Interview with writers

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/

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

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

Join us on the Stories in Stanza podcast as we delve into the creative journey of Leilena Durrette, an independent author of the Kira Raymond trilogy.
Lelina Durrette was born in New York City and raised in Guinea, West Africa, by globe-trotting parents. After pinballing around Europe as an accidental tourist in her teens via boarding school, she landed briefly in Virginia, where she earned a degree in Psychology and became a wife and mother. These days, she lives in Texas, rediscovering herself and embracing a renaissance in her creative life. She enjoys cooking, reading, travelling, and supporting fellow independent authors in the writing community. She is an author across multiple genres, including Young Adult, Romance, and Horror. The Girl Who Saved Them All is her second Young Adult novel in the Kierra Rieman Trilogy.
Website link: https://lelinad.wixsite.com/lelinadurrettewrites
TikTok link: https://www.tiktok.com/@lelinadurrettewrites
In this episode, Leilena shares her experiences growing up abroad, how these have influenced her writing, and her path from childhood stories to becoming a published author. Learn about her writing process the challenges of indie publishing, and get a sneak peek into her dystopian young adult novels. Leilena's story is inspirational for all aspiring writers looking to find their voice and place in literature.

In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhra, a poet and writer, introduces the podcast, which features real-life stories as beautiful as poetry. The guest, Sue Toth, shares her journey as a book coach and editor, describing how she supports writers at different stages of their creative process. Sue discusses common challenges writers face, the various editing stages, and offers valuable advice for writers experiencing a block. She details her experiences working with different genres, including fiction and nonfiction, and encourages aspiring writers to never give up on their dreams.
Sue has dedicated most of her professional life to honouring the English language through writing, editing, and teaching. For the past 25 years, Sue’s speciality is coaching authors who have stuck anywhere in the writing process. She also collaborates with authors on editing their manuscripts and getting them ready for readers to stay up all night reading!

In this episode of 'Stories and Stanza,' Abhra sits down with Jennifer, author of the debut novel 'Getting to Know You.' Jennifer shares an excerpt from her book, which revolves around love, healing, and personal growth in the LGBTQ+ community. She delves into her inspiration for writing, her professional background as a licensed mental health counsellor, and her publication journey. Topics discussed include the intricacies of healing from unhealthy relationships, debunking misconceptions about domestic violence, and the importance of representation in storytelling. Please tune in to learn more about Jennifer's insights and her mission to bring awareness and support to survivors of domestic violence within the LGBTQ+ community.
Jennifer earned her minor in creative writing from Alfred University in 2016. As a pansexual genderflux individual and a trauma-informed mental health counsellor, they’re passionate about representation in fiction. Each story she tells is an opportunity to explore the beauty in nonconformity, healing, and diversity. After a lifetime of putting imagination to paper, Jennifer’s debut novel, Getting to Know You, came into being as a promise kept to a friend. Jennifer lives in the Finger Lakes with her family, enjoying tabletop roleplaying games, sewing, and cuddling their cat.
Order the book from here if you are interested:
https://ninestarpress.com/product/getting-to-know-you/ 

Exploring the world of 'Whispers of the Unveiled' with Author Arietta Knežević In this episode of Stories and Stanza, host Abhro welcomes guest author Arietta, who discusses her debut fiction book 'Whispers of the Unveiled.' Arietta shares her journey from childhood passion for writing to the challenges of self-publishing and marketing. They delve into the book's theme, which blends ancient mythology with contemporary issues such as climate change and LGBTQ+ representation. Arietta also reads an intriguing excerpt from her book, adds insights about the writing process, and offers tips for aspiring authors. Don't miss out on this inspiring conversation about creativity, perseverance, and storytelling.
Arietta Hecate Knežević was born in 1994 in Dundee, Scotland, and now lives in Zagreb, Croatia with her husband and child. She has been writing since early childhood, and has recently published her debut novel, Whispers of the Unveiled, which is heavily inspired by her spiritual beliefs, Pagan practice and love of the natural world.
Links:
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DBGY61LZ
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B0DBGY61LZ
It is also available on Amazon in all other locations.

Join host Abhra on 'Stories and Stanza' as he delves into the captivating journey of Diane Clarke and her debut novel, 'The Photograph.' Listen as Diane shares the inspiration and extensive research behind her compelling historical fiction, which spans from World War II to the COVID-19 pandemic. Uncover the intricacies of her characters, family secrets, and the emotional search for a lost brother. This episode is rich with insights for aspiring writers and literary enthusiasts alike.