Around the Writer’s Table

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

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!
----------------Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!
https://aroundthewriterstable.com/ep-44/

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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Creativity Quest: Yielding to Mastery (Ep. 42)

Welcome to episode 42 of the Around the Writer’s Table podcast where we discuss the 10th and final stage of Gina’s Creativity Quest guideposts for writers: Yielding to Mastery.
What does mastery look like for writers? It’s not about perfection, or even publication, but about defining success for yourself. We discuss the importance of setting your own goals and defining what mastery means to you.
The episode explores the idea of writing as a lifelong journey, where mastery is not a destination, but an ongoing process of growth and self-discovery. We also touch on the relationship between mastery and confidence, and how both can be cultivated through consistent practice and self-awareness. Join us as we share our personal experiences and insights on this final stage of the creative quest, and encourage you to embrace your own unique path to mastery!
----------------Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!
 

Interview with Rhett DeVane (Ep. 41)

In this episode—the first in our interview series—Gina talks with author Rhett DeVane about the inspiration for her books, writing in multiple genres, and what her writing process is like. We explore the theme of intragenerational relationships and how it shows up in her upcoming novel Ditch Weed, as well as other books she’s written. Rhett also shares the meaning behind the book’s title. You don’t want to miss it!
Watch for the upcoming release of Ditch Weed in June 2024, as well as publication of Rhett’s middle-grade fantasy The Dragon Box this fall!
Rhett DeVane
Rhett DeVane is the author of seven published mainstream fiction novels, two coauthored novels, short stories, flash fiction, middle grade chapter books, and poetry. Her short fiction pieces have appeared in five anthologies. She has won numerous awards for her fiction from the Tallahassee Writers Association, Florida Authors and Publishers Association, and the Florida Writers Association. For the past forty-plus years, Rhett has made her home in Tallahassee, located in Florida’s Big Bend area, where she splits her time between writing and thinking about writing. She is currently working on the next novel in line, as well as a series of middle grade and young adult fiction, because her muses refuse to contain her in a single box.
Connect with Rhett through her website or on Facebook.