Story Works Round Table | Conversations About Craft

In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn are joined by Michael MacBride and Rob Jung to talk about crafting compelling villains. We explore villains from minor, humorous characters to antagonistic forces from classic literature. Learn how to use villains to create stakes, craft villainous characters that readers love, and use villains in new and surprising ways!
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Michael David MacBride’s career has taken as many twists as a well-plotted novel. Originally from Michigan and now based in Minnesota, he’s worked as a newspaper carrier, a pizza delivery driver, a UPS worker, a debt collector, a country band roadie, a grant writer, a professor of English, Literature, and Humanities at multiple universities, and plenty more in between. These days, he focuses on writing, co-running Bell Cow Productions with Rob Jung, helping authors publish through Salty Books Publishing, and hosting and producing the Veritas Views podcast—all while somehow balancing a “regular” job, too.MacBride’s love of storytelling drives everything he does, whether it’s crafting his own books, amplifying the voices of other authors, or diving into deep (and occasionally absurd) conversations on podcasts. When he’s not working, writing, or publishing, he enjoys traveling and spending time with his wife and two boys—though he’s probably still mentally drafting his next project while doing it.
Rob Jung has spent a lifetime chasing stories—from his early days as a newspaper writer to his decades as a lawyer, historian, and globe-trotting traveler. A Minnesota-based author, his novels often draw inspiration from real historical events uncovered in his journeys across six continents (Antarctica, you’re on notice).Jung is the author of Cloud Warriors, an action-adventure novel, and The Chimera Chronicles, a thriller trilogy that begins with a missing masterpiece and spirals into legal and political intrigue. He also produces and hosts Minnesota Mystery Night, a live event showcasing top crime and thriller writers from the Midwest, and co-runs Bell Cow Productions (with Michael MacBride).When he’s not writing, Jung can be found cooking, gardening, tracking down classic cars, or perfecting the world’s best Manhattan. He’s got three grown kids, a lively bunch of grandkids, and a knack for collecting honorary “adopted” family members.
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In this week's episode of the Story Works Round Table, we are bringing you a discussion from our monthly live Q&A Ask Alida. In this episode, we talk about crafting a compelling character arc, and why it's important to your story, including common problems with character arcs, and weaving them into your story. In the second half, we discuss the importance of agency, how to tell if your protagonist is too passive, and what a lack of agency can do to the enjoyment of your reader.
Thanks for listening to the Story Works Round Table Podcast! Subscribe to make sure you get every new episode!

* Learn more about the Novel Journey here!
* Get Alida’s Word Essential Writing Workshops here!
* Get Alida’s thoughts about writing, life, and the writing life while staying up to date with author and editor news here.


Get full access to Story Works Round Table at storyworksroundtable.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, Sherry Roberts joins us to talk about the craft of telling stories using magical realism. Learn how magical realism interacts with story elements, how to introduce it to your reader, and the deeper thematic consequences of using magical realism in your fiction. Join us to learn how magical realism differs from magic systems, how it can support your story, and how it opens up possibility and purpose.

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.


Get full access to Story Works Round Table at storyworksroundtable.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode of the Story Works Round Table, we are joined by Helen Hynson Vettori, a former Department of Homeland Security senior medical intelligence analyst and paramedic, who brings her unique experiences to the world of fiction. Helen discusses her Black Swan trilogy, which explores the themes of catastrophe and human resilience through the lens of a pandemic, an earthquake, and a terrorist attack set in the future. Discover how her technical background informs her storytelling and the importance of emergency preparedness in her narratives. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that blends thrilling fiction with real-world lessons!
 
"If every individual did at least a good effort to be ready, that takes away the strain of resources that are already overloaded." - Helen Hynson Vettori

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.


Get full access to Story Works Round Table at storyworksroundtable.substack.com/subscribe

In this week's episode of the Story Works Round Table, Alida and Kathryn are joined by Stephen Ford to talk about exploring hard human issues through fiction. Stephen's use of speculative fiction and satire opens the discussion about what it means to be human, or how we encounter the issues of the day. We talk about crafting characters that are real people, representing a variety of viewpoints, how to get those viewpoints on the page, and how to keep it open for readers to be a part of the conversation happening in the book.

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.


Get full access to Story Works Round Table at storyworksroundtable.substack.com/subscribe