting their characters and stories reveal deeper truths about their essence and mastery.
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