Around the Writer’s Table

Interview with Jen Schomburg Kanke (ep. 55)

In this episode, host Gina Hogan Edwards welcomes Jennifer Schomburg Kanke, a poet and writer whose work beautifully intertwines personal history and storytelling. Jennifer shares insights into her creative process, discussing how her Appalachian roots and family narratives shape her poetry. She reads from her latest collection, "The Swellest Wife Anyone Ever Had," which explores themes of identity and resilience through the lens of her grandmother's experiences during the floods in Ohio.
The conversation delves into the importance of clear narratives in poetry and the balance between research and creative expression. Jennifer also highlights her journey as a writer, emphasizing the value of practice and immersion in literature. Join us for an inspiring discussion that celebrates the art of storytelling and the power of poetry to connect us to our past and present. Tune in for a rich exploration of creativity and craft!

Year 2024 is a WRAP!

In this episode we reflect on our creative journeys over 2024, sharing insights and lessons learned (some learned the hard way!). We dive into the importance of community support, discussing how our writing friendships have helped us navigate challenges and maintain momentum. We explore key themes like authenticity and mastery, emphasizing the need to trust our unique creative processes, through the lens of Gina's "Creativity Quest" paradigm.
You'll hear about the transformative power of storytelling, including the metaphor of being "three feet from gold," which reminds us to persevere even when success feels just out of reach. We also touch on the significance of inviting authenticity into our writing, encouraging each other to delve deeper into our characters and narratives.
Join us as we celebrate our growth, share our intentions for the coming year, and inspire one another to embrace our creative identities fully. Whether you're a seasoned writer or just starting out, everyone is welcome to the table!
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Interview with Melody, A Scout (Ep. 53)

In this episode, we delve into a heartfelt conversation about creativity, personal growth, and the importance of rest in the writing process. Melody shares insights from her book, Soul of the Seasons, emphasizing the significance of embracing different life phases. The discussion highlights how pushing through fatigue can diminish the quality of creative work, and the importance of listening to one's body. We also explore the journey of writing historical fiction, touching on themes of resilience and self-discovery as characters navigate societal challenges.
The episode serves as a reminder that honoring our creative rhythms and understanding our personal journeys can lead to deeper connections with our work and ourselves. Join KimBoo and Melody as we celebrate the art of writing and the wisdom gained through life's seasons!
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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!
----------------Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!https: // aroundthewriterstable. com/ep-48

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.
----------------Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!https: // aroundthewriterstable. com/ep-46