Stories and Stanza

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.
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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

In this powerful video, we're exploring the game-changing concept of vulnerability in mental health. By embracing vulnerability, we can break free from the shackles of stigma and shame and embark on a journey of resilience, personal growth, and healing. We'll dive into how vulnerability in relationships can be a catalyst for emotional well-being, and how it can help us develop coping strategies to overcome anxiety and other mental health challenges. Join us as we discuss the importance of mental health awareness and how embracing our vulnerability can be a crucial step towards a more mindful, compassionate, and supportive community. Whether you're on a journey of self-discovery or seeking to support a loved one, this video is for anyone who wants to prioritize their mental wellness and take the first step towards a more authentic, wholehearted life.
In this episode of Stories and Stanza, we welcome Trys, who shares his personal journey with mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, agoraphobia, and OCD. Trys recounts his transformational experience from being reclusive to inspiring many through his mental health radio station in Australia. We discuss the importance of openly talking about mental health, especially men's mental health, the impact of COVID-19 on mental well-being, and the often overlooked issue of domestic violence against men. Trys emphasizes the power of failing, learning from mistakes, and finding personal healing through various methods such as volunteering, music, and nature. Join us for an enlightening conversation aimed at breaking stigmas and empowering individuals to seek help and grow.

Unlock the secrets to captivate your audience with interactive fiction! Learn from this author interview on how to create engaging and immersive stories. Join us on Stories and Stanza for an in-depth discussion with Shannon Waite, the author of the interactive fiction novel 'Raising Women.' Based in Detroit, Michigan, Shannon draws inspiration from the Choose Your Own Adventure series to create a narrative targeting millennial women. The story follows a teenage girl and her friend Roman, exploring themes of reality, identity, and womanhood. We delve into Shannon's creative process, from planning and outlining to crafting multiple plot paths and endings. Featuring insights into the challenges of independent publishing, the importance of understanding one's audience, and a review by fellow author Rebecca Jones Howe, this episode offers a comprehensive look at literary innovation and the resilience required to bring a story to life. Don't miss an intriguing excerpt from the novel and exclusive information on upcoming projects and how to pre-order the book.

Join us in this episode of 'Stories and Stanza' as we welcome Shirley, a family therapist with a unique perspective on failure and grief.
Shirly has a Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Therapy from Northcentral University and is certified in Thanatology from the Association for Death Education and Counseling. She is a Master Practitioner of Neuro-Linguistic Programming and a PhD candidate in Marriage and Family Therapy at National University.
Shirley’s approach to therapy is both compassionate and empowering. She views every client as a superhero and herself as a sidekick, helping to uncover and amplify their strengths. She works with individuals, couples, and families in Georgia, addressing grief from both death-related and non-death-related losses, offering services virtually and in person.
Shirley unpacks the social constructs of failure and emphasizes learning from all experiences. The discussion delves into societal expectations, personal stories, and the journey towards achievements. Through personal anecdotes and professional insights, Shirley shares her therapeutic approach to envisioning the best versions of ourselves amidst challenges. Discover the differences between genuine hope and toxic positivity, and learn how small steps and community support can guide us towards healing and wholeness.
 

In this inspiring episode of Stories in Stanza, we dive deep into the life story of Jessica Renfelt, founder of Resilience Coaching by Jessica Ann. Jessica shares her remarkable journey of overcoming numerous health challenges, including battling cardiac AL amyloidosis, cancer, a stroke, and a heart transplant. She talks about the role of gratitude and joy in building resilience and how these experiences led her to leave her corporate job to help others find their path to healing. Through her personal story, she emphasizes the importance of joy, small wins, and flexibility in overcoming life's struggles. Tune in to learn about her upcoming book 'Dancing in the Shower' and her passion for connecting with others through resilience coaching.
Jessica Anne Renfeldt is a resilience coach, founder of Resilience Coaching by Jessica Anne, author, and speaker who helps women discover their inner strength by weaving gratitude, joy, and radical resilience into everyday life. Drawing on her own life’s journey—surviving a terminal illness, stoke, a heart transplant, and profound loss—Jessica brings an authentic, deeply compassionate perspective to her work. She guides others to cultivate resilience not as a shield but as a soft, flexible strength rooted in gratitude and the quiet moments that can transform us all.
Raised on a farm and still a farm girl at heart, Jessica has a profound connection to nature, drawing inspiration from its rhythms in her personal life and her coaching. Whether she’s fishing for healing in a mountain stream or whipping up a new recipe, she finds wisdom in slowing down and tuning into life’s simple joys. As the mother of three remarkable daughters, she understands the delicate balance of juggling careers, families, and self-care, and she passionately believes that everyone can live the life they truly love—if they’re willing to uncover the resilience that’s been within them all along.
Her upcoming book, Dancing in the Shower: Uncovering Radical Resilience to Live a Life You Love, is set for release in early 2025. It’s a heartfelt exploration of her personal stories, from childhood lessons of strength and loss to surviving life-threatening challenges, offering readers a roadmap to find hope, gratitude, and resilience in their own lives.

Welcome to Stories and Stanza! Join Abhra and Neha (from Creative Space 😊) as they discuss the journey of creating meaningful content on YouTube amidst challenges.
Neha shares insights on launching her channel 'Creative Space,' which aims to connect industry experts with the public. She explores the balance of motherhood, content creation, and learning from failure.
This episode delves into the importance of sustainable content, the satisfaction of helping others, and the personal fulfilment found through creative endeavours. Watch this episode of 'Stories and Stanzas' for tips on starting and succeeding as a YouTuber.

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.