Around the Writer’s Table

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!

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! ---------------- Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!

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! ---------------- Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!

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. ---------------- Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!

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! ---------------- Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!

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! ---------------- Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!

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! Pat SpearsHotel ImpalaAll of Pat's booksPat's short fiction ----more---- Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!

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

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/

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

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.com https://paintedream.com https://tulkujewels.com/tulku-oracle ---------------- Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!

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/

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. ---------------- Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!

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!

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.

We had another great discussion around the writers table about trusting the creative process. I shared my own struggles with perfectionism and procrastination, and how learning to trust my process as a pantser has helped me push through to completion. We also talked about the importance of balance between structure and spontaneity. Melody brought up some great points about planning versus pantsing styles and the potential for burnout if we get too rigid. Gina offered helpful insights into examining our plans and why things may not be going as expected. Overall, it was encouraging to discuss the challenges of this stage and how accountability, revisiting our purpose, and embracing fallow periods can help us stay motivated. Be sure to listen for more tips on overcoming self-doubt and advice from our upcoming author interview. As always, thanks for tuning in! ---------------- Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!

On this episode of Around the Writers Table, Melody and I are solo (duo?) while Gina is out on the road. We dove deep into the always-fascinating topic of character development. From navigating the mindsets of characters from different time periods to having breakthrough conversations with our creations, we explored all aspects of bringing multidimensional personalities to life. We geeked out over our writing craft and surprised ourselves with some interesting, unexpected insights! Check our website for resources on exercises like "Where I'm From" that can help you get to know your characters on a deeper level. As always, thanks for listening and joining the conversation! ---------------- Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!

In this episode, Gina, Melody, and KimBoo explore a pivotal stage in Gina's "Creativity Quest" approach to writing, focusing on the theme of "Trusting the Process." This stage challenges writers to decide whether to persevere or give up when faced with obstacles. Gina shares the apocryphal story of R.U. Darby and his quest for gold, illustrating the importance of resilience and persistence in creative endeavors. KimBoo reflects on her own experiences of trusting the process, emphasizing the value of realizing that storytelling itself is her ultimate goal. Melody adds insights about taking breaks and reevaluating goals during challenging times. Together, they delve into the deeper meaning of success in writing beyond tangible outcomes, highlighting the journey of self-discovery and growth that accompanies the creative process. Tune in to the next episode for a discussion on the seasons of writing and their connection to this critical stage in the creative journey. ---------------- Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!

This week on Around the Writers Table, we dove deeper into the topic of integrating creative identity and how it relates to the seasons of writing. We shared personal stories about when others first recognized our creativity and how that shaped our development. I reflected on my mother's support despite differences in taste, and struggles claiming my identity while being told I was creative. Gina and Melody also shared childhood memories where their creativity was acknowledged. We discussed challenges with claiming identity and trusting the process beyond word count. Next time we'll focus on trusting the process fully as we near the end of Gina's creativity quest guide. Be sure to follow along on our journey! ---------------- Visit our website for resource links, downloadable worksheets, and a full transcript of this episode!

Hey everyone, we're here with our latest episode of Around the Writers Table! Today we dove into the next phase of Gina's Creativity Quest model: Integrating and Dedicating. This stage is all about bringing your creative identity out into the open and committing fully to your work. Gina led us in a discussion about what this stage demands, including honesty, self-review, and resilience in the face of potential criticism. We also connected it to concepts like Steven Pressfield's Resistance and Caroline Myss's advice on growth patterns. Melody and I shared our own experiences with claiming our identities as writers publicly. We hope you find it insightful for your own creative journey. Thanks so much for listening!