Stories and Stanza
Episodes

7 days ago
7 days ago
Join us for an insightful conversation with author Diane Clarke as we discuss her book, The Bracelet. Get to know the inspiration behind the story and the creative process of this talented author.
In this episode of 'Stories and Stanza,' host Abhra from Melbourne interviews author Diane about her second book, 'The Bracelet.' They discuss the book's plot, centered around Monica's quest to build a relationship with her estranged father. Diane shares insights into the themes of family sagas, the impact of dementia, and the challenges of writing and editing her novels. The episode highlights the significance of emotional connections, mystery elements, and the personal inspiration behind Diane's writing. Tune in for an engaging discussion on family, identity, and the art of storytelling.

Sunday Apr 20, 2025
Bruce Smith Reveals the Secret to Crafting Fantasy Worlds
Sunday Apr 20, 2025
Sunday Apr 20, 2025
In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra interviews Bruce, a writer based in Melbourne, about his creative process and journey with his book 'Devil's Delight.' Bruce shares the inspirations behind his work, the challenges he faced, and his transition from writing books to screenplays. He discusses the themes of human blame, the reclamation of glory by Lucifer, and the emotional complexities involved in writing compelling characters. Bruce also reads an excerpt from his book, providing a glimpse into the intriguing narrative. Tune in to discover insights on writing, creativity, and the importance of sharing your work.
00:00 The Devil Made Me Do It: Exploring Lucifer's Perspective
01:25 The Power of Stories: An Introduction to Stories and Stanza
03:11 Bruce's Writing Journey: From Inspiration to Creation
04:35 Devil's Delight: A Unique Take on Lucifer's Story
08:03 Reading from Devil's Delight: A Glimpse into the Book
18:56 Challenges and Emotions in Writing
31:05 From Book to Screenplay: The Transition Process
34:07 Future Projects and Screenplay Festivals
38:08 Final Thoughts and Advice for Writers

Sunday Apr 20, 2025
Embracing Failure and Healing from Trauma and Burnout with Rosemary
Sunday Apr 20, 2025
Sunday Apr 20, 2025
Welcome to a new episode of Stories and Stanza with your host Abhra. In this episode, Abhra speaks with special guest Rosemary, a poet, novelist, and doctor. Together, they delve into the importance of embracing failure as a path to success and how our relationship with failure can impact our growth. Rosemary shares her personal journey of healing from trauma, the significance of acknowledging past experiences, and the practical strategies she employed to overcome them, such as play and social support. They also discuss burnout, its effects, and coping mechanisms. Rosemary reads a poignant poem from her upcoming memoir, 'Out of the Cocoon, the Journey to Becoming,' offering a glimpse into her intimate reflections. Join us for an insightful conversation on resilience, self-love, and the power of storytelling.
Rosemary Esehagu is a Nigerian-American writer and poet. Her works have been featured in different media, both print and electronic. Her writing focuses on intersections of gender, identity formation, society’s roles, trauma, and healing. Her latest book, a memoir, is called Out of the Cocoon: The Journey to Becoming, and it is about how she healed from trauma and used it as a stepping stone to a stronger and more mature self.
Ways to connect:
Website: www.rosemaryesehagu.com
FB: facebook.com/rosemaryesehagu
IG: instagram.com/rosemaryesehagu

Saturday Feb 08, 2025
Is Your Brain Secretly Working Against You?
Saturday Feb 08, 2025
Saturday Feb 08, 2025
Unlock the secrets of your mind and discover how to break your mental resistance to achieve personal growth and development. In this motivational video, we explore the mind-brain connection and how it can either hinder or help you in unlocking your potential. By cultivating mental strength and resilience, you can develop a growth mindset that allows you to unleash your full potential and become mentally strong. This video is designed to inspire and motivate you to take control of your thoughts and emotions, and to overcome mental toughness and resistance that may be holding you back. Through a powerful motivational speech, you will learn how to tap into your inner strength and achieve self improvement, leading to a more fulfilling life. By embracing the concept of personal development and self improvement motivation, you can unlock the doors to a brighter future and become the best version of yourself. So, watch this best motivational video and start your journey to mental toughness and resilience today.
Join host Abhra in a captivating episode of 'Stories and Stanza' as he sits down with Kam Knight, an acclaimed author and international speaker. In this enlightening conversation, Kam delves deep into the intricacies of concentration, detailing its paramount importance and offering practical techniques to enhance it.

