The Story Craft Cafe Podcast

AI Tools From A Writer And Publisher’s Perspective With Steve Beaulieu | SCC 60

AI is certainly one of the buzziest topics as we start off 2023, and lots of writers are exploring what these tools might be able to offer to their personal creative process. Today we hear from a writer and publisher about his thoughts on where we stand with this emerging technology.

Using AI Writing Tools With Paranormal Cozy Mystery Writer Leanne Leeds | SCC 59

There's a lot of talk in the writing community about AI and the tools that AI are now affording writers. Today we hear from an author who is using this new technology to further her craft and career.
Leanne Leeds is a humorously acerbic, good-natured, contemporary paranormal/fantasy cozy mystery author who writes fun, lighthearted, and optimistic adventures where characters and events intersect in magically unexpected ways. With a cast of quirky characters inhabiting her fictional world, Leanne provides a unique blend of comedy, clues, and twisty action—all with a touch of magic that keeps readers turning pages.
Leanne is a proud member of Novelists, Inc., The Alliance of Independent Authors, The Authors Guild, Mystery Writers of America, and Sisters in Crime.
For information on Leanne Leeds visit: https://leanneleeds.com
 

A Look Back At 2022 | Story Craft Cafe 58

Wow, what a year! In this calendar year not only did we kick off the number one site for writers The Story Craft Cafe, but we also started this podcast as an offshoot of that very special place. We had some fantastic guests that stopped by to share their stories and to drop some hard earned wisdom on us as well. In this episode we look back at a few of those highlights as we get ready to spend some special moments with family and friends and reflect on all of the good that 2022 brought us. We hope you take this time to rest and recharge your creative batteries and come back ready to tackle your stories with renewed hope and vigor. From all of us at Dabble and the Story Craft Cafe, Happy Holidays!
In this episode we hear from:
Sally Britton
Richard Fox
Christopher Paolini
Liv Constantine
James Rollins
Sarah Pinborough
Beverly Jenkins
J. T. Ellison
Brian McClellan
Jenna Moreci
R. A. Salvatore
Jasinda and Jack Wilder
 

Write A Novel With Dabble In 60 Days : The Journey’s End, Or Just The End Of This Chapter? | SCC 57

It's been a wild and memorable 60 days, and we have learned a lot about the art and science of writing, and a lot about ourselves. How did we do? Did we hit our wordcount target? Did we form new habits? Most importantly, do we feel like we are better writers now than when we started? We'll recap the challenge and look forward to the future.

Write A Novel With Dabble In 60 Days Week Five Check-in: The Muddy Middle | SCC 56

Welcome to the Story Craft Café Podcast. If you're just joining us for the first time, we kicked off a challenge last month to Write A Novel With Dabble In 60 Days. This challenge encompasses the yearly NaNoWriMo Challenge, while also adding a planning month to the mix. Five writers are going through the process of developing an idea, making a fully formed plot and plan, then executing the writing of a first draft in 60 days. 
The middle of the writing is where the rubber meets the road. The planning is all done, the excitement of getting all those ideas out on the screen has now faded into hard work. What do you do when things are not working the way you had hoped, or maybe you've lost your momentum and just need to get back on track. Join us today as we talk through the muddy middle of the writing challenge.
Be sure to join us at storycraft.cafe to join in the writer community that is flourishing there and find your tribe that will help you stay motivated during this event and beyond. 

Write A Novel With Dabble In 60 Days Week Five Check-in: The Writing Begins! | SCC 55

Welcome to the Story Craft Café Podcast. If you're just joining us for the first time, we kicked off a challenge last month to Write A Novel With Dabble In 60 Days. This challenge encompasses the yearly NaNoWriMo Challenge, while also adding a planning month to the mix. Five writers are going through the process of developing an idea, making a fully formed plot and plan, then executing the writing of a first draft in 60 days. 
As we kick off the second part of the challenge where we take all of the planning that we did last month, and charge toward our goal of 50,000 words written in the month of November, we talk about how the first couple of days have gone. Big plans are made, and with the benefit of a planning month, we see bright things ahead.
Be sure to join us at storycraft.cafe to join in the writer community that is flourishing there and find your tribe that will help you stay motivated during this event and beyond. 

What Motivates Your Characters? Write A Novel With Dabble In 60 Days Week Four Check-in | SCC 54

Welcome to the Story Craft Café Podcast. If you're just joining us for the first time, we kicked off a challenge a couple of weeks ago to Write A Novel With Dabble In 60 Days. This challenge encompasses the yearly NaNoWriMo Challenge, while also adding a planning month to the mix. Five writers are going through the process of developing an idea, making a fully formed plot and plan, then executing the writing of a first draft in 60 days. 
As we prepare for NaNoWriMo, and the month where we finish planning our books and get to the drafting, we talked about the final piece of our planning character motivation. You can have a great setting, develop characters that are unique, but what drives them to do what they do? What do your characters really want in life, and how do you as the writer make their journey more difficult? Listen in today as we discuss this.
Be sure to join us at storycraft.cafe to join in the writer community that is flourishing there and find your tribe that will help you stay motivated during this event and beyond. 

Write A Novel With Dabble In 60 Days Week Three Check-in: Building Your World | Story Story Craft Café Episode 53

Welcome to the Story Craft Café Podcast. If you're just joining us for the first time, we kicked off a challenge a couple of weeks ago to Write A Novel With Dabble In 60 Days. This challenge encompasses the yearly NaNoWriMo Challenge, while also adding a planning month to the mix. Five writers are going through the process of developing an idea, making a fully formed plot and plan, then executing the writing of a first draft in 60 days. 
Last week we talked about characters. We know that characters drive your story through their own accomplishments and the way they do, or do not, handle plot devices you throw their way, but what about /where/ your story is set? Have you ever heard the term "place as character"? Well, in today's show we talk about it. 
Join us as we look at what makes a great setting and how you can use that setting to set your story apart from the rest.
Go to storycraft.cafe to join in the challenge. We'd love to have you!

Rick Partlow Talks About The Life Of A Professional Science Fiction Author | Story Craft Café Episode 52

Welcome to the Story Craft Café Podcast. If you're just joining us for the first time, we kicked off a challenge a couple of weeks ago to Write A Novel With Dabble In 60 Days. This challenge encompasses the yearly NaNoWriMo Challenge, while also adding a planning month to the mix. Five writers are going through the process of developing an idea, making a fully formed plot and plan, then executing the writing of a first draft in 60 days. Last week we talked about characters. 
Today we have a special episode of the podcast for you with one of the most prolific authors that I've had the pleasure of befriending over the years. Rick Partlow has written and published dozens and dozens of science fiction novels. In the midst of our write a novel in 60 days challenge, hearing from a writer that is putting in the work everyday is greatly motivating, and I hope that you, like me, get excited by hearing Rick's story. Thanks for listening. 

Write A Novel With Dabble In 60 Days Week Two Check-in | Characters: The Life Blood Of Your Story Story Craft Café Episode 51

Welcome to the Story Craft Café Podcast. If you're just joining us for the first time, we kicked off a challenge a couple of weeks ago to Write A Novel With Dabble In 60 Days. This challenge encompasses the yearly NaNoWriMo Challenge, while also adding a planning month to the mix. Five writers are going through the process of developing an idea, making a fully formed plot and plan, then executing the writing of a first draft in 60 days. Last week we talked about characters. You can have a brilliant plot idea, a stellar setting, and amazingly grand ideas, but without characters that readers can relate to and ultimately root for, you don't have much that will keep readers engaged. Join us as we look at what makes characters who they are, and what character traits can add to your story.