Monday Dec 23, 2024
The Story Behind 'Ocean Song'
Monday Dec 23, 2024
Monday Dec 23, 2024
Join us on CW Rose's author journey as she discusses her debut fantasy novel 'Ocean Song' in this exclusive author interview. Get inspired by her story and learn more about the process behind creating a captivating fantasy book!
In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra welcomes Christine, known by her pen name C W Rose, a fantasy and romance author who shares her journey of writing her debut novel 'Ocean Song.' Christine, also a healthcare professional, discusses the inspiration behind her book, her writing process, research, and the themes of feminism, environmentalism, and sustainability that are woven into her tale. The conversation delves into the challenges of publishing, the importance of persistence, and how her experiences as a certified scuba diver influenced her storytelling. Join us for an engaging discussion on creativity, determination, and the power of storytelling.

Monday Dec 09, 2024
Living with Hemiplegic Migraine
Monday Dec 09, 2024
Monday Dec 09, 2024
In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra converses with Natasha, who shares her profound journey of living with hemiplegic migraine, a rare and debilitating condition. Natasha discusses the invisible and excruciating pain of her migraines, the symptoms that mimic strokes, and the struggles of raising awareness for this often misunderstood disorder. They delve into the emotional and psychological challenges faced, the importance of self-advocacy in healthcare, and the support she receives from her family. Natasha's resilience and dedication to spreading awareness are highlighted as she reads an excerpt from her memoir, 'The Silent Paralyzer.' This episode sheds light on the battles faced by those with invisible disabilities and the strength required to overcome them.
Link to Natasha's Memoir: https://www.amazon.com/Silent-Paralyzer-decade-life-disrupted/dp/B0CW1HL2B8/

Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Unveiling Sensuality : Z M Alcock about her books on sensuality
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Tuesday Nov 19, 2024
Explore the fascinating world of intimacy and creativity as we delve into the mind of a talented writer, Z M Alcock. Host Abhra, poet and creator of the 'Stories and Stanza' podcast engages in an enriching conversation with writer Z M Alcock. She writes on sensuality as it is a topic many people dodge. She believes it interwebs into who we are, how we act, and why we do things, all subconsciously. It never ends; right up until our deathbed, we can have a sexual drive, urges or thoughts. Sexuality has no expiry date. We, as humans, are sexual beings. We are one of the only creatures on the planet blessed enough to have sex for the pure enjoyment of it, not just for the sake of breeding. Not all of us are capable of having orgasms, but the act of sex, the closeness, and the connectivity we can achieve with another person through the act can be pleasurable as well. They delve into Alcock's writing journey, inspirations, and the influence of teachers and family. The discussion covers Alcock’s books, strategies to bring out hidden desires through sensual writing, and the importance of open conversations on intimacy. The episode also highlights Alcock’s approach to writing, including overcoming personal challenges and learning through feedback. Tune in to explore the intertwining of sensuality, beauty, and motivation in Alcock’s literary works.
Author Site
Amazon

Friday Nov 15, 2024
How To Tell A Great Story : Tips from a book coach
Friday Nov 15, 2024
Friday Nov 15, 2024
Discover the secrets of storytelling in this thrilling podcast episode with a book coach! Uncover writing tips and tricks that will elevate your narrative game. Join host Katrina Schroder, an expert editor and book coach, as she reveals powerful insights into the art of writing and character creation. Explore her unique methods that take writers from the spark of an idea to finished novels, the significance of knowing your 'why', and storytelling techniques that resonate. Katrina shares her fascinating transition from astrophysics to literature, offers gems on balancing plot and style, and details how she empowers writers in both fiction and non-fiction. This episode is ideal for budding authors, with practical advice and personal stories. Tune in for an exciting dive into narrative mastery!
katrinaeditorial.com
thefictionlab.